Anisha Riggs
Burning incense is a common way to fill your home with a pleasant fragrance, but it can be harmful to dogs. Incense smoke contains chemicals and pollutants, including volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides, which can cause respiratory issues in dogs, especially those with pre-existing conditions like asthma. Sandalwood incense, in particular, is recommended to be avoided for all animals. While the incense wood itself may not be toxic, dogs can have upset stomachs or vomiting and diarrhoea if they are sensitive to it. To keep your dog safe, it is best to avoid burning incense around them, ensure proper ventilation, and choose pet-friendly alternatives.
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What You'll Learn
Incense smoke and dogs' respiratory systems
Dogs have a much stronger sense of smell than humans. They can smell at least 10,000 times more acutely than humans, identifying aromas from as far away as 60 feet. They spend about a third of their time sniffing, so a dog’s sense of smell plays a much larger role in their life than smelling does in a human's. This means the scents used around the home, including incense, can affect them.
The smoke from burning incense can irritate a dog's respiratory system and cause health concerns. Dogs with pre-existing respiratory issues, such as asthma, and brachycephalic breeds (pugs, bulldogs, shih tzus, and "smoosh-faced" dogs) are more at risk. The smoke and fragrance from incense can irritate their sensitive noses and airways, causing respiratory issues. Inhaling large amounts of incense smoke can also lead to more serious respiratory problems such as recurring colds, bronchitis, or pneumonia.
Burning incense produces smoke and chemicals that may be harmful to dogs, especially if they have pre-existing respiratory issues. Symptoms of incense poisoning in pets include coughing, sneezing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, and in severe cases, tremors or seizures. Other signs of incense poisoning in pets can include excessive drooling, vomiting, lethargy, or weakness.
To keep your dog safe from the potential dangers of incense smoke, avoid using strong-scented or synthetic types and opt for pet-friendly aromatherapy alternatives. Ensure proper ventilation when burning incense, and never leave it unattended around pets to minimise their exposure to the smoke. If you notice your dog exhibiting any of the symptoms listed above, seek immediate veterinary care.
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The impact of sandalwood incense on dogs with asthma
Brachycephalic breeds, such as pugs, bulldogs, and shih tzus, are of particular concern due to their unique facial structure, which makes them more prone to smoke inhalation. The smoke and particles emitted from burning incense can lead to respiratory issues, including asthma attacks, coughing, and sneezing, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, incense poisoning in dogs can cause tremors, seizures, or even collapse.
To minimise the impact of sandalwood incense on dogs with asthma, it is crucial to prioritise proper ventilation and air quality. Opening windows or using air purifiers with HEPA filters can help reduce smoke exposure. However, the safest option is to avoid burning incense altogether, especially in enclosed spaces, and opt for pet-friendly alternatives like essential oils, candles, or natural air fresheners.
It is important to closely monitor your dog's reaction to incense and be vigilant about their asthma symptoms. If you notice any adverse effects, such as increased coughing, sneezing, or breathing difficulties, discontinue the use of incense immediately and consult your veterinarian. The health and safety of your dog should always come first, so it is recommended to err on the side of caution when it comes to potential respiratory irritants like incense.
While the impact of sandalwood incense on dogs with asthma may vary depending on the individual dog's sensitivity and the ventilation of the space, it is always best to prioritise your dog's respiratory health and opt for alternative ways to enjoy fragrances in your home.
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Precautions to take when burning sandalwood incense around dogs
While incense can be calming for pet owners, the impact of burning incense around dogs is a cause for concern. The following precautions can help safeguard your dog's health and overall well-being:
Ventilation: Proper ventilation is crucial when burning incense around dogs. Open windows, doors, or use a fan to ensure adequate airflow and minimise the concentration of smoke. Burning incense near a screened window or door can also help.
Separate Space: Create a separate space for your dog away from the incense. Restrict the burning of incense to a single room that your dog does not have access to, or allow them to move to another room if they wish.
Limited Exposure: Minimise your dog's exposure to incense smoke by not leaving it unattended around them. Avoid burning incense while your dog is in the same room, and ensure they have the option to leave the area if they find the scent unpleasant.
