In this episode of Barking Mad, Dr. Stephanie Clark and Jordan Tyler crack open the case file on the fragrance underworld—candles, essential oils, sprays, diffusers, and the like—and investigate whether these everyday comforts are harmless pleasures or hidden culprits in your pet’s environment. Featuring toxicology experts Dr. Tina Wismer of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center and Dr. Renee Schmid of Pet Poison Helpline, plus Pete Stirling of Skout’s Honor, this true-crime-style deep dive exposes how concentration, species, and even the word “natural” can determine whether a scent is safe or suspicious. Stay tuned for the next two episodes, which will uncover other common pet toxicities around the home, in the garden, in the kitchen, and in your medicine cabinet.

Helpful Links

Learn more about:

• ASPCA Pet Poison Control: https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/aspca-poison-control
• Pet Poison Helpline: https://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/
• Skout’s Honor: https://www.skoutshonor.com/

ASPCA Pet Poison Control Phone Number: (888) 426-4435

Pet Poison Helpline Phone Number: (855) 764-7661

Show Notes

00:00 – Welcome Back!

01:12 – Inside the Episode

04:09 – Introducing Today’s Experts

07:46 – Why Are Pets Sensitive to Strong Fragrances?

11:18 – It’s All About Concentration

14:04 – A Message for the Birds

16:04 – Essential Oils: Harmless or Hazardous?

19:58 – Is “Natural” Always Safer?

22:51 – Purr-fume and Canine Cologne

26:44 – Tips for Pet Parents

33:03 – Today’s Key Takeaways