Happy Holidays! Tis definitely the season! Pets, of course, have a unique way of adding that special festive touch to those cozy and festive scenes. You’ll see lots of info on dog and cat care, but what about smaller animals, like hamsters, mice, gerbils and Guinea pigs? These little fellas also require a little extra attention over the holidays! A local Haddon Township, NJ veterinarian discusses how to care for your little pet during those seasonal festivities below.
Holiday Gifts For Pocket Pets
Many tiny animals have open-rooted teeth. These little furballs are continuously chewing. Otherwise, they can have unpleasant—and dangerous—dental problems. You’ll need to provide lots of chew toys. You can buy some, or make your own. Just use suitable materials, such as grass hay, dried apple sticks, cardboard, paper, grass mats, wicker, bamboo, willow, and safe herbs.
There are lots of things you can do. Crumple plain paper into balls and place them in a shoebox or paper grocery bag. You can also put shredded paper strips into a box or paper bag, or fold pieces of paper into forms like snowflake chains. The cardboard tubes from toilet paper or paper towel roll tubes can also be quite useful. You can fold them, arrange them into pyramids, or stuff them with herbs.
Many smaller animals enjoy eating wood and wicker. Only use woods that you know are safe, though. Avoid pine, cedar, and other hardwoods, since their oils are harmful to small animals. Ask your vet for more information.
Treats For Pocket Pets
Food plays an important role in many seasonal events.Little animals also get excited about snacks. Just stick to safe options. While the specific list will vary according to the type of pet you have, there are a few items that are safe for most small furballs. Bananas, strawberries, blueberries, and melons are on that list. However, don’t offer too many sweets. As for veggies, carrots, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers are good options.
Make sure to ask your veterinarian for specific information on safe and unsafe treats. Also, be careful not to offer your pet anything that is unsafe for them. This includes chocolate, garlic and onion, avocado, anything with xylitol, and foods high in salt, sugar, or fat. If you have guests coming, particularly children, ask them not to feed pets without checking.
Decorate Your Pocket Pet’s Cage
Why not have some fun with your little friend’s habitat? There are actually some really adorable options for this.
Smaller pets both enjoy and benefit from having hidey-holes to retreat to when they are scared, want seclusion, or simply need to sleep. There are lots of charming seasonal items you can use, like igloos, winter houses, plant pots, and gift bags and boxes. Do not use anything with little bits or pointy objects. Brittle or delicate materials are also hazardous.
Seasonal bedding can help give your tiny friend’s home a festive air. You can buy pet tents, cozies, and hammocks made of decorative seasonal materials. Or, create your own.
While you should not hang ornaments, tinsel, or lights inside your pet’s cage, you can set them outside or around it. You can also use non-toxic wrapping paper as a backing, or put little decorative figures around and in front of it.
Seasonal Hazards For Pocket Pets
This is a dangerous time of year for our animal patients. Many smaller animals like hamsters, mice, and gerbils, will spend the majority of their time in their cages. If you have a slightly bigger pet, such as a rabbit or Guinea pig, you will need to let it out to play.
- Petproofing is crucial! Before allowing pets to leave their environments, make sure the area they will be in is safe. You’ll need to take a few extra precautions over the holidays.
- Pick up any dropped tinsel, ornament hooks, or needles (wood or plastic). These are absolutely not safe for pets to consume.
- Many seasonal plants, including holly, ivy, and mistletoe, are harmful to pets. Keep these high and out of reach of your pet.
- Fires, candles, and fireplaces may add a warm light to your home, but they are not safe for your pet. Keep candles and potpourri burners up high, out of reach of pets, and use grates in front of fires.Pick
- Bunnies and cavies are large enough to get to ornaments and gifts. A baby gate may help you to keep pets away from the tree.
- Ribbons, tinsel, lights, and other ornaments are also unsafe.
Ask your Haddon Township, NJ vet for more information.
Taking Cute Photos of Your Pocket Pet
We never tire of seeing cute seasonal pics of our patients. Have some fun with this! You can make a small photo set. Many decorative pieces will work excellently. Create a miniature igloo for your tiny friend or photograph them on a miniature sleigh. Or, dress them in little antlers or Santa hats. Stick with safe props, though. Avoid using anything little or pointy, or anything with dangling threads.
We can also share some photography advice. When taking a photo of your pet inside their habitat, try to slant your phone downward. This will reduce glare. Also, if your phone has a macro mode, try using it. It might work better than the zoom.
Protecting Your Pet From Holiday Stress
The holiday hustle and bustle might be daunting for pets. If you’re hosting a party—or just expecting company—take a few precautions to keep your furry friend comfortable. Consider relocating their habitat to a quiet back room until the holiday rush has subsided.
Make An Appointment At Our Haddon Township, NJ Pet Clinic
Season’s greetings from all of us to all of you! Do you have a question about your pet’s health or care? Please contact us, your local Haddon Township, NJ animal clinic, at any time!
