Aside from being destructive, prairie dogs require an indoor enclosure large enough to keep them safe. Cons High turn-over, low wages, inexperience, lack of training, lack of benefits, not enough staff per dog, the owner expects 1 person to care for 40 dogs which isn't safe, the owner likes to let dogs run around everywhere making it difficult to do your job. In Maryland, prairie dogs have been illegal to own and sell since the mid-1980s, and any animals found there will be kept under quarantine to prevent the disease from spreading. Does prairie dogs stink? Prairie dogs are being lost in the American plain states as a result of disease and the loss of open prairie. Overall, prairie dogs can make great pets for the right owner, but be sure to do your research before bringing one home. A prairie dog makes a good pet if he or she is purchased as a puppy, socialized properly, and given a lot of attention. The Prairie Dog is an excellent tool for the aeration and fertilize of the soil, resulting in the creation of a greater variety of plants. - Milan Kundera. Pros and cons of owning a prairie dog 60,205 views Oct 13, 2014 Prairie dog .more .more 400 Dislike Share Save Lisa Marie Leonardi 37 subscribers Comments 70 Add a comment. 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 have long been regarded as a nuisance to farmers and ranchers, as they can cause extensive damage to crops and pastures. The legal status of prairie dogs varies from state to state. They graze and dig in bare patches of ground, where they attract insects that feed on a wide variety of birds. The following pro and cons of having a pet will help you decide if you are ready to rise to the occasion. No, it is not legal to own a prairie dog as a pet in Washington State. A prairie dog bite is dangerous and can lead to serious infections if not treated. There are few things you wouldn't do for your furry friends. For some, prairie dogs can present challenges as their burrow mounds and colonies use the same space as crops and can make grasslands difficult to navigate for livestock. Because of the fact that these animals require specialized care and their native habitats cannot be replicated in a home setting, they are frequently kept in specialized conditions. Most pet owners do not want Prairie dogs because they are difficult and aggressive when left alone. In the wild, the female black-tail prairie dog can reach a reproductive age of eight years, while the male can reach a reproductive age of five years. 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. The HSUS's tax identification number is 53-0225390. A Prairie dog is similar to Chicken McNuggets in that it is fast, skilled fighters with powerful teeth and claws. At Prairie Dog Town in Lubbock, Texas, the first Prairie Dog Preserve was established. Even though they are not obligate carnivores, dogs and cats do benefit from a diet that includes some animal products such as meat and bones. Browse Trucks used in Grand Prairie, TX for sale on Cars.com, with prices under $19,998. TIA! 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. It is possible to develop a number of bacteria infections from bite wounds. They are notorious for biting on cage bars and damaging teeth, so a large enclosure is a must. Prairie dogs can make great pets, but there are pros and cons to consider before making the commitment. 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. They are gentle and friendly to humans, just like other rodents, despite their advanced age. Furthermore, prairie dogs that prevented ferrets from entering their burrows were more likely to chase them. This species measures 35-43 cm (14-17 in) in length and weighs 0.45-1.36 kg (1-3 lbs). After all, the animals that share your home aren't just pets, and you're hardly alone in feeling this way. Prairie dogs are sociable and enjoy receiving attention, just like humans. Pros and cons of owning a prairie dog Rumble Viral 2M subscribers Subscribe 1.3K Share 140K views 5 years ago If you're thinking of having a prairie dog as your next pet, you may want to. If you spend a lot of time with a prairie dog, he or she will become a wonderful pet. However, potential owners should be aware that owning a prairie dog is not legal in all parts of the country. However, if you can mimic these environmental characteristics, they will do well in captivity. Because of their ecological significance, prairie dogs are frequently overlooked as an important part of the prairie. The prairie dog kisses to acknowledge others in his family. These friendly little animals make great companions and are relatively easy to care for. 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. There is no denying that prairie dogs can make for adorably unique pets. The prairie dog is a socially active and active animal, which means that it will benefit more from an environment where it can interact with others of its kind while burrowing and running around the perimeter of the burrow as it sees fit. Black-tailed prairie dogs, for instance, actively clear vegetation so they can see predators from a distance. Are prairie dogs dangerous? When they kiss, they interact with each other in a variety of ways, including playing or grooming. If you have a bite wound, it should be evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible to determine the severity of the wound and whether antibiotics are required. The Twoodle is an adorable, super-intelligent, and loving mix between an English Golden Doodle and a Schnoodle. If youre looking for a unique pet, you may be wondering what states allow for the owning of prairie dogs. Prairie dogs are one of the most controversial and widely misunderstood wildlife species in North America. Adult Size: 11 to 13 inches long; weighing 1 to 3.5 pounds. They are friendly and social creatures that enjoy human interaction and make for great cuddle buddies. Pros Cons And Policies Explored, Bring Your Pet Along To Ascend Amphitheater: All You Need To Know About Rules And Restrictions, Explore St Petersburg With Your Furry