Are candles and essential oils safe for pets? It's a question more Australian pet owners are asking as scented candles, plug-in air fresheners and diffusers become increasingly popular.
While these products can make our homes smell inviting, some contain ingredients that may irritate, or even be toxic to dogs and cats. The good news is you don't have to give up a fresh-smelling home. By knowing which ingredients to avoid and choosing pet-safe alternatives, you can create a healthier environment for every member of the family.
Why Are Candles Harmful to Pets?
Some scented candles can affect your pet's health because they release fragrances, smoke or chemicals that may irritate sensitive respiratory systems, particularly in enclosed spaces.
Dogs and cats have a much stronger sense of smell than we do. While a scented candle may seem subtle to us, it can be overwhelming for them. Heavily fragranced candles made from paraffin wax may release compounds such as benzene, toluene and soot when burned, which can contribute to poor indoor air quality.
For a safer option, choose:
- Unscented beeswax candles
- Unscented soy candles
- Cotton wicks
- Well-ventilated rooms
Always keep burning candles well out of reach of curious paws and wagging tails.
Quick Answer: Unscented beeswax or soy candles are generally safer for pets than heavily fragranced paraffin candles.
Are Essential Oils Safe for Dogs and Cats?
Many essential oils are not considered safe for pets because they contain highly concentrated plant compounds that dogs and especially cats may struggle to process.
Although essential oils are natural, "natural" doesn't always mean pet safe.
Essential oils commonly associated with toxicity include:
- Tea tree
- Eucalyptus
- Peppermint
- Cinnamon
- Clove
- Pine
- Wintergreen
- Citrus oils
- Ylang-ylang
Cats are particularly sensitive because their liver lacks certain enzymes needed to break down many essential oil compounds. Even diffusing oils into the air may expose pets through inhalation or by settling onto their coat, where they are ingested during grooming.
If you're unsure whether an oil is safe, it's always best to avoid using it around your pets.
Quick Answer: Cats are generally more sensitive to essential oils than dogs because they cannot effectively metabolise many of the compounds found in concentrated plant oils.
Are Air Fresheners Safe for Pets?
Many plug-in air fresheners, sprays and fragrance diffusers contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs), synthetic fragrances or alcohols that may irritate your pet's respiratory system.
While occasional exposure may not affect every pet, regular use in small or poorly ventilated spaces can increase the risk of irritation, particularly for pets with existing respiratory conditions.
Watch for signs such as:
- Coughing or sneezing
- Panting or difficulty breathing
- Drooling
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Skin irritation
- Lethargy
- Tremors or seizures (an emergency)
If your pet develops any of these symptoms after exposure to a scented product, discontinue use immediately and contact your veterinarian.
Quick Answer: If your pet becomes unwell after exposure to candles, diffusers or air fresheners, remove the product and seek veterinary advice promptly.
How Can I Freshen My Home Safely?
The safest way to keep your home smelling fresh is to remove odours naturally rather than covering them with heavily fragranced products.
Simple, pet-friendly alternatives include:
- Opening windows every day for fresh air.
- Vacuuming regularly to remove pet hair and dander.
- Washing pet bedding weekly.
- Sprinkling baking soda on carpets before vacuuming.
- Keeping litter trays and feeding areas clean.
- Adding pet-safe indoor plants such as spider plants or Boston ferns.
These simple habits often work better than artificial fragrances and help improve your home's overall air quality.
Pet-Safe DIY Alternatives for Freshening Your Home
Fortunately, there are several pet-safe alternatives to keep your home smelling fresh without risk to your pets. Here are some DIY solutions:
Simmer Pot
Boil a pot of water and add natural ingredients like cinnamon sticks, orange peels, and cloves. Let it simmer on the stove to release a pleasant aroma throughout your home.
Lemon Basil Room Spray
Boil ¾ cup of water and pour it into a liquid measuring cup. Add four tablespoons of dried basil and let it steep. Strain the mixture and add ¾ cup of distilled water, one tablespoon of vodka, and five drops of pet-safe lemon essential oil. Pour into a spray bottle and use as needed.
DIY Reed Diffuser
Add one teaspoon of your favourite pet-safe essential oil to a small glass container and fill the rest with baby oil. Place rattan diffuser sticks inside the container and gently stir the mixture. Set it on a countertop to fill the space with fragrance.
Baking Soda and Essential Oil-Free Carpet Deodoriser
Sprinkle baking soda on your carpets, let it sit for 10–15 minutes, and vacuum. Baking soda is a natural deodoriser and completely safe for pets.
DIY solutions that are free from toxic elements to keep your home smelling fresh without compromising your pets’ health.
FAQ’s
Are scented candles bad for dogs?
Heavily fragranced candles may irritate a dog's respiratory system. Unscented beeswax or soy candles are generally considered a safer option when used in a well-ventilated room.
Can essential oil diffusers make cats sick?
Yes. Some essential oils can be toxic to cats because they cannot efficiently metabolise certain compounds found in concentrated plant oils.
What's the safest way to make my home smell fresh?
Fresh air, regular cleaning, washing pet bedding and removing odours at the source are the safest ways to keep your home smelling fresh while protecting your pets.
Final Thoughts
A fresh-smelling home should never come at the expense of your pet's health. By choosing safer candles, avoiding potentially harmful essential oils and reducing the use of synthetic air fresheners, you can create a healthier environment for both you and your furry family members.
Sometimes, the nicest smell in the house isn't a candle at all, it's simply the comfort of knowing your pets are safe.
Read more about natural animal health solutions:
What Are the Best Herbs for Dogs and Cats?
How to Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy
The Science Behind It
Don’t just take our word for it, here are some evidence-based studies for you to review.
What are volatile organic compounds (VOCs)?
Human health risk evaluation of selected VOC, SVOC and particulate emissions from scented candles
Chemical composition and mass emission factors of candle smoke particles
Disclaimer: The entire contents of PetWell emails and website are not to be taken as medical advice. The team at Pet Squad Pty Ltd trading as PetWell encourages you to make your own pet health care decisions based on your research and in partnership with a qualified pet healthcare professional.
This article was prepared by the team at PetWell. Australia’s trusted provider of natural, human-grade pet supplements and freeze-dried treats for dogs and cats. Drawing on holistic animal behaviour insights and years of working with canine clients, PetWell champions kind, calm and scientifically informed solutions for every pet parent.
Posted By Ayda Hornak - Trained in Canine Psychology and Natural Animal Nutrition Care.
