Happy Holidays to you all! This special time of year is not just about gifts or decorations. THe more important themes are spending time with loved ones, taking a break, and reflecting back on what the past year has brought. Pets, of course, have a special way of making those holiday scenes seem extra cozy. We love seeing cute pics of dogs and cats, but we also enjoy smaller animals, like hamsters, mice, gerbils, and Guinea pigs. These tiny balls of fur also need a little extra care around the holidays! Read on as a local Cedar City, UT vet offers some suggestions on caring for your pocket pet over the holiday season. 

Holiday Gifts For Pocket Pets

Many smaller animals have open-rooted teeth. That means they must chew constantly. Otherwise, they will develop painful dental issues. You can find cute options for safe and fun chew toys in stores. There are also plenty of things you can make yourself. 

Here are a few options: 

Plain Paper: Crumple some copy paper into balls, and fill a shoebox or paper grocery bag with them. You can put a small treat or tidbit in the middle to make it more fun. Another option is to shred the paper into thin strips, and again put it in a box or paper bag. If you have kids, you can have them fold or cut the paper into shapes, such as snowflake chains. 

Cardboard Tubes: The tubes from paper towels or toilet paper rolls are also really handy for making toys. Stuff them with shredded paper or herbs. Or, cut them into rings and then reassemble them into balls. You can also poke holes in them and put sticks or herbs into the holes. 

Wood And Wicker Items: Many wood and wicker things are fine. There are a few caveats, though. Only use woods you’re sure are safe. Avoid pine, cedar, and other hardwoods: the oils are actually toxic to small critters. Also, be sure to thoroughly clean and disinfect the items before handing them over. 

Here are a few more suggestions: 

• Dried Apple Sticks · 
• Cardboard
• Paper
• Grass Mats
• Wicker 
• Grass Hay · 
• Untreated Wood (Be sure to use safe kinds only.)
• Bamboo 
• Willow 
• Safe herbs

Ask your Cedar City, UT vet for more information.

Giving Your Pocket Pet Treats

Food is integral to many seasonal festivities. Little animals are just as enthusiastic about snacks as their larger cousins are. Just stick with safe options. The exact list will depend on what sort of pet you have, but there are a few things that are safe for most of these little furballs. That list includes things like bananas, strawberries, blueberries, and melons. You don’t want to go too crazy with sugary snacks, though. Less is more, in this situation. For veggies, you can offer carrots, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers. 

Ask your Cedar City, UT vet for specific advice on both safe and unsafe treats. Also, take care not to give your pet anything that isn’t safe for them. Some of these items that are unsafe for nearly all pets include chocolate, garlic and onion, avocado, anything that includes xylitol, and items with a lot of salt, sugar, or fat. Ask 

Decorating Your Pocket Pet’s Cage

Why not have some fun with your little buddy’s habitat? You’ll just need to keep some basic precautions in mind.

• Smaller pets need hidey-holes that they can go to when they are scared, want some privacy, or just want to sleep a bit. You can use many cute seasonal pieces, such as igloos, winter cabins, and even manger pieces. Gift bags and boxes also work for this. Just don’t offer anything with small parts or sharp items. Things that are brittle or fragile are unsafe as well.
• While you shouldn’t hang ornaments, tinsel, or lights inside your pet’s cage, you can definitely put these things on the outside, or place them around it. 
• Seasonal bedding can also give pocket pet habitats a really warm holiday feel. You can find pet tents, cozies, and hammocks made of festive seasonal material. 
• Non-toxic wrapping paper can also be very versatile.

Seasonal Hazards For Pocket Pets

This is a dangerous time of year for our furry patients. Smaller animals, like hamsters, mice, and Guinea pigs, are no exception to that rule. Some of these little guys will of course mostly stay in their cages. However, if you have a larger pet, such as a bunny or Guinea pig, you’ll need to let them out to play. 

• Petproof thoroughly before letting pets out of their habitats. You’ll need to take a few extra steps around the holidays. 
• Pick up any tinsel, ornament hooks, or needles (pine or plastic) that have fallen to the floor. 
• Many popular holiday plants, such as holly, ivy, and mistletoe, are toxic to animals. Keep these in high spots that your furry pal can’t get to. 
• Fires, candles, and fireplaces are definitely not pet-safe. Keep candles and potpourri burners in high spots, out of paws’ reach, and use grates in front of fireplaces. 
• You may want to put a puppy gate or baby gate up to keep curious pets away from the tree. Bunnies are large enough to get to ornaments and presents. 
• Ribbons, tinsel strands, lights, and other decorations are also hazardous. 

Taking Cute Pictures Of Your Pocket Pet

We never get tired of seeing adorable photos of our littlest patients. Snap some seasonal pics of your tiny pal! Have some fun with this. You can arrange a little photo set. Many decorative items will work really well. Set up a tiny igloo for your tiny buddy, or snap their photo on a miniature sleigh. You might even be able to find tiny antlers or Santa hats. These can make for some really adorable photos!. Just stick with safe props. Don’t use anything small or sharp, or anything that has dangling threads.

Want a few tips for taking photos? If you are snapping a pic of your pet inside their cage, try to angle your phone down. This will help with glare. If your phone has a macro setting, try using that. It may work better than the zoom. 

Protecting Pets From Holiday Stress

All that hustle and bustle can be overwhelming for people, and is also a lot for pets. If you’re having  guests over, take a few steps to keep your tiny pal  calm. Consider moving their habitat to a quiet back room until the holiday commotion fades.

Make An Appointment At Our Cedar City, UT  Pet Clinic 

Season’s Greetings from all of us here at Cedar City, UT, your Cedar City, UT pet clinic. Do you have questions about your pet’s health or care? Contact us, anytime!