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Let's talk about bedding. Not comforters, pillows and sheet sets, but the
materials that you'll use to line the bottom of your little critter's cage.
To be effective, bedding should keep your pet warm and dry, while absorbing
waste materials. But it must also be safe, dust-free and non-toxic.
Unfortunately, some materials traditionally used for bedding can make your
little guys sick.
Pet Bedding – Watch Out for Wood
You may have heard recent warnings about cedar and pine shavings. Heed
them, please! Although these materials are readily available at pet supply
stores and have been used as bedding for small animals for years,
responsible pet owners are better informed these days. Both cedar and pine
contain volatile phenols and acids that can irritate and damage an animal's
respiratory tract. In fact, research has shown that these acids can kill
the cells that line a critter's lungs.
Toxins from cedar and pine shavings have also been implicated as the cause
of liver damage, particularly in companion ferrets and rabbits. And
constant exposure to toxic compounds can severely stress an animal, thereby
weakening his immune system. Pine and cedar may smell good--but
unfortunately, that's about all they have to offer your little guys.
Luckily, there are many safe, effective alternatives that work great:
* Aspen shavings will not harm your pet, and are relatively inexpensive.
You may find they aren't as effective at controlling odor, so you'll have
to change the bedding more frequently.
Pet Litter & Pelletted Bedding
* Caretakers of little critters sing the praises of pelleted beddings made
from a variety of materials, from wood pulp and recycled paper to plant
fiber. Dust-free, highly absorbent and great at odor control, pelleted
bedding is an excellent choice. You'll have a variety of brands from which
to select.
* Fresh straw and hay will work, too, particularly for rabbits and guinea
pigs. We've also had reports about the merits of rabbit food and alfalfa
pellets used as bedding for rats, mice, hamsters and gerbils. These
materials are both inexpensive and absorbent.
Naptime Accessories for Small Animals
If your little friend likes to make cozy nests for napping, you’ll need to
provide supplies for him. Hamsters, mice and rabbits are big nesters, and
will appreciate straw, hay and shredded napkins or paper towels with which
to sculpt sleeping areas and hiding places. Do not give your animal cotton
wool bedding that you may see in pet supply stores. If ingested, it can get
lodged in an animal's throat or intestine, and has been known to become
impacted in hamsters' cheek pouches.
No matter how effective a bedding is at controlling odor, you'll still need
to change it regularly. It's a good idea to remove soiled bedding at least
once a week. And remember, most litters work most efficiently if you use
just a thin layer on the cage floor. If you have gerbils, however, your
little guys will appreciate a bit extra for digging and burrowing.
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