My family used some hamster cedar shavings in our dogs doghouse and our older german shephard had an allergic reaction to it. She had trouble walking straight like she had an inner ear infection and she never recovered from it. I wouldn't use them and I would try and find a different form of bedding. We had another small dog sleep in the same house at the same time and she was fine so it could affect some dogs differently. I won't ever use cedar shavings for any of my dogs.
Cedar is toxic. That is why "hope chests" and linen trunks traditionally have some cedar in it. It kills moths and bugs. Cedar shavings are also used in gardens to kill pests.
In humans and animals cedar splinters and cedar dust cause all kinds of problems, even permanent ones.
Best is to buy a cheap bale of old hay, store it in a snap-top drum or big cooler until use, and toss the used hay onto the compost. The hay stays fairly clean, but crumbles and flattens.
I have used hay for sled dogs for 30 years. They don't like dog houses, except when they have pups, and they drag the hay outside and sleep on it there.
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Request: Cedar Shavings for Dog Bedding
Archived on 03/17/2009
I just built my dogs a new house with a hinged top and a removable front for ease of cleaning. Is there anything wrong with using lose cedar shavings for their bedding? It would be cheaper than buying a pillow. Less messy than having to wash a cover. Whenever I wanted to change the bedding I could just sweep it out and pour new in.
KirkZ from Mount Pleasant, SC
Answers:
RE: Cedar Shavings for Dog Bedding
I wouldn't. I hear that, the scented oils in the shavings can affect the animal's metabolism and liver function, and possibly induce cancer or precancerous lesions, especially on the liver.
Also the shavings can cause allergic reactions and/or asthma, and trigger asthma attacks, in humans, and in the animals.
(03/26/2007)
Cedar shavings are toxic. Use pine shavings instead. Or how about old terry cloth towels or old cotton blankets? These could be washed when soiled. Will save you a lot of money in the long run. JMHO
By Denise
RE: Cedar Shavings for Dog Bedding
Is your dog's house outside? Use straw or hay. (03/27/2007)
