Candles & Pets

Walking through a candle shop, a store, or browsing social media, and you’ll likely see products proudly labeled “Made with Essential Oils” or “100% Natural.” While these phrases sound reassuring, they don’t automatically make a candle safer for your pets.

At Anchor 13, we believe transparency is just as important as craftsmanship! Understanding the difference between fragrance oils and essential oils is essential being a pet owner.

I will be taking you on a journey of how they may affect dogs and cats; helping you make informed decisions for your home.

What Are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are highly concentrated aromatic compounds extracted directly from plants. Depending on the plant, they may be obtained through steam distillation, cold pressing, or other extraction methods.

Because they are derived from natural sources, many people assume they are inherently safer than synthetic ingredients. In reality, “natural” does not always mean “harmless.”

Many essential oils contain naturally occurring compounds that can be irritating or toxic to pets, particularly cats.

What Are Fragrance Oils?

Fragrance oils are carefully formulated blends of aromatic ingredients. They can contain naturally derived materials, synthetic aroma molecules, or a combination of both.

Modern fragrance chemistry allows perfumers to recreate the scent of flowers, fruits, woods, and spices while avoiding certain naturally occurring compounds that may present greater safety concerns. Many fragrance ingredients have also undergone extensive safety evaluation for their intended use in consumer products.

Just as with essential oils, however, not every fragrance oil is the same! Safety depends on the specific ingredients, concentration, and intended application. It’s not simply whether it is labeled “natural” or “synthetic.”

Why Cats Are Especially Sensitive

Cats process certain chemicals differently than humans and even dogs!

Their livers have a reduced ability to metabolize some compounds commonly found in essential oils, including certain phenols and terpenes. As a result, repeated or significant exposure to these substances may increase the risk of adverse effects.

Some essential oils that have raised concerns for cats include:

• Tea tree

• Eucalyptus

• Pennyroyal (A plant similar to spearmint- related to the mint family)

• Cinnamon bark

• Clove

• Wintergreen

• Pine oils

• Certain citrus oils in concentrated forms, such as bergamot, grapefruit, lemon, lime, mandarin, orange, and tangerine.

This does not mean every candle containing these scents is automatically dangerous. The amount present in a finished candle is typically much lower than in concentrated essential oil products. However, burning any scented product in a poorly ventilated area or allowing pets direct access to concentrated oils should be avoided.

Dogs Are Generally More Tolerant, but Not Immune

Dogs are typically less sensitive than cats to many aromatic compounds, but they can still experience irritation or adverse effects.

Signs of sensitivity may include:

• Sneezing or coughing

• Watery eyes

• Excessive drooling

• Vomiting

• Lethargy

• Difficulty breathing

If your dog has asthma, respiratory disease, or another underlying health condition, it may be more susceptible to airborne irritants.

Are Fragrance Oils Safer Than Essential Oils?

Essential oils are not automatically safer because they come from plants, and fragrance oils are not automatically more dangerous because they are synthesized.

The overall safety of a candle depends on factors such as:

• The specific aromatic ingredients used

• Ingredient quality and purity

• Fragrance concentration

• Proper formulation

• Burn quality

• Room ventilation

• The pets ability to leave the room if they choose

A thoughtfully formulated fragrance oil may avoid certain compounds that naturally occur in essential oils, while a poorly chosen essential oil blend could present greater concerns.

Tips for Burning Candles Around Pets

If you share your home with a furry family member, a few simple precautions can make a meaningful difference:

• Burn candles in a well-ventilated room.

• Never burn candles in a small, enclosed space.

• Keep candles completely out of your pets’ reach.

• Allow your pet to leave the room if they choose.

• Never diffuse or apply concentrated essential oils directly around pets

• If your pet appears uncomfortable while a candle is burning, extinguish it immediately.

Our Philosophy

At Anchor 13, our goal is to create beautiful fragrances without compromising thoughtful ingredient selection.

Rather than assuming “natural” always means safer, we evaluate ingredients based on their chemistry, intended use, and responsible formulation. We believe informed choices and honest conversations lead to better products and happier homes!

Whether you choose candles made with fragrance oils or essential oils, understanding what’s inside them is the first step toward creating a home that’s both inviting and considerate of every member of your family, including the four legged members.