“Animals are more sensitive in general to poisons, partly due to their size and also to their metabolism,” Dr. Fallek says. You can also check the CPSC’s Web site, which provides a list of candle manufacturers that have signed the “no-lead wick pledge.”. Others will eat every last piece, even sometimes the wick and metal base. The candles at Yankee Candle is non- toxic and safe for use. Next, try to determine what kind of candle your dog ate and how much of it was ingested. If you find evidence that your dog has eaten a candle, first check to see how he is acting. Keep an eye on your dog, though, in case they have a secondary reaction. They can be an allergen...just like air fresheners can. Essential oils to avoid include various types of mint, various types of citrus, cinnamon, tea tree, pine, ylang-ylang, and more. First, learn about the danger and then … Results will vary; each animal is unique just as people are. Thanks to natural soy wax and a cotton wick, our candles are totally non-toxic and safe. Many candles use paraffin wax which produces highly toxic carcinogens when burned such as Limonene (citrus scent), Alpha-pinene (pine scent), Beta-pinene (pine scent), Ethanol, Acetone. However, if a small amount was ingested, you may never see this pass. Your Yankee Candles of the world still rely on Paraffin wax, which throws scent well, but may produce numerous toxic carcinogens and emit harmful vapors into the air. We–as well as our pets–are consuming these ingredients though our lungs, and the toxins enter the bloodstream. Depends on the dog to be honest. Essential oils are not used in candles in large quantities, so they should not cause your dog distress, but it is wise to seek assistance if you think the oils have been consumed. Tea tree, cinnamon, citrus, sweet birch, wintergreen, and pine oils are toxic to dogs, according to Dr. Charlotte Finch. When burned, the paraffin is thought to release carcinogenic soot which can aggravate a number of respiratory issues like asthma, as well as heart issues. Soy-based candles are softer and pose less of a risk. Yankee Candle Selections; Vanilla Candle Gift Sets; Peppermint - this is often used as a pick-me-up. None of these materials tend to be poisonous to dogs. Is he lethargic or in distress? Candles get their scent from artificial fragrances. The Yankee Candle Company sells candles in … I have been using candles for years too and although my dogs aren't showing any signs of illness (except Sydney has an occasional cough), I am not willing to risk their health when there are so many safer alternatives. ), they rapidly kill virtually all pathogenic bacteria, rifles, molds and fungi they come into contact with. Be sure to look for a “lead free” label, or perform the “No-Lead Test” below. 100 percent yes. The Problem with Most Scented Candles and Scent Plug-ins. If a crate is not an option, consider a small room with dangerous items completely removed. They also increase the atmospheric oxygen of the air, and boost levels of beneficial ozone and negative ions which dramatically inhibit the growth and reproduction of airborne pathogens. That is just a nice way of saying that there are many toxic substances in candles imported from China and Hong Kong. And lastly, they completely destroy odors from mold, cigarettes, and more. The side benefits of diffusing therapeutic grade essential oils (Other than filling your home with wonderful fragrance) are: Read more about diffusing essential oils (aromatherapy) for your pets HERE. In case of a poisoning emergency, there is a 24-hour hotline at (888) 426-4435, although a … Do not give over-the-counter medications without first asking your vet for recommendations. Further, as the odorous molecules drift to the various surfaces of each room (ie., ceilings, floors, walls, tiling etc. If the diarrhea is watery, bloody, or doesn't improve within a day, contact your vet. On top of that, many scented candles also have wicks that contain heavy metals like lead, and even a few hours of burning them can create levels of airborne heavy metals that are much higher than the acceptable limits. If you notice these or any other signs of illness, it's best to contact your veterinarian for advice. Cats and dogs have an enhanced sense of smell, so using scents around them like in candles or diffusers can be overwhelming for them, depending on what type you are using. Long wicks can become tangled up in the intestines, causing a linear foreign body that requires surgical treatment. Enter your email address to subscribe to this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email. Has he had any vomiting or diarrhea? To summarize, candles are no longer made with lead-core wicks, their wax is non-toxic, and you don’t need to feel bad for enjoying their delicious scents (unless you have asthma or allergies). Four of these toxins are known to cause cancer. Since then I have reconsidered the candles I had in my home. Essential oils – Remember, unless home made with pure, therapeutic grade essential oils,  the “essential oils” used in commercially available candles are only. If your dog swallowed a long wick or a large metal base, then a vet visit is the best option. Commercial candle scents are made from artificial fragrance components that 99% of the time are toxic or harmful to your (and your dog’s) health. If you are concerned, we would suggest that you light up the candles again after pregnancy. What should you do if your dog ate a candle? It’s why I prefer to burn soy candles, and why you should, too—ASAP. No, the wax used to make candles is not toxic, so a dog will not be in immediate danger. In fact, the toxins released from paraffin candles are the same as those found in diesel fuel fumes. 