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If Bath and Body Works is your go-to source for gifts and home goods, you may be wondering if the brand’s candles are safe for dogs. You should know that many of this company’s candles are made primarily from paraffin wax and synthetic fragrances, which, in large amounts or in susceptible dogs, could potentially irritate their respiratory system. This means that Bath and Body Works candles should be used with caution around some dogs.
If your dog shows any distress, such as coughing, sneezing, or rubbing their face after lighting one of these candles, put the candle out right away! When a dog reacts like this, it can be a sign that something is irritating them, like an unpleasant odor or an irritant that’s triggering an allergic reaction.
It’s important to note that not all Bath and Body Works candles are potentially harmful to dogs. Therefore, it’s important to check the ingredients and check with your vet if you should light the candle when your dog is present.
How Paraffin Candles Are Harmful
Paraffin is a byproduct of petroleum. If you burn paraffin candles regularly, you’ve probably noticed black sooty gunk building up near where the candle burns and that is a byproduct of combustion. It may not be healthy for dogs in large amounts.
When dyes and fragrances are added to paraffin candles, this only adds to the problem of safety. Most dyes and fragrances used in candles are manufactured in a laboratory. When these items heat up and burn along with the paraffin wax, any animal or person nearby is breathing in these unnatural ingredients, potentially putting their health at risk.
There is a lot of debate as to the safety of scented paraffin candles and scented air products in general. It is not proven that burning candles produces enough of the concerning chemicals to cause harm, but if your dog has respiratory problems, it is safer to avoid them.
Signs of Respiratory Problems in Dogs
It isn’t always easy to know if your dog is suffering from a respiratory problem. If you see any of these signs in your dog, they may have a respiratory issue:
- Coughing and gagging
- Labored breathing
- Nasal congestion
- Intolerance for exercise
- Wheezing
- Lack of appetite
- Fainting
- Blue gums
There are several causes of respiratory problems in dogs, ranging from allergies and kennel cough (nowadays called canine infectious respiratory disease complex or CIRDC) to more serious issues like pneumonia and canine distemper virus. To play it safe, contact your vet if you even suspect that your four-legged friend is suffering from some type of respiratory issue. Your vet may ask you to bring your dog in for an exam, testing, and treatment.
Types of Candles Safe for Dogs
If you’re dead set on burning candles around your dog, look for pet-friendly candles like those made from natural beeswax, soy wax, coconut wax, or vegetable wax. It’s also a good idea to make sure the candles are made with unbleached cotton wicks so they don’t emit any harmful fumes. The bottom line is this: It is always a good idea to do your homework when looking for candles to burn in your home. Check the list of ingredients provided by the manufacturer. If an ingredient looks suspicious to you, look it up online or, even better, contact your vet for expert advice on what your dog can breathe in.
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Just like people, dogs can suffer from respiratory problems. Just like kids and elderly people are more susceptible to respiratory issues, puppies and older dogs are at an increased risk of developing issues with the respiratory system.
Don’t forget that your dog has a remarkable sense of smell that’s much better than yours! While your favorite scented candle may smell wonderful to you, your dog may not agree. So, think about your dog’s comfort and well-being the next time you shop for candles.
Dog-Friendly Ways to Make Your Home Smell Better
As a dog owner, you know your furry friend leaves some unpleasant smells around the house. Maybe that’s why you’ve been burning scented candles. Besides candles, there are other ways to make your house smell fresh and clean, including the following:
- Simmer herbs and spices on the stove: You can fill your home with the aroma of your favorite herbs and spices by making a DIY potpourri. Just fill a saucepan with water, and add some slices of lemon or orange and your favorite herbs and spices to make your home smell wonderful.
- Freshen your carpets with a DIY carpet deodorizer: Sprinkle baking soda on your carpet for a couple of hours before vacuuming. This is a great way to get rid of dog odors that work their way into the fibers of your carpet.
- Set out a dish of coffee beans to sweeten up your home: Buy some whole vanilla coffee beans and place them in a shallow dish to fill the space with a pleasant, relaxing aroma that smells sweetly delicious. Keep out of reach of pets.
Conclusion
Even though Bath and Body Works candles make your home smell wonderful, you need to be careful if you have your dog around. Many of these candles are made from synthetic fragrances, and the fumes can be potentially harmful to your dog if they are inhaled in large quantities. If in doubt, consult with your vet or use one of the dog-safe methods mentioned above to make your home smell nice.
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Featured Image Credit: Musicmynk, Pixabay
