2023 The Humane Society of the United States Privacy policy and terms. Prairie dogs, on the other hand, contribute to the health of the land and attract predators, both of which are beneficial to farmers. One 2015 poll reports 95 percent of owners consider their pets to be members of their family.. The ferret is nocturnal and eats small animals, which may make them a threat to prairie dogs. Despite the fact that this type of pet is typically considered low-grade exotic, state laws can change at will. Additionally, it's hard for some folks to give up a grassy looking turf. They are small, burrowing rodents that live in colonies, but they are not typically known to attack humans. The systems of these animals are ill-equipped for extreme temperatures if they are kept outside without a burrow. A study of 25 black-tail prairie dogs at Saint Louis Zoo in Missouri revealed that they enjoy receiving attention as well as receiving attention from humans. This is around the time when they breed and then pups are collected. As a practical matter, prairie dogs should be kept in a large cage so that they can move around freely and explore. Prairie dogs, on the other hand, contribute to the health of the land and attract predators, both of which are beneficial to farmers. They come in many different colors and sizes and can be found for sale in pet stores or through breeders. If youre interested in pet prairie dogs,check out: Otherwise, check out other rodentsthat can be your new pet. The Pros and Cons of Adopting a Dog The Pros of Adopting a Dog. Prairie dogs can live in a variety of habitats, from the city to the suburbs, and are adapted to a wide range of environments. Food and water should be readily available at all times, as prairie dogs are grazers and like to eat day and night. It is recommended that you store fresh water in a bottle. A prairie dog is a significant commitment because they require a lot of care and attention. Although eating prairie dogs is unlikely to cause illness, you should clean them thoroughly before cooking them to ensure they are safe. While they are closely related to flying squirrels, they are not dogs. next pet, you may want to watch this video first. Prairie dogs play a vital role in maintaining the prairie ecosystem. Are there any animals that are legal to own in the entire United States? Prairie dogs can destroy crops if they are not controlled. 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. This species measures 35-43 cm (14-17 in) in length and weighs 0.45-1.36 kg (1-3 lbs). Ownership in some areas may be restricted due to city and county regulations. Toilets are frequently located in one spot, and litter boxes can be trained to do so. However, there are some drawbacks to owning a prairie dog. There are rodents that are active, playful, and strong, and they can make affectionate pets if purchased as young, socialized well, and given plenty of attention. Browse Trucks used in Grand Prairie, TX for sale on Cars.com, with prices under $19,998. Allergies 4. Celeste Yarnall operates a holistic consulting practice for people and their pets specializing in feline and canine nutrition. A typical prairie dog cage should be 24 inches wide by 24 inches deep, and it should not contain any wood; it should be made of sturdy wire. 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. It is critical for them to have at least two companions in order for their well-being to be successful. In captivity, prairie dogs are susceptible to obesity from being fed the wrong foods, dental issues from a lack of fibrous foodstuffs that clean teeth and gums, and diet-associated heart disease and respiratory diseases. If youre considering a prairie dog as a pet, be sure to do your research and weigh the pros and cons carefully. It seems that prairie dogs are fond of nothing more than a good kiss and a cuddle, especially when they have people watching. Because prairie dogs are social animals, they spend a lot of time in groups in the wild. The primary protein sources are water buffalo, lamb meal, egg product, and pea protein. 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. Although based in Southern California, Celeste consults with clients from all over the world. Like with most pets, there are a few ethical things to consider before investing in a prairie dog as a pet. Their origins lie in the Great Plains region of the United States, which includes Canada and Mexico. In Illinois, it is legal to own a prairie dog as a pet. Many grazing animals, including domestic cattle, prefer to graze within prairie dog towns. However, if you can mimic these environmental characteristics, they will do well in captivity. During daylight hours, prairie dogs frequently attack ferrets in South Dakota and Montana, and we observed prairie dog aggression towards ferrets four times. The puppy is a low to no shedder and hypoallergenic. 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. Additionally, prairie dogs can get nippy if frustrated or handled incorrectly. Teeth that constantly grow and require warning when they are eating or chewing will no longer be an issue. Furthermore, these animals can be dangerous to humans as well as other domesticated animals, as well as a nuisance to the surrounding environment. Check with your state before getting a prairie dog to be sure you're in compliance with local and state laws. To provide their social and physical needs, they require a lot of attention and care. Prairie dogs are like the canary in the coal minewhat happens to them is happening to other animals on the prairie. Wisconsin prairie dogs that were received in Minnesota after April 1 are not permitted to enter the state. When prairie dogs are hungry, they emerge from their tunnels to consume food. These dogs have brought joy and companionship to their owners and have truly made a difference in their lives. Family and Shelter for the New Member Cons of Having a Pet 1. The legal status of prairie dogs varies from state to state. Clinical Diseases In Pet Black-Tailed Prairie Dogs (Cynomys Ludovicianus): A Retrospective Study In 206 Animals, Wildlife Partners Unite to Protect Iconic