Prairie dog colonies have the potential to host up to 150 different species of wildlife. Thas, I. et al. This is around the time when they breed and then pups are collected. They are burrowing animals and live in colonies. They are gentle and friendly to humans, just like other rodents, despite their advanced age. While it is not legal to own one in all states, some states do allow for their ownership as pets. Many grazing animals, including domestic cattle, prefer to graze within prairie dog towns. Prairie dogs have long been regarded as a nuisance to farmers and ranchers, as they can cause extensive damage to crops and pastures. Generally, a pet prairie dog can cost anywhere between $50-$250. It is not their desire to return to the wild. First and foremost, you need to ensure you have the time, energy, and finances available to properly care for a prairie dog. When shopping for dog food, consider these three criterion: taste, nutritional profile, and availability. They don't shed much, and you don't need to bathe them. They come in many different colors and sizes and can be found for sale in pet stores or through breeders. To have a successful prairie dog, he or she will need a large cage (at least 2 x 2x4). Pros and cons of owning a prairie dog Rumble Viral 2M subscribers Subscribe 1.3K Share 140K views 5 years ago If you're thinking of having a prairie dog as your next pet, you may want to. It is critical for them to have at least two companions in order for their well-being to be successful. As of 2008, the FDA lifted its restrictions on pet prairie dogs, but in 2016, prairie dogs carrying the plague again became a concern. They can be trained to do tricks and love to explore their environment. They can be quite vocal, and their barks can be quite loud and shrill. When prairie dogs are hungry, they emerge from their tunnels to consume food. Generally, they prefer temperatures around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. The prairie dog is a socially active and active animal, which means that it will benefit more from an environment where it can interact with others of its kind while burrowing and running around the perimeter of the burrow as it sees fit. Exotic animal laws vary greatly across the country, but they are intended to protect public health and safety. A prairie dog town, also known as a prairie dog suburb, is a community of prairie dogs that live in the same habitat as humans. Can I Bring My Pet To The Tattoo Shop? Which states are allowed to have prairie dogs? Because prairie dogs also eat grass, ranchers and farmers view them as a threat to their livelihoods. Captive Pet Prairie Dog Caging and Enclosures On the plus side, they are social creatures that bond well with their owners and are relatively low maintenance. As with their other products, High Prairie has a unique formula that combines protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, and fatty acids. Taking up residence close to small rivers, on sloping hills, or on flat grasslands, prairie dog colonies thrive by burrowing into a variety of soils and foraging for plentiful food options. As very social creatures, prairie dogs will become depressed or sick if not given enough attention. However, there are some drawbacks to owning a prairie dog. When prairie dogs kiss, they tend to chase each other after realizing they are not related to one another. A prairie dog is a burrowing rodent native to the western United States. Some of the most dangerous spiders include rattlesnakes and black widow spiders. They also need to be fed a special diet of prairie dog food, which can be purchased from pet stores. The Pros and Cons of Getting a Pet - LifeHack Welcome To Old Time Pottery: Shop With Your Furry Friends! Prairie dogs are sociable and enjoy receiving attention, just like humans. Even though they are not obligate carnivores, dogs and cats do benefit from a diet that includes some animal products such as meat and bones. The enclosure should have plenty of space for the prairie dog to dig burrows, as well as plenty of food and water. Because prairie dogs live in the natural environment, a prairie dogs habitat cannot be replicated in captivity. The Pros And Cons Of Keeping An Exotic Animal As A Pet Conflict reduction plans and coexistence offer a more wildlife friendly and humane solution to issues that arise for both wildlife and people. 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Unless you have a large enclosure (such as a 10-foot by 10-foot concrete-bordered pit filled three feet deep with dirt to allow burrowing), a large dog-sized cage is unfortunately usually used to house a pet prairie dog indoors. Whats the best way to take care of prairie dogs? Discuss This Article. Journal Of Small Animal Practice, vol 60, no. In the United States, the plague bacteria can spread to human skin or mucous membranes by coming into contact with them. Every spring and summer, thousands of prairie dog pups are vacuumed from their burrows in the United States. Taste of the Wild High Prairie Puppy Food Review 2023: Recalls, Pros & Cons To schedule an exotic vet appointment, you must go to your local veterinarian. Small, active rodents that can be purchased as puppies or as a pet if they are properly socialized and taught to behave. Emily has been a proofreader and editor at a variety of online media outlets over the past decade and has reviewed more than 200 articles for The Spruce Pets for factual accuracy. Do prairie dogs do better in their natural habitats than in a domesticated one? Although eating prairie dogs is unlikely to cause illness, you should clean them thoroughly before cooking them to ensure they are safe. If you are bitten by either of these venomous pests, you may experience serious reactions. Before getting a prairie dog, people should research their state and local laws to make sure they are allowed to own one. Alternatively, you can visit an exotic pet show or buy a prairie dog at an exotic pet store. Havashu Dogs of Sand Prairie, IL - Premier Pups Frontiers In Veterinary Science, vol 6, 2019. Wild prairie dogs are available for sale as pets or as a commodity through licensed USDA dealers. How to minimize the risk of antler chews. Despite the fact that this type of pet is typically considered low-grade exotic, state laws can change at will. Are prairie dogs difficult to potty train? The prairie dog prefers temperatures in the 70s Fahrenheit range. Any sign of irregularity in your prairie dog warrants an examination from your exotic animal veterinarian. They are known for their chirping calls and for being good swimmers. Adult Size: 11 to 13 inches long; weighing 1 to 3.5 pounds. However, there are also some drawbacks to owning a prairie dog. 