A Dog Owner's Guide to Candle Safety
For dog owners, our homes are our shared sanctuaries. We fill them with comfort, love, and the happy chaos that comes with a four-legged family member. We also love to make them feel cozy and smell beautiful, especially as the New York seasons begin to change. This often leads to a crucial question we hear at Mbur Candle Co.: "Are candles safe to have around my dog?"
The answer is yes...if you choose the right candle and use it responsibly. As a company full of dog lovers, we believe you shouldn't have to sacrifice your dog’s well-being for a beautifully scented home. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
The Physical Risks: Wagging Tails and Curious Noses
Unlike cats who might be fascinated by a flame, the main physical risk with dogs often comes from their sheer enthusiasm. A happy, wagging tail, a clumsy puppy, or a curious nose can easily knock over a poorly placed candle, creating a serious fire hazard.
Safety First:
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Elevate and Secure: Always place burning candles on high, stable surfaces where your dog absolutely cannot reach them or knock them over. Think mantels, high shelves, or secure countertops, not coffee tables or end tables.
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Constant Supervision: This is the golden rule. Never, ever leave a lit candle unattended in a room with your dog, even for a moment.
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Our Wood Wicks: The all-natural wooden wicks in Mbur Candle Co. candles provide a stable, consistent flame.However, their gentle crackle can also attract curiosity. Supervision remains the most critical safety step.
The Invisible Risk: Your Dog's Powerful Sense of Smell
A dog's sense of smell is at least 40 times more powerful than ours. This means that what we perceive as a pleasant scent can be overwhelming and irritating for them. The contents of the candle are paramount.
What to Avoid in a Candle:
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Paraffin Wax: This is the most common and cheapest wax, but it’s a petroleum byproduct. When burned, it can release harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are bad for both humans and dogs to inhale.
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Toxic Essential Oils: Certain essential oils are toxic to dogs if ingested or inhaled in high concentrations. These include tea tree, pine, wintergreen, cinnamon, and certain citrus oils.
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Heavy, Chemical Fragrances: Candles with synthetic, overpowering scents loaded with phthalates can cause respiratory irritation, sneezing, or even allergic reactions in sensitive dogs.
The Mbur Candle Co. Difference: We craft our candles specifically to be a safer choice for a dog-friendly home.
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100% Pure Beeswax: We use only pure, non-toxic beeswax. It’s the cleanest burning wax available and acts as a natural air purifier, releasing negative ions that help neutralize pet dander, dust, and odors in the air.
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Dog-Conscious Fragrances: Our scents are sophisticated, not overpowering. We formulate them to be free from phthalates and avoid essential oils known to be harmful to dogs. We always recommend burning candles in a well-ventilated space to ensure the scent doesn't overwhelm your dog's sensitive nose.
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Clean-Burning Wood Wicks: Our all-natural wooden wicks are untreated, ensuring a clean burn without the risk of lead or other chemical additives.
Dog-Safe Candle Checklist
Enjoy the warmth of a candle with peace of mind by following these rules:
Place It High: Keep candles on secure surfaces, well out of reach of noses and tails.
Always Supervise: Never leave a lit candle unattended with your dog.
Ensure Good Airflow: Burn candles in a well-ventilated room.
Watch for Warnings: Observe your dog for signs of discomfort, such as sneezing, watery eyes, coughing, or trying to leave the room.
Choose Clean Ingredients: Insist on non-toxic beeswax and phthalate-free fragrances.
Create a Warm, Welcoming, and Dog-Friendly Home
You don't have to choose between your best friend's well-being and a home that feels like a sanctuary. By choosing high-quality, thoughtfully made candles and practicing simple safety measures, you can enjoy the best of both worlds.
Mbur Candle Co. is proud to offer a collection you can feel good about burning in your home.
Ready to create a cozy and dog-friendly atmosphere? Explore the Mbur Candle Co. collection of pure beeswax and wood wick candles today.