Monitor for Symptoms: Pay close attention to your dog's behaviour and health before, during, and after burning incense. Watch for signs of respiratory distress, such as coughing, sneezing, runny nose, watery eyes, or heavy breathing. Also, look out for vomiting, diarrhoea, or increased sleeping, as these could indicate incense sensitivity.
Alternative Options: Consider using pet-friendly aromatherapy alternatives or non-toxic herbs and spices like basil, sage, or thyme to create a gentle aroma without the potential risks associated with incense.
Veterinary Advice: Consult your veterinarian before introducing incense into your home. They can advise on specific ingredients or scents that may be unsafe for your dog and provide guidance on appropriate precautions to ensure your dog's safety.
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Symptoms of sandalwood incense poisoning in dogs
While the incense wood itself is not necessarily toxic to dogs, the smoke and particles emitted from burning sandalwood incense can irritate a dog's respiratory system and cause health issues. Dogs with pre-existing respiratory issues, such as asthma, and brachycephalic breeds (pugs, bulldogs, shih tzus, and "smoosh-faced" dogs) are more at risk of developing respiratory problems from incense smoke exposure.
If you observe any of these symptoms in your dog after exposure to sandalwood incense, it is crucial to remove the incense immediately and seek veterinary advice to ensure appropriate care and treatment. It is also important to maintain proper ventilation and avoid leaving incense unattended around dogs to minimise their exposure to the smoke.
Additionally, some dogs may experience an allergic reaction to certain ingredients in incense, such as phenols and essential oils. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include skin irritation, inflammation, and redness, in addition to respiratory issues. Monitoring your dog closely for any signs of illness or distress after incense exposure is essential, and veterinary advice should be sought if any concerning symptoms arise.
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Safer alternatives to sandalwood incense
Incense smoke can irritate a dog's respiratory system, especially in dogs with pre-existing respiratory issues, allergies, or sensitivity to strong scents. The harmful effects of incense on dogs often go unnoticed and can cause coughing, sneezing, and wheezing. In severe cases, incense poisoning in dogs can lead to tremors, seizures, and collapse.
If you want to burn incense, it is recommended to take safety precautions to lower the risk of your dog developing breathing problems. This includes burning incense in a well-ventilated room that your dog does not have access to and paying close attention to your dog for any signs of discomfort. If you notice symptoms such as a runny nose, watery eyes, or heavy breathing, stop burning the incense immediately and consult your veterinarian.
- Sustainably-produced Sandalwood incense: If you still want to enjoy the scent of sandalwood, opt for sustainably-sourced alternatives. Australian sandalwood, for example, is cultivated sustainably and has a similar aroma to Indian sandalwood. Companies like Quintis offer both Australian and Indian sandalwood products at a reasonable price.
- Other types of incense: Consider exploring other types of incense with different base ingredients. Frankincense, copal, and benzoin are popular choices that may be less likely to irritate your dog's respiratory system.
- Pet-friendly aromatherapy: Opt for pet-friendly aromatherapy alternatives that do not produce smoke or release harmful chemicals. These can provide a pleasant fragrance without compromising your dog's health.
- Air fresheners: While air fresheners can still irritate some dogs, they are generally considered a safer alternative to scented candles. However, always pay close attention to your dog's reaction when using air fresheners, and discontinue use if they exhibit any signs of discomfort.
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Frequently asked questions
No, it is not safe to burn sandalwood incense around dogs. Sandalwood incense smoke contains chemicals and pollutants, including volatile organic compounds, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, and nitrogen oxides, which can be harmful to dogs. Dogs have a keener sense of smell than humans, and their lungs are smaller and more sensitive to smoke.
The side effects of sandalwood incense on dogs can include coughing, sneezing, wheezing, difficulty breathing, vomiting, lethargy, weakness, and in severe cases, tremors, seizures, and collapse. If your dog is exhibiting any of these symptoms, seek immediate veterinary care.
Yes, there are some alternatives to sandalwood incense that may be safer for dogs. These include heating up a pot of water with non-toxic herbs or spices such as basil, sage, or thyme, using a potpourri bag with dried petals of non-toxic plants, or burning incense in a well-ventilated area away from your dog, such as on a deck or balcony. It is also recommended to avoid strong floral or citrus scents, as well as specific aromatic plant materials and essential oils, such as benzoin, camphor, cedarwood, cinnamon, eucalyptus, myrrh, patchouli, and frankincense.
