Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. They require a lot of attention and a safe, secure environment, so make sure you are prepared to provide them with the best care possible before you make your purchase. Prairie dogs are a type of rodent native to the grasslands of North America. Wild Prairie dogs live in large communal groups, called towns or coteries, where they depend on each other for protection, affection, grooming, play, and more. If there is a bite on the body, it should be treated as soon as possible by a medical professional. They are fascinating creatures, and their ecology is something that people find appealing. Should You Keep a Prairie Dog as a Pet? - The Spruce Pets 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. Prairie dogs are undeniably cute and have become increasingly popular as pets in the United States. Furs of the black-tail prairie dog are frequently blended with soil. Theres no doubt about it. They are relatively easy to care for and can be trained to do tricks. Creating visual and physical barriers can be really effective. Celeste Yarnall operates a holistic consulting practice for people and their pets specializing in feline and canine nutrition. In Colorado, it is illegal to own prairie dogs. They also need to be fed a special diet of prairie dog food, which can be purchased from pet stores. Dogs and cats, for example, are domesticated animals that are fed a mostly processed diet consisting of carbohydrates and processed foods. It is recommended that they eat mostly grasses and other plants, with a small amount of animal protein on occasion. A prairie dog bite is dangerous and can lead to serious infections if not treated. Because prairie dogs live in the natural environment, a prairie dogs habitat cannot be replicated in captivity. Both sexes must be neutered or spayed in order to avoid health problems later in life. I've been reading what I can find on them but I'd love to hear from you PD owners first hand!! Most dog food is tailored to meet the nutritional needs of dogs by life stage: puppy, adult, or senior. Many people are interested in the fact that prairie dogs can pass the bacterium that causes bubonic plague to other dogs. Do prairie dogs enjoy being handled? They come in many different colors and sizes and can be found for sale in pet stores or through breeders. This species measures 35-43 cm (14-17 in) in length and weighs 0.45-1.36 kg (1-3 lbs). 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. They are also relatively easy to care for and can live up to 10 years. Most of these creatures are peaceful and cooperative, but their interactions can be contentious, necessitating competition in order for colony life to thrive. If you don't have at least six hours per day to spend with your prairie dog, then plan on having a full colony of prairie dogs or none at all. They also need to be kept in large groups, so multiple animals will need to be adopted. The prairie dog lives in the wild for three to four years before being released into the wild. Pros and cons of owning a prairie dog 60,205 views Oct 13, 2014 Prairie dog .more .more 400 Dislike Share Save Lisa Marie Leonardi 37 subscribers Comments 70 Add a comment. To attract raptorssuch as hawks, owlsand kestrelsyou can provide suitable-sized nesting boxes and artificial perching sites near the colony. Prairie dogs have a lot of personality and make great companions. While prairie dogs are legal to own as pets in most states, there are instances where they can be considered wild animals and therefore are illegal or require a permit. According to the Code of Massachusetts Regulations (321 CMR 2.12), this is explicitly prohibited and detailed. Does prairie dogs stink? Frontiers In Veterinary Science, vol 6, 2019. Owning A Pet Raccoon: Legal Practical And Ethical Considerations. In the same way that humans kiss, prairie dogs do so with each other. A number of factors can contribute to your dog's fussy eating habits. They cause a variety of visual problems as a result of their burrowing, but their diet of flowers, crops, buds, and roots can have a severe impact on garden plants, fruits, and vegetables. The sex of a prairie dog doesn't make one gender a better pet than the other, with the exception that male prairie dogs possibly have a stronger musky odor than females, but the smell is not unpleasant. 