Is it OK for rabbit to use sawdust of pine?

Question
QUESTION: Dear Dana:
Would the sawdust get into rabbit's ears and could not be shook out? Is sawdust of pine contains pine oil? Is pine oil bad for rabbit? My rabbit sneezes occasionally, will the sawdust make this condition worse?

ANSWER: Dear Emma,

I would be wary of using pine sawdust, since it has not been treated to remove aromatic compounds that can cause respiratory irritation.  Pelleted sawdust products are better, since they contain the dust and are not irritating.  When they get wet, they revert to dust, but since the dust is damp, it is not inhaled by the bunny.

Pine or cedar shavings or sawdust are not really appropriate as bedding for your bunny.  Pelleted products are fine, if you can get them.  Unfortunately, I am not familiar with the options available to you in China.

Hope this helps.

Dana

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---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Dear Dana:
Thank you for your answers.
When I say sawdust of pine, I mean the pelleted sawdust. It's just I don't know how to say it in English. The pelleted sawdust I can get is named "Lovecat", with a bunny drown on package (I think it's a product mainly for cats), and it's cheap. I don't know the "aromatic oil" until I bought "carefresh pet bedding", It say it's free from aromatic oil, but it's expensive so I put it under where my rabbit stands when he pees^_^and pelleted sawdust where he pees to. But I always found sawdust under his mat and sometimes his bottom, that makes me worried.

Answer
Dear Emma,

I would not worry about a little stray sawdust.  Pelleted pine sawdust litters are great, and it's all we use.  :)

Dana

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