Frequently Asked Questions

Dog Bear Wellness is a nature-inspired wellness brand rooted in West Virginia. We believe that wellness isn't just what you put in your body — it's what you put around it. From hand-poured candles and wax melts, aromatherapy products, and wellness teas to cozy blankets, pillows, and nature-themed prints, everything we make, or curate, is designed to nourish your senses, embrace a slower rhythm, and create a space that supports how you want to feel

Dog Bear Wellness is a one-woman operation. I'm Candace, a retired federal employee who traded a 25-year career for a slower, more intentional way of living. Everything I create or curate reflects what I believe wellness really means, not just what's in your cabinet, but what fills your home and your days.

Our candles and wax melts are handcrafted in small batches in West Virginia. Some of our home goods and lifestyle items are produced through trusted print-on-demand and curated wholesale partners which are always chosen to align with our values around calm and intentional living.

We use EcoOlive wax — a 100% plant-based wax made from olive oil byproducts. It contains no paraffin, no palm oil, and no GMO ingredients. It burns clean, holds fragrance beautifully, and aligns with our commitment to products that are better for your home.

Most of our candles are wicked with 100% organic hemp, coated in natural beeswax. Hemp wicks burn slower and cooler than cotton, which means a longer, cleaner burn with minimal mushrooming or soot. Our Humidor candle uses a wood wick — see below for details.

Wood wicks are thin slices of natural wood that produce a soft crackling sound as they burn (similar to a small fireplace). We chose a wood wick for our Humidor candle because it complements the warm, rich scent of Cuban tobacco and sandalwood beautifully. The same EcoOlive wax and Vinevida fragrance oils are used across all our candles, so the clean-burning quality stays consistent. Wood wicks do require a slightly different care routine — trim to about ⅛ inch before each burn, and if the flame goes out, clear any charred wood from the tip before relighting.

Yes. We source our fragrance oils from Vinevida, a supplier known for phthalate-free, skin-safe formulations. Our scents are inspired by nature to provide a genuine, grounded aromatic experience that is never synthetic or overwhelming.

We take pet safety seriously at Dog Bear Wellness. The "Dog Bear" in our name is personal. While our candles use clean-burning ingredients, some essential oils and fragrance compounds can be harmful to dogs, cats, and other pets. We recommend burning candles in well-ventilated areas and keeping them out of reach of animals. If you have specific concerns, we're happy to share ingredient details so you can consult your vet.

For the best results: trim your hemp wick to about ¼ inch before each burn. On the first use, let the candle burn until the entire surface has melted to the edges as this prevents tunneling and extends the life of your candle. Burn for no more than 4 hours at a time, and always let the wax fully solidify before relighting.

Yes! If melted wax clings to the sides of the jar, you can gently push it toward the center using a toothpick or wooden skewer while the wax is still soft and the flame is extinguished. Never touch or move hot wax while the candle is burning.

Our use of natural, plant-based wax like EcoOlive means you may notice slight variations in color or texture between batches. This is completely normal and does not affect the performance or scent of your candle. Every piece is handcrafted, meaning each one is as unique as the nature that inspired it.

Never leave a burning candle unattended. Keep away from children, pets, and flammable materials. Always burn on a stable, heat-resistant surface. Do not burn in drafty areas, and never move a candle while the wax is liquid.

We ship throughout the United States only. Some products, including print-on-demand and curated items, may ship from separate fulfillment locations, but everything arrives as part of your Dog Bear Wellness order.

Handcrafted items like candles are made in small batches and typically ship within 3–5 business days. Standard delivery takes an additional 3–7 business days depending on your location. Print-on-demand items may have slightly different timelines. Estimated shipping windows are noted at checkout.

Yes. In addition to our Shopify store, you can find Dog Bear Wellness products on Etsy and Amazon Handmade. Shopping directly through our website ensures the widest selection, provides complementing products, and supports the brand directly.

Because our candles and wax melts are handcrafted in small batches, we are unable to accept returns on these items. However, your satisfaction is our priority, and we are happy to offer refunds should you encounter any issues. For our curated and print-on-demand products, we do accept returns within five days of delivery. As these collections ship from different locations, please contact us at support@dogbearwellness.com if you need assistance, and we will provide the specific return or refund instructions for your item. 

Please contact us at support@dogbearwellness.com with your order number and a photo of the damage within five days of receiving your order. We'll review it promptly and arrange a replacement or refund. We want every Dog Bear Wellness product to arrive exactly as intended.

We're unable to process exchanges on handcrafted items once an order has shipped. If you're unsure about a scent, feel free to reach out at support@dogbearwellness.com before purchasing. We're always happy to describe each fragrance in detail to help you find the right one.