Pine ok?

[allison]

I read on a site back when I first got my gerbils that cedar was bad, but everything else was ok. But now all of a sudden I'm seeing sites saying cedar and pine are bad....is this ture? And how bad is it really? I've been using pine the whole time and they are healthy and active. If it really is bad then why do they sell it??? I really don't want to switch...I just bought a big bag of the stuff....

[Ritzie/Admin]

Pine or cedar bedding can cause respiratory problems. Especially in pups. The oils pine or cedar wood shavings contain can be harmful to gerbils.

In know breeders who have lost several litters due to the pine bedding.

That they still sell them for gerbils......I don't know why either! OK I do know why, just one reason: money! Is the same as that cotton wool or fluffy bedding/nesting material specially for hamsters, where they can get strangled in and die! They sell those too. It should not be allowed in my opinion.

[sweetie]

Also if I am correct, Pine does not always cause external problems such as a respiratory illness. Some times prolonged use can cause internal issues such as kidney issues.

Is that true Peter?

[Ritzie/Admin]

I'm not sure! I personally haven't read any scientific paper on it. But I know not everyone who used or still uses pine has problems!

I've searched the internet for more info:

Cedar shavings should not be used, because they contain oils that can cause reproductive, liver and respiratory problems. Pine shavings also contain oils and should be used with caution.

Source: www.medaille.edu/vmacer/120_lec_09mice&rats_graphics.htm

[Ritzie/Admin]

I've found a good page one it: exoticpets.about.com/cs/guineapigs/a/woodshavings.htm

Here some of the info, but I can recommend to visit it, as it contains more info and many links on this subject:

The Problem with Cedar and Pine Shavings as Pet Bedding and Litter
Cedar and pine shavings are commonly available pet bedding products - but are they harmful to the very animals for which they are intended?
Cedar and pine became popular for pet bedding material because they are good at controlling odor and have some natural insecticidal properties (they kill or repel bugs, especially cedar). These softwood shavings smell nice due to the volatile compounds (e.g. aromatic hydrocarbons, phenols) that are given off. Unfortunately these compounds have been implicated as a potential health risk, especially with regards to respiratory problems (asthma, inflammation, allergic responses) and changes in the liver.

Many of the studies on wood toxicity have actually been conducted on humans, who are exposed to these woods and their by products in the wood product industry (such as those who work in lumber mills who are exposed to lots of wood dust), and these studies often compare the incidence of disease in workers in the wood product industry compared to other workers or the average population.

Studies of laboratory animals have shown fairly dramatic changes in liver enzymes on animals housed on cedar bedding.

This in turn can effect the metabolism of drugs including anesthetics, but a direct link between these changes and disease or clinical symptoms hasn't been as clear.
However, based on the studies that implicate the compounds in allergic and respiratory diseases as well as the impact on liver enzymes, it seems prudent to avoid cedar shavings as bedding or litter, especially since alternatives are available.

With pine shavings, the problem isn't quite as clear cut. Pine shavings emit similar volatile compounds but the risks aren't as clear. Many say that drying the shavings releases most of the volatile compounds, so that products such as kiln dried pine are safe. You may still wish to use an alternative bedding or litter completely free of these compounds to be on the safe side.

Better Options

If you are used to using wood shavings, aspen is a good option that is widely available. There is an increasing number of other litter or pellet type products on the market now, which are appropriate for use as bedding or in litter boxes. The best option depends on the type of animal and what the litter is used for. Some of the harder pellet products might be better used in the litter box of a ferret or rabbit, while the softer types of bedding/litter are good for the smaller pets that need their cage lined. However, even some of the pelleted products can be used as a substrate/bedding for rodents, especially as cage liner with some softer bedding provided as a top layer.

Some of the newer alternative include paper-based pellets (absorbent and hold together so the wet parts can easily be scooped out), litters made from a variety of other organic materials (e.g. cherry/maple wood, aspen wood or bark, grain by-products, wood pulp fibers), and even paper strips (which are soft, but not very absorbent). Another often overlooked alternative is alfalfa pellets (e.g. rabbit food) which are cheap and fairly absorbent. For a compilation of alternatives that are fairly readily available depending where you are see: (visit website)

[jerrd101]

Just go get a bag of aspen. Is it worth the risk??