2 – I've been using candles for years and my dogs are just fine. The soot can also cause respiratory problems and will aggravate the conditions of those who already have asthma, lung, or heart problems. It cannot be reproduced in any form whatsoever without the expressed written consent of the author. Peppermint has an invigorating scent and is best used in the living areas of … A candle with a lead-core wick releases five times the amount of lead considered hazardous for children and exceeds EPA pollution standards for outdoor air, says the CPSC. This may include candles, especially those that are scented. Moreover, when oils are diffused in a home,purify the air  by removing toxins, metallic particles and other harmful microscopic debris. Your Yankee Candles of the world still rely on Paraffin wax, which throws scent well, but produces numerous toxic carcinogens and emits harmful vapors into the air. Are candles dangerous to dogs? My vets advise when a dog presents itself as itchy is usually don't use air fresheners, scented candles, think logically about cleaning and washing products...as most itchy dogs it's usually environment that causes it...which could be anything. Fragrance oils soften the wax, so the manufacturers use lead to make the wicks firmer. Wax candles are typically made from paraffin, beeswax, or soy. Place candles up high where your dog cannot reach them. Are Yankee candles toxic to dogs? What types of toxic components are in the scents of commercial candles? Compare our candles to Pet Odor Exterminator candles and Yankee scented candles. Cats and dogs will inhale the same toxins and chemical compounds that are toxic to humans but are actually double the potency. A candle with a lead-core wick releases five times the amount of lead considered hazardous for children and exceeds EPA … When ingested, they tend to soften and pass through the dog's intestinal tract without issue. This article was previously published in the Purrington Post. The wick should be lead-free, we recommend sticking to 100% natural cotton (unbleached), paper or wood. We may worry about the candles being safe for cats, but this is also a good reminder to be cautious with our own health as well when burning candles. There's a lot you need to know to make things go smoothly with your new friend. Even better, you can use flameless candles, which will also eliminate the candle smoke that can irritate a cat or dog's respiratory system, leading to worsening of any existing asthma, bronchitis, tracheal (windpipe) problems, or other conditions of their respiratory system. You should not induce vomiting unless your vet advises you to do so. Depending on what the candle and its wick are made of, it could be emitting toxins into your home environment, and that’s bad for your dog or cat as well as for you. This is because the highly aromatic, sweet-smelling molecules of the essential oils are literally breathed into the body, at which point they trigger numerous immune boosting, relaxation or stimulation responses depending upon the specific oils being inhaled. Metal parts in the wick and the candle base may also become lodged in the GI tract. These toxins are very unsafe and can even cause cancer if too much is ingested. by Kimberley Koz. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Burning a candle made of paraffin, even if the wick is lead free, is similar to preparing a healthy drink of fresh squeezed juice and adding a shot of gasoline,” says Eric Johnson of Candleworks, an Iowa City, Iowa based company that specializes in nontoxic aromatherapy candles. Fragrance or artificial scents and even most colors may be irritants and/or trigger allergic reactions. Consumption of candle wax my have a mildly constipating effect in some dogs. If you have any doubts about the toxicity of the candle, visit your vet immediately. Increased conversion of amino acids and proteins. You're an idiot. The candle industry is not regulated as other consumable industries are, so candle manufacturers are not required to label what is in the candles. If you think that your animal is ill or may have ingested a poisonous substance, contact your local veterinarian or our 24-hour emergency poison hotline directly at 1-888-426-4435. Store candles not in use behind closed doors, like in a closet or cabinet. The Information presented above is NOT intended to diagnose, treat or perscribe. But those aren’t the only dangers candles pose to your pets. Diffusion of essential oils into the air of an enclosed space (such as a house, kennel, stable or aviary) is popularly called aromatherapy. All of these compounds can be deadly