A common question among pet owners, especially those who love using scents to freshen up their homes, is whether air fresheners, candles, or essential oils are safe to use around their pets. After doing thorough research (beyond a quick Google search) and consulting with three exotic veterinarians, it’s clear that no air fresheners, incense, or essential oils are safe for any animals. Some pets might have a mild aversion, while for others, these substances can be fatal.
For example, animals with highly sensitive olfactory systems, such as cats and birds, are particularly at risk. Hedgehogs also fall into this category due to their delicate respiratory systems. The culprits are the Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) found in many of these products, which are harmful to both humans and pets.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), exposure to VOCs can lead to various health issues, including:
- Irritation of the eyes, nose, and throat
- Headaches, loss of coordination, and nausea
- Damage to the liver, kidneys, and central nervous system
- Some VOCs are even linked to cancer
(Source: "How Can Air Fresheners Affect Your Health?")
Are Essential Oils a Safer Option?
Unfortunately, the answer is no. Even though essential oils are natural, being derived from flowers, bark, roots, seeds, and other plant materials, they are still classified as volatile substances. While they may have some therapeutic benefits, they can also be highly toxic to both humans and animals, even when used "properly."
What’s the Best Solution?
The safest option is to avoid using air fresheners, candles, incense, or essential oils in any area where your hedgehog is kept. Your pet can’t tell you if these scents are making them feel unwell, and the risk to their health is simply not worth it.
Real-Life Examples of the Dangers:
In the past year, I’ve encountered three cases where the use of these products had dire consequences for hedgehogs:
Plug-In Air Freshener Incident: A family used a plug-in air freshener near their hedgehog’s habitat. Within 24 hours, the hedgehog became lethargic, unable to move, and was lying on its side struggling. Once they removed the air freshener and allowed the VOCs to dissipate, the hedgehog began to recover.
Hunger Strikes and Health Decline: Another owner reported that their hedgehog was experiencing hunger strikes, weight loss, and lethargy. Despite repeated recommendations to see a vet, the hedgehog's condition worsened, and they eventually relinquished the animal to me. The hedgehog started to improve within hours in a toxin-free environment and made a full recovery in three weeks. However, the veterinarian suspects there could be long-term effects, possibly shortening her lifespan. The previous owner later admitted to using a plug-in air freshener in the next room.
Fatal Exposure to Essential Oils and Paint Fumes: A tragic case involved an owner burning an essential oil candle and painting with acrylic paints in the same room as their hedgehog. When they went to check on their pet, they found her unresponsive, with shallow breathing and unable to blink. Despite efforts to get her to a vet immediately, she sadly passed away on the way.
Our Recommendation:
We do not recommend using any air fresheners, candles, incense, or essential oils anywhere near your hedgehog. Their tiny bodies are highly sensitive, and they have no way to tell us if they are suffering. It's simply not worth the risk.
For more information on potential toxins and their effects on pets, visit the ASPCA’s Poison Control Center Website. This resource provides comprehensive coverage on various household toxins, including air fresheners, cleaning products, human and pet medications, foods, plants, and more.
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