Is it safe to burn scented candles if you have a dog at home

Are Scented Candles Safe around Your Dog?

Harlem Candle Co.5 min read

It’s common knowledge that a dog’s world is built through its nose. Their sense of smell is incredible—roughly 10,000 times more acute than our own. That naturally brings up some questions when you’re trying to set a mood with a luxury candle and you have a pup at your feet:

"Will the fragrance be too much for my dog?"

"Are scented candles actually bad for them?"

"Help, my dog just ate a candle!"

The good news? In most cases, candles and dogs get along just fine. We’ll break down what "most cases" really means and how you can keep your home smelling like a sanctuary without stressing out your favorite four-legged friend.

Are Candles Bad for Dogs?

Safety usually boils down to two things: breathing the scent and (accidentally) eating the wax. Both are fair concerns. The answer usually depends on the quality of the candles you bring into your home. Let’s start with the fragrance.

Think about the math: a human nose has about 6 million olfactory receptors. A dog’s has 300 million. It’s hard to even imagine that level of sensitivity. Because of that, they notice things we don’t. Cheap paraffin candles that put off heavy smoke or harsh fumes can be a lot for them to process.

Fortunately, most high-quality candles today are much cleaner than they used to be. Still, a few small changes to your ritual can help. I always suggest using a candle snuffer instead of blowing out the flame. It cuts down on that lingering, localized cloud of smoke. Also: try to skip the paraffin. Waxes like soy, coconut, or beeswax offer a much more sophisticated, cleaner burn.

When you’re shopping for your next candle, the main thing to watch for is the specific essential oil profile.

Then there’s the "curiosity" factor. If your dog decides to sniff, lick, or bite, don’t panic. Most common waxes—soy, paraffin, beeswax—are non-toxic. They’re soft. Even if ingested, they usually pass through their system without much trouble. (Soy wax is actually the softest and easiest on their digestion.)

The real worry isn't usually the wax itself. It's the "hardware." If they swallow a long wick or the metal base at the bottom of the glass, that is a reason to call the vet immediately.

Scents and Essential Oils to Avoid around Dogs

According to the Michelson Found Animals organization, there are a few essential oils that aren't ideal for dogs in high concentrations:

Cinnamon and Clove (The "Hot" Phenols)
These two are high in eugenol. In the world of perfumery, they provide that beautiful, spicy warmth, but biologically, they are "sensitizers." For a dog, these can be irritating to the skin and the mucous membranes (the nose and mouth). We group them because they both carry that heavy, "hot" chemical signature.

Citrus (The Limonene Group)
This one is straightforward: it’s all about d-limonene. While we find the scent of a fresh orange or grapefruit uplifting, dogs can have a hard time metabolizing these specific citrus hydrocarbons. In high concentrations, it’s a lot of work for their liver to process.

Eucalyptus and Tea tree (The Terpene Heavyweights)
These are grouped because they are rich in terpenes and eucalyptol. These compounds are incredibly effective for "clearing the air" in human rituals, but they are also some of the most common culprits for toxicity in pets if the concentration is too high. They’re effectively the "medicinal" group.

Peppermint, Wintergreen, and Sweet birch (The Salicylates)
This is a fascinating (and vital) grouping. Wintergreen and Sweet birch both contain methyl salicylate, which is essentially the primary ingredient in aspirin. Peppermint contains menthol. Together, these create a "cooling" sensation that can be quite overwhelming—and potentially toxic—to a dog's system. They act more like a drug than a simple fragrance.

Pine, Juniper, and Yarrow (The Resinous/Pinenes)
These oils come from the resin and needles of trees (or hardy herbs). They are high in pinenes. While they evoke a beautiful, crisp forest walk for us, those same pinenes can be quite irritating to a dog's respiratory tract if they're trapped in a room with no airflow.

Ylang ylang, Anise, and Thyme (The Complex Phenols)
This is the "heavy" group. These oils are dense with phenols and phenylpropanoids. In the fragrance world, these are often our "base" notes—the ones that linger. Because they are so heavy and slow to evaporate, they can linger in a dog’s fur or be inhaled over a longer period, making them more likely to cause a reaction.

Generally speaking, these are only harmful in large doses. You shouldn't be applying these oils to your dog’s skin or leaving open bottles on the counter, but the amount used in a scented candle is usually low enough to be safe. That said: if you want to be extra cautious, avoid these specific notes in the rooms where your dog spends the most time.

Which Candle Scents Are Good for Dogs?

On the flip side, some scents can actually be a gift to your pet. A little aromatherapy can go a long way in calming a nervous dog or setting a peaceful tone for the evening.

Bergamot: For a sense of brightness.
Frankincense and Myrrh: Grounding and quiet.
Lavender and Chamomile: The ultimate "wind down" scents.

At Harlem Candle Co., we have several dog-friendly options that lean into these soothing notes:

"Dream" Luxury Candle: Lavender, bergamot, and ginger.
"Home" Luxury Candle: Centered around bright bergamot.
"Vintage Garden" Luxury Candle: Deep, peaceful notes of frankincense and myrrh.

What if Your Dog Eats Candle Wax?

If your dog decides your candle looks like a snack, they might experience some digestive discomfort. My advice: keep your candles tucked away in a drawer or a closed cabinet when they aren’t lit. You don’t want them mistaking a luxury vessel for a meal.

Most waxes aren't toxic, but a large chunk can be hard to digest. If an accident happens, monitor them for a few days. Call your vet if you notice:

Heavy panting or labored breathing.
Lethargy or cries of distress.
Vomiting or diarrhea.

Wax isn’t poisonous, but it can lead to constipation. A little canned pumpkin in their food is a great trick for this: a teaspoon for small dogs and a tablespoon for the big ones. If they go two days without a bowel movement, it's time for the vet.

And again: if the wick or metal base is missing, call the professional right away.

Candle Safety Tips Around Dogs

Prioritize Composition: Look for candles made in the US with natural soy or vegetable-based waxes and unbleached cotton wicks (like ours).
Practice Presence: Never leave a flickering flame unattended.
The Clean Burn: Trim your wicks to 1/4 inch regularly. It keeps the flame under control and the soot at bay.
The Snuffer Rule: Use a snuffer to keep the air in your sanctuary clear.
Keep it Airy: Good ventilation ensures the scent remains an accent, not an anchor.
Watch for Cues: If your dog seems restless or leaves the room, they’re telling you the scent is too "loud" for them.
Smart Storage: Keep unlit candles in a drawer or cabinet. Out of sight, out of mind (and out of reach).

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