What materials should never be used for small mammal bedding?

There are dangerous bedding materials that could injure small mammals. These should NEVER be placed in your pet's house; such things have injured organs, caused respiratory failure, or strangled animals on impact. Look for these things and avoid them for your furry friend's safety and long-term health.

The same applies to toxic woods, such as cedar, which emit vapors of phenol that, over time, can destroy the liver of animals. Shavings of pine are worse unless well-kiln dried. These two should not be fed to any animal; what is even worse is the fact that they may be poisonous to cedar-eating birds and others. Papers and aspen should always be used anyway.

Scented products mask smells with chemicals that irritate sensitive airways, causing a chronically dry cough and making breathing difficult. The trick to odor control truly lies in highly adsorbent products, such as paper that neutralizes ammonia instead of covering it up. Look for unscented!

When used alone as the only bedding, hay can become unsafe. Mold rapidly develops, creating areas of bacteria that can lead to foot infections. For this reason, hay should always be placed in a layer above absorbent paper bedding, and any wet hay should be changed immediately to prevent the development of bacterial spores.

Immediately upon receiving new bedding, inspect it for unusual levels of dust. Do not use materials where obscured foreign matter falls out if they are rubbed together. Observe your pet's nose for signs of dust-induced sneezing. If your pet suddenly becomes excessively sleepy or hungry, even for small amounts of food, remove it from its cage immediately. Contact a veterinarian who specializes in treating small mammals.

Read the full article: Ultimate Guide to Small Animal Bedding