Housing Confine when not supervised Provide a hiding spot +/- Litter box Burrowing area Prairie dogs are non-domestic rodents that come from western North America. Some of them are removed from the wild using inhumane methods. Most prairie dogs adapt poorly to captive conditions. The lack of burrowing opportunities, combined with high calorie diets, leads to obesity and boredom. Bored prairie dogs often injure their teeth on the bars of their cage, leading to life-threatening odontomas. Wild caught prairie dogs are occasionally infected with diseases that can affect humans.

Safety Careful handling Supervise children and other pets Keep nails trimmed

 

Nutrition Free choice hay Prairie dog pellets 1tbsp/# body weight Obtain from Oxbow Hay Company Greens Limit sugars and starches

Handling Support front and back end Caution should be used to avoid bites

Reproduction Pet prairie dogs should be neutered or spayed.

Health Care Neutering/spaying Health screening Geriatric monitoring Dental prophylaxis