dog friendly

we all love a great smelling home, that's a given, but when you add dogs into the mix it gets a bit trickier! 

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to be clear, no scented candle or diffuser (or any other scent-filled items) can be classed as totally dog safe. just like humans have allergies, dogs can also have allergies and reactions to scents. however, there are some scents that are a complete no-go for dogs as they can be toxic. unfortunately, many of these scents are used in candles and diffusers and scent-lovers may be unaware of the harm they're causing

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we realise there are many different types of pets loved by you. our collections are focused on being dog-friendly. if you're unsure which fragrances are OK to use with your pet (for example, cats have different toxic reactions to dogs), please check with your vet before using any products

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many high-street and cheap candles are made using paraffin wax, a derivative of petroleum, which releases multiple toxins (including, but not limited to, acetaldehyde, benzene, formaldehyde, toluene and acrolein). these toxins can have a severe impact on dogs (and humans!), especially on the respiratory system. many candles also contain lead wicks (or wicks coated in petroleum), synthetic colours and fragrances containing parabens and phthalates. needless to say, these are all dangerous to use, especially around dogs

 

even some natural essential oils can be toxic to dogs and should be avoided (list of harmful essential oils below). just because an oil is natural, it doesn't mean it's always ok to use!

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dogs experience smells differently than we do. some scents that we love might be overwhelming to their super-noses (dogs can have up to 10,000 times our sense of smell!). that’s why it’s important to introduce new scents gradually and keep an eye on how your dog reacts. keep doors open so your dog can choose to leave the room if they want to. just like us, every dog is different and what's good for one may not be suitable for another. if you’re ever unsure, a chat with your vet is always a good idea​

 

some dogs may be more likely to have issues than others. for example, puppies (under 12 weeks old) may be particularly sensitive to fragrances. smaller dog breeds and short-nosed dogs may be at greater risk of respiratory issues. other groups that may have a higher risk include pregnant dogs, older dogs, and dogs who are recovering from illness or infection

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don't forget, dogs can also hugely benefit from fragrances (e.g. vanilla, coconut, lavender, chamomile - all have calming effects). the key is making sure the fragrances you use are safe and non-toxic, just like honey & me!