Pet Safe Candles Australia: Cats & Dogs (Scent Nation Australia)

Scent Nation Australia’s pet-safe candle guide explains how to enjoy candles more safely around cats and dogs. No candle is 100% risk-free around pets because it involves an open flame and can affect indoor air. If you choose to burn a candle in a pet household, prioritise ventilation, supervision, and lighter fragrance, and stop immediately if your pet shows any irritation.

Scent Nation Australia candles are made with 100% soy wax, cotton wicks, and fragrance oils used within IFRA guidelines for candle use. Scent Nation Australia does not use essential oils in our candles.

Pet safe candle checklist

  • Never leave a candle unattended.
  • Burn in a well-ventilated room.
  • Keep candles well out of reach on a high, stable surface away from edges and jump-up zones.
  • Keep away from curtains, bedding, and pet walkways.
  • Trim the wick before each burn to reduce smoke and soot.
  • Keep burn sessions short and avoid overpowering fragrance.
  • Stop immediately if your pet shows coughing, sneezing, watery eyes, drooling, vomiting, lethargy, or any breathing change.

Cats and candles

Cats can be more sensitive to airborne irritants and concentrated aromatic compounds. If you burn a candle in a cat household, keep the room ventilated, keep fragrance light, and keep burn sessions short, especially the first time you try a scent.

  • Keep candles out of jump-up zones and away from litter and feeding areas.
  • If your cat has asthma or respiratory sensitivity, choose the lightest fragrance option and burn briefly.

Dogs and candles

For dogs, the biggest risks are burns, knocked-over candles, and curiosity. Use a heavy, stable surface where a wagging tail cannot reach.

  • Avoid low tables and edges.
  • Keep packaging, matches, and lighters away from chewing.
  • If your dog is sensitive (allergies or respiratory issues), choose lighter fragrance and shorter burn sessions.
  • Extra care should be taken with brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds such as Pugs or Bulldogs, as they may have more sensitive airways.

Fragrance and ingredients

Essential oils can be harmful to pets depending on the oil and exposure route, so extra caution is recommended, especially around cats. Scent Nation Australia does not use essential oils in our candles.

We use fragrance oils intended for candle making and used within IFRA guidelines for candle products. Our fragrance oils are phthalate-free (per supplier documentation).

How to burn candles safely around pets

  1. Choose the right spot: high, stable, heat-safe surface away from edges, curtains, and pet traffic.
  2. Ventilate: crack a window or ensure good airflow before lighting.
  3. First burn: burn briefly to see how strong it feels in your space.
  4. Wick care: trim the wick before each burn to reduce smoke and soot.
  5. Keep sessions short: avoid long burns in enclosed rooms.
  6. Watch your pet: if you notice any irritation or behaviour change, stop burning and ventilate immediately.

Signs your pet may be reacting

  • Coughing, sneezing, wheezing, watery eyes
  • Drooling, vomiting, lethargy
  • Unusual hiding, agitation, or restlessness
  • Any breathing change

If symptoms are significant, persistent, or include breathing changes, contact your veterinarian promptly.

Soy wax vs paraffin wax

Scent Nation Australia candles are made with 100% soy wax. Paraffin wax is a refined wax derived from petroleum processing. When a candle burns, any flame can produce indoor air pollutants such as particulate matter and volatile organic compounds. The biggest driver of visible soot is usually how a candle is burned: wick length, drafts, an oversized flame, and very long burn sessions. Many people prefer soy wax because it is plant-based and can produce less visible soot under some conditions, especially when paired with good candle care.

How to minimise soot and smoke

  • Trim the wick before each burn
  • Avoid drafts (fans, air vents, open windows directly beside the flame)
  • Burn in a ventilated room
  • Avoid very long burn sessions in enclosed rooms

Soy wax and sustainability

Soy wax is made from soybean oil, a renewable plant-based feedstock. Paraffin wax is derived from petroleum processing, which is a non-renewable fossil resource. Renewable does not automatically mean impact-free, because environmental footprint depends on farming practices, land use, and transport. If you’re choosing candles for lower environmental impact, focus on a renewable wax choice, responsible burning so your candle lasts longer, and reusing or recycling the jar.

Relaxation-inspired scent profiles for some dogs

Some scent exposure research in dog environments suggests lavender and chamomile aromas are associated with calmer behaviour. Every dog is different, and these studies involve controlled scent exposure rather than candles. Scent Nation Australia treats these as relaxation-inspired scent profiles, not a treatment for anxiety. If your dog has ongoing anxiety or distress, a vet or qualified trainer can recommend evidence-based support.

Practical tip: keep fragrance light, ventilate well, and keep burn sessions short.

Pet safe candles Australia: frequently asked questions

Are scented candles safe around dogs and cats?

No candle is 100% risk-free around pets because it’s an open flame and it affects indoor air. Prioritise supervision, ventilation, shorter burn sessions, and keeping the candle well out of reach. Stop immediately if your pet shows irritation or breathing changes.

What makes a candle “pet-safer” than a regular candle?

Pet-safer means lower risk when used responsibly, not a guarantee. The biggest difference is how it’s used: ventilation, stable placement, supervision, lighter fragrance, and good wick care to reduce smoke.

Do your fragrances comply with IFRA standards?

Scent Nation Australia uses fragrance oils intended for candle making and used within IFRA guidelines for candle products.

Are essential oils safe around pets?

Essential oils can be harmful to pets depending on the oil and exposure route, so extra caution is recommended, especially around cats. Scent Nation Australia does not use essential oils in our candles. We use fragrance oils intended for candle making and used within IFRA guidelines for candle products.

What should I do if my pet reacts to a candle?

Stop burning it, move your pet to fresh air, ventilate the room, and monitor symptoms. If symptoms are significant, persistent, or involve breathing changes, contact your veterinarian promptly.

How do I choose a candle scent for a pet household?

Choose lighter scent profiles, avoid overpowering fragrance, and test with a short first burn in a ventilated room. When in doubt, less fragrance and shorter burn sessions are best.

Do soy wax candles create soot?

Any candle can create soot if it’s not burning efficiently. Trim the wick, avoid drafts, ventilate the room, and keep burn sessions moderate to minimise smoke and soot.

Are soy candles more environmentally friendly than paraffin candles?

Soy wax is plant-based and renewable, while paraffin wax is derived from petroleum, a non-renewable resource. Environmental impact varies with sourcing and supply chain factors, but many people choose soy as a more renewable option.

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Disclaimer

This page provides general information only and is not veterinary advice. For medical concerns or suspected toxicity, consult a veterinarian.