Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Become a credit card member today!Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!APPLY NOWLearn More About Petco Pay Benefits
Is paper or wood bedding safer and better for my guinea pig?
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Small Animal | Guinea Pig | Male | unneutered | 5 months and 17 days old
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?
1 Answer
Most Helpful Answer
Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on June 2nd, 2018
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.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful