Paws and Flames (Pet Safety)

If you are a proud plant parent or a devoted pet owner, bringing new fragrances into your home can sometimes feel stressful. Dogs and cats have incredibly sensitive respiratory systems and an acute sense of smell that is magnitudes stronger than ours.

If you've been avoiding your favorite scents out of safety anxiety, we have good news: you don't have to give up candles. You just have to know what is in them.

The Hidden Dangers: Paraffin and Toxic Oils
The main reason candles get a bad reputation for pet safety is due to cheap, mass-market manufacturing.

• Paraffin Wax: Derived from petroleum, paraffin releases toluene and benzene into the air when burned. These are harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for humans, but they are especially dangerous for smaller animals with delicate lungs.
• Harmful Essential Oils: Many people assume "essential oils" mean "safe." For pets, this is false. Oils like eucalyptus, tea tree, peppermint, citrus, and ylang-ylang are highly toxic to dogs and cats, particularly when diffused or burned in high concentrations.

Choosing a Pet-Safe Candle
To keep the air safe for your furry friends, always look for:

1. 100% Plant-Based Wax: Soy or coconut wax burns cleanly without producing toxic petro-soot.
2. Phthalate-Free Fragrances: Phthalates are chemical binders that can disrupt endocrine systems. Choosing phthalate-free, strictly regulated fragrance oils ensures a cleaner burn.
3. Cotton or Wood Wicks: Ensure the wicks do not contain lead or metal cores.

Practical Pet Safety Rules
Even with the cleanest, 100% vegan candle, you are still dealing with an open flame and a concentrated scent.

• High and Sturdy: Always place your candle on a sturdy surface well out of reach of happy, wagging dog tails and curious, jumping cats.
• Ventilation is Key: Never trap a pet in a room with a burning candle. Always leave the door open so your pet can leave the room if the fragrance becomes too overwhelming for their sensitive nose.
• Watch for Signs: If your pet starts sneezing, coughing, or rubbing their nose, extinguish the candle and open a window.

At PØURPØUR, our candles are 100% vegan, cruelty-free, and free from paraffin and phthalates, making them a much safer choice for your home. Keep the flame high, the door open, and enjoy a beautifully scented, pet-friendly space!