Are Scented Candles Pet-safe?
Short answer: We (the candle community) don’t know, because there’s no research SPECIFICALLY done on/with animals to prove this.
Disclaimer: I’m no Vet, and not a GP, so please consult your own GP re: respiratory issues, and do your own research too.
"Pet Safe" Candles:
I’ve received questions from a few fur-moms and dads, asking if “pet-safe” candles are a real thing, and if scented candles are pet-safe. [The question relates to inhaling the fumes from a candle, not eating the candle. Please don’t eat candles!]
So, I did some digging, and found that there’s no definitive answer to the “are candles pet-safe?” question.
Let’s break it down with logic, common sense and a healthy dose of science --
Some humans (like me), have a slightly weaker respiratory system that’s susceptible to pollen, dust, fresh cut grass (my husband), and it manifests itself in different ways. Pets are the same. Speaking from experience, and probably having the world’s MOST allergic dog, I have to be careful of the things that Paco - my Havanese, might come in contact with, that could trigger an allergy. Air fresheners, car scents, sprays, oil burners -- have chemicals in them that could irritate the respiratory system of a living being.
One of my triggers for an asthma attack would be certain scents. Yes! It's usually not a problem till you discover it is a problem, and then you can take precautions to prevent it.
One of the things I practice is, buying things that are as natural as possible, and avoid synthetic. Fact – if I blend a scent, and the supplier hasn’t mentioned there is a synthetic component to it, I’ll know, because it manifests as a headache.
There are no "pet-safe" essential oils or fragrance oils that I know of. See point #1.
Candle combustion - This is the interesting part -- when you light a candle you use the candle's wax as fuel for a chemical reaction called combustion which involves reacting hydrocarbons with oxygen, breaking them down into carbon dioxide and water. Fun Fact - combustion takes place in the human bodies too, though not as rapidly as in a burning candle. This combustion in the human bodies generates heat and this body heat is what can be seen on infra-red sensors. So, we create our own light! Isn't that magical? :)
What about candle fumes?
Some might argue that inhaling the fumes from a lit candle is unhealthy. Sure, it is; But fumes from a burning candle are emitted in such a minuscule quantity, they are incomparable to the pollution that we inhale every single day.
There are some brands that claim that their candles are safe for use around pets, pregnant ladies, etc., but if I were you, I’d ask these brands for proof or the study they’ve conducted, to validate these claims. (I have asked Kin + Kind about their pet-safe candles and I’ve no response yet.
Penne & Co. candle ingredients:
The ingredients and components used in the candles I make are of the highest quality, sourced from ethical suppliers in the U.S., U.K., Australia and Korea.
The wood for the wood wicks are sourced from U.S.-based Forest Stewardship Council Certified Mills, made in the U.S.A., and are a sustainable, natural, and eco-friendly wicking option.
The scents I use are phthalate free, eco-friendly, and my suppliers provide ingredient transparency, and pure formulations, which is why I trust them, knowing they provide me with the very best. No Nasties!
If you’ve read all the way here, thank you. If you’ve links to research or articles that show that certain scents or candles are indeed safe for pets, please share. I’m always keen to learn, and share.
Questions/ comments/ healthy debate? Drop me an email, or start a discussion in the comments below.
Spark Joy, you luminous beings <3.