Are Scented Candles Safe for Pets?

A Clear Guide to Ingredients, Fragrance, and Common Myths

Introduction to the Series

If you’ve ever paused before lighting a scented candle because your cat is watching warily or your dog is sniffing the air, you’re not alone. Many pet owners wonder if candles and home fragrances are safe for their furry family members. And let’s be honest, Googling the answer often leads to more confusion than clarity.

This post is the first in a four-part series about pets and fragrance. Here, we’ll focus on what’s actually in candles, specifically wax, wicks, and scents. You’ll learn which ingredients can be a concern, what’s generally considered safe, and how to read labels so you can make informed choices for your home.

Common Concerns About Candles and Pets

Pet owners often ask about:

• Fumes or ingredients (such as essential oils or fragrance oils)

• Smoke and respiratory comfort

• Burn risks or pets knocking over candles

• Pets ingesting wax or additives

Are these concerns justified? Sometimes. The actual risk depends on what’s in the candle, how it’s used, and your pet’s species and health.

Candle Ingredients and Pet Safety

Here’s what to consider when choosing candles for a home with pets:

Wax Types

• Paraffin wax is widely used and, according to recent studies, does not emit significantly different compounds compared to other waxes when burned properly. However, it can produce more visible soot if the wick is too long or the candle is burned in a drafty area, which may be irritating to pets with sensitive respiratory systems.

• Soy, coconut, and beeswax blends are popular alternatives. The main differences are in scent throw, burn time, and personal preference rather than pet safety.

Tip: If your pet has a history of respiratory issues, good ventilation is more important than the specific wax type.

Wicks

• Cotton wicks (preferably unbleached) are commonly used in quality candles.

• Metal-core wicks are rare today, and not used in Australia, but older or imported candles may still contain them. If you’re unsure, check with the manufacturer.

Fragrance Oils

• Both essential oils and fragrance oils can be included in candles, but my preference and advice is to not use candles made with essential oils. Some essential oils are known to cause issues for pets if inhaled in high concentrations or ingested. You can read more of my thoughts on this topic here: https://spiritedflame.com/essential-oils-vs-fragrance-oils-in-candles/

• Many candle brands, including Spirited Flame, use fragrance blends specifically formulated for candles and avoid ingredients that are known to be problematic for pets.

Soot and Smoke

• Any candle can produce soot if the wick is too long or the candle is burned in a draft. Soot and smoke can be more noticeable to pets, especially cats and birds, which have sensitive respiratory systems.

• Keep wicks trimmed and burn candles in well-ventilated areas.

Dyes and Additives

• Candle dyes are generally considered low risk unless ingested in large amounts. If your pet is prone to chewing, store candles out of reach.

Fragrance, Ingredients, and Pet Reactions

It’s easy to worry after reading alarming stories online, but most issues come down to specific ingredients and how the candle is used.

What Does “Fragrance” Mean?

“Fragrance” on a label can refer to a blend of natural and synthetic ingredients. Some essential oils, even in small amounts, are more likely to cause reactions in pets—especially cats, who process certain compounds differently.

Examples of Essential Oils to Be Cautious With:

• Tea tree (melaleuca)

• Cinnamon

• Clove

• Eucalyptus

• Peppermint

• Citrus oils (lemon, orange, bergamot)

• Pine and cedarwood

• Ylang-ylang

• Wintergreen

If you’re unsure, ask the candle maker about their fragrance blends.

“Natural” Doesn’t Always Mean Safer

Essential oils are natural, but that doesn’t mean they’re always a better choice for homes with pets. Some synthetic fragrance oils, especially those formulated for candles and free from certain additives, may be less likely to cause issues.

How Much Exposure Matters

The amount of fragrance in the air, room size, ventilation, and your pet’s health all play a role. For example, a single candle in a large, well-ventilated room is less likely to cause issues than burning several candles in a small, closed space.

Risk increases with:

• Burning multiple candles at once

• Poor ventilation

• Pets with respiratory sensitivities

• Candles with high concentrations of certain essential oils

What Makes a Candle Pet-Friendly?

While no candle can be guaranteed “pet-proof,” you can look for:

• Wax and wicks you trust

• Fragrance blends formulated for candles, with transparency about ingredients

• Avoiding candles with high concentrations of essential oils known to be a concern for pets

• Responsible burning habits

At Spirited Flame, we use a premium coconut soy blend, quality wicks, and carefully selected fragrances. We’re always happy to answer questions about our ingredients.

Quick-Reference Table

Practical Candle Safety Tips for Pet Owners

• Never leave burning candles unattended.

• Place candles out of reach of pets, on stable surfaces.

• Trim wicks to 5mm before each use to minimize soot.

• Burn candles in well-ventilated rooms.

• If your pet has a history of respiratory issues, consult your vet before using fragranced products.

What’s Next?

Now that you know what to look for in a candle for pet-friendly homes, the next post in this series will focus on exposure:

• How much is too much?

• How does ventilation make a difference?

• How do cats, dogs, and birds respond differently to scent?

We’ll also discuss the hot topic of essential oil diffusers and aromatherapy for pets.

[Continue to Part 2 →]