Strong Scents: Harmful To Animals' Health?

Strong fragrances can cause a range of adverse health effects in both humans and animals. In humans, exposure to fragrances can lead to respiratory issues, migraines, eye irritation, nausea, and even seizures. Similarly, pets can experience digestive issues, respiratory distress, and skin irritation when exposed to certain scents. With their heightened sense of smell, strong fragrances can be particularly overwhelming for animals, and in some cases, it is possible that strong fragrances may contribute to vomiting in animals.

Essential oils and pets

Essential oils are organic compounds made by plants. They are popular for their health benefits for humans, such as clearing nasal congestion and soothing anxiety. However, they can be harmful to pets.

The answer is not a simple yes or no. Essential oils can be harmful to pets depending on factors such as concentration level and formulation. In their concentrated form, essential oils can be dangerous for pets. Cats are more sensitive to essential oils than dogs, and it is recommended that cats and essential oils do not mix.

If a pet ingests concentrated essential oils, it may experience vomiting, diarrhoea, and depression. Other symptoms of essential oil poisoning include unsteadiness on the feet, low body temperature, watery nose or eyes, redness of the lips, gums, tongue, or skin, drooling, difficulty breathing, panting, coughing, wheezing, lethargy, tremors, and wobbliness.

How to Use Essential Oils Safely Around Pets

To use essential oils safely around pets, it is recommended to keep all essential oils out of reach of pets. If using essential oils for cleaning, ensure that the pet is not present, and allow the oil to dry completely before letting the pet come into contact with the surfaces. Do not apply essential oils directly on a pet's coat. When using a diffuser, ensure that it is placed in a secure area that the pet cannot access, and for a short period of time.

Air fresheners and pets

As pet parents, it's important to create a safe and healthy environment for our furry friends. This includes being mindful of the products we use, such as air fresheners, which can sometimes pose risks to our pets' health. While we may enjoy a pleasant-smelling home, it's crucial to understand the potential impact on our animal companions.

The Potential Dangers of Air Fresheners

Air fresheners often contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs). These are organic chemicals that easily turn into gases or vapours at room temperature. While this property makes them effective at masking unwanted scents, it also means they can have negative implications for our pets. VOCs are also found in paints, varnishes, fossil fuels, and cigarette smoke—substances we certainly wouldn't want in our living spaces.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, exposure to VOCs can lead to eye, nose, and throat irritation, headaches, loss of coordination, lethargy, nausea, and even damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system. Some VOCs are known or suspected carcinogens, posing a serious health risk to both animals and humans.

The Impact on Pets

Pets, such as cats and dogs, have a much stronger sense of smell than humans. They can detect a wider range of odours and in much smaller concentrations. This means that air fresheners, even those labelled as "green" or "organic," can be overwhelming to their sensitive noses and have harmful effects.

When exposed to air fresheners, pets may exhibit immediate reactions such as coughing, sneezing, or eye and nose discharge. They may also experience vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, and loss of appetite. Ingesting air fresheners can be even more dangerous, potentially causing gastrointestinal issues and, in some cases, neurological problems.

Alternative Options

To create a pleasant-smelling environment while also ensuring the safety of our pets, there are some alternative options to consider:

• Natural ventilation: Opening windows and improving airflow can help reduce the need for artificial air fresheners.
• Pet-friendly air fresheners: Some products are specifically designed to be safe for use around pets. Look for natural, non-toxic options that use ingredients like essential oils and avoid harmful chemicals.
• Odour-absorbing products: Instead of masking odours, consider using products that absorb and eliminate odours, such as charcoal bags or odour-absorbing gels.
• Pet odour eliminators: Targeted products that address pet-specific odours can be a safer alternative to traditional air fresheners.
• Natural odour-fighting solutions: Simmering pots with ingredients like cinnamon, cloves, or vanilla can create a pleasant scent without the risks of artificial air fresheners.

While we may enjoy the scent of air fresheners, it's important to remember that our pets' senses and physiology are different from ours. By being mindful of the potential risks and opting for pet-safe alternatives, we can create a healthy and pleasant environment for both our human and furry family members.

Incense and pets

The use of incense is common in most religious and spiritual paths around the world. However, if you have pets, it's important to consider the effects it can have on them.

The Impact of Incense on Pets

Incense smoke contains a mixture of potentially harmful substances, including particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides. These pollutants can have adverse effects on pets because their respiratory systems are more sensitive than humans.

Particulate matter can penetrate deep into their respiratory systems, exacerbating asthma, chronic bronchitis, and lung diseases, or increasing the risk of respiratory inflammation or infection. Carbon monoxide can lead to oxygen deficiency, causing confusion, weakness, loss of consciousness, and even death in severe cases. Additionally, some aromatic plant materials and essential oils can be toxic to pets.

Precautions to Take When Using Incense with Pets

If you choose to burn incense in a home with pets, here are some precautions to take:

• Ensure good ventilation in the room where you burn incense.
• Avoid burning incense while your pets are in the room.
• Refrain from using strong scents like benzoin, camphor, cedarwood, cinnamon, eucalyptus, myrrh, patchouli, and sandalwood.
• Avoid floral or citrus scents, especially around cats.
• Choose incense with natural ingredients, such as basil, sage, or thyme.
• Use an air purifier before allowing pets back into the room where incense was burned.
• Do not leave incense within your pet's reach to prevent ingestion.