Friend: A Guide To The Top Pet-Friendly Hotels In The City, Traveling With Your Pet: What You Need To Know About Staying At La Quinta Inns, Tips For Writing A No-Pets Clause In A Rental Agreement And The Potential Legal Implications, Explore The Wonders Of Shipshewana Flea Market: A Pet-Friendly Shopping Experience, Finding Pet-Friendly Student Dorms: What To Consider And Options Available, Exploring The Pet Policies At The Milwaukee County Zoo, Pets In The US Air Force: All You Need To Know About The Regulations And Benefits, Traveling With A Pet In Europe: All You Need To Know About Regulations And Requirements For Pet Travel On Trains. Prairie dogs are a type of burrowing rodents that are native to North America. Keeping prairie dogs as petsis difficult; they require a long-term commitment from a devoted owner who has the expertise to provide an advanced level of specific care. In order to provide the best level of care possible, they require a long-term commitment from an owner who is dedicated to the mission. Close your eyes and jump, for you will fall on the back of a big fish which will carry you to your destination". Always supervise your dog. 153-160. The smell of prairie dogs can be found in their feces. Their origins lie in the Great Plains region of the United States, which includes Canada and Mexico. Providing a natural environment where a prairie dog can burrow and forage for food at all stages of a prairie dog's life is essential. Privacy policy. As a result, it is clear why many farmers and ranchers do not like prairie dogs. If you do not get your female prairie dog spayed, her estrous cycle (referred to as "rut") will cause her to become aggressive and it will drastically (but temporarily) alter her behavior. To have a successful prairie dog, he or she will need a large cage (at least 2 x 2x4). Prairie dogs are undeniably cute and have become increasingly popular as pets in the United States. It is 12 to 20 feet deep vertically and 6 to 15 feet horizontally, and it has a L-shaped shape. They can be extremely loving and affectionate and will truly treat you like a member of their family. Pitbulls range from Arizona to Colorado, as well as New Mexico and Utah (USDAFSW 2008). The sex of a prairie dog does not make it a better pet for either gender, with the exception of the fact that male prairie dogs may have a stronger odor than female prairie dogs, but not to the point where they are unpleasant to the touch. I've been reading what I can find on them but I'd love to hear from you PD owners first hand!! The three prairie dogs kept in a large cage have been there for many years, and only once a week has they needed to be cleaned. Toilets are frequently located in one spot, and litter boxes can be trained to do so. According to the FDA, animals who ingest cannabis could suffer negative side effects such as "lethargy, depression, heavy drooling, vomiting, agitation, tremors, and convulsions." [ 18] Con 2 There isn't enough scientific evidence to support giving CBD to pets. Emily Estep is a biologist and fact checker focused on environmental sciences. If you believe your prairie dog is sick, it is not a good idea to eat it. Furthermore, these animals can be dangerous to humans as well as other domesticated animals, as well as a nuisance to the surrounding environment. The smell of a male prairie dog is stronger than that of a female prairie dog, but the female prairie dog isnt as unpleasant as the male. All large rodents, including prairie dogs, are considered prohibited in New York. The Pros and Cons of Adopting a Dog The Pros of Adopting a Dog. When you visit the site, Dotdash Meredith and its partners may store or retrieve information on your browser, mostly in the form of cookies. Because dogs and cats are omnivores, a plant-based diet rich in fruits and vegetables is recommended for their health. The High Prairie line of dog food features a grain-free formula with pasture-raised bison and venison as two of the primary meat sources. Prairie dogs can live in a variety of habitats, from the city to the suburbs, and are adapted to a wide range of environments. The care of prairie dogs is difficult at times. Let us know what you think! However, they require a lot of space and can be noisy, so apartment dwellers may not be suitable. Wild prairie dogs are sold to the general public or as pets by USDA licensees. Terms and conditions. Both my brother and my sister adopted dogs from a rescue shelter. As a practical matter, prairie dogs should be kept in a large cage so that they can move around freely and explore. The Power Of Oppression In Maya Angelous Caged Bird, Calling The West Valley Animal Shelter: Finding A New Furry Family Member, A Beacon Of Hope: The Olathe Animal Shelter And Its Commitment To Animal Welfare, The Heart And Soul Of Animal Rescue: A Guide To Becoming An Animal Shelter Manager, Helping Local Animal Shelters Find Homes For Their Animals, Verona Street Animal Society: Dedicated To Reducing Animal Homelessness And Providing Quality Care, Giving Our Furry Friends A Second Chance: The Importance Of Animal Shelters, Understanding The Process Of Taking A Pet Bird To An Animal Shelter, Equipping Animal Shelter Workers: The Essential Training For Making A Difference, A Call To Action: Why We Need A New Animal Shelter Now To Help End Homelessness And Animal Cruelty. Some zoos have prairie dog colonies that visitors can explore. Their average lifespan is three to four years in the wild. Common methods used to remove prairie dog colonies include shooting, poisoning, contest kills and even bulldozing when they face a developers path in the urban areas. 