Key Takeaway
Pressure treated wood is not safe for pets to chew or ingest. It contains chemical preservatives that can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or worse if eaten. For outdoor pet structures like dog houses, rabbit hutches, or chicken coops, use untreated or naturally rot-resistant lumber instead. If your pet eats treated wood, contact a veterinarian immediately.
Why Pressure Treated Wood Is a Risk for Pets
Pressure treated lumber is infused with preservatives such as alkaline copper quaternary (ACQ) or copper azole (CA). These help resist rot and insects, but they’re toxic if consumed. The risk is highest for animals that chew or gnaw regularly. Dogs and rabbits are the most likely to ingest pieces, while chickens and ducks may peck at boards in coops or runs. Even cats may scratch or nibble on outdoor structures.
Walking across a treated deck won’t harm pets, but chewing, gnawing, or contact with soil and water near treated lumber raises the risk of exposure.
What Happens If a Pet Eats Pressure Treated Wood
When pets chew treated wood, they can ingest both wood fibers and chemical residue. Symptoms vary depending on the animal and the amount consumed, but common signs include:
- Excessive drooling or pawing at the mouth
- Vomiting or diarrhea
- Lethargy, weakness, or loss of appetite
- Mouth irritation or swelling
If this happens: rinse the animal’s mouth with clean water if possible, then call your veterinarian immediately. Bring details such as how much was eaten and the type of wood, or even a piece of it, to help the vet decide on treatment. Do not attempt to induce vomiting unless instructed.
Building Outdoor Pet Structures Safely
If you’re building or repairing outdoor structures for your pets, material choice matters. Treated wood may last longer outdoors, but it’s not worth the health risks. Here’s how to decide:
Do Not Use Treated Wood
- Inside dog houses, rabbit hutches, or chicken coops
- For roosts, perches, or nest boxes
- Anywhere pets can chew, scratch, or peck
Possible Limited Use
Treated wood may be used where animals cannot directly reach it — such as buried fence posts or support beams. These provide durability without exposing your pets to direct chewing or contact.
Safer Alternatives
For areas pets will touch, chew, or sleep in, safer woods include cedar, redwood, or untreated pine. These can be protected with a non-toxic outdoor sealer to extend their lifespan. While they may require more upkeep, they are far safer for animal health.
Species-Specific Concerns
Dogs
Dogs often chew wood when bored. If treated boards are within reach, they’re at high risk of ingestion. Use cedar or sealed untreated pine for kennels and outdoor runs.
Cats
Cats may scratch or occasionally gnaw wood, but ingestion is less common. Still, avoid treated lumber in outdoor shelters or scratching posts.
Rabbits
Rabbits are constant chewers. A hutch made with pressure treated wood is unsafe, even if painted or sealed. Use untreated pine or hardwood instead, and replace panels if they show signs of wear.
Chickens & Ducks
Backyard poultry may peck at wood, especially roosts and coop interiors. Treated wood here can lead to chemical ingestion. Keep roosts, perches, and nesting boxes untreated. Treated lumber may be acceptable only for buried posts or framing the exterior of runs.
If You Already Used Pressure Treated Wood
Many pet owners discover after the fact that they built with treated lumber. If that’s you, don’t panic — but take steps to reduce risk:
- Seal surfaces: Apply a pet-safe outdoor sealer to reduce leaching and surface exposure.
- Cover edges: Add untreated boards or metal flashing where animals chew.
- Replace key parts: Swap out roosts, perches, and chewable surfaces with untreated lumber.
FAQs About Pressure Treated Wood and Pets
Q: Is pressure treated wood safe for a dog house?
A: No. Dogs often chew wood, and ingestion can make them sick. Use cedar or sealed untreated pine instead.
Q: Can chickens roost on pressure treated wood?
A: It’s not recommended. Use untreated boards for perches since chickens spend long hours roosting each night.
Q: What if my rabbit chews treated wood?
A: Call a vet right away. Rabbits chew constantly, and even small amounts of treated wood can be harmful.
Q: Is treated lumber safe for fence posts near animals?
A: Yes, if buried or in places pets cannot chew. Avoid it inside pens or hutches.
Q: Can I seal treated wood to make it pet-safe?
A: Sealing helps reduce risk but does not eliminate toxicity if an animal chews the wood. Safer woods are better long term.
Conclusion
Pressure treated wood is useful for outdoor projects but not a safe choice for pets. Dogs, rabbits, and backyard poultry are especially vulnerable if they chew or peck at it. Use untreated or naturally rot-resistant woods for pet housing and runs, and keep treated lumber limited to places animals can’t reach. If your pet does ingest treated wood, call your veterinarian promptly. Prevention and safe material choices are the best protection for your animals.