If you’ve ever asked yourself, ‘Are soy candles safe for dogs,’ the answer is no, they are not 100 percent safe. However, we’ve been burning soy candles in our dog-friendly household for nearly 25 years without any issues. We had a nightmare situation after burning paraffin candles in our first apartment and first dog together as a married couple.
When we were moving out of our first apartment, we noticed a strange black tinge on the walls where the framed artwork and pictures once hung. Soot from the paraffin candles left its mark all over our walls. Prior to departing, we had to have the entire apartment repainted. Imagine what that stuff could have done to our lungs and that of our dog.
That’s when I discovered soy candles. I talked to fellow dog moms and dads, told my dog’s veterinarian what happened, and did some research on soy wax. It turns out soy candles burn cleaner and are less harmful to dogs than paraffin wax candles.
What Are Soy Candles?
Like most things in life, not all soy wax used in making soy candles is the same. Made from soybean oil, soy wax is touted for its cleaner-burning properties. Unlike paraffin candles, soy wax produces fewer pollutants and toxins and is biodegradable.
My experience with soy candles is that they have a longer and cleaner burn time and provide a more consistent aroma, depending on the company that makes them.
Soybeans are put through a process called hydrogenation, which is a fancy word for converting them into a solid form by adding hydrogen atoms. The end result is a smooth, creamy appearance that breaks down naturally in the environment.
Some soy candles contain additives and are generally labeled ‘soy blend’ or ‘soy-paraffin blend.’ This doesn’t mean they are necessarily bad, but they are not as pure and clean as 100 percent soy candles.
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulates the labeling of soy candles in the United States. Misleading consumers about the composition of a candle is considered deceptive and a violation of FTC standards. Read labels carefully, and contact the manufacturer if you have questions about soy percentages before purchasing soy wax products.
Are Soy Candles Safe for Dogs?
Any lit flame is a potential danger to dogs. Think about prying paws, wagging tails, and any unattended flames that can wreak havoc.
The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates that pets and other animals accidentally start at least 1,000 fires yearly, with at least 40,000 pets dying in house fires yearly. These are not all caused by soy candles, but any lit indoor object should never be unattended.
Soy candles are considered to be safer for dogs than paraffin candles because they give off less soot, burn cleaner, and don’t emit the same type of pollutants as paraffin wax.
Fragrances and oils used in soy candles are the more likely culprits to cause your dog discomfort. Pure essential oils add a fragrant aroma, but some can be toxic to dogs if ingested or inhaled.
According to Michelle Lugones, DVM, a Best Friends Animal Society veterinarian, essential oils can be dangerous depending on how concentrated they are and if they contain irritating or toxic compounds.
Dogs have such a heightened sense of smell compared to humans that pet parents must pay close attention to the products we put in their environment. Our furry friends depend on us to be aware of the type of candle we burn.
Some oils Dr. Lugones mentions are mint, wintergreen, eucalyptus, tea tree oil, sweet birch, cinnamon oil, peppermint oil, and pennyroyal. She says avoiding using essential oils and harmful toxins/harsh chemicals around your pets is the safest thing to do.
Common Ingredients in Soy Candles
The best thing you can do is know what is in a soy candle before burning it. Common ingredients found in soy candles include, but are not limited to:
- Soy wax
- Essential oils
- Wick
- Fragrance oil
- Sweet almond oil
- Beeswax
- Paraffin
I visit a soy candle manufacturer’s website to see if they have a breakdown of ingredients. The good news is that companies who have nothing to hide hide nothing.
Keep in mind your dog might find the smell of the candle appetizing, whether it is soy or not. All candles have harmful ingredients if ingested, so keep them up high and away from dogs.
Signs of Sensitivity or Allergic Reactions in Dogs to Soy Candles
Common signs and symptoms that your dog is having an allergic reaction to a soy candle include:
- Respiratory problems: Sneezing, coughing, wheezing, excessive panting, breathing issues (i.e., heavy breathing)
- Behavioral changes: Changes in appetite, mood, restlessness, lethargy, upset stomach
- Eyes and nose: Watery eyes, excessive tearing, runny nose
- Dog’s skin changes: Redness, irritation, rash or hives
If you suspect your dog is having adverse reactions to soy candles, extinguish it immediately and remove it from the residence. If your dog’s symptoms do not improve, seek veterinary care immediately.
Pro Tip: It’s a good idea to double check that all flames are extinguished before going to bed.
Alternatives to Soy Candles in Dog Households
If you want the effect of a natural candle without risking your dog’s health, consider battery-operated candles. LED candles are flameless and do not produce any soot.
Battery-operated candles come in various sizes, shapes, and designs while creating a cozy atmosphere. We use them in our home year-round. Some of them even have a flickering flame effect.
Fun fact: My favorite flameless LED candle brand is Luminara.
If you prefer candles and products with strong scents, monitor your dog’s reaction to any products you use in your home. This includes potpourri, reed diffusers, and scented sprays.
Wax melts are a viable option if you follow the same precautionary measures.
I continue to use soy candles in my home, but only in one room, only one at a time, and opt for flameless LED candles otherwise.
Candle Safety Around Dogs
Follow these tips to ensure safety when using any candles in the presence of your dog:
- Make sure your dog’s paws or tail cannot knock the candle over. A lit candle can lead to tragedy if not properly supervised. Hot wax can burn your dog, too.
- Monitor your dog’s reaction and behavior when candles are lit and in the hours afterward.
- Use a snuffer to extinguish candles to ensure the flame goes out.
- Consider using an air purifier if you burn candles to keep the air cleaner.
- Take a closer look at the ingredient list of any candles before purchasing.
- Keep candles in a well-ventilated room.
- Trim wicks regularly.
- Avoid dangerous oils and room sprays/artificial fragrances when possible.
- Consider using soy wax unscented candles.
According to the Pet Poison Helpline, when it comes to essential oils, “Unless the oil in a passive diffuser gets onto an animal’s skin or is ingested in some way (e.g. the diffuser tips over onto or near the pet), the main hazard to cats and dogs from passive diffusers is respiratory irritation.”
Your pet’s health depends on you, so be sure to follow proper precautions when inviting any new scents, fragrances, or candles into your abode.
