As a candle lover and pet parent, you cherish the soft glow and comforting scents that candles bring to your home. But it’s natural to wonder: Are candles safe for my furry friends?

While candles can transform a room with warmth and ambiance, it’s important to consider how they might affect your pets’ health and safety.

Understanding the Risks

Many conventional candles are made with paraffin wax — a petroleum byproduct that releases harmful chemicals like benzene and toluene when burned. These substances can irritate your pet’s sensitive respiratory system, potentially causing discomfort or more serious health concerns over time.

Pets are endlessly curious, and an open flame can be a tempting plaything. Cats are especially agile and may paw or nudge candles off surfaces, creating a fire hazard and risking burns. Dogs can also accidentally knock over candles during their lively indoor antics.

On top of that, pets’ sense of smell is far more sensitive than ours. While you might find a candle’s scent soothing, your dog or cat could find it overwhelming. Strong fragrances may lead to sneezing, coughing, or allergic reactions.

How to Choose Pet-Safe Candles

If you want to enjoy your candles while keeping your pets safe, here are three essential tips:

1. Opt for Natural Ingredients
Choose candles made from coconut, soy, or beeswax. These natural waxes burn cleaner, producing less soot and fewer airborne irritants.

2. Avoid Toxic Additives
Check labels carefully to avoid paraffin wax, synthetic fragrances, and chemical dyes. Some essential oils—like eucalyptus, tea tree, and citrus—can be toxic to pets, so steer clear of candles containing these.

3. Consider Flameless Alternatives
If open flames worry you, fragrance mists are a lovely option. They fill your home with gentle scent and cozy vibes, without the risk of fire or burns—perfect for playful pets who can’t resist a curious paw or tail.

Safe Candle Practices for Pet Owners

Beyond your candle choice, simple habits can help protect your pets:

• Keep Candles Out of Reach: Place candles on high shelves or secure holders where pets can’t reach or knock them over.

• Ventilate Your Space: Burn candles in well-ventilated rooms to reduce airborne particles. Using an air purifier can also support clean indoor air.

• Watch Your Pet’s Response: If your pet sneezes, coughs, or shows signs of irritation when a candle is burning, extinguish it and try a different scent or type.

• Limit Burn Time: Avoid burning candles longer than 4 hours, especially in smaller spaces, to minimize exposure to potential irritants.

A Cozy Home That’s Safe for All

Candles add a touch of calm and elegance to your home. With mindful choices and safe practices, you can enjoy that gentle glow and beautiful scent without compromising the health and happiness of your beloved pets.

At Simply Bare, we’re committed to creating non-toxic, clean candles that bring warmth and safety together — so every moment shared at home feels just right.