just how dangerous is Cedar?

[Starbuck]

I just got a new dog bed for my pup, and the filling is 99% polyester and 1% cedar. When i open it up to look at the filling, it is some small cedar chips throughout the polyester fibers. There is a noticeable cedar smell if you sit on the dog bed, but not when you walk into the room.

The dog bed is not in or near the snake room, but i was just wondering if anyone has any links to literature on the dangers of cedar to reptiles and inverts. Is there any literature, or is it just known that it causes respiratory distress etc?

[Terranaut]

Your fine. Don't stuff any snakes inside the bedding and they will be ok ;)

[Starbuck]

I'm not that worried about my snakes, was just curious about any
data gathered regarding cedar fumes effect on herps...

[BryanB]

Someone correct me if I am wrong but I don't think it is the "fumes" at all it is coming in contact with the tannins "oils"

[dbank999]

Found this article...

Use of Cedar as a Substrate for Reptiles and Other Pets (http://www.anapsid.org/cedar.html)

From what I gathered it seems as though the primary concern is the skin irritants present in the wood (cedar, pine), but these same compounds also release aromatics harmful to the respitory tract as well..

[Zoo Nanny]

It's the phenols emitted from the chips as a gas that are toxic to animals. They can cause respiratory and liver problems. There have actually been very few scientific testing on cedar and pine chips. The few that were conducted were done on mammals. Most vets that you come across will urge you not to use it near pets unless it is in a well ventilated area. Many exotic vets will say absolutely no to using with reptiles and birds due to their sensitive respiratory systems and the risk of liver disease. With the different substrates available there is no need to use it.

[Awaiting Abyss]

I'd like to throw in that pine is safe IF it is kiln-dried. Cedar is not safe whether it is kiln-dried or not.

I also don't think it would be harmful to your dog unless the bed was stuffed full of cedar. Its just really harmful to small animals, birds and reptiles.

[Zoo Nanny]

I have to agree the small amount in the dog bed isn't going to hurt anyone.