- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Lots of dog parents like to relax with a scented candle—but are candles bad for dogs? Well, it depends on the candle and the dog.
Generally, unscented candles are safer than scented ones, but other factors, such as ingredients, ventilation, and type of dog, make the answer a bit more complex.
Dr. Beth Turner, lead veterinarian at Preventive Vet, walks us through the nuances and emphasizes that it’s important to always supervise your dog when candles are lit. “Scented or unscented, no candle is safe if it is burned in a location where a dog can reach it or if left unattended,” says Dr. Turner.
If you love lighting candles in your home, keep reading to learn how to burn candles safely around your dog.
Safe Vs Unsafe Candles for Dogs
Dogs noses are more powerful than humans’ noses, and their heightened sense of smell means that scents, such as from a lit candle, can affect them differently. We’ve put together a table with common candle ingredients and their risk levels for healthy adult dogs without respiratory issues.
| Candle Ingredient | Risk Level | Description |
| Soy | Low | If a candle is only made from plain soy, it’s generally considered non-toxic for dogs. |
| Beeswax | Low | If a candle is only made from plain beeswax, it’s generally considered non-toxic for dogs. |
| Coconut | Low | Pure coconut wax is considered non-toxic to dogs, and it also releases fewer toxins. |
| Vegetable-based wax | Low | Pure vegetable-based wax is considered non-toxic to dogs, and it also releases fewer toxins. |
| Unbleached cotton wick | Low | This type of wick is considered non-toxic to dogs. |
| Paraffin | High | This ingredient is toxic to dogs. |
| Candles scented with essential oils | High | Especially avoid tea tree, eucalyptus, pine, cinnamon, citrus, and peppermint oils. These ingredients can be especially dangerous for dogs with respiratory issues or underlying medical issues. |
| Phthalates | High | Toxic when a dog licks or chews on the candle. As an ingredient commonly used in synthetic fragrances, it can lead to health issues when burned. |
| Napthalene | High | This ingredient can be toxic both through long-term exposure to fumes or through ingestion. |
| Lead-core wicks | High | Lead wicks can release lead particles into the air. Lead-core wicks are banned by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission as of 2003. However, some imported candles may still have them. |
How to choose pet-safe candles
Candles made from pure soy, coconut, beeswax, or vegetable-based wax with unbleached cotton wicks are good choices. You can also check the label to see if a candle designated pet-safe—though it’s important to read the ingredients too.
Because many essential oils aren’t safe for dogs, unscented candles tend to be safer than scented ones. But if you love a scented candle, you’re not out of luck. For healthy dogs without respiratory issues, Dr. Turner offers the following scents—if high-quality and used in a well-ventilated environment—as a safer choice:
- Basil
- Bergamot
- Cedarwood
- Copaiba
- Frankincense
- Lavender
- Lemon
- Lemongrass
- Roman Chamomile
- Rosemary
- Vanilla
Vulnerable dogs
For pups who have trouble breathing already, virtually all candles pose some degree of risk. The following dogs should avoid candles altogether:
- Brachycephalic (flat-faced) dogs, who are susceptible to irritants in the air
- Dogs with asthma or seasonal allergies
- Dogs with respiratory illnesses like bronchitis
For these pups, the goal is to keep the air as free of irritants as possible.
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Signs a Candle Is Bothering Your Dog
Even if you’ve lit a pet-safe candle, it’s important to monitor its impact on your pet. Dr. Turner says to watch for the following when a dog is in the same environment as a candle:
- Signs of stress such as pacing or whining
- Coughing
- Sneezing
- Difficulty breathing
- Lethargy
- Skin redness, itchiness, or hives
- Uncoordinated movements or unsteadiness
- Watery or irritated eyes
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
If you notice the above signs, remove your dog from the environment and consult poison control or a veterinarian. Be sure to extinguish the candle immediately and ventilate the room until the candle’s irritants are gone.
Other Candle Hazards for Dogs
Candles can pose dangers beyond toxins or irritants—they can also be choking and fire hazards.
What if my dog ate a candle?
If your dog eats a candle, it’s important to seek veterinary help right away. “Contact a veterinarian immediately for guidance,” says Dr. Turner, “and call the Pet Poison Helpline or ASPCA Animal Poison Control to determine if the candle contains any toxic ingredients.”
Candles as fire hazards
“Burning candles should never be left alone or within reach of your dog,” says Dr. Turner. Lit candles can cause burns, or if accidentally knocked over, set the room ablaze. Never leave something with an open flame unattended—including candles.
Alternatives to Candles
If you love the effect of candles but have a dog that is at risk—perhaps a puppy who can’t be trusted or a dog with breathing issues—there are other options.
For dogs that can safely be with unscented candles, Dr. Turner suggests using a pet-safe candle with a wax-warmer to help eliminate risks of fire, smoke, and to reduce the release of toxic particles in the air.
You can also always use flameless, battery-operated candles or put up twinkle lights—just make sure the cords are out of reach of your dog.