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. A prairie dog in the wild typically has three to four years of life left. Prairie dogs are not good at living alone, which is one of their distinguishing characteristics. Prairie dogs can also be difficult to potty train, and they have a tendency to dig and chew through furniture. Before getting a prairie dog, people should research their state and local laws to make sure they are allowed to own one. Prairie dogs can also have a hostile kiss, in which one or both of the participants jerk or jump away from the kiss. They are small, burrowing rodents that live in colonies, but they are not typically known to attack humans. Disturbed Schedule (Maybe) Conclusion The Pros and Cons of Pet Boarding and Pet Sitting - BeChewy Owning may be a commitment, but they'll reward you with endless love. They can be quite vocal, and their barks can be quite loud and shrill. The Twoodle. Assuming you would like an introduction on how to care for a pet prairie dog: Prairie dogs are small rodent-like animals that are native to the Great Plains of North America. The prairie dog is an intelligent animal with complex communication capabilities. Should I get a dog? Pros and Cons of owning a dog Prairie dogs may look cute and cuddly, but they can bite if threatened and their sharp teeth can cause scratches and puncture wounds. Pros and cons of owning a prairie dog - YouTube Some parks have been shut down in an attempt to prevent the spread to people. Although based in Southern California, Celeste consults with clients from all over the world. Research has shown that "dusting" colonies with insecticides such a deltamethrim (delta dust) or pyraperm not only kills fleas but may also stop the outbreak of this exotic disease in colonies that have already been infected. I have been a happy dog owner for many years now. Clipping and digging by prairie dogs results in the growth of more shrubby plants and forbs. As very social creatures, prairie dogs will become depressed or sick if not given enough attention. The rodents are active, playful, and strong, and if properly cared for, they can be wonderful pets if purchased as young puppies, socialized properly, and given a lot of attention. Prairie dog colonies have the potential to host up to 150 different species of wildlife. If you want a prairie dog, you must first ensure that you can devote the necessary time to owning one. It is common for prairie dogs to kiss each other on the lips to express their affection. Overall, prairie dogs can make great pets for the right owner, but be sure to do your research before bringing one home. A prairie dog is extremely social, and it can be difficult for it to do well alone. While the line's dry recipes put their best foot forward with buffalo or bison as the first ingredient, further down the label, you'll find things like chicken fat, chicken meal, and egg byproducts. They require a great deal of attention and care in order to achieve the best social and physical environment possible. In addition to marking territory for males, kissing behavior is a way for them to gain access to the ladies. Prairie Dogs As Pets: Pros And Cons - PatchPets Furthermore, these animals can be dangerous to humans as well as other domesticated animals, as well as a nuisance to the surrounding environment. Although they are not suitable pets for everyone and may not be the best family pet (especially if they have small children), they can become difficult, nippy, and aggressive if not handled or socialized regularly. Prairie dogs are active and playful, and can be trained to do tricks. They can be trained to do tricks and love to explore their environment. Corn cob is recommended for prairie dogs due to the high levels of dust in cat litter and the possibility of cedar allergies. Conservationists are concerned that maintaining healthy populations is critical to preserving these species. Prairie dogs are burrowing rodents the size of rabbits that live in colonies underground in grasslands and prairies. These dogs are frequently preyed upon by rodents, and as a result, they are susceptible to a variety of diseases. However, potential owners should be aware that owning a prairie dog is not legal in all parts of the country. It's higher in protein content than beef but also lower in fat content. 2023 The Humane Society of the United States Privacy policy and terms. Taste of the Wild High Prairie: Reviewed - pros, cons, and recalls Do prairie dogs like to cuddle? Welcome To Old Time Pottery: Shop With Your Furry Friends! If you want to buy a prairie dog, you should first contact your local animal shelter or wildlife rescue organization to see if there are any injured, orphaned, or surrendered prairie dogs for adoption. Chimpanzees, tigers, lions, crocodiles, jaguars, leopards, and venomous reptiles are among the animals that are not permitted in Florida, according to MSN. They are very active, social animals and are a lot of fun to watch and interact with. - Milan Kundera. How to minimize the risk of antler chews. As adults, they are able to burrow several feet underground and often create different subterranean chambers for different purposes. Used trucks for sale in Grand Prairie, TX under $19,998 Prairie dogs also seem to be very susceptible to plague, which makes them a risk to nearby human populations. Should You Keep a Patagonian Cavy (Mara) as a Pet?