Incense and Dogs

The use of incense is common amongst many cultures and religions, whether for spiritual purposes or simply to create a relaxing atmosphere in the home. Incense can also help mask unwanted odors and create a pleasant fragrance in the home. However, some types of incense can be harmful to dogs and cause health problems for them.

The main issue with incense is that it releases particulate matter into the air that can be inhaled by humans and pets, including their sensitive lungs. These contaminants can cause irritation and aggravate any breathing issues that may already exist in your dog. It is also possible for incense smoke to trigger respiratory allergies or asthma, especially in dogs that are genetically predisposed to these conditions.

Besides inhaling the particulate matter, dogs can also be poisoned by the chemicals and toxic compounds released when the incense is burned. These substances include aldehydes, phenols, and ethers that can have severe effects on your dog’s health and lead to respiratory or other diseases if inhaled. If your dog ingests any incense, it is important to seek medical attention immediately and to give your dog an appropriate dosage of Benadryl.

Dogs have a keen sense of smell, and they can pick up on a wide variety of scents, including the smoke from burning incense. Some of these scents can be overwhelming to dogs and trigger allergic reactions, respiratory problems, or even death if inhaled in large doses. Other scents can simply irritate your pet’s nose and cause them to move away from the area where incense is being burned.

If you must burn incense, make sure it is well away from your pup and that the room is extremely well ventilated. Try using a high quality incense that uses natural ingredients and has low toxicity levels to protect your furry friend. Alternatively, you can use essential oils instead of incense to freshen up your home. Essential oils can be used in a diffuser, which is safer for pets and will produce a light aroma that will not be overpowering.

Candles can also be a fire hazard for your pup, so be very careful when placing them in the home and ensure they are not left unattended. They should be placed in areas that your dog does not frequent and they should never be placed on a runner or cloth that your pup could brush up against and knock over.

In general, it is best to avoid incense altogether or at least keep it away from your pup, and opt for natural scents instead. There are plenty of scented candles and wax melts that can provide the same benefits as incense without the harmful side effects. For example, you can use a diffuser with essential oils that are safe for dogs, such as lavender, chamomile, and lemon balm. These essential oils can not only add a pleasant smell to your pup’s environment, but they can also boost mood, reduce stress, and improve sleep.