If you keep candles around the house just in case the electricity goes out, there isn’t much to worry about. Standard candles are only made with paraffin or sometimes soy wax, neither of which is toxic if consumed.
There are some compounds released when a paraffin candle is burned. However, there are no reports of a dog becoming ill from that.
If you have scented candles around the house though, there have been problems, and you should be aware of them.
Dangers scented candles can pose to dogs
Keep in mind the following scented candle risks if you have a dog in the house:
1. Inhaling chemicals
The first problem occurs even if you just have them sitting on your coffee table or mantle for decoration. Scented candles release potent chemicals into the air even before they’re lit. They release even more volatile organic compounds (VOCs) when burned.
The essential oils and synthetic fragrances in scented candles can cause respiratory problems in dogs. Those reactions can be severe in dogs that already have a respiratory disease.
2. Ingesting essential oils
The next problem occurs when a scented candle is eaten by a dog. If the candle is plain, it’s not an emergency. Dogs who eat a plain candle might just have an upset stomach or a little vomiting and diarrhea or constipation. A scented candle, however, can cause even more problems, and it can be a lot worse.
Since many are made with essential oils that are toxic to pets, they’re more likely to cause severe vomiting, diarrhea and even internal organ failure. All toxins are dose-related, but if a dog is small or a big dog likes the taste of candles and eats everything he or she can reach, then internal organ failure could result.
3. Allergic reactions
The last problem with scented candles is much less common and also usually less serious. Dogs can be allergic to the essential oils or synthetic fragrances like naphthalene and the phthalates used to make the candles, and if they come in contact with them, they can have an allergic reaction.
What should I do if my dog eats a scented candle?
Since all toxins are dose-related, this will be more serious if your dog eats more than one candle. The best thing would be to call an emergency veterinarian and have your dog treated for an unknown poison.
If you don’t take that option, it’s usually okay to watch for signs of vomiting and diarrhea, but remember that candles made with tea tree oil, wintergreen oil, cinnamon oil and pennyroyal oil can all cause liver problems.
Symptoms are not going to show up right away, but they’re more difficult to treat.
How can you avoid problems with scented candles?
The best suggestion is just to keep scented candles out of your house if you have a dog. There are scent diffusers that are a safer option. That isn’t always possible if someone in your house prefers candles, so the next best thing is to never burn candles when your dog is around.
Since some dogs are attracted to the smell of candles and will eat them, the other thing you can do is buy only candles that are considered relatively safe.
Avoid purchasing any candles made with:
- Tea tree oil
- Wintergreen oil
- Peppermint oil
- Eucalyptus oil
- Cinnamon oil
- Citrus oil
