Prairie Dogs as Pets: Care, Cost, and Considerations

Prairie dogs can make wonderful pets for the right owner, but they do require a lot of care and attention.

Prairie dogs are social animals and need plenty of interaction, which means you'll need to spend a significant amount of time with them each day.

In terms of space, prairie dogs need a large enclosure that's specifically designed for their needs, with plenty of room to move around and exercise.

These enclosures can be quite expensive, with prices ranging from $500 to $5,000 or more, depending on the size and features.

With proper care and attention, prairie dogs can live for 10 to 15 years in captivity, which is a significant commitment for any pet owner.

Prairie dogs have been banned as pets in the United States for over five years due to their association with public health risks like monkeypox.

You'll need to check with your state before getting a prairie dog to ensure you're compliant with local and state laws.

Prairie dogs were implicated in a monkeypox outbreak in 2003, which led to a ban on owning them as pets in the US.

In 2016, a plague connected to prairie dogs emerged, further highlighting the importance of researching local laws before bringing one home.

The FDA lifted its restrictions on pet prairie dogs in 2008, but this doesn't guarantee that owning a prairie dog is legal in your area.

Make sure to research the regulations in your state before obtaining a pet prairie dog to avoid any potential issues.

You need to ensure you have the time, energy, and finances available to properly care for a prairie dog. They require a lot of care and attention and will not do well if starved for attention.

Prairie dogs are very social creatures and thrive in large groups in the wild. They may not do well if housed alone, so it's recommended to house more than one prairie dog together for company and socialization.

Acquiring a young prairie dog is recommended for the best chance at successfully owning one as a pet. This allows them to be properly socialized and grow up accustomed to life in captivity.

Before considering a prairie dog as a pet, you need to ensure you have the time, energy, and finances available to properly care for one. They require a lot of care and attention.

Prairie dogs are very social creatures and thrive in large groups in the wild. This means they need company and socialization to be happy and healthy.

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 their overall welfare.

You need to ensure you have the time, energy, and finances available to properly care for a prairie dog, as they require a lot of care and attention.

Prairie dogs are very social creatures that thrive in large groups in the wild, so it's recommended to house more than one prairie dog together for company, socialization, and overall welfare.

Acquiring a young prairie dog is crucial for successful ownership, as it allows for proper socialization and helps them grow up accustomed to life in captivity.

Prairie dogs can get nippy if frustrated or handled incorrectly, making them unsuitable for homes with small children who may handle the pet unsupervised.

To give your prairie dog nearly undivided attention throughout the day, you'll need to make significant adjustments to your daily routine and lifestyle.

Prairie dogs are diurnal, meaning they're active during the day and sleep at night. They need a lot of attention and can become depressed or sick without it.

If you can't provide at least six hours of attention a day, owning a prairie dog might not be the best idea. On the other hand, if you can devote that much time, they can be leash trained using a specially designed harness and even learn to respond to their own name.

All prairie dogs should be spayed or neutered to avoid potential health issues in later life. If a female prairie dog isn't spayed, she may enter her "rut", leading to aggression and temporarily changing behaviors.

Prairie dogs are diurnal, meaning they're active during the day and sleep at night.

They need a lot of attention and can become depressed or sick without it, so if you can't provide at least six hours of attention a day, it's best not to own one.

Male and female prairie dogs make great pets, and there's no difference between the two when it comes to deciding which will make a better pet.

All prairie dogs should be spayed or neutered to avoid potential health issues in later life; failure to do so may lead to a female entering her "rut" which can result in aggression and temporarily changing behaviors.

Handling your prairie dog gently but firmly from an early age is key to making them a devoted pet.

The more often you handle and pet your prairie dog, the tamer and more tractable they will become and remain.

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Prairie dogs are social creatures that require a lot of attention, so if you can't provide at least six hours of interaction per day, it's best to consider a different pet.

To care for a prairie dog, you'll need to spend quality time with it, which can include activities like leash training and playtime. With the right training, your prairie dog can learn to come when called and even become leash trained using a special harness.

