What Are the Dangers of Pine & Cedar Bedding?

Pet owners commonly use wood shavings as bedding materials for their ferrets, gerbils, rabbits, rats, and other small pets. Hardwood shavings can work well as bedding, but softwoods such as pine and cedar can pose hazards for these animals and should be avoided.

    The Problem

    • Pine and cedar bedding for small animals grew in popularity because their aromatic oils control odor and are natural insecticides. The chemicals responsible for these effects, however, can cause health problems when used as bedding.

    Phenols

    • Phenols in pine and cedar shavings cause elevation in liver enzymes when animals are exposed to them on a regular basis, according to an article published in a 1993 issue of the American Fancy Rat and Mouse Association's (AFRMA) Rat &Mouse Tales news magazine.

    Complications

    • Besides they cause liver dysfunction, these elevated enzymes also remove certain drugs from the body, according to the House Rabbit Society. An animal with elevated liver enzymes will experience reduced effect from drugs such as anesthesia and painkillers.

    Respiratory Problems

    • Exposure to pine and cedar wood shavings also causes respiratory problems in small animals, including allergies and asthma.

    Alternatives

    • Many alternative bedding products are available. Aspen, cherry and maple wood shavings can be used, as can paper-based pellets and grain products.