Evoking memories of pumpkin patch visits, jumping in falling leaves, and eating apple cider donuts, the smells of fall are powerful triggers of times long past. It is about this time of year when we pull the blankets a little tighter and light the maple sugar or cinnamon apple scented candle.
Estimates are that our dogs have up to 100,000 times more ability to detect scent vs. their human counterparts, so what do they make of all the appetizing and botanical scents we surround ourselves with every day?
For some dogs, our scented candles, air fresheners, and essential oils, while masking noxious odors, may pose a health risk. Let’s sort out which products can be harmful, as well as determine how we can safely incorporate the heavenly scents of the season into our home environments.
Several essential oil varieties should be avoided if you have pets in your home, as they have been shown to adversely impact your pet’s health. These oils include eucalyptus, tea tree oil, wintergreen, pine, peppermint, camphor and clove.
There’s a reason for why Eucalyptus has become one of our most popular scented candles and wax melts – because its naturally soothing and relaxing scent is enough to pique the interest of anyone’s senses and leaving in a calm and relaxed state – ultimately, this is serenity in a scented candle. Parrot Safe CandlesTM! carries a wide variety of Eucalyptus scented candles and scented wax melts. Get yours today to enter a world of pure peace. • Scented Candle • Scented Wax Melt
Dangers of Candles and Essential Oils
Both scented candles and some aerosol or plug-in fresheners can release volatile organic compounds as well as toxins like lead, naphthalene, formaldehyde, and phthalates. Synthetic fragrances and carcinogenic soot from paraffin candles, a petroleum product, can exacerbate respiratory conditions such as asthma in humans and pets.
Phthalates, another airborne product released from burning candles, have been implicated in causing endocrine system disruption leading to diabetes, birth defects, and cancer.
In addition to the harm caused by the burning of candles and the release of artificial chemicals into the air, the delicious smells can entice dogs to nibble on candles, wax, or ingest oils. Ingestion of most candles will generally lead to nothing more than an upset stomach and diarrhea. Consuming or absorbing essential oils through the skin and mucous membranes can be a whole different matter.
Essential oils are the volatile organic compounds extracted from plants that contribute to their fragrance and taste. Pets are especially sensitive to these products and depending on the concentration and formulation, just a few drops of tea tree or eucalyptus oil can cause severe illness; clinical signs can range from weakness, to depression, seizures, low body temperature, salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, and even death.
It’s best not to apply any oils directly to the skin of your pet for this reason, and even diffusing some oils can trigger a cough or symptoms of allergy. Which oils should never be used around pets? Some suggest pine, wintergreen, cinnamon, citrus based oils, peppermint, camphor, clove, bitter almond, garlic, horseradish, mustard, and pennyroyal essential oils are dangerous to dogs and cats.
The Dangers Of Scented Candles
FAQ
What are the safest candles to breathe?
Can I burn a eucalyptus candle around my dog?
What toxic candles to avoid?
What are the benefits of burning eucalyptus candles?
Why is Eucalyptus a good candle scent?
It’ll help clear your mind. With its invigorating scent, eucalyptus will promote mental clarity and focus. This makes it the perfect candle scent to help you meditate, study, or get things done. 2. It’ll help reduce stress. Eucalyptus helps reduce stress and anxiety with its refreshing and soothing aroma.
Is eucalyptus oil safe?
Eucalyptus oil is on the FDA’s list of approved substances added to food, but it is often used in small amounts. More research on E. globulus and eucalyptus oil safety is necessary, but common side effects include stomach upset and nausea. Possible serious side effects may include:
What are the uses of Eucalyptus candles?
Due to the high antimicrobial (i.e. antibacterial, antifungal and antiviral) activity of the compounds present in eucalyptus oil used in making eucalyptus candles, eucalyptus candles have so many good uses. Below are some of the good uses of eucalyptus candles through aromatherapy
When to burn Eucalyptus candles?
It is very advisable to burn eucalyptus candles during the cold and flu period to avoid the cold-related problems associated with this season. Eucalyptus oils also have the ability to treat respiratory ailments such as cough, sinusitis, pharyngitis, and bronchitis. Burning eucalyptus candles during the winter and cold season is very useful.