Bath and Body Works candles are a popular choice for adding a pleasant fragrance and some ambiance to the home.
However, if you own a dog, you may be wondering whether these candles are safe to use around your furry friend.
Unfortunately, the short answer is no they’re not safe around dogs.
That doesn’t mean you can’t use candles around the home if you have a dog, but you certainly need to be mindful of some things and more careful.
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What are Bath and Body Works Candles made from?
Bath and Body Works candles are made from a variety of ingredients, typically essential oils or fragrances to scent the candle, a cotton wick, and wax.
While these ingredients mean you get a wonderful-looking and smelling candle, some of them can also be harmful to dogs.
The paraffin wax candles are the most toxic to dogs as they contain a variety of chemicals which can be harmful when burned.
These candles also produce soot when they are lit, which your dog’s lungs would be better off if they didn’t inhale.
Scented candles can also be problematic for dogs, especially if they contain essential oils.
Essential oils are known to be toxic to dogs and can cause serious health issues if ingested or inhaled in large amounts.
Fragrance oils aren’t much better as they’re made from man-made chemicals and can cause dogs respiratory issues as well.
Bath and Body Works also produces candles made from more eco-friendly ingredients, such as vegetable wax and soy which are much safer.
So, if you’re going to use candles around your dog I suggest you use soy, beeswax, coconut wax, or some other eco-friendly option.
Dogs are very sensitive (and clumsy) creatures, so it’s important to take precautions when using candles around them!
Related – Here’s what you need to know about the risks of Bath and Body Works Candles with cats!
Chemicals that are potentially toxic to dogs
You can argue no fragrances are OK, but certain essential oils and fragrances are more toxic to dogs if ingested or inhaled than others.
For example, tea tree oil, wintergreen, peppermint oil, and citrus oils can all be harmful to dogs.
In addition, the fumes produced by burning candles can contain chemicals such as benzene and toluene, which can be harmful to dogs if inhaled in large quantities.
This is why it’s better to just not burn candles if you have dogs – sorry about that!
Why candles present a potential fire hazard to dogs
In addition to the potential toxic effects of candles, they also present a potential fire hazard to dogs.
Dogs are curious animals and may be attracted to the flame of a candle.
If a dog were to knock over a candle, it could start a fire, which could be dangerous for both the dog and the humans in the home.
What candles are OK for dogs?
If you do want to use candles in your home, there are a few options that are safer for dogs:
- Soy candles: Soy candles are made from soybean oil, which is a natural and biodegradable resource. Soy candles are also non-toxic and burn cleanly, which reduces the risk of harmful fumes.
- Beeswax candles: Beeswax candles are another natural option that is safe for dogs. They are made from the wax produced by bees and are non-toxic and hypoallergenic and vegan!
- LED candles: LED candles are a safer alternative to traditional candles! They do not produce any flames or harmful fumes, and they can be used around pets without any risk.
At the end of the day, if you’re using candles you’re either after the scent or the candlelight, right?
Both of these can be emulated by using items that are less risky for dogs – like LED candles, wax melts, and diffusers.
These options still create a calming ambiance without the risk of toxicity or fire!
So, if you want to be safe rather than sorry, make sure to use these alternatives instead.
Related – More on the risks of using Bath and Body Works Wallflowers around pets!
Wrapping Up
In summary, Bath and Body Works candles are not 100% safe for dogs due to the potentially toxic effects of the ingredients and the risk of fire.
If you do want to use candles in your home, you should consider using soy, beeswax, or even LED candles, which are safer options for dogs.
This isn’t to say you can’t use candles at all if you have dogs and other pets, of course, you can.
Let’s be honest, the risk of the odd few candles is minimal and lots of dog owners/parents use candles.
As long as you’re all clued up on the potential risks and take the appropriate steps to ensure you, your dog, and your home is as safe as possible, you can enjoy sweet candle scents and ambient candlelight.
Image credits – Photo by Roberto Nickson on Unsplash
I’m a MA, (CMT) Certified Massage Therapist, Licensed Massage Therapist (LMT), and Reiki Master — I’m a licensed massage therapist with over 10 years of experience in the industry.