Calming products for dogs

Dog Friendly Calming Candles?

5 key questions.

 

There are calming products for dogs on the market that can help calm anxiety which include, but are not limited to pheromone plug ins, canine aromatherapy, as well as items such as beds and vests.

 

  1. Can candles calm dogs down?

A recent study in a dog rescue showed that essential oils can relax dogs.1

One of the benefits of scented candles that use these oils is that they can be used in aromatherapy treatments.

 

  1. Are scented candles OK for dogs?

Yes, if the candles are formulated to be dog friendly. But beware, many candles on the market may contain irritating or harmful ingredients and emit toxins.

 

  1. So, what kind of candles are safe for dogs?

Dog safe candles contain 3-key components:

  • Candles made from Cleaner-burning wax such as natural soy, coconut wax, vegetable-based wax, or beeswax.
  • Unbleached 100% cotton, paper, or wood wicks.
  • 100% pure, therapeutic grade natural essential oils

 

See our blog 'Are Scented Candles Bad For Dogs?' for more information

 

  1. What are pet friendly fragrance oils for candles?
  • Avoid artificial scent and colours, and instead choose 100% pure, therapeutic grade natural essential oils.
  • Your choice of essential oil would depend on what behavioural or health imbalance you wanted to improve.
  • For example: Lavender, bergamot, sweet orange, and chamomile has been observed to be calming.2
  • Whereas for a pain related issue you may be directed to arnica, emotional imbalances rose, people often use valerian to help with noise phobias or sandalwood may be selected for the grounding effect it is believed to have. (Rachel Windsor Knott: https://myanimalmatters.co.uk/product-category/essential-oils/)

 

 

  1. What essential oils can be used for dog anxiety?

Oils that have been observed to be calming for dogs include, but are not limited to:

  • Lavender can help an anxious animal relax. 3,4
  • Bergamot can have an uplifting and balancing effect on the mind and body.
  • Chamomile can ease inflammation relieve anxiety and tension.
  • Sweet orange has a sedative, relaxing effect that reduces anxiety.

 

These are a blended into our wax products to have a calming effect.

 

 References

1           V. Amaya, M. B. A. Paterson and C. J. C. Phillips, Effects of olfactory and auditory enrichment on the behaviour of shelter dogs, Animals, 2020, 10, 1–20.

2           P. H. Koulivand, M. Khaleghi Ghadiri and A. Gorji, Lavender and the nervous system, Evidence-based Complement. Altern. Med., , DOI:10.1155/2013/681304.

3           Wells DL. Aromatherapy for travel-induced excitement in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc. 2006 Sep 15;229(6):964-7. doi: 10.2460/javma.229.6.964. PMID: 16978115

4           H. J. Kang, E. S. Nam, Y. Lee and M. Kim, How Strong is the Evidence for the Anxiolytic Efficacy of Lavender?: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials, Asian Nurs. Res. (Korean. Soc. Nurs. Sci)., 2019, 13, 295–305.

 

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