Your daily dose of doggy goodness!
Every day, we celebrate our shared love of dogs and hopefully brighten your day. Enjoy!
Dog(s) of the Day:
Chiara
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Meme of the day: They work so hard!
Discover Proactive Pet Care with Petivity
Petivity is an ecosystem of smart devices and health tests that help pet owners provide a new standard of care to the pets they love. Our products give you data your pet can’t share, so you can provide the best care possible.
A Guide to Pet Safe Candles to Keep Your Home Cozy
There is something magical about lighting a candle at the end of a long day. The flickering flame and a soft, comforting scent can instantly turn a chaotic house into a peaceful home. But as a pet parent, you’ve probably noticed that as soon as you strike that match, your furry roommate is right there, sniffing the air with a nose that is thousands of times more sensitive than yours.
While we love a "Fresh Linen" or "Pumpkin Spice" vibe, not all candles are created equal when it comes to our four-legged friends. Here is how to keep your home glowing safely. on keeping your sanctuary fresh without losing those precious puppy snuggles.
Why "Regular" Candles Can Be Ruff
Most standard candles found on big-box store shelves are made from paraffin wax, a byproduct of petroleum. When burned, paraffin can release soot and chemicals like benzene and toluene, which aren't great for humans and are even tougher on small animal lungs.
Furthermore, many candles use lead-core wicks or synthetic fragrances containing phthalates. Since pets breathe faster than we do and spend more time low to the ground where particles settle, they are more susceptible to respiratory irritation.
The Checklist for Pet-Safe Glow
When you’re shopping for your next favorite scent, look for these "Green Flags" to ensure your pup or kitty can breathe easy:
The Right Wax
Stick to natural, clean-burning waxes. These produce significantly less soot and burn longer anyway!
Soy Wax: Sustainable and clean.
Beeswax: Naturally air-purifying and has a lovely, subtle honey scent.
Coconut Wax: Often blended with soy, this is a premium, non-toxic choice.
The "Essential" Question
Not all essential oils are safe for pets. While lavender is generally soothing for dogs, some oils can be toxic if inhaled in high concentrations.
Safe-ish bets: Lavender, Cedarwood, and Citrus (in small amounts).
Avoid: Tea Tree, Peppermint, Cinnamon, and Ylang Ylang.
Pro Tip: Look for candles specifically labeled "Phthalate-Free" and "Pet-Safe."
Cotton or Wood Wicks
Look for 100% cotton, hemp, or FSC-certified wood wicks. These ensure that your candle isn't "smoking" heavy metals into your living room.
Safety Beyond the Scent
Even with the safest candle in the world, a wagging tail is a chaotic force of nature. Keep these "House Rules" in mind:
The "Tail Zone": Always place candles on high, sturdy surfaces (like a mantel or a high shelf) where a happy tail or a curious cat can’t reach.
Never Leave Unattended: This is Candle 101, but it’s double-important with pets. A "zoomie" session can turn a candle into a fire hazard in seconds.
Ventilation is Key: Always burn candles in a well-ventilated room. If your pet starts sneezing, coughing, or rubbing their eyes, it’s time to blow out the flame.
A Cozy Alternative
If you have a particularly sensitive pet (or a very clumsy one!), you might consider water-based diffusers or electric wax warmers using pet-safe soy melts. You get all the fragrance with none of the open flame risk.
Sharing your home with a pet means making small adjustments for their well-being, but it doesn't mean you have to live in a house that smells like... well, a dog. By choosing clean, pet-friendly ingredients, you can keep your home smelling like a spa and your best friend feeling like a million bucks.
Dog Food and Supplement Recalls
Here are the recent recalls and advisories:
Bonnihill Farms (Fromm Family Foods) - BeefiBowls Beef Recipe gently cooked frozen dog food, 16 oz. chubs for potential plastic contamination
Foodynamics - Freeze Dried Pet Treats for potential Salmonella contamination.
Nature’s Own - Pet Chews Bully Bites Treats for potential Salmonella contamination.
Family Photo of the Day:
Cooper!
We want to feature your pup!
We want to share your pup with our pack. Email us your favorite doggy pic or video with your pup’s name, and we'll try to feature it as a family photo in one of our upcoming newsletters or on our Facebook page.
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Meme of the day - Instagram: @sprinklestheweenie
