Candles bring a warm, cozy ambiance to any home, offering not just beautiful light but delightful fragrances that fill the air. However, as pet owners, it’s important to be mindful of how certain items in your home may impact your furry friends. One question that often arises is: Are candles safe to use around pets?
At Vigne Candle Co., we understand the love and concern you have for your pets and the desire to enjoy the soothing glow of a candle without putting them at risk. In this blog, we’ll discuss the safety considerations when burning candles around pets and provide tips for keeping both your candles and pets safe.
1. Choose Pet-Friendly Candle Ingredients
The ingredients used in your candles are an important factor in ensuring they are safe for pets. Not all candles are created equally, and certain ingredients can release harmful toxins when burned.
✔ Avoid candles made with paraffin wax, as it’s derived from petroleum and can release harmful chemicals like benzene and toluene when burned. These chemicals can be harmful to both humans and pets.
✔ Opt for candles made with natural waxes such as soy, beeswax, or coconut wax, which burn cleanly and are less likely to release harmful substances.
✔ Look for candles that use essential oils or high-quality fragrance oils, as opposed to synthetic fragrances, which may contain ingredients that can irritate pets.
👉 Tip: Vigne Candle Co. offers high-quality soy wax candles, which are eco-friendly and non-toxic, making them a safer choice for homes with pets.
2. Keep Candles Out of Reach of Pets
Curious pets, especially dogs and cats, may be drawn to candles due to their flickering flames or the attractive scents. This can lead to accidental knocks, burns, or even fires if a candle is left unattended.
✔ Always keep candles on a stable, flat surface that is out of reach of pets.
✔ Never leave a burning candle unattended, even if it’s in a location that’s difficult for pets to access. Pets can move unexpectedly or jump to places where you didn’t think they could reach.
✔ Consider using candle holders with lids or cloches that will not only protect your candle from accidental knocks but also contain the flame and fragrance when not in use.
👉 Tip: Invest in candle holders that are sturdy and have safety features such as flame-resistant bases or covers to prevent accidents.
3. Monitor Pets for Scent Sensitivities
While candles can create a delightful atmosphere for you, some fragrances may not be ideal for your pets. Pets have a much stronger sense of smell than humans, and certain scents can be overwhelming or even harmful.
✔ Avoid using candles with overpowering fragrances or those made with artificial fragrances, as they can irritate your pet’s sensitive nose or respiratory system.
✔ Be cautious with essential oils—some are toxic to pets, particularly oils like tea tree, eucalyptus, cinnamon, and citrus, which can cause adverse reactions when inhaled or ingested by animals.
✔ Opt for lightly scented or unscented candles to ensure your pets’ comfort and safety.
👉 Tip: If you’re using candles with essential oils, make sure they are pet-safe and consult with your veterinarian if you’re unsure about specific scents.
4. Avoid Candles in Rooms With Small Pets
Small pets, such as hamsters, guinea pigs, and birds, can be particularly vulnerable to the risks associated with candles. Their respiratory systems are more sensitive, and the heat and smoke from candles can negatively impact their health.
✔ If you have small pets, keep candles out of their rooms or areas where they spend a lot of time.
✔ Always ensure that your small pets are in a well-ventilated space with no exposure to smoke or fumes from candles.
👉 Tip: If you prefer to have candles in your home, make sure they are placed in pet-free zones, like higher shelves or enclosed spaces where smaller pets can’t access them.
5. Keep Candles Away from Flammable Items
Pets are naturally curious and may knock over a candle if they’re within reach. This can lead to fires, especially if the candle is near flammable objects like curtains, blankets, or paper.
✔ Never place candles near anything that could catch fire, such as curtains, paper, or fabrics, especially if you have pets that could potentially knock the candle over.
✔ Ensure that there’s always a safe distance between your candles and anything combustible, and always use a candle holder with a protective base to prevent direct contact with surfaces.
👉 Tip: Pet-proof your space by using a sturdy candle holder or placing candles in candle lanterns for an added layer of safety.
6. Keep Your Home Ventilated
Proper ventilation is essential when burning candles, as it allows the air to circulate and helps prevent the buildup of smoke or harmful gases. Poor ventilation can lead to respiratory issues for both you and your pets.
✔ Always burn candles in well-ventilated areas, especially if you have pets in the home.
✔ Open windows or doors when burning candles to ensure proper airflow, particularly in smaller rooms.
👉 Tip: Use an air purifier in rooms where you burn candles to help filter out any potentially harmful particles or scents from the air.
7. Pay Attention to Your Pet’s Behavior
If you notice that your pet is acting unusually after you’ve lit a candle, it could be a sign that they’re experiencing discomfort from the scent, smoke, or heat.
✔ Watch for signs of distress, such as coughing, sneezing, drooling, or lethargy, especially if you’ve used a heavily scented candle or one with essential oils.
✔ If your pet shows signs of discomfort, immediately extinguish the candle and move it to a different location, away from your pet.
👉 Tip: If your pet has any underlying health conditions, particularly respiratory issues, consider using unscented or low-scent candles to ensure their well-being.
8. Conclusion: Keep Both Your Pets and Candles Safe
Candles can create a soothing and beautiful atmosphere in your home, but it’s important to prioritize the safety of your pets while enjoying their benefits. By choosing non-toxic, pet-friendly candles, keeping them out of reach, and being mindful of the scents you use, you can enjoy your candles without worrying about your pet’s safety.
At Vigne Candle Co., we offer a range of pet-safe candles made from natural waxes and essential oils, designed to enhance your space without compromising your pet’s health.
🛍️ Shop now at vignecandleco.com for candles that are safe for both you and your pets.