How to Choose Safe Small Animal Bedding

Select a small animal bedding without aromatic wood oils. Lining your cage with this type of bedding can cause upper respiratory problems in small animals such as hamsters, gerbils and rats. Use apsen or hemp wood bedding, since they do not contain aromatic oils, if you wish to use a wood shavings bedding.

Choose a bedding that is absorbent. Spread the bedding through the cage, and place extra under the water bottle and in the corners where your pet tends to urinate. Absorbing urine and water is important in keeping your small animal safe. Keep your small animal cage dry to avoid illness in your pets.

Try pellet bedding if your pet tends to chew up his bedding. Using a pellet bedding, which is digestible, will ensure that your chewing pet will be able to pass small amounts of the bedding if eaten.

Look for bedding that offers multiple benefits. Read labels until you find options that absorb odor and moisture and are biodegradable, or digestible. Don’t select your small animal bedding based on color, scent or fancy packaging.

Choose a small animal bedding that will stay in your cage. Pick a bedding with larger, heavier pieces if your pet tends to kick his bedding around. Select a lighter weight bedding if your small animal is docile and doesn’t dig much.

Read the label on any small animal bedding before you make a purchase. Make sure your type of pet is listed on the package. Look in the cages at the pet store to see what type of bedding they are using for their pets. Ask questions of the associates to see what they prefer for the store pets and their personal pets. Get advice from other pet owners.