5 min read
Is Cedar or Pine Bedding Safe for Guinea Pigs?
Cedar and untreated pine shavings release aromatic oils that may irritate guinea pig airways. Learn which wood bedding is safer.
The short answer
Avoid cedar. Untreated pine is also best avoided. Both release aromatic compounds that may irritate the respiratory tract and are linked to liver changes in small animals.
Kiln-dried pine
Kiln drying reduces aromatic oils, and some owners use it. Dust-extracted aspen or paper bedding are generally considered safer choices.
Safer alternatives
- Dust-extracted aspen shavings.
- Paper-based bedding.
- Fleece over an absorbent layer.
Signs bedding may be irritating
- Sneezing after a cage change.
- Watery eyes.
- Noisy breathing, which needs a vet check.