🧯Fireplace and Candle Safety🕯️

Why This is Important

The warm glow of fireplaces and candles is central to creating a cozy festive atmosphere, but they pose significant risks to dogs.

Curious noses and wagging tails can easily knock over candles or get too close to open flames, leading to burns or even house fires. Battery-operated alternatives can help reduce these risks, but many households still use traditional options, making safety precautions essential.

Key Risks and How to Manage Them

🔥Fireplaces

Risk: Dogs may accidentally burn themselves on hot grates, embers, or flames. Falling logs or sparks can also pose dangers, especially for dogs who nap nearby.

Prevention Tips:

Use a sturdy fireguard or fireplace screen to block access to the hearth.

Keep fire-starting materials like matches, lighters, and kindling out of reach.

Never leave a lit fireplace unattended, particularly with dogs in the room.

Encourage dogs to keep back a safe distance from gas fires in case of overheating.

🕯️ Candles

Risk: Dogs can knock over candles with their tails or paws, leading to burns, fire hazards, or wax spills. Some scented candles may also contain essential oils that are harmful to dogs.

Prevention Tips:

Place candles on high, stable surfaces that are out of reach of dogs.

Avoid using strongly scented candles with essential oils such as eucalyptus, tea tree, or cinnamon, which can irritate dogs’ respiratory systems or skin.

Opt for battery-operated LED candles as a safer alternative.

🔥 Holiday Decorations with Lights

Risk: Dogs may chew on electric lights, potentially leading to burns or electric shocks.

Prevention Tips:

Secure cords with cord protectors or keep them out of reach.
Unplug lights when not in use or when unsupervised.
Train your dog to leave cords and decorations alone using positive reinforcement.

🕯️ Signs of Burns or Smoke Inhalation

If your dog comes into contact with heat or flames, look for:
Singed fur or redness on the skin.

Whimpering, pawing at the affected area, or avoiding touch.
Difficulty breathing or coughing (a sign of smoke inhalation).
For burns, cool the area with lukewarm water (not ice-cold) and seek immediate veterinary care.

Action Steps for Guardians

Incorporate fireplace and candle safety into your Christmas decorating routine.

Supervise dogs in rooms with lit flames or candles, or restrict access entirely.

Have a fire extinguisher or blanket easily accessible in case of emergencies.