As autumn arrives and the weather cools down, many people get excited about buying candles, nice-smelling items, and decorations to make their homes feel cozy. But here’s something surprising: those things that bring you happiness might actually hurt your pets. The flickering candlelight, the strong smell of cinnamon in the room, and other seasonal decorations could secretly be dangerous for your furry friends.
What Makes Autumn Candles Risky for Pets?
Pumpkin spice and cinnamon-scented candles are popular during autumn. Sadly, these candles may spread harmful chemicals. Andrew Leal, who leads the pet insurance company Waggel, warns about dangers hiding in these seasonal items we love.
Some of these candles use paraffin wax. When lit, this wax turns into harmful gases including benzene and formaldehyde. Pets are really sensitive to these chemicals. Because they are smaller and breathe faster, what seems like a small problem for you could be very dangerous for them. Dogs, cats, and birds can get breathing problems, allergies, or even poisoning.
Some problems include:
Paraffin Wax is Dangerous: Often found in candles but gives off harmful chemicals when burned.
Synthetic Scents Affect Breathing: Scented sprays and oils might make your pet cough, sneeze, or have trouble breathing. In extreme cases, it can make them very sick.
Seasonal Scents: Danger Hidden Inside Your Favorite Smells
Imagine sitting in a room filled with the lovely smell of pine or eucalyptus. It feels perfect, right? But for your pet, these oils can be a lot worse. Andrew Leal says oils like peppermint, clove, eucalyptus, tea tree, and pine are common during autumn but can harm pets. Your pet might get hurt just by breathing in, eating, or rubbing against these oils.
Pets and Candles Don’t Mix Well
Pets love to explore. A tail swish or playful jump could flip over your favorite candle. What could happen? Pets might burn themselves, or worse, your house could catch fire. Pets shouldn’t be left alone when candles are burning. Always watch them carefully to avoid disaster.
Other Autumn Dangers in Your Home
Candles aren’t the only problem. Leal points out that as we switch decorations with the season, new items show up in the home. Pets might chew, lick, or touch these items, putting them at risk. Here are 9 more risks to think about as autumn rolls in
1. Dangerous Plants: Autumn plants like chrysanthemums look nice but are poisonous if your pet eats them.
2. Cleaning Products: Flu season means more disinfecting, but cleaning chemicals can hurt pets if they touch or lick them.
3. Medicine: Even common painkillers like ibuprofen can be deadly, so store medicine where pets can’t reach.
4. Chocolate: As Halloween approaches, watch out! Chocolate might be okay for you but it can be very harmful for dogs.
5. Bones from Food: Thanksgiving leftovers might tempt you to give bones to your pet, but cooked bones can break and cause injury.
6. Open Trash Bins: Pets love to dig through garbage, but old food or trash can make them very sick.
7. Seasonal Decor: Decorations can be fun for pets to play with, but they could choke or get shocked.
8. Pest Killers: As we try to keep bugs and rodents out of our homes, the pesticides we use can hurt pets.
9. Essential Oils: Often used for fresh smells, large amounts of these oils can make pets very sick.
Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe This Autumn
Autumn doesn’t need to be dangerous for your pet. Follow these tips to enjoy a cozy home and keep your pets safe
1. Choose Soy or Beeswax Candles: These kinds of candles don’t release harmful chemicals. Look for unscented or pet-friendly options.
2. Use Safe Air Fresheners: Instead of sprays, you can simmer cinnamon sticks or orange slices in water. This gives a warm scent without危险
3. Keep Candles Away: Put your candles on really high spots where pets probably can’t reach them. Never leave them burning if you’re not around.
4. Pick Safe Plants: Love plants? Choose ones that won’t harm pets like spider plants ferns or African violets.
5. Watch Your Pet’s Reaction: What didn’t bother your pet last year might cause problems now. Do they sneeze or cough or lick too much? Is something off? Maybe contact your vet.
6. Keep Things Safe: Secure trash and use safe cleaning stuff. Why risk a pet’s health?
7. Teach Your Guests: If friends visit remind them to keep bags and things like pills or candy far from your pets.
As autumn starts and cozy nights grow common extra care becomes important. Your pets need to feel safe just like you.
Before lighting that candle or spraying something look for hidden risks. Pets trust us to keep them safe. Small changes help enjoy the season without danger.
Interested in more tips? Check out Waggel for advice and special pet insurance.
