WHAT IS AROMATHERAPY? ARE SCENTED CANDLES SAFE FOR PETS?
What is aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy aka Essential Oil Therapy is a practice of using essential oils for therapeutic benefits. Aromatherapy targets the brain’s limbic system, responsible for regulating emotions and mood. That is why aromatherapy is often used by people who feel anxiety, anger, fear, stress and many more. The sense of smell is called the most primitive of all the senses. Certain scents can trigger strong memories or alter mood and behavior. We can all benefit from a little bit of “scent therapy". However, what is safe for humans is not necessarily safe for use on or near our pets.
Aromatherapy benefits for your pet
Aromatherapy for pets is becoming more mainstream after experts found a number of health benefits. The number of pet owners who consider aromatherapy as an alternative treatment has grown significantly. Essential oils are volatile organic compounds extracted from plants used therapeutically to treat behavioral and physical problems. Dogs have up to 100,000 times more ability to detect scent than humans. Aromatherapy can promote a feeling of calm and help them relax after a long, stressful day. In addition to helping calm anxious dogs, aromatherapy has also been known to help with aggressive behavior, bad breath, flying insects, joint problems, skin irritations, nervousness, parasites, separation and anxiety. Although there are many health benefits, there are some essential oils that are very toxic and should be avoided if you have pets. It very much depends on the scent, delivery method and the pet.
so are candles toxic for your pets?
The answer is Yes and No. Just as we are attracted to sweet aromas of scented candles, so are our furry friends. Because some pets might find our candles’ scents so delicious, there’s a possibility they mistaken it for a snack and they nibble on candles, wax, or ingest oils. Just like with people, cats and dogs can have their scent preferences and aversions. Certain scents may cause stress or airway irritation for your pets so unfortunately it’s all trial-and-error. There are lots of proven reports on what essential oils are toxic for your pets if consumed or absorbed through the skin so make sure you ask your vet and do your own research. Some essential oils known to be toxic for your pets are Eucalyptus, Wintergreen, Clove, Ylang Ylang, and etc.
WHAT HAPPENS IF INGESTED?
If ingested, such as getting it on your cat’s fur and then licked off during grooming - certain essential oils can cause severe illness. It can range from weakness, depression, seizures, low body temperature, salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, and even death. If you are a candle lover like me and would like to light candles in your home, use proper safety precautions (check our candle/wax melt care guide). Make sure your home is well ventilated and keep your candles, wax melt burners, diffusers out of reach from pets. If you notice any symptoms noted above please contact your vet immediately!
pet safe candles
Candles don’t need to be banished from your home. You can fill your home with nice scents while posing no health risks to your pets. Here are some things to look for when candle shopping. Opt for “cleaner-burning” candles that are made from natural ingredients such a soy, beeswax, or vegetable wax (Read more about wax in our SOY VS PARAFFIN WAX blog). Avoid those made with paraffin wax, as it releases more potential impurities and respiratory irritants. Here at Nabi & Co. we use all natural coconut soy wax blend. Soy wax produces little or no airborne particulates and have a clean burn. Opt for wicks that are lead-free. Stick to 100% natural cotton (unbleached), paper or wood. Here we use wooden wicks in our container candles and eco wicks which are natural flat cotton threads interwoven with paper threads for our decorative candles.
nabi & co. the pawfect candle
Being a mom of 2 dogs and 1 cat, I was very shocked when I found out candles can be toxic for your fur babies. From personal experience, I’ve never had an issue burning candles around my pets however, after learning how toxic it can be I have been more cautious. At Nabi & Co., our candles are made with all natural, non toxic ingredients. After many research, I have also decided to come out with my own pet friendly candle collection - THE PAWFECT CANDLE. I’ve chosen 3 100% pure and natural, therapeutic grade essential oils that are known to benefit people AND animals. They are lavender, chamomile and frankincense! Known for their relaxing aromas, these essential oils can help ease anxiety. Please know I am not a vet and I can’t guarantee my pawfect candles will benefit all people and pets the same.
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What smells good to us may be overpowering or unpleasant to our pets that have highly sensitive sense of smell. Aromatherapy is not a magical solution. It’s still important to regularly visit your vet to better assess the pet’s health. Aromatherapy for pets serves only to support and complement the health-related care and treatment given to dogs. Keep your veterinarians contact information in your phone so they can be reached in an emergency. Additional information may be obtained from the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435.