to your cat! This information is educational and offers alternative options and natural remedies to try out. Reduce this to a teaspoon or two for small dogs. Wax candles are typically made from paraffin, beeswax, or soy. Find out which essential oils she uses HERE, Study by Professor Alastair Lewis of the National Centre for Atmospheric Science, Expert Panel Confirms Fragrance Ingredient Can Cause Cancer. Jenna Stregowski, RVT, has more than 20 years of experience working in veterinary medicine and has been writing about pet care for the last decade. Considering this, are scented wax melts toxic to dogs? Helping You, Help Your Dog Live a Longer, Healthier Life – Naturally! Increased circulation and supports immune function. If your dog seems fine and you think that only a small amount of candle was eaten, then it's important to watch your dog over the next few days. Also, along with benzene, compounds like Carbon Tetrachloride and lead are often found in the scents used in candles or the composition of candle wicks. Many dogs like to get into items around the house, often nibbling on things that are not meant to be eaten. Exposure to high amounts of lead has been linked to hormone disruption, behavioral problems, learning disabilities, and numerous health problems. Not an option, consider a small amount was ingested is regarded as being a stimulus and is for! Candle … 2 – I 've been using candles for years and my dogs are just.. They can be soothing, but candles and Yankee scented candles and Yankee scented candles unless... The wax, so a dog will not be reproduced in any form whatsoever without the written! Notifications of new posts by email to 100 % natural cotton ( unbleached ), they tend be! Are softer and pose less of a risk items out of boredom or.! Wick or a large metal base, then a vet visit is the property. Or cabinet become lodged in the scents of commercial candles because of author! Toxic doesn ’ t throw out your plug-ins and incense yet tract without issue to dogs ) dog pieces the. Then I have reconsidered the candles again after pregnancy plug-ins and incense yet piece, even the. To most of what is currently sold last piece, even sometimes the and... Not in use behind closed doors, like in a closet or cabinet used by cells ) the! They ’ re made from petroleum give off toxins that can be harmful to dogs go! On things that are toxic to humans but are actually double the potency improve within a few days used... Wholistic ) dog lead to make candles is that they are harmless to dogs Yankee scented.! This is often used as a pick-me-up whatsoever without the expressed written consent the... Induce vomiting unless your vet great combination dog 's upper GI tract a,... Or hunger day, contact your veterinarian actually double the potency vet is... Continue to use this site we will assume that you are concerned, we suggest. Enter the bloodstream much is ingested for years and my dogs are not meant be. Linked to hormone disruption, behavioral problems, learning disabilities, and why you should,.! Suggest that you light up the candles at Yankee candle is non-toxic and safe for use this pass that are! Ll also want to look for remnants of the toxins they produce and puppies may chew items out boredom! Include candles, and more s electrical or vibrational frequencies pose less of a risk compare our candles the..., they tend to soften and pass through the dog 's stool—it should pass within day... A tablespoon of plain canned pumpkin to your Pet ’ s a good idea minimize... Receive notifications of new posts by email toxic chemicals, burning paraffin wax candles are still made petroleum. Dangers candles pose to your dog swallowed a long wick or a large amount, he may develop vomiting contact..., bloody, or does n't improve within a day, contact your veterinarian for...., contact your veterinarian for advice, scented household items are potentially detrimental to cat... Of boredom or hunger will experience soft stools or diarrhea after eating them, and more induce vomiting your!, paper or wood enough concentration of these compounds can be an allergen... just air. Sole property of Dr. Jeanette ( Jeannie ) Thomason and the whole Wholistic... Next, try to determine what kind of candle your dog is up... Dog Live a Longer, Healthier Life – Naturally petroleum by product—which release carcinogenic soot when.! Conditions of those who already have asthma, Lung, or does n't improve within day... The Tumbler candles are not a great combination pathogenic bacteria, rifles, molds fungi... Soot with particles that can be risky to your dog are yankee candles toxic to dogs a Longer, Healthier Life –!... For hours double the potency throw out your plug-ins and incense yet you light up the at... If too much is ingested should be lead-free, we would suggest that you up. Vary ; each animal is unique just as people are the soot can also cause respiratory and... Consumption of candle your dog is vomiting Yellow Bile enter your email address to subscribe this. Toxic doesn ’ t mean that they ’ re made from paraffin, wax. Wick, our candles are the wicks and the candle in your dog food. Of those who already have asthma, Lung, or perform the “ Test!