Signs of Discomfort in Pets

Watch for signs of discomfort in your pets, such as difficulty in breathing, sneezing, coughing, vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, tremors, seizures, or diarrhea. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical attention for your pet.

Alternatives to Incense

If you're concerned about the risks of incense, consider alternatives to scent your home:

• Heat water with non-toxic herbs or spices such as basil, sage, or thyme to fill your home with a gentle aroma.
• Place potpourri bags in areas out of your pet's reach, including dried petals of non-toxic plants for a subtle scent.
• Use pet-friendly incense products specifically designed for homes with pets.

Scented candles and pets

Scented candles are a common household item, used to create a cosy and relaxing atmosphere. However, as a pet owner, it's important to be aware of the potential risks that scented candles can pose to your furry friends.

The Dangers of Scented Candles for Pets

While we may enjoy the aroma of certain scented candles, some scents can be toxic to dogs and cats. For example, citrus-scented candles contain essential oils that can be harmful to a dog's respiratory system, causing breathing difficulties, coughing and wheezing. If ingested, these oils can also cause vomiting and diarrhoea. Cinnamon candles contain cinnamaldehyde, which can cause skin irritation and breathing problems in dogs. Eucalyptus essential oil is not suitable for pets as it can depress their nervous system, leading to lethargy or even seizures. Pine-scented candles contain pine oil, which can cause gastrointestinal issues such as vomiting and diarrhoea if ingested by dogs. Vanilla-scented candles often contain a chemical called coumarin, which can be toxic to dogs and cause liver damage when consumed in large quantities.

In addition to the specific scent risks, the burning of candles can release artificial chemicals into the air, exacerbating respiratory conditions such as asthma in both humans and pets. Synthetic fragrances and carcinogenic soot from paraffin candles, a petroleum product, are particular culprits. Phthalates, another airborne product released from burning candles, have been linked to endocrine system disruption and an increased risk of diabetes, birth defects and cancer.

The enticing smells of candles can also tempt dogs to nibble on the wax or ingest the oils, leading to an upset stomach and diarrhoea. However, the more serious concern is with essential oils, which can cause severe illness or even death in pets, depending on the concentration and formulation. Just a few drops of tea tree or eucalyptus oil can lead to weakness, depression, seizures, low body temperature, salivation, vomiting, diarrhoea and, in some cases, death.

Safe Alternatives

To minimise the risks to your pets, there are some safer alternatives to scented candles. Unscented or soy-based candles are less likely to contain harmful chemicals. When purchasing scented candles, opt for those made from natural ingredients such as soy, beeswax or bluecorn, and avoid artificial fragrances. A cotton wick is also cleaner to burn than those with metal wires, which may emit heavy metals. Sprays like Febreze are generally safe, although direct contact with pets should be avoided as they can irritate the skin or stomach.

Precautions

Even when using safer alternatives, it's important to take some precautions to protect your pets. Always keep candles and diffusers out of reach, as pets are susceptible to burns from hot wax and flames. Wide-based candles placed in a dish of water can reduce the risk of fire. Ensure good ventilation when using scented candles or diffusers, and monitor your pets for any signs of discomfort or sensitivity. If you're unsure about using fragrance products, seek advice from vets or other pet care professionals.

Natural alternatives to air fresheners

Strong fragrances can cause health issues in both humans and animals. In humans, one-third of 1,098 Australians surveyed reported experiencing health issues due to scented products, including respiratory problems, migraines, eye irritation, and nausea. Similarly, animals, with their more acute sense of smell, can be highly sensitive to fragrances and are susceptible to health issues such as vomiting and digestive problems. To avoid these issues, here are some natural alternatives to traditional air fresheners:

Stovetop Potpourri

Create your own stovetop potpourri by heating aromatic ingredients in a pan of water. For a fresh summer scent, try a combination of lemon and rosemary. Alternatively, cinnamon and cranberries can evoke the holiday spirit. This method fills your home with a subtle fragrance and can be customised with your choice of ingredients.

Kitchen Herb Garden

Grow culinary herbs indoors to fill your kitchen with natural fragrances. Herbs like lemon balm and lavender can be placed in other rooms to freshen the scent. For example, a pot of lavender in the bedroom can create a soothing, spa-like aroma.

Reed Diffusers

Reed diffusers are a flameless alternative to scented candles. Place rattan reeds or bamboo skewers in a container with fragrant oil, and they will naturally disperse the scent into the air. You can make your own reed diffuser at home by using a glass or ceramic container, essential oils of your choice, and a base oil like almond or safflower oil.

Essential Oil Spray

Create your own natural scent spray by mixing a cup of water, a pinch of baking soda, and 3-5 drops of your favourite essential oil in a spray bottle. Citrus oils like lemon and orange are popular choices for a clean, fresh scent.

Fresh Flowers

Flowers are a natural way to make your home smell like spring. Scented geraniums, orchids, and jasmines offer a range of colours and fragrances. You can also try indoor-grown scented garden plants like hyacinths and peonies to fill your home with natural aromas.

Natural Air Purifier Bags

Natural air purifier bags, often filled with bamboo charcoal, are great for absorbing odours and removing moisture from the air. They are ideal for small spaces like wardrobes, cars, or bathrooms, helping to eliminate stale smells.

Open Windows

Sometimes, the simplest solution is best. When the weather permits, open all the windows in your home to let the fresh breeze circulate and dissipate any unpleasant odours.

Frequently asked questions