Pine bedding should not be used for guinea pigs. A guinea pig’s respiratory system can become irritated by the smell, dust, and oils produced by pine, leading to respiratory infections. Additionally, pine bedding can cause allergic reactions that affect the skin.
Bedding is used in guinea pig crates to combat moisture, control odor, and add comfort. It is crucial that bedding is washed or changed regularly to maintain a hygienic living environment free of urine, feces, additional moisture, and large quantities of bacteria.
Guinea pig bedding can be made from a variety of materials. Some pet owners may opt for more natural bedding, such as pine, but is this a good idea?
What You'll Learn
Bedding for Guinea Pig Cages
Cage bedding is one of the most important purchases you’ll make for your guinea pig. Certain bedding materials are great for guinea pigs, but others can be harmful to their respiratory system and sensitive feet.
The purpose of bedding is to absorb urine and feces, specifically the moisture and odor they produce.
Bacterial infections are common in guinea pigs when their bedding is not properly cleaned. An example of a health condition caused by inappropriate bedding is a condition called pododermatitis. This is caused by harsh bedding (or no bedding) and an unclean environment that allows bacteria to fester.
Research on suitable bedding can help you avoid health issues associated with unsuitable bedding. Once you purchase the right type of bedding, be sure to clean and/or replace the bedding frequently to maintain a healthy living environment.
Can You Use Pine Bedding?
Pine bedding may seem like appropriate bedding to use because it comes naturally from trees and can bring some of the outside environment into a guinea pig’s cage.
However, the short answer is no; pine bedding should not be used for guinea pigs’ cages.
Guinea Pigs have sensitive respiratory systems, which are made up of the nose, throat, and lungs. Their respiratory systems can become irritated by the smell, dust, and oils that come from pine, causing respiratory infections in guinea pigs.
Symptoms of respiratory infections in guinea pigs include, but are not limited to, sneezing, coughing, eye discharge, and rapid breathing. If these symptoms develop, see a veterinarian, as a respiratory infection could cause pneumonia.
Besides skin problems, pine bedding can cause allergic reactions that negatively impact guinea pigs’ health. The pine may contain chemicals and toxins that can cause serious health problems, specifically for the guinea pig’s respiratory system. These toxins can enter the respiratory system and infiltrate the bloodstream, resulting in organ failure.
Some pine bedding may be labeled “safe for guinea pigs” or marketed towards guinea pig owners. This is because the bedding is dried in a kiln, dust is extracted, and no other fragrances are added.
The dust extraction is crucial because the dust can infiltrate a guinea pig’s respiratory system, causing health issues.
Pine sawdust is a product that is sold, but it should never be used in guinea pig cages since it is made up of dust from pine trees.
Pine bedding does combat odor well, but consulting with a veterinarian is important. If an owner does not have other options, pine bedding with no dust or smell can be used. However, some alternatives have fewer health risks than pine bedding.
Pine bedding is often purchased because it is cheap and appears to be a “natural option” as opposed to paper bedding. However, spending a bit more money on bedding can lead to a healthier life for guinea pigs.
Understanding which bedding is appropriate for guinea pigs is important for the wellbeing of the pets.
Appropriate Bedding for Guinea Pigs
Towels and shirts made from fleece or cotton can provide comfort to guinea pigs in their cages. The bedding should be cleaned and washed regularly to maintain a hygienic environment for their guinea pigs. As guinea pigs have sensitive feet, soft and fluffy bedding can help the guinea pigs feel comfortable and safe.
Bedding made from reclaimed paper fiber is readily available at pet stores. This bedding is highly absorbent, eco-friendly, and free of toxins. Toxin-free bedding is crucial to the health of guinea pigs as it protects the animals from respiratory infections.
Several types of bedding can be used for guinea pigs:
- Paper bedding
- Strand paper pellets
- Fleece bedding
- Aspen bedding
Additional Bedding to Avoid
There are dozens of brands and types of bedding for guinea pigs. Some are much less expensive than others, but can be inappropriate for guinea pigs and their health.
Corn bedding can become moldy, creating a multitude of issues. This bedding should be avoided. There is also a greater chance that the small corn kernels will become stuck in places on the guinea pigs, such as their anal glands, which can cause further issues like infections.
Raw straw does not absorb moisture or odors well. Although straw may come at a cheap cost, it will need to be replaced often as it will become full of odor and moisture, creating an unhygienic and dirty environment. As the moisture from urine and feces can become moldy, it will smell and become a breeding ground for other bacteria. This can lead to infections or illnesses for the guinea pig.
Like other beddings, pine needles should not be used as bedding because the smell and toxins can irritate the respiratory system.
The Perfect Environment For Guinea Pigs
Finding toxin-free bedding is important for the health of guinea pigs. Cages should be cleaned at least once a week. Finding bedding for guinea pigs that is both safe and hygienic might seem difficult, but understanding the reasons certain beddings should not be used is a good place to start.
