Still Using These? They’re More Harmful to Pets Than You’d Think

You’d think pet house candles, a bit of citronella, or even a salt lamp wouldn’t do much harm. They seem harmless enough. But turns out, quite a few everyday things around the home can actually be harmful to pets – and yes, that includes stuff that’s toxic to cats and dogs.

It’s why searches like “are citronella candles toxic to dogs” and “what’s harmful to pets” keep showing up more and more. Because sometimes the things that smell the nicest to us … aren’t so great for our furkids.

If that’s what brought you here, you’re in the right spot.

Harmful to pets? A little rearranging is in order

Anyone reading this who’s a parent – to a human or a pet – can probably relate right now. You’ll know how a gorgeous, scented candle can suddenly transform into a potential hazard. Or how power points that used to be so convenient suddenly just seem like raw electricity lying around waiting to be touched.

While not every pretty ornament will automatically become the boogieman, a few tactful rearrangements can make life so much easier.

You might find that goodies and gadgets which can be toxic or otherwise harmful to pets also look better covered up or packed away!

Let’s unpack these seemingly innocent household items that can harm your pets. So, you can start your reorganising.

Is deodorant toxic to cats and dogs?

We already know deodorant cans are bad for mother nature, but have you thought about the situation on the ground too? Even when they’re empty, pressurised cans still contain pressure and traces of deodorant that can be toxic to pets.

The contents of a deodorant can are flammable, which in and of itself might make you paws for thought. But more serious is if your furkid manages to pierce the can. Especially around a fire or other source of heat… can you say, ‘potential explosion’.

This may seem so unlikely that you’re willing to target the body odour and overlook the hazards but be aware.

One six-month-old puppy named Zeus chewed through a deodorant can in just a few unsupervised minutes. Although he miraculously escaped unharmed, the deodorant and the heat from a nearby lamp blew up the house.

Methinks we’re heading to the roll-on aisle… and packing deodorant in locked cupboards.

Are salt lamps safe for cats and dogs​?

Another seemingly unobtrusive danger is salt lamps. The pink crystal lamps look lovely, but they’re attractive to pets too and can cause salt poisoning. As it turns out, too much isn’t just dangerous to people, it can wreak havoc for a pet too.

Salt poisoning can make the brain swell, which affects coordination. It makes basic neurological functions like walking and hearing difficult – and it can be particularly toxic to cats, who are often drawn to the salty surface out of curiosity.

One Kiwi pet parent had to take her cat to an emergency vet visit when this exact thing happened in 2019. Lucy the cat had licked the Himalayan salt lamp and by the afternoon she couldn’t walk, hear or see properly. She couldn’t use her tongue normally either, affecting her ability to eat and drink.

It’s important not to keep salt lamps around pets, because even if they’re high up a cat can still reach them, and if bits of crystal break and fall a dog might eat one without you knowing.

Here’s what can happen if pets get sodium poisoning:

• Loss of coordination
• Vomiting or diarrhea
• Tremors
• Seizures
• Extreme thirst
• Coma
• Death

The same goes for items like pet house candles, which, despite their cosy charm, can sometimes include ingredients that aren’t as pet-safe as they appear…

Are candles harmful to pets?

Candles are a definite yes at romantic dinners and relaxing bath sides, but did you know they can be toxic to cats and dogs. That’s not to say you should stop having those candlelit nights, but here’s what you should know…

Candles are often made from chemicals like lead, formaldehyde, benzene, paraffin and other carcinogens which can be harmful to pets. Scented candles can pose the biggest danger to pets because they smell more enticing so meowser or woofer are more likely to take a bite.

And let’s face it, when did any dog just take one bite. Chances are, Rover is going to eat the whole candle or even the whole pack of candles – a big fat no-no.

Luckily, not all candles are made equal. There’s room for a workaround.

Although it might be a bit pricier, look for unscented candles made from pure beeswax, vegetable-based wax or coconut wax. These are safe for pets and good for the environment too! Speaking of good for the environment, read about sustainable dog food.

