Not All Bedding is Safe for a Chinchilla Cage

Two chinchillas, Pedro DePacas and Spicoli, have inspired me to write this hubpage. It is important to know what is safe to put in a chinchilla cage, or any cage for that matter. Just because something is in the pet store does not mean that it is safe for your pet.

Choosing bedding for your pet can be more important than you think. Many companies sell bedding made of cedar and pine wood shavings. While it is not an official fact that these can be harmful to animals, there is very strong evidence to support the connection between certain types of bedding and health issues in animals.

The reason cedar and pine bedding are so popular is that they are great controlling odor. Unfortunately, these odor reducing chemicals can be toxic. The chemical compound phenol contained in these wood shavings is a germicide and often used in creating disinfectants. Many household cleaning products contain these chemicals. Scientific test have shown that these odor controlling hydrocarbons are a potential health risks.

Laboratory results have shown that there is a strong possibility that the acidic phenol compounds are the cause of many respiratory issues in small animals. While most experiments have used rats or mice, it is logical that the same health problems will be seen in other animals, such as chinchillas. Respiratory problems thought to be caused by phenols include asthma and inflammation of the lungs and throat. Scientists have also found that cedar and pine have induced abnormal changes in the liver.

Test results have shown that animals in cages containing cedar bedding have increased levels of enzymes in the liver. When there is an overabundance of enzymes, it is typically a sign that the liver is having trouble getting rid of toxins. Experiments have shown that this increase in liver enzymes can be seen within one day of an animal being housed in a cage containing cedar shaving. When the animal has been removed from the cage, the enzyme levels will typically return to normal within two weeks, or so.

Other health issues thought to be associated with toxins from cedar and pine include immune systems problems and decreased reproduction rates. When the immune system is overworking, it can cause stress in the animal.

A common type of pine bedding that is found in stores is kiln dried pine. This bedding is safe for pets. By heating the wood, the acidic phenol chemicals are reduced significantly. Cedar and pine can also be soaked in a solvent to lower the level of hydrocarbons.

While cedar and pine bedding have not been deemed the exact cause of respiratory and liver problems, lab tests have clearly shown that this is most likely the case. With many other options available for your pet’s cage, it seems like an unnecessary risk.

If you are interested in some more information about chinchillas and chinchilla bedding, check out Chinchilla Cage HQ.

The following are more hubpages about chinchillas that I've made:

Be Careful When You Choose a Chinchilla Cage