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A secure, escape-proof cage is also recommended. Are prairie dogs dangerous? Dr. Diehl is a passionate veterinarian pursuing specialty medicine with over 6 years' experience with exotic pets. The Pros And Cons Of Prairie Dogs Farmers may be negatively impacted by prairie dogs because they compete for food, crop damage, and spread disease. Many people are interested in the fact that prairie dogs can pass the bacterium that causes bubonic plague to other dogs. They also need to be kept in large groups, so multiple animals will need to be adopted. How hard is it to take care of a prairie dog? The animals are uncommonly important not only as food sources, but also as prairie grasslands. There is no denying that prairie dogs can make for adorably unique pets. As predators and scavengers, dogs and cats evolved a skewed preference for meat, bones, and other animal products as a result of these evolutionary changes. Look no further than the prairie dog! For this reason, unless you can give your prairie dog nearly undivided attention throughout the day, it's recommended to house more than one prairie dog together for company, socialization, and overall welfare. Toilets are frequently located in one spot, and litter boxes can be trained to do so. If you are considering a prairie dog as a pet, be sure you are prepared to commit to their care for the duration of their natural life. Some zoos have prairie dog colonies that visitors can explore. A prairie dog in the wild typically has three to four years of life left. The legal status of prairie dogs varies from state to state. When baby Prairie dogs are weaned and then brought up in a human . This dry food uses pasture-raised bison and venison as its primaryx protein sources, both of which are highly digestible. A prairie dog is a fascinating animal that can be a challenge to care for as well as a natural social animal. Additionally, it's hard for some folks to give up a grassy looking turf. It is important to note that prairie dogs do not live as long as humans; only about 40% reach maturity, and most adults live for three to five years. Prairie dogs have a wide range of native habitats in the United States Great Plains. In the case of kissing, the person is from the same group. Always supervise your dog. PROS. Physical contact between Prairie dogs and ferrets may be used to intimidate or immobilize them. Small pet animals can bite if they are not provoked. If you have a bite wound, it should be evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible to determine the severity of the wound and whether antibiotics are required. Their churning activities aerate the soil allowing more water penetration, and their nitrogen-rich dung is a natural fertiliser which improves soil quality and vegetation. Should You Keep a Patagonian Cavy (Mara) as a Pet? By closing their teeth, prairie dogs can determine whether or not they belong to the same group. Consider bringing your prarie dog in for wellness exams to discuss diet, housing, and overall husbandry for recommendations on improvement and to ensure your pet is healthy. Can I legally own a coyote in Florida? Prairie dogs may look cute and cuddly, but they can bite if threatened and their sharp teeth can cause scratches and puncture wounds. Creating visual and physical barriers can be really effective. Prairie dogs can live in a variety of habitats, from the city to the suburbs, and are adapted to a wide range of environments. This species measures 35-43 cm (14-17 in) in length and weighs 0.45-1.36 kg (1-3 lbs). Their numbers have been greatly reduced over the last few decades. Prairie dogs were observed chasing ferrets in the study area, which may be due to the ferrets tendency to explore prairie dog burrows. Physical contact, such as pushing and biting, was also common in aggressive prairie dog-fret interactions. There are some calls for specific predators, as well as an alarm that sounds when humans are armed. They graze and dig in bare patches of ground, where they attract insects that feed on a wide variety of birds. Taste of the Wild Dog Food Review 2023: Recalls, Pros & Cons Prairie Dog Pet Products has an overall rating of 1.7 out of 5, based on over 20 reviews left anonymously by employees. However, they require a lot of space and can be noisy, so apartment dwellers may not be suitable. The prairie dog is a keystone species because its colonies create islands of habitat that benefit approximately 150 other species. One of five species of wild prairie dogs, the black-tailed prairie dog is an example of this. Aside from being destructive, prairie dogs require an indoor enclosure large enough to keep them safe. Since early European migration onto the North American grasslands, prairie dogs have been celebrated as an essential keystone species for healthy grasslands ecosystems, but also vilified and, in some locations, managed as destructive rodent pests. They are friendly and social creatures that enjoy human interaction and make for great cuddle buddies. Pros and cons of owning a prairie dog - Rumble A prairie dog is a significant commitment because they require a lot of care and attention. Farmers and ranchers believe they are a threat to their livelihoods, which is why they resort to shooting, poisoning, contest kills, and even bulldozing when confronted with urban development plans. How does a prairie dog smell? Are prairie dogs cute? Prairie dogs, on the other hand, contribute to the health of the land and attract predators, both of which are beneficial to farmers. The Pros and Cons of Adopting a Dog The Pros of Adopting a Dog. Family and Shelter for the New Member Cons of Having a Pet 1. Why are prairie dogs cute? Prairie dogs were one of the main culprits implicated in a monkeypox outbreak in 2003 and were then banned as pets for over five years in the United States. Most dog food is tailored to meet the nutritional needs of dogs by life stage: puppy, adult, or senior. Contributions to the HSUS are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. However, there are some things to consider before getting a prairie dog as a pet.