And lest we forget, always put those candles out once you’re leaving the room. A little paw or swish of the tail and a burning candle is a fire hazard. Let’s avoid that at all costs.

Watch our PD vet vlog for more pet poisons to out of pets’ reach:

This related question has been getting a lot of airtime lately – and it’s worth unpacking…

Are citronella candles toxic to dogs and cats?

Citronella tends to be seen as the ‘natural’ fix to keep flying insects at bay, especially when you’re trying to enjoy a meal outdoors without waving your arms around like you’re in a karate class. But while it does the trick with bugs, it’s not always so friendly to pets.

That’s why searches like “are citronella candles toxic to dogs” have been popping up more often. Just because something’s plant-derived doesn’t automatically mean it’s safe, especially when it comes to our furkids.

Citronella oil gives off compounds that can irritate your pet’s respiratory system, particularly when it’s released through sprays or burning candles. The risk ramps up in smaller or poorly ventilated spaces.

Even pet house candles that contain citronella can cause issues, especially with repeated exposure. And for cats, it’s even more serious – citronella is toxic to cats and can cause anything from mild irritation to more serious health concerns over time.

So, while that soft scent might make your space feel calm and clean, your pet might not be feeling quite so Zen. It’s worth checking those ingredients and keeping strong scents out of range of their superpowered sniffers.

How citronella can be harmful to pets

Furkids have incredibly sensitive noses. Bloodhounds, for example, are so skilled at tracking scents their evidence has even been used in court, which tells you just how powerful that sense of smell really is.

But with that power comes vulnerability. Because pets process the world through their noses, they’re also more likely to be affected by strong scents in the air, even the ones we barely notice.

You might see mild signs at first: a bit of coughing, sneezing, or drooling. But if they’re breathing in those same particles day after day, it can add up. Over time, the effects can shift from mild irritation to nausea, vomiting, and in higher concentrations – impacting their nervous system.

Why citronella is toxic to cats…

Cats are missing a key liver enzyme called glucuronyl transferase – essentially the one that helps break down certain toxins.

Without it, even small amounts of citronella or other essential oils can quietly build up in their system. The tricky part? You might not see any symptoms straight away. And that’s what makes it hard – by the time something goes terribly wrong, it’s often tougher to connect the dots.

That doesn’t mean you have to toss every calming scent you own. It’s just about being mindful of what you’re adding to the air, especially for the ones who can’t exactly raise a paw and say, “Hey, this is making me feel sick”.

Creating a calmer, safer space for your pet

And it’s not just about licking or chewing citronella-based products (though yes, that’s definitely not advisable). It’s the breathing-it-in-every-day part that can do the damage. Especially in small or stuffy spaces where the scent tends to linger.

So, while you’re enjoying that candle’s peaceful glow – even from something marketed as a pet house candle – your cat or dog might be feeling anything but relaxed.

If you landed here after typing “are citronella candles toxic to dogs or cats?”, we hope this helped you feel a little more in-the-know, and a little more prepared.

Pet proof like a pro!

Now that you know about these unlikely things that are harmful to pets, we’ve put together a few more resources to help you pet proof like a pro:

• Poisonous plants for dogs and cats
• Things that can poison your pet
• Chocolate toxic to dogs and cats
• Puppy proof your house
• Pet proofing your home

With this list, you’re sorted on what to get and what to pack away – maybe even inspired to kick off a home décor refresh (minus unsafe house candles and anything else that could be harmful to pets, of course).

You’ve pet-proofed your home – here’s how pet insurance fits in…

While we can move a candle or unplug a diffuser, not every risk is quite so easy to prevent. Curious noses get into all sorts of mischief, and sometimes, even with our best efforts, things go a bit sideways.

That’s where pet insurance may help. It’s one of those things you hope you won’t need – but feel very relieved to have when you do.

Whether it’s a bite wound, a broken leg or something more serious, PD has three pet insurance plans. These provide a range of cover for accidents, illness and dental treatment (all include third party liability).

Click below and get a quote.