We all like to use scented home products to make our living space smell good, but most scented products are unsafe for pets to be around. Candles, incense, and essential oils are among these scented products. Read below to learn how to safely use these products in your home if you have pets.
Are Candles Safe For Pets?
Generally, candles are not great for pets to be around. An open flame poses a fire hazard for a climbing cat or large dog who can reach. Candle ingredients are also harmful if ingested by your pet.
Here are some tips for using candles in your home:
- Burn the candle in a room that your pet cannot access
- Keep completely candles out of reach
- Reduce smoke by snuffing out the candle flame with the jar’s lid
- Use a wax melt instead, a safer alternative to candles
Is Incense Safe For Pets?
Incense poses great health risks for your pet. Over exposure to smoke from incense can cause respiratory issues. If you use incense, use it in a separate room from your pet, and ventilate the room before letting your pet back in.
Are Essential Oils Safe To Have Around Dogs
Many common essential oils are unsafe for pets, and can cause gastrointestinal upset, central nervous system depression, and even liver damage if ingested.
Unsafe Essential Oils for Dogs
- Cinnamon
- Eucalyptus
- Pennyroyal
- Pine
- Sweet birch
- Tea tree (melaleuca)
- Wintergreen
Unsafe Essential Oils for Cats
- Cinnamon
- Citrus (limonene)
- Clove
- Eucalyptus
- Pennyroyal
- Peppermint
- Pine
- Sweet birch
- Tea tree (melaleuca)
- Wintergreen
- Ylang Ylang
Written by Vincent M.
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