Podcast: The Fragrance Files—Are Candles and Diffusers Harming Our Pets?

From essential oils to plugin diffusers, today’s homes are filled with soothing scents,but could those same fragrances be hurting our pets? In this new episode of Barking Mad and the first in a series of three timely episodes, we peel back the label on candles, air fresheners, and more to explore how fragrance ingredients could impact pet health, behavior, and comfort.

Whether it’s a lavender spritz before bedtime or a scented litter to control odor, fragrance is everywhere in the modern pet-owning household. But pets don’t smell the way we do, and their heightened senses (and smaller bodies) can make them especially vulnerable to airborne chemicals. In this episode, Jordan Tyler and Dr. Stephanie Clark sit down with veterinary toxicologist experts to sniff out the facts from fiction.

What You’ll Learn 🔍

• Why pets experience scent differently than humans, and why “natural” doesn’t always mean “safer”
• Which fragrance compounds and essential oils are most concerning for dogs, cats, and birds
• Tips for safely using scented products in homes with pets

This episode delivers a candid, science-backed conversation that challenges assumptions and empowers listeners with practical, pet-friendly alternatives.

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About the Author

Jordan Tyler is the Director of Media at BSM Partners and co-host of the Barking Mad podcast. She has more than five years of experience reporting on trends, best practices and developments in the North American pet nutrition industry. Jordan resides in Bentonville, Arkansas, with her husband and their four furry family members.