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Spaying or neutering your prairie dog is essential to avoid health issues later in life, and it's especially important for females, as they can become aggressive during their estrous cycle.

Male prairie dogs may have a stronger musky odor than females, but it's not unpleasant. Both sexes require spaying or neutering, so it's essential to consider this when deciding on a pet.

If you're considering getting a prairie dog, it's crucial to understand the dedication required to care for one. Prairie dogs do better in pairs, which can be more expensive, but it's essential to provide them with the attention and love they need.

Handling your prairie dog gently but firmly, especially from an early age, will help them become tame and more tractable. The more you handle and pet your prairie dog, the more it will trust you and become a devoted companion.

Here are some key considerations for prairie dog care:

Prairie dogs are natural burrowers and foragers, so providing a suitable environment for them is crucial. They can burrow several feet underground and create different subterranean chambers for different purposes.

Unless you have a large enclosure, a large dog-sized cage is often used to house a pet prairie dog indoors. A secure, escape-proof cage is recommended.

Prairie dogs can withstand extreme temperatures if given an appropriate burrow outside, but their systems are ill-equipped to deal with extremely hot or cold temperatures without one. They generally prefer temperatures around 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

You'll need to make your home as chew-proof as possible when your pet prairie dog is running loose, as they have a strong instinct to chew on everything. Furniture legs, Habi-trails, electrical cords, and even bare toes are all fair game.

A cage at least 2 feet by 2 feet by 4 feet is a good starting point for a pet prairie dog, but a larger cage of 2 feet by 4 feet by 6 feet is even better.

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Prairie dogs are natural grazers and love to eat day and night, so it's essential to keep their food and water readily available at all times.

A high-fiber pellet diet is a great option for prairie dogs, especially in captivity. They also enjoy fresh hay, grasses, fruits, and vegetables.

Some of their favorite foods include timothy hay, whole oats, raw sweet potatoes, and raw carrots. Fresh water is also a must, and they can even get some of their water intake from the prickly pear cactus.

In the wild, prairie dogs typically eat a diet of grass and the occasional berry. In captivity, it's best to stick to a vegetarian diet and avoid high-fat foods like peanuts and cookies.

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As you consider adding a prairie dog to your family, it's essential to think about the financial aspect of pet ownership. The upfront cost of adopting a prairie dog can be steep, ranging from a couple hundred dollars.

Prairie dogs require regular care, which can add up quickly. Food, habitat, and cleaning supplies are just a few of the expenses associated with taking care of a prairie dog.

Young prairie dogs are currently going for $400, so it's crucial to do your research and check your finances before making a decision.

Jane's experience with her own pets, including her two guinea pigs Rick and Morty, is a great example of the financial commitment involved in pet ownership. She's planning to dedicate an entire room in her house to housing and caring for guinea pigs.

Here's a breakdown of the estimated costs associated with prairie dog ownership:

Keep in mind that these costs can vary depending on your location and the specific needs of your prairie dog.

Prairie dogs are grazers and like to eat day and night, so food and water should be readily available at all times.

In the wild, their main diet consists of grass and perhaps a berry or two, and they do not eat a high-fat diet.

In captivity, a high-fiber pellet diet is recommended, along with timothy hay or timothy hay cubes, which were formulated specifically for their nutritional requirements.

Fresh vegetables like raw sweet potatoes and raw carrots are also a great addition to their diet, and whole oats can be offered as a treat.

Some acceptable dietary items for prairie dogs include timothy hay, carrots, sweet potatoes, sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, turnip greens, collard greens, dandelions, and nasturtiums.

However, high-fat foods like peanuts, cookies, and rabbit chow that's high in fat should be avoided, as well as allowing them to become unnaturally obese.

Some wintertime weight gain is entirely normal, but it's essential to monitor their diet and ensure they're not overeating.

Fresh water should always be available to keep them hydrated and healthy.

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