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When it comes to your little critter's cage, controlling odor is nothing to
sniff at. You may have heard terrifying tales of just how stinky companion
rodents really are, but we're betting those rumors were started by
disgruntled, less-than-fastidious caretakers. If you use proper bedding in
your pet's cage and keep to a regular cleaning schedule, you're sure to
meet with the sweet smell of success.
Recognizing Pet Odors
To begin with, though, we will make one small concession. To the untrained
nose, mice and rats (the males in particular) have a unique odor that some
people may find unpleasant. Hamsters, too, secrete a slight musk from their
hip glands when marking territory. If smell is a real issue for you, your
best bet may be a gerbil. Of all companion rodents, these guys have the
least noticeable odor.
The key to odor control is to use an effective, absorbent bedding and
change it often. 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. Aspen shavings, hay, straw, and the many varieties of
pelleted beddings available at pet supply stores are all great choices.
Some of the commercial beddings are specifically formulated to absorb and
reduce odor. You will simply need to figure out what works best for you and
your little guys.
When bedding is not changed frequently enough, it will become moist and
dirty with waste. The resulting ammonia odor will begin to irritate your
nose. Unfortunately, it will also irritate your pets, too. The harsh fumes
can affect an animal's mucous membranes and aggravate chronic respiratory
conditions.
Eliminating Pet Odors Starts with the Bedding
To be a good housekeeper, you'll need to remove soiled bedding, droppings
and uneaten food every day. Once weekly, remove and replace the bedding and
scrub the bottom of the cage with hot, soapy water. Rinse away any soapy
residue, and be sure everything's dry before refilling with bedding
material. If you have more than one rodent, however, you will probably need
to replace the bedding more frequently.
If you're really serious about the fight to control odor, you'll want to
check out your pet supply store. There are a variety of products available
to safely eliminate odors in your furry friends' cage. Some owners find
that the "room deodorizer" types that hang in the cage work best, while
others prefer the odor-absorbing formulas that are simply added right in
with the bedding. You may come across products that contain cedar and pine,
but take care to AVOID them. Both cedar and pine contain volatile phenols
and acids that can irritate an animal's respiratory tract and cause liver
damage.
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