Most Common Mistakes People Make When Using Scented Products Around Pets
Scented products can make a home feel inviting, but it’s easy to overlook how these products might affect our pets. Here are some of the most common mistakes pet owners make, and why they matter.
1. Using Products With Unsafe Ingredients
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Many people don’t realise that certain essential oils (like tea tree, eucalyptus, citrus, clove, and peppermint) and some synthetic fragrances can be problematic for pets, especially for cats, birds, and small animals.
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Some air fresheners, plug-ins, and candles contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and other chemicals that can irritate pets’ airways or cause allergic reactions.
Even small amounts of these ingredients can cause discomfort or health issues for pets, because their bodies process chemicals differently to ours. Cats, for example, lack certain liver enzymes, making them more vulnerable to a range of substances. Always check product labels for pet-safe ingredients, and if you’re unsure, reach out to the brand or your vet for clarification.
2. Poor Ventilation
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Burning candles, spraying perfumes, or using diffusers in closed or poorly ventilated rooms can concentrate scents and airborne particles, increasing the risk of irritation or respiratory issues for pets.
Good airflow is key to keeping your home comfortable for everyone. Open windows or doors when using scented products, and avoid using multiple fragranced items in small, enclosed spaces. Ventilation helps dilute any potential irritants and gives your pets a chance to move away from strong smells if they need to.
3. Overuse or High Concentration
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Using multiple scented products at once, or using them frequently, can overwhelm pets’ sensitive noses and lead to symptoms like sneezing, watery eyes, lethargy, or even more serious health issues.
Pets have a much stronger sense of smell than humans, so what seems subtle to us can be overpowering to them. Try to use scented products in moderation, and consider giving your pet “fragrance-free” zones where they can retreat if they need a break.
4. Spraying or Applying Products Near Pets
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Spraying perfumes, deodorants, or air fresheners while pets are nearby exposes them directly to inhaled or topical chemicals. This is especially risky for birds, cats, and small mammals.
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Applying scented lotions or perfumes to areas pets can lick can result in ingestion of harmful substances.
It’s always best to apply sprays and lotions in a separate room, away from your pets. Allow time for the scent to settle before letting your pet back in. If you use products on your skin, be mindful of where your pet likes to cuddle or lick, and wash your hands after applying anything heavily fragranced.
5. Not Considering Species Differences
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Birds are extremely sensitive to airborne chemicals and should not be exposed to candles, diffusers, or sprays at all.
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Cats lack certain liver enzymes, making them especially vulnerable to a range of essential oils and synthetic fragrances.
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Dogs, rodents, reptiles, and fish also have unique sensitivities that are often overlooked.
Each species processes scents and chemicals differently, so what’s safe for one pet might not be for another. If you have a mixed-pet household, it’s safest to err on the side of caution and keep fragranced products to a minimum, especially in shared spaces.
6. Storing Products Within Pet Reach
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Leaving candles, essential oils, or sprays where pets can access them increases the risk of ingestion, spills, or direct contact.
Curious pets may chew, lick, or knock over products, leading to accidental exposure. One of our cats has a habit of discovering new things by chewing, so we have to watch what’s around when he’s in an investigative mood.
Always store scented products out of reach, think high shelves or closed cupboards. If a spill does happen, clean it up straight away to prevent your pet from investigating.
7. Ignoring Signs of Discomfort or Illness
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Pets can’t always leave a room or communicate discomfort. Common signs of scent-related issues include sneezing, coughing, watery eyes, lethargy, vomiting, drooling, or changes in behaviour.
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Some owners may not recognise these as related to fragrance exposure.
If you notice your pet acting differently after you’ve used a scented product, take it seriously. Remove the product, ventilate the area, and monitor your pet closely. If symptoms persist or worsen, contact your vet for advice.
8. Not Reading Labels or Directions
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Failing to check for pet-safe ingredients or ignoring label warnings can lead to accidental exposure to harmful substances.
Some products may look harmless, but contain ingredients that aren’t suitable for animals. Take a moment to read labels before bringing new scented products into your home. Look for clear ingredient lists and any warnings about pet safety. When in doubt, choose options that are specifically formulated for use around animals, or reach out to the manufacturer for more information.
Key Takeaway
Pets have much more sensitive noses and different metabolisms than humans. Even products that seem mild to us can cause discomfort or health problems for them. Always use scented products sparingly, ventilate well, avoid known problematic ingredients, and watch your pet for any signs of distress. When in doubt, check with your vet before introducing new scents to your home.
You might also enjoy this post: Essential Oils vs Fragrance Oils in Candles
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