Be it a special occasion, festival or date night Yankee candles make these special events more special with their aromatic fragrance and aesthetic vibes. Not just on special occasions, but normally also people prefer lighting candles to make their ordinary day extraordinary.
Be it a sudden power cut or unplanned moments, Yankee candles mark their presence everywhere. But wait can these candles turn out to be this good for your canine companions too? Are they safe for dogs? These questions keep bothering the pet parents.
In this blog, “Are Yankee Candles Safe for Dogs?”, we will try to solve all your queries, giving you relief from constant browsing.
What Are Yankee Candles?
Yankee candles have gained immense popularity due to their variety of products and fragrances. The aromatic journey of Yankee’s candles began in 1969. The journey started when the owner melted the crayons and made a gift for his mother, this is when the idea of Yankee candles struck him.
Yankee candles are made using top-quality paraffin wax, and the wick of these candles consists of 100% natural fibres. The scents of these fragrant candles are created using essential oils.
Are Yankee Candles Toxic to Dogs?
Yes, Yankee candles are toxic to dogs, they consist of non-dog-friendly ingredients such as:
Wax
The wax of Yankee candles is made up of premium grade paraffin wax, soy wax blend and premium soy wax blend. When you burn the candles it releases the chemicals like:
- Benzene and ethylbenzene are carcinogenic, which means they are likely to cause cancer.
- Toluene is considered a toxicant developer.
- Xylene causes irritation to the eyes, lungs and the entire nervous system.
Paraffin wax[1] is a mineral available in solid as well as liquid form. To make candles mostly paraffin in solid form is used. Paraffin has major side effects and is non-consumable.
Fragrance
The scent of Yankee candles, which is the core reason for their popularity is made using essential oils. Essential oil is a concentrated hydrophobic liquid containing volatile chemical compounds from plants. They are made of highly reactive molecules which has a hazardous effect on dogs.
Though essential oils are really beneficial for humans, they are highly toxic for dogs. Even a small amount of essential oil is not good for dogs. If your dog accidentally licks or ingests it he may suffer from serious health complications.
The essential oil like Ylang Ylang[2] is used by Yankee candles which is non-dog friendly. The Ylang Ylang oil is made from flowers of Cananga odorata genuina.
Essential Oil Toxic for Dogs
Here is the list of some essential oils which are toxic to your dog:
- Anise
- Cinnamon
- Citrus
- Clove
- Garlic
- Juniper
- Peppermint
- Pine
- Tea tree
- Wintergreen
- Ylang ylang
As mentioned by petmd, "Essential oils are also defined as volatile, and while these substances are extracted from flowers, bark, berries, roots, seeds, and woods, and do have some potential medicinal and positive effects, they can still be very toxic to people and animals, particularly when they are used improperly."
The above-mentioned essential oils are toxic and harmful to dogs if your dog licks or even consumes the essential oil look for the following symptoms:
- Lethargy
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Depression
- Drooling
- Lethargy
- Tremors
- Wobbliness
- Behavior changes
How to Use Candles Safely with a Dog
To use candles safely with a dog follow the following steps:
- When you are buying candles go for natural candles rather the candles made using synthetic material. Before buying the candles go through its label and check for all the ingredients, if any ingredient seems to be toxic then avoid using that candle.
- Make sure you are burning the candles in a well-ventilated place to avoid any discomfort.
- Keep a watch on your dog, candles smell aromatic and your dog being curious can go near the candle and get burnt.
- If the candle causes irritation or any respiratory issues to your dog, avoid using it and contact a vet immediately.
- Do not keep the candles recklessly, there are chances that your dog may just consume them, which will be more dangerous and serious.
FAQs
What candles are safe for dogs?
Usually, natural candles are considered safe for dogs. Natural candles are made using all-natural ingredients and have no adverse effect on health. The wax in natural candles is not toxic and is generally made of soy, coconut and beeswax. As the wax is made of safe ingredients it leaves no negative effect when burnt.
Is Yankee Candle 100% natural?
No, Yankee candles are not 100% natural. They are made using synthetic material. Although they do have some products which they claim to be natural, most of their products are not natural and may contain toxins. The scent of their candles consists of essential oils which are not good for dogs and in some cases for humans too.
Is it safe to burn scented candles around dogs?
No, it is absolutely not safe to burn scented candles around dogs. Scented candles consist of toxic elements. These toxic elements when burnt can cause breathing difficulty and other respiratory problems to your dog. Moreover, if your dog is already suffering from respiratory issues, chances are that this scent can make it worse.
Can candles affect a dog’s breathing?
Yes, candles can affect your dog’s breathing. Candles are made of harmful chemicals and toxins. These candles when burnt release this harmful chemical making it difficult for your dog to breathe. This toxic smell when ingested by dogs, leads to several health complications.
Can dogs have seizures from candles?
Yes, dogs can have seizures from candles or if they are already having it, candles can trigger them making it worse. Many candles use essential oils for the scent and these essential oils are not safe for dogs. Not just seizures, there are many other illnesses that are caused by candles, such as paralysis, skin irritation and vomiting.
Is incense bad for dogs?
Well, there is no evidence proving that incense is bad for dogs. Some people consider it harmful while many believe there are no potential risks associated with incense. If your dog is facing problems due the incense then avoid burning them.
Conclusion
These Yankee candles can light your home and make it fragrant, but at the same time, there are high chances of it being toxic to your dog. However, the Yankee Candles company don’t reveal their entire product details, which makes it difficult for users to get their complete information.
The possibility that Yankee candles consist of more harmful ingredients is more, which is why you should avoid using them if you have a pet. You should avoid Not only Yankee candles for that matter of fact any candles made using synthetic material and non-dog friendly essential oil.
Reference:
- Miko, M., & Varga, I. (2015). Histologic examination of peripheral nerves. In Elsevier eBooks (pp. 79–89).
- Mkouboi, M. C. (2014). ylang ylang volatile oil. Unom.
