Is paper or wood bedding safer and better for my guinea pig?

Question

I've seen people use wood shavings for their Guinea pigs and I was wondering, overall what is better, paper or wood shavings? People are saying wood shavings Incase their pigs chew on the bedding it's safer than paper. My concerns are wood shavings getting stuck inside him when he scoots his butt, and the shavings not being as absorbant. So what's better for him and what are the pros and cons of both? Pet's info: Small Animal | Guinea Pig | Male | unneutered | 5 months and 17 days old

Jessica Keay, DVM · Accepted Answer

Paper bedding such as Carefresh bedding or this type is currently recommended. There would be no greater issue with them ingesting the paper bedding versus the wood shavings bedding, as the paper bedding would actually be more easily digested (as paper is actually a product made from broken down wood!). The paper is more expensive but has less risk of causing wounds (occasionally the wood shavings can have sharp pieces and cause injury to the skin or eyes or mouth) and less risk of dust or other irritants to the respiratory tract.

Is paper or wood bedding safer and better for my guinea pig?

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