A woman standing by the coast with her dog, alongside a lit Ruth at Essence Paradise Beach candle and the text “Are candles safe for animals? Let’s have a chat…” promoting a new blog post.

Are Candles Safe for Animals? A Gentle Guide for Pet-Loving Homes

Are Candles Safe for Animals? A Gentle Guide for Pet-Loving Homes

Here at Ruth at Essence, our homes are filled with soft light, calming scents, and — of course — the happy little footsteps (or snoozy sighs) of our furry friends. As a proud dog mum myself, I know how important it is to create a space that feels both indulgent and safe for everyone, pets included.

One question we hear often is: “Are candles safe for animals?”
Let’s chat about it.

The Short Answer: It Depends on What’s Inside

Not all candles are created equally. Many high street candles contain paraffin wax, synthetic fragrances, and hidden nasties that can release toxins into the air — the kind that aren’t great for you, let alone your pets. Animals are especially sensitive to scent and air quality, and their little bodies can be more vulnerable to irritants than ours.

That’s why it matters to know what’s in your candle.

Why Our Candles Are Pet-Friendly

At Ruth at Essence, we lovingly handcraft each candle using:

  • 100% natural soy wax – clean-burning and free from petroleum-based ingredients

  • Vegan-friendly, cruelty-free fragrances – no animal testing, ever

  • Essential oil blends and premium fragrance oils – selected with care for gentle diffusion

We steer clear of paraffin, phthalates, and synthetic dyes, which can all pose risks to both humans and pets. Our scents are designed to be subtle yet effective — never overpowering or irritating.

Tips for Burning Candles in a Pet-Friendly Home

Even with the cleanest ingredients, it's always good to follow a few safety tips:

  • 🕯️ Keep candles out of reach – curious tails and paws can be clumsy near open flames!

  • 🪟 Ventilate the room – fresh air is always a good idea, especially in smaller spaces

  • ⏳ Don’t burn for hours on end – 1–2 hours is plenty to scent a room without overdoing it

  • 🐾 Watch for signs of sensitivity – sneezing, coughing, or unusual behaviour? Blow it out and check in with your vet

What About Reed Diffusers?

Our reed diffusers are another beautiful way to scent your home — no flame required. They’re made with the same care and clean ingredients as our candles and can be a brilliant option if you have especially active pets or prefer a constant, gentle scent.

In Short: Candles can be safe for animals — if you choose the right ones and use them mindfully. At Ruth at Essence, you’ll always find peace of mind in every product we make. Because your home should be a haven for all its residents, paws and all.

If you ever have questions about ingredients or want help picking the perfect pet-friendly scent, just drop me a message. I’m always happy to help.

With love, 
Ruth x

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