Species from Deadly Plague, Prairie Dogs, Persistent Plague, Flocking Fleas, And Pernicious Positive Feedback. Exotic animal possession is prohibited in Oregon with the following exceptions: the owner is licensed through the USDA, which is the Department of Agriculture. People who want to get closer to nature and dont want to deal with the mess and upkeep of a traditional pet can make great pets out of prairie dogs. They are notorious for biting on cage bars and damaging teeth, so a large enclosure is a must. As a pet owner, you should be certain you can dedicate time to owning a prairie dog before purchasing one. Pros and cons of owning a prairie dog - YouTube The first and most obvious reason is a personal preference. Having fish can be a fun, worthwhile and satisfying experience. Terms and conditions. They can be extremely loving and affectionate and will truly treat you like a member of their family. Whats the best way to take care of prairie dogs? Contrary to popular belief, fish are intelligent creatures and form tight social bonds. They are also burrowers, so youll need to provide them with a digging box or an area where they can dig. The care of prairie dogs is difficult at times. NoDespite their name, prairie dogs are actually rodents and are more closely related to squirrels, groundhogs, chipmunks, and woodchucks. Each year, prairie dogs will go into arutting period that can last for several months. Get expert advice to help your pet live its best life. Theres no doubt about it. Small pet animals can bite if they are not provoked. 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. If you create a visual barrier along the edge of a colony, thereby blocking the line of sight, you can effectively limit the spread of the colony or even force an existing colony to relocate. Missouri, Kansas, North Dakota, South Dakota, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Wyoming are the only states that do not allow the possession of prairie dogs. Prairie dogs also seem to be very susceptible to plague, which makes them a risk to nearby human populations. They can be trained to do tricks and love to explore their environment. Even if they are related, a prairie dogs gender does not make him or her the best pet. However, potential owners should be aware that owning a prairie dog is not legal in all parts of the country. Difficulties While Traveling 5. Prairie dogs are a type of rodent that is native to North America. The black-tail prairie dog is one of five species of wild prairie dogs. 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. Prairie dogs clipping and digging activities create more small shrubs and forb plants and less grass sometimes. The Pros & Cons of Owning a Dog (8 Things to Consider) Conflict reduction plans and coexistence offer a more wildlife friendly and humane solution to issues that arise for both wildlife and people. Prairie dogs in captivity typically consume pellets, fresh hay, grass, fresh fruits, vegetables, and water as part of their diet. When shopping for dog food, consider these three criterion: taste, nutritional profile, and availability. As very social creatures, prairie dogs will become depressed or sick if not given enough attention. To attract raptorssuch as hawks, owlsand kestrelsyou can provide suitable-sized nesting boxes and artificial perching sites near the colony. They may not be as affectionate as some other animals, but they do bite. Both sexes need to be either spayed or neutered to avoid health issues later in life. There will be no new permits issued. The prairie flats of the Midwest are ideal habitats for a miniature prairie dog. A prairie dog owner can train their pet prairie dog to behave on and off leash, and even teach it to come when called. They can be quite vocal, and their barks can be quite loud and shrill. Depending on the season, prairie dogs may eat more underground roots than grasses, but they are known to be foragers and can adapt to changing environments while in search of food. A prairie dog pet may cost anywhere from $100 to $1,000. Do prairie dogs enjoy being handled? Why Own a Prairie Dog as a Pet? - Exotic Nutrition In the same way that rodents grow their teeth in the same way that prairie dogs do, they do the same in the same way that prairie dogs do. You can find out more about our use, change your default settings, and withdraw your consent at any time with effect for the future by visiting Cookies Settings, which can also be found in the footer of the site. Prairie dogs prefer temperatures in the 70s Fahrenheit range. Their short lives allow them to feed on grasses and forbs, as well as clip down taller vegetation to clear sight lines and dig their burrows. This can make them more entertaining to watch, and can even help to relieve boredom. Let us know what you think! The following pro and cons of having a pet will help you decide if you are ready to rise to the occasion. They are a type of ground squirrel and are native to the Great Plains of North America. Prairie dogs are active and social creatures and will naturally benefit more in an environment where they can be around others of their kind while burrowing and running around as they'd like. Which states are allowed to have prairie dogs? burrowing rodents are becoming more popular as fad pets, according to a veterinarian. Should I get a dog? Pros and Cons of owning a dog 20% of employees would recommend working at Prairie Dog Pet Products to a friend and 13% have a positive outlook for the business. They are gentle and friendly to humans, just like other rodents, despite their advanced age. Are prairie dogs difficult to potty train? In an effort to control their population, thousands of prairie dog pups are collected each spring and summer by vacuuming them out of their burrows. Prairie dogs are susceptible to human diseases and can also become aggressive if not given many hours of daily socialization. Prairie Dog Reviews: What Is It Like to Work At Prairie Dog? Are prairie dogs really that bad? Do the cons greatly outweigh the pros? If you're thinking of having a prairie dog as your next pet, you may want to watch this video first.