Buy a prairie dog

Buy a prairie dog. Prairie dogs make good pets, and being social animals, tame easily when young. They enjoy human contact, and are very similar to rabbits in diet and living quarters. They are hardy and accustomed to wide fluctuations in temperature and humidity. 

   These animals like to be held, cuddled, petted, rub noses, and be held close to your body. The easiest way to bond with your prairie dog is to make a kangaroo-style pouch or pocket in the front of a tee shirt, sweat shirt, fanny pack, or something similar, and carry the animal around in it. Frequently rub and pet it. Bonding should take only a matter of hours. They do not like to be held up, suspended or out of contact with the ground or other firm surface. They do not necessarily need baths since they have little contact with water other than rain, but if you need to spray them for fleas, pick them up by the tail. Use a product that is safe for cats, as prairie dogs groom themselves by licking. 

Basic Prairie Dog Information and Keeping Them as Pets

Prairie dogs, small burrowing rodents, are diurnal animals, meaning they are active during daylight hours. They inhabit the short grass prairies and plateaus of Mexico, Canada, and the United States, including states like Montana, the Dakotas, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Colorado, Arizona, Utah, and Wyoming. Early settlers called them “sod poodles” because of their dog-like bark. The scientific name Cynomys in Greek means “mouse dog.” Prairie dogs can run up to 35 miles per hour for short distances and are impressive builders. They construct their burrows using the Bernoulli Principle, ensuring fresh airflow throughout the burrow. They design their homes with specific areas for bathrooms, bedrooms, nurseries, and security rooms.

Prairie Dog Companionship

Prairie dogs are affectionate and quickly bond with their owners, desiring constant companionship. They either need another prairie dog companion or significant attention from their owner. They are clean animals, and they can stay odor-free and healthy. Housing multiple prairie dogs in a large cage requires a weekly cleaning to maintain a healthy environment.

Diet and Nutrition

For a balanced diet, Exotic Nutrition Prairie Dog Food is recommended as a staple, along with occasional treats. This diet provides the high fiber content and balanced nutrition they require. Baby prairie dogs (8 weeks to 6 months) have higher protein requirements compared to adults. For these young pets, a combination of Prairie Dog Food, Monkey Biscuits, and Timothy Pellets is recommended until they reach six months of age.