Using Home Fragrance Around Pets Safely.

For those of us with furry friends or cute critters in our homes, we want to know that any fragranced product we use is going to be safe. After all, they're more than just pets, they're beloved members of our family!

We are often asked whether our fragrances, particularly our wax melts, are safe to use around pets. We always give the same answer:

It's a little more complicated than simply saying "yes" or "no".

All Pets Are Different

Take our two French Bulldogs, Bree and Randall.

Bree is now 10 years old and, as a brachycephalic breed (short snout, flat-faced), is known to be at a higher risk of respiratory issues than many other dogs. She's an absolute joy and comes to work with us regularly in the Wax Den. Throughout her life, she has been around the fragrances we use every day and has never experienced any issues.

Then there's Randall.

At two years old, Randall is full of energy, curiosity and enthusiasm. If there's something to investigate, he'll investigate it. If there's something to knock over, he'll probably find it. Despite spending his days surrounded by fragrances at home and at work, he has never shown any sensitivity to the products we use either.

Likewise, we have thousands of customers who use fragranced products around their pets every day. In more than twelve years of making fragranced products, we've never had a customer report a problem with their pet as a result of using our wax melts.

So why don't we simply say our products are pet friendly?

Why We Don't Automatically Say "Pet Friendly"

The simple answer is that all animals are different.

Just like humans, pets can have allergies, sensitivities and medical conditions. Some are more sensitive than others. Some have respiratory conditions. Some will happily ignore a fragrance, while others might decide they don't like it and wander off to another room.

No responsible company can guarantee that every pet will react in exactly the same way.

That's why we're always cautious about making blanket claims.

Be Careful With "Pet Safe" Claims

A quick internet search will reveal hundreds of companies advertising "pet safe" or "pet friendly" fragrances.

We would encourage pet owners to approach these claims with a healthy dose of caution.

Let's take lavender essential oil as an example.

Lavender is often described as being safe around dogs when properly diluted. However, concentrated lavender oil can be harmful if ingested.

Similarly, limonene is a naturally occurring compound found in citrus fruits and many fragrance oils. Some people are sensitive to it, and some animals can be too. The risk in properly formulated home fragrance products is generally very low, but that doesn't mean every animal will react in exactly the same way.

The reality is that there is no universal fragrance that is guaranteed to suit every pet.

What We Recommend

You know your pet better than anyone.

You know their personality, their health history, their likes, dislikes and sensitivities.

Start there.

If your pet has a known respiratory condition, allergies or sensitivities, take extra care and seek professional advice if you're unsure.

Most importantly, do your research.

Not just a quick Google search and the first article that appears.

Take time to read different viewpoints and consider where the information is coming from. Some articles are written to sell products. Others may be based on limited evidence or personal opinion.

We love what we do and genuinely believe in the products we create, but we also believe in being honest and transparent so that you can make an informed decision for your own home.

Tips For Using Fragranced Products Around Pets

Think About Placement

Make sure your wax burner or warmer is somewhere your pet cannot reach, knock over or investigate.

This is particularly important if you have a curious pet like Randall who believes every surface in the house should be thoroughly inspected.

Consider An Electric Warmer

Electric warmers typically operate at lower temperatures than tea-light burners and may reduce the risk of injury if accidentally knocked.

Use Fragrance In Well-Ventilated Areas

Good airflow helps prevent fragrance from building up too heavily in one area.

Give Pets A Choice

Dogs and cats are perfectly capable of deciding whether they like a scent.

If a fragrance is too strong for them, they will often choose to move elsewhere.

Leaving a door open or providing access to a fragrance-free room gives them that option.

Extra Care Around Birds And Reptiles

We would always advise avoiding fragranced products around birds and reptiles.

These animals have extremely sensitive respiratory systems and can be far more vulnerable to airborne products, including home fragrances and even some household cleaning products.

The Bottom Line

We love our pets and want what's best for them.

Bree and Randall are part of our family, just as your pets are part of yours.

While we've never experienced any issues using fragranced products around our own dogs, we also recognise that every animal is unique.

A careful, common-sense approach allows most pet owners to enjoy their favourite fragrances while still putting their pets first.

After all, a home should smell lovely, but not at the expense of the animals we share it with.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are wax melts safe around dogs?

Most dog owners use wax melts without issue, but every dog is different. Always ensure good ventilation and give pets the option to leave the room if they choose.

Are wax melts safe around cats?

Many cat owners use home fragrance products successfully, but cats can be sensitive to certain ingredients. If you have concerns, speak to your vet.

Should I use wax melts around birds?

We generally recommend avoiding fragranced products around birds due to their highly sensitive respiratory systems.

What should I do if my pet seems bothered by a fragrance?

Stop using the product, ventilate the area and seek veterinary advice if symptoms persist.

Can pets eat wax melts?

No. Wax melts should always be stored safely out of reach of pets and children.