Candles can be bad for dogs primarily due to the ingredients used in many scented candles and the potential physical dangers they pose. Many commercial candles contain paraffin wax, which releases toxic substances when burned. Additionally, scented candles often include essential oils that can be poisonous to dogs if inhaled, ingested, or absorbed through their skin. Some of the harmful essential oils for dogs include peppermint, pine, citrus, cinnamon, tea tree, and eucalyptus. Dogs have a highly sensitive sense of smell, so the artificial scents and heavy perfumes in candles can cause respiratory issues like coughing, sneezing, and difficulty breathing. Dogs with pre-existing health problems such as allergies, asthma, or bronchitis are especially at risk from candle fumes. Physical risks from candles include burns if a curious dog gets too close, fire hazards if a candle is knocked over, and gastrointestinal blockages or toxicity if a dog ingests candle wax or parts of the wick. For safer alternatives, unscented candles made from soy, beeswax, or vegetable wax are recommended, and flameless candles can also be an option if kept out of the dog's reach. If a dog shows signs of irritation such as watery eyes, coughing, or sneezing when candles are burned around them, or if they have symptoms of essential oil poisoning like vomiting, diarrhea, or lethargy, veterinary attention should be sought immediately. In summary, while not all candles are inherently dangerous, many scented and paraffin-based candles pose multiple risks to dogs and should be used with caution or avoided altogether around pets.
