Incense isn’t toxic to most healthy dogs when burned occasionally, but the smoke and strong scent can irritate their sensitive noses and airways. Burn it sparingly in a well-ventilated room, keep it well out of reach, avoid incense made with essential oils, and skip it entirely if your dog has a breathing problem such as tracheal collapse or chronic bronchitis.
Below, our vet breaks down the risks, how to burn incense more safely around dogs, and some alternatives.
Is incense bad for dogs?
According to Dr. Linda Simon, most incense is well tolerated by dogs and won’t cause any real issues. However, dogs have a much stronger sense of smell than we do and may find certain scents overbearing. Similarly, their sensitive noses may be irritated and we might find they start to sneeze and develop a runny nose.
If your dog has an underlying respiratory issue such as chronic bronchitis or tracheal collapse, it is sensible to avoid incense as well as other similar products including essential oils and air fresheners.
Long term, there are no studies that have looked into the effects of long term incense smoke inhalation for dogs. It is possible that there would be some negative effects, since incense smoke contains fine particles, much like other kinds of smoke.
Stop burning incense and open a window if your dog starts coughing, sneezing repeatedly, wheezing or seems to struggle to breathe, and call your vet if the symptoms don’t settle quickly once the air clears.
If your dog has managed to eat an incense stick, don’t panic. Generally, this won’t cause any big issue. At worst, we may see a stomach upset. If you’re concerned your dog has eaten a lot or is not themselves, don’t hesitate to contact your vet.
Avoid incense with essential oils
Essential oils are becoming more and more popular and as a result, many incense sticks now include them. Despite their popularity, it is important to remember that some essential oils, such as tea tree, pennyroyal, wintergreen and pine oils, can be toxic for dogs. According to the ASPCA we can see ‘Vomiting and diarrhea with large ingestions’.
So if you’re going to buy incense, try to find one without any essential oils. This will help reduce the chances of your dog feeling ill. If you also have cats, be extra careful, as cats are even more sensitive to essential oils than dogs.
Tips For Burning Incense With Dogs
So, if your dog doesn’t have any respiratory issues, burning incense is unlikely to do much harm. However, if you want to be extra careful with your furry friend, here are 3 tips:
1Choose a Spot That Fido Can't Reach
The truth is, dogs are curious creatures and if they get their paws on a lit incense stick, it could result in some serious danger.
Imagine the confusion as your pup tries to figure out what to do with a burning stick in his mouth! The fire hazard alone should be enough to convince you to keep all lit incense sticks out of your pup’s reach.
But don’t worry, there are still ways to enjoy some aromatherapy around your pup (such as properly diluted cedarwood oil). Just make sure to choose a spot for placement that Fido can’t reach, including with a wagging tail. A high, stable shelf away from curtains and anything flammable should do the trick, and use a holder that catches the ash.
2Make Sure There's Plenty of Fresh Air
It’s important to make sure there’s plenty of fresh air when burning incense if you have a pup in the house. Ventilation is key to avoiding any potential problems with your furry friend.
So before you light up, make sure to open a window and provide some extra air circulation. Also leave a door open so your dog can move to another room if the smell bothers them. This will help keep your pup comfortable and ensure the smells don’t become too overwhelming.
3Go For The Good Stuff
When it comes to incense, go for the good stuff! Better-quality incense from reputable makers tends to list its ingredients, which makes it easier to avoid essential oils and synthetic fragrances you’d rather not burn around your dog.
Keep in mind that “natural” doesn’t mean smoke-free, though. All incense produces smoke, so burn it in moderation, for short periods, rather than all day.
What are other alternatives to using incense with dogs?
If you don’t want to risk using incense with your pup, there are some other alternatives you can try. Here are 4 we recommend:
1Using candles
Candles can be a great way to enjoy some aromatherapy around your pup. Not only are candles aesthetically pleasing, but they also come in an array of scents – from earthy to fruity.
Plus, you don’t have to deal with falling ash as you do with incense sticks. Candles do still have an open flame and give off some smoke, though, so pick lightly scented candles without essential oils.
Just be sure to keep them out of reach of curious noses and wagging tails, and never leave a lit candle alone with your dog.
2Air Purifiers
Air purifiers are a great way to keep the air fresh and clean without any of the risks associated with incense. They trap dust, dander and odor particles instead of adding new ones to the air. Look for a model with a HEPA filter, and skip models that generate ozone, which can irritate the lungs.
Not to mention, air purifiers are a great way to reduce allergens in the home and improve your pup’s breathing too. So why not give it a try?
3Try Homemade Scents
For those looking for an all-natural approach, homemade scents are just the ticket. You control exactly what goes in, so you can leave out anything that’s risky for your dog. Plus, you get the added joy of crafting your own signature scent!
A simple option is a simmer pot: a saucepan of water with citrus peels, a cinnamon stick or a vanilla pod, gently heated on the stove. Just make sure you use ingredients that are harmless to your pup, skip essential oils, and keep hot pans and anything your dog could eat out of reach.
Making your own scents means you can have fun experimenting and adding a bit of creativity to the mix. Who knows? Maybe one day you’ll even create the world’s most perfect scent – just don’t forget to share it with Fido!
4Febreze
If you want something easy to freshen up the air around your pup, Febreze is a popular choice. According to the experts at ASPCA, Febreze fabric freshener products are considered safe for use in households with pets when used as directed.
Just don’t spray it directly on your dog or their bedding while they’re lying on it, and let sprayed fabrics dry before your dog settles on them. Febreze comes in a variety of scents, including lighter ones, so you can choose one that isn’t overpowering.
Final thoughts – Safety first
No matter what route you take, whether it’s the good stuff or some homemade scent, make sure to keep your pup safe and sound. Just remember – never leave burning incense unattended! It might be a fun way to fill your home with aromas, but safety always comes first.
So give your dog a hug, open the windows, and enjoy some safe and pleasant scents around your pup!
