Are Bath And Body Works Candles Safe For Cats And Dogs? (Keep Safe)

Bath and Body Works candles may be unsafe for cats and dogs. These scented candles are made of paraffin wax which produces toxic chemicals when burnt. Although these chemicals are not produced in large quantities, cats and dogs have a higher sensitivity to smell than humans.

Bath and Body Works candles also contain fragrances and sometimes they even contain essential oils which might not go down well with your pets. While it is good to keep your house smelling great, leave an open door for your pets and make sure the room is well aired.

In this article, we would see if Bath and Body Works candles are safe for cats and dogs and other safe candle options you can find.

A photo of a cat and dog sat together
Did you know that Bath And Body Works candles could actually be harmful to your cats and dogs?

WHAT ARE BATH AND BODY WORK CANDLES?

It is most likely that you have come across the name before because, through the years, Bath and Body Works has become a household name in the United States. Having started up in 1990, Bath and Body Works sells products from skincare to candles. There are many varieties of scented candles that have become popular household items. They are even a direct competitor to Yankee Candle in the candle making industry.

However, pet owners have been worried about how safe these candles are for their pets, especially cats and dogs. So are Bath and Body Works candles safe for these furry pets?

ARE BATH AND BODY WORKS CANDLES SAFE FOR CATS?

Bath and Body Works candles are listed as pet friendly, but it depends on your pet’s sensitivity. So generally, these scented candles can be unsafe for cats. Why is this?

Bath and Body Works candles contain vegetable wax, paraffin wax, and soy. Paraffin is tagged hazardous to health because it produces chemical substances like benzene and toluene when burnt. When burnt, candle wax gives off soot that releases Volatile Organic Compounds VOCs and particulate matter into the air.

Cats are highly sensitive to scents, even more than dogs are, and they do not process scents the way we do. This is why you should be careful when burning scented candles that are made of paraffin, like Bath and Body Works candles.

It could also affect cats that have asthma and allergies, worsening their health conditions. Even felines with flatter noses might find it difficult to breathe around burning candles.

Is it just the paraffin that is toxic?

No. Bath and Body Works candles are best known for their great scents. They offer a luxury of choices to pick from. These scents are achieved by adding fragrances. Now, there are lots of fragrances out there; overwhelming ones or mild ones, etc. Who knows which fragrance is bad for your cat.

Fragrances increase the amount of VOCs that are emitted, which consequently increases the toxicity level and your cat’s chances of reacting to the scent. Not to mention that some of these candles contain essential oils.

Essential oils possess great health benefits but some of them are considered harmful to cats. For example Peppermint essential oil is highly toxic to your pets. You should want to watch out for what you purchase if you want to keep your feline friends safe.

ARE BATH AND BODY WORKS CANDLES SAFE FOR DOGS?

Just like cats, dogs are also highly sensitive to smell, and burning these paraffin-based candles can be harmful to them. So are Bath And Body Works candles safe for dogs? The harmful chemical substances can cause reactions in the dog, especially if you fail to properly ventilate the room. Besides the soot factor that can cause allergies and respiratory problems, perfumes are another thing.

For dogs too, the perfume scent can also be unsafe. The fragrance may irritate their respiratory tracts and cause reactions. It could even worsen respiratory problems like asthma, and bronchitis. Most importantly is the presence of essential oils in recent Bath and Body Works candles. Since some essential oils have been certified as being harmful to dogs, these scented candles are not safe for dogs.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS TO SHOW THAT YOUR PET IS NEGATIVELY REACTING TO A SCENT?

If your pets are very sensitive to smell, you most probably would have noticed. Here are some symptoms your pet might have if it is reacting to a scent.

  • Skin or eye burns
  • Stomach or intestinal ulcers
  • Diarrhea
  • Runny nose
  • Breathing or neurologic problems
  • Watery eyes
  • Cough
  • Sneezing
  • Itching.

If you notice your pet has more than one of these symptoms when you are burning candles, it means your pet is allergic to that scent. Also, meet your doctor to know if there is anything you would need to do.

ARE THERE CANDLES THAT ARE SAFER FOR CATS AND DOGS?

Unlike Bath and Body Works candles, there are candles made from 100% vegetable wax. They are made from plant products, and therefore, considered cleaner burning candles because they are natural.

These candles are considered safer for the health than candles like Bath and Body Works’ which still contain paraffin wax. Such candles include those made of soy wax, beeswax, and coconut wax. However, this does not remove the scent problem.

Getting soy wax or beeswax that have essential oils in them or scented perfumes, could still be unsafe for your pet’s health. So one important thing is to know which essential oils are considered harmful to cats and dogs before getting a particular scented candle. Also, make sure the room is properly ventilated and the doors are open in case they need to leave.

One general precautionary measure is to keep candles out of the reach of pets. Sometimes the smell might be so pleasant that they might try eating it. Besides this, they could also knock a candle over while trying to play with the fire.

CONCLUSION

Burning Bath and Body Works candles have great aesthetics and aromatic benefits, but if you have pets like cats and dogs, you need to consider the health of your pet friends. Bath and Body Works candles contain paraffin which can be harmful, so think of your pet’s sensitivity before you burn one around them.

However, this might not mean that you have to rule out these scented candles. If you burn them in a ventilated room and choose products with safe essential oils for pets, you can as well enjoy your scented candles. Just don’t burn too many at a time. Sounds like a lot of stress? You can opt for cleaner candles with pet-friendly scents and that are not as expensive as Bath And Body Works candles

Andrew Scents and Aroma