Dogs have an incredible sense of smell, and based on a few studies, somewhere around 200 times more sensitive than humans. The implications of this are obvious. If you have a dog, there is probably not much that you can keep from him. He knows when you’ve had garlic for dinner and can probably tell if you’ve been smoking or drinking as well. Incense is one of those things that dogs will pick up on right away, so what does it mean for your pet? Is it bad for dogs? There are many scents that your dog should never be exposed to since they could cause harm or trigger an allergic reaction. However, the same can be said of any food or drink with specific properties. As long as you’re aware of what it means to expose your dog to incense, there should be no danger in doing so on occasion. Here we will explore whether or not using incense around your dog is safe and healthy for them to do so.
Is Incense Bad For Dogs?
There is no definitive answer to this question as incense ingredients and chemical compositions vary greatly. However, it is generally recommended not to use incense around pets as many types of incense contain hazardous compounds that can be toxic or irritating to animals. Some common symptoms of exposure to incense smoke include respiratory problems, skin irritation, and eye irritation. So it’s probably best to err on the side of caution and avoid using incense around dogs – or any other pets for that matter.
What Does Incense Do To People?
1. It Can Cause Headaches
One of the most common side effects of incense is headaches. This is due to the fact that incense is often made of fragrant components. The fragrance includes compounds like linalool and limonene, which are components that can cause headaches in some people. These compounds have also been known to cause allergic reactions in some people, which would explain why you may have a headache after burning incense. The good news here is that these headaches are typically mild, and you should be able to treat them with over-the-counter medication if they become too severe to handle.
2. It Causes Sore Eyes
You may have noticed that when you burn incense at home it has a distinct smell from other scents. This is because of the ingredients used in making it, which include fragrant oils like lavender oil and jasmine oil. These oils contain potent chemicals called phenols, which are what cause the scent in incense. When burned, these chemicals can cause eye irritation and dryness in the eyes. If you prefer to use incense at home, you should be aware of this before lighting the first stick.
3. It Can Cause Skin Irritation
The chemicals that makeup incense are known to cause skin irritation and rashes in some people, especially if they’re used frequently. This can also happen if they’re exposed to them in large amounts over a long period of time. The chemicals that makeup incense are also known to cause allergic reactions in some people, which would explain why you may be experiencing skin irritation after burning incense for too long or too often. As with any other type of chemical present in your home, it is best to keep an eye on your skin when using incense around your pet since it could pose a risk for them as well.
4. It Can Cause Respiratory Problems
One of the most common side effects of burning incense is an increase in respiratory problems in some people. This can happen due to the fragrant components in incense, which include compounds like linalool and limonene. These compounds have also been known to cause allergic reactions in some people, which would explain why you may be experiencing respiratory problems after burning incense for too long or too often.
What Does Incense Do To Dogs?
- Incense has a variety of smells that can cause a reaction in dogs. Allergies are not uncommon for dogs, and this is one of the reasons why it’s so important to keep your dog away from certain foods and objects. The same goes for animals that may have an adverse reaction to incense.
- Even though you can’t smell the incense on your dog, they can still smell it. If you regularly use incense, your pet could be exposed to various scents that may trigger an allergic reaction or cause them to become ill.
- Incense contains chemicals that are toxic to dogs in high doses or over a long period of time. It is important not to expose your dog to these chemicals over long periods of time since they could potentially develop an illness or health problem if exposed enough times. It’s also important not to use incense around other pets as well since they could inhale the smoke and become ill.
- Incense can also irritate your dog’s eyes and lungs. It’s important to be aware of this so that you can avoid exposing them to the smoke. Using incense in a small room could be okay, but it’s best to keep them away from the smoke if you want to protect them from any potential harm.
- Even though incense is not toxic in high doses, it is still dangerous to your dog if they are exposed too often over a long period of time. If you regularly use incense around your dog, be sure to keep them away from the smoke so that they don’t develop an illness or health problem as a result of it.
- Incense can also cause an allergic reaction in dogs even if they have never experienced an allergic reaction before. Dogs may have an adverse reaction when exposed to certain scents, including those that come from incense burning or spraying. If your dog has never had an allergic reaction, there is no way to tell if it will develop from being exposed to incense.
Soothing Scents For Dogs
1. Lavender
Lavender is one of the most popular scents used in aromatherapy. It has been used for centuries to soothe the mind and body and can be found in many different forms including essential oil, incense, candles, and potpourri. It is known for its relaxing effects and can be found in many household items including bedsheets, pillows, and stuffed animals. While it does have some mild sedative properties, it also has a very sweet smell that dogs love. They are attracted to it because of its smell as well as its calming effects on their minds. This can help reduce anxiety or stress in your dog when you use lavender incense to relax them before bedtime or to calm them down after a particularly eventful day.
2. Lemongrass
Lemongrass is another popular scent that humans enjoy using around their homes but it can also be found in many household items such as potpourri, incense, candles, and even air fresheners. Lemongrass has a strong lemony smell that dogs love and is not only used to soothe their minds but also to help them relax when they are feeling anxious or stressed. They have a very calming effect on the body which can help reduce anxiety, stress, and even skin irritation.
3. Cinnamon
Cinnamon is another scent that dogs love and is often used around the home for its aroma as well as its effects on the mind and body. It is used in many household items such as incense, potpourri, candles, and scented candles. The smell of cinnamon has a warm effect on the body which helps fight stress while helping you relax after a long day at work or during a stressful event like an argument with your partner or child. This can be especially helpful if you’re looking to de-stress after a long day at work where you may feel like letting your hair down after hours of work.
4. Eucalyptus
Eucalyptus is another scent that dogs love and has a very strong aroma that can help reduce anxiety and stress in your dog. It is used in many household items such as potpourri, incense, candles, and air fresheners. Eucalyptus is known for its strong aroma which can help calm your dog down or help them relax after a long day of work or school. It also has a very strong effect on the mind which can help reduce anxiety and stress for your dog as well as help them relax after a stressful event like an argument with their partner or child.
Final Words
When it comes to deciding whether or not incense is a healthy part of your lifestyle, it’s best to think about your dog’s needs first. If your pet is going to be in the same room as you while you’re burning incense, then you’ll need to take extra precautions to ensure that they’re not harmed by the smoke or ash that falls. Keep in mind that dogs have a much stronger sense of smell than humans, so they will be able to smell the incense long before it affects you. If you’re not sure whether or not your dog would benefit from the scents of incense, try burning a small amount in a well-ventilated room to see how it affects your pet before using it regularly.
