I used non-scented pine shavings?

Question

I asked my friend to look through my hamster's fur for mites but he said it was clear. He scratches himself and i want to know if the pine shavings could cause that scratching... I'm very worried and I barely took it to a vet...(costly =[)

Answer 1

Most likey it's not the shavings.I would stay away from any kind of pine shaving tho,because they say the phenols in the pine

irritate lung tissue(in people as well as animals).The same goes for cedar only more so.Use Carefresh or Aspen shavings.

The itching is probably a parasite-an invisible mite that burrows into their skin and causes pain and itching.Read up on mange or mites in hamsters.They get it from other hamsters and probably yours came from the pet shop with it.The only treatment is a trip to the vet.He's got Ivermectin or Revolution that can be injected or applied to the back of the animal.This is an effective and easy treatment.You can't do it yourself because the dose has to be calculated according to the animals weight.DO NOT BUYS SPRAYS DROPS OR DIPS IN A PET SHOP.These can kill your pet.

Answer 2

Pine is the cause of allergy. Pine or cedar shavings are a definite no no for hamsters. Not only do they get scratching in the fur, but the dust in the shavings can also cause respiratory problems and the sharp shavings can cause swollen paws in the hamster. I faced the same with my hamsters when the pet shop sold me pine shavings wrongly but since I shifted to aspen shavings and carefresh bedding, I have faced no such problems.

Once you change the bedding, you will see the difference in your hamster. For more good bedding ideas for hamsters, refer to the following link for ideas -

http://www.hamsterific.com/BeddingGuide....

Besides commercial bedding, toilet paper is a good and cheap alternative for hamster bedding. Always use only unbleached, untreated and non fragrant toilet paper. Rip it up and mix it with some aspen shavings for the bedding. Do not throw the empty toilet roll tubes. Give them to your hammies who like them as toys for gnawing and tunneling.

Answer 3

yes the pine is bad for rodents! do not use Pine, Cedar, or Aspen! it can give them internal problems. Change litters ASAP

Answer 4

Mites can be very difficult to see, some are impossible to see with the naked eye. You may need to see a vet for a safe treatment, do not use over the counter pet store remedies.

Both pine and cedar should never be used anyway as both are softwoods that contain phenols that damage the respiratory system and liver. Cedar more so than pine, but pine does have them.

Aspen is a wood shaving type bedding too but it's actually safe because it's a hardwood and does not contain the phenols.