In the list of popular pets, the prairie dog is becoming a world-famous pet. They are considered active, playful, and sturdy rodents, and also they are the wonderful and affectionate pets. This is one of the most often seen exotic pet trades. But owning a prairie dog as pet comes with many challenges and it requires a natural habitat and a lot of care. So, if you think that prairie will make a good pet for you, then spend a few minutes reading this article as you will find everything about prairie.
About prairie dogs:
Basically, prairie dogs are not really dogs; they are herbivorous burrowing rodents which are resided in the grassland areas. The prairie dog is a keystone species and they have a profound effect on the natural environment. They are difficult to handle and sometimes they may turn aggressive. But you need to go for a paired prairie dog as keeping a single prairie dog is not a good idea.
The prairie dog will live for 8 to 10 years, and they are similar to rabbits. If you have the ability to handle a challenging pet, then this prairie dog as pet will be the best choice. If the owners have increased the chance of raising the pet around then it will make a bigger imprint in every human’s life and also it will be considered the best pet.
Let’s find out the entire information about the prairie dog as pet;
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Five species of prairie dog:
The prairie dogs will come in five different species such as black-tailed, white-tailed, Utah, Mexican, and Gunnison’s prairie dog.
- A black-tailed prairie dog is the most abundant and widespread species and these kinds of species do not undergo hibernation. It can be seen above-ground during the winter
- White-tailed prairie dog will be tan-brown in color and comes with large eyes and a dark patch on the cheeks. They are usually herbivorous and feed mainly grass, forbs, and sedges
- Utah prairie dog is the smallest species of the prairie dog family and it faces a lot of threats mainly habitat loss. This is an endangered species so in many places they are treated as protected species
- The Mexican prairie dog is a native to Mexico and even though they are herbivores still they known to eat insects
- Gunnison’s prairie dog belongs to the squirrel family of rodents and they are considered the most active animal. They will be feeding during the day only
Things to know about prairie dog as pet:
Behavior:
The animals are active during the daytime and sleep at night. If it doesn’t get any proper attention then it will become depressed or sick. The owners need to spend at least 6 hours with the prairie dog. Also, it needs to be properly trained.
Ethics:
There are a few ethical things to consider regarding a prairie dog as pet, as it needs a lot of time, energy, and finances. They need to be taken care of properly and also require a lot of attention while starved. Rather than keeping the dog single, you need to keep it together for company, socialization, and overall welfare.
Housing:
The owner needs to provide a natural environment where it will provide a burrow and forage. Also, the prairie dog needs high nutritious food for all their stages. So, if you are choosing a housing method where burrowing is not allowed then remember it may lead to anxiety. So, the owner needs to provide plenty of space and a secured cage is most recommendable.
Food:
In most cases, the prairie dogs will feed only grass with some brush and roots. Also, depending on the season the food of the prairie dogs will differ. The prairie dog will adapt to the changing environment in search of food.
They prefer mainly vegetarian such as fresh hay, pellets, grasses, fresh fruits, vegetables, and water. Even you can include whole oats, raw sweet potatoes, and raw carrots.
Health problems:
The prairie dogs will undergo a rutting period which can last for several months and during this period they become more aggressive or defensive. They are very susceptible to plague so sometimes it may risk the human population. If you fed the wrong food then they are susceptible to obesity and sometimes the diet may lead to heart and respiratory disease. So, pet owners need to ensure that the pet stays healthy all the time.
Is it legal to own a prairie dog?
Most states allow prairie dog as pet, but there are few states that consider prairie dogs as wild animals. Also, the prairie dog is one of the main reasons for causing monkeypox in 2003 so it was banned as a pet in the United States for five years.
In 2016, they were again considered the reason for bringing the plague. So, if you are planning to raise prairie dog as pet, you need to check the law rules of your state.
Facts about prairie dogs:
- Even though prairie dogs are considered small, they are fast and skilled fighters that come with sharp claws and powerful teeth
- These animals will mate once a year and it will be usually in the early winter. They litter three to eight pups of which the half will survive in their first year
- The males will jump from coterie to coterie but the female will stick together for life
- Prairie dogs are considered the social animals and they live in groups called “towns”
- They are considered the intelligent animals and tend to have complex communication
- Prairie dogs will play a vital role in the prairie ecosystem. They improve the soil quality and vegetation
Bottom Line:
If you are a committed owner then a prairie dog will be considered the best pet. But the pet owners should provide necessary housing, dietary, and social needs. Also, it requires a lot of attention, time, and money. The prairie dog as pet is not considered an ideal pet for busy families and children.
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