45 related questions found. This recipe also features ancient grains, live probiotics, and antioxidants to maintain a healthy pooch. These plants require only a few drops of water per day and a few small amounts of food. Pet prairie dogs, with proper training, can learn to walk on a leash and even join in when needed. Because prairie dogs rely on their burrows for shelter and food storage, they may be fearful of ferrets invading their territory. For this reason, they may not be suitable to a home with small children who may handle the pet unsupervised. According to a study conducted at Saint Louis Zoo in Missouri, 25 black-tailed prairie dogs are used to receiving attention and enjoy it just as much as humans are. Class II animals include monkeys, wolves, and coyotes, as well as carnivores and primates. Furthermore, the ability of monk and ring-neck parrots to survive in a Northern climate is also prohibited. However, if you house your prairie dog outside without a burrow, their systems are ill-equipped to deal with extreme hot or cold temperatures. Prairie Dogs, Persistent Plague, Flocking Fleas, And Pernicious Positive Feedback. Owning A Pet Raccoon: Legal Practical And Ethical Considerations. The Pros and Cons of Having a Dog. You can change landscaping to increase or decrease cover or available food or to encourage predators. Because prairie dogs are not dogs, they are rodents that live on the Great Plains of North America. Prairie dogs are small, burrowing rodents found in the grasslands of North America. PROS. In the case of kissing, the person is from the same group. This can make them more entertaining to watch, and can even help to relieve boredom. If you don't have at least six hours per day to spend with your prairie dog, then plan on having a full colony of prairie dogs or none at all. Why Does My Bird Climb Around Its Cage At Night? They are also very affectionate animals and enjoy being around people. They require a lot of space to run and play and need a specialized diet that can be difficult to come by. Many people are interested in the fact that prairie dogs can pass the bacterium that causes bubonic plague to other dogs. They are also burrowers, so youll need to provide them with a digging box or an area where they can dig. They also need to be fed a special diet of prairie dog food, which can be purchased from pet stores. A prairie dog is a burrowing rodent native to the western United States. One 2015 poll reports 95 percent of owners consider their pets to be members of their family.. A prairie dog loves to be handled, which is true. 20% of employees would recommend working at Prairie Dog Pet Products to a friend and 13% have a positive outlook for the business. It is common for prairie dogs to kiss each other on the lips to express their affection. Ownership in some areas may be restricted due to city and county regulations. Please take time to read this section in its entirety. In Massachusetts, it is illegal to keep wild animals as pets. The cost of a prairie dog varies depending on where you purchase it and its age. Because these are wild animals, they can be kept as pets in most states, but they must be licensed. 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. Prairie dogs have long been regarded as a keystone species for grasslands ecosystems in North America, and they have been regarded as an important migration route for European immigrants to the region. Prairie dogs can carryfleas with a bacterium known as yersinia pestis:Yersinia is the bacteria that causes sylvatic plague in an animal, including prairie dogs. The park has enough space for exercise because they are not massive climbers and there arent many shelves and ledges. Do prairie dogs like to cuddle? A revamped sewer truck is often used to suck the rodents out of their homes; they are then either used as food for endangered wild animals such as eagles and black-footed ferrets (which naturally controlled the population until humans drove the species to near extinction), or are sold to the pet trade. A secure, escape-proof cage is also recommended. Prairies with aggressive burrowing will attempt to devour the other. If both sexes are to avoid health problems later in life, they must be neutered or spayed. Do the cons greatly outweigh the pros? Owning a dog can be expensive. Prairie dogs can make great pets, but there are pros and cons to consider before making the commitment. Unless you have a large enclosure (such as a 10-foot by 10-foot concrete-bordered pit filled three feet deep with dirt to allow burrowing), a large dog-sized cage is unfortunately usually used to house a pet prairie dog indoors. Generally, they prefer temperatures around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. When you have a dog that is picky about their food, finding suitable dog food can be a real challenge. This food was formulated specifically for the nutritional requirements of captive prairie dogs. Having fish can be a fun, worthwhile and satisfying experience. Adrienne Kruzer is a veterinary technician with more than 15 years of experience providing healthcare to domestic and exotic animals. What are the pros and cons of prairie dogs as pets? Owning may be a commitment, but they'll reward you with endless love. The prairie dog prefers temperatures in the 70s Fahrenheit range. Baby prairie dogs generally become available in the U.S. between the months of April and July. Prairie Dog Pet Products has an overall rating of 1.7 out of 5, based on over 20 reviews left anonymously by employees. Prairie dogs are susceptible to human diseases and can also become aggressive if not given many hours of daily socialization. When kept as a pet, prairie dogs should be fed a high fiber pellet diet, along withtimothy hayortimothy hay cubes. Large rodents such as gophers, muskrats, pacas, woodchucks, marmots, beavers, capybaras, sewellel, viscachas, porcupines, and hutia have been able to live in the North, in addition to Furthermore, even-toed ungulates, such as deer, antelope, sheep, giraffe, and hippopotamus, have the ability to survive the harsh conditions of the Northern climate. Prairie dogs are active and playful, and can be trained to do tricks. However, there are some things to consider before getting a prairie dog as a pet. The prairie dog is a member of the squirrel, or squirrel family. They are now eight years old and are still as active as they were when they were only three years old. Any sign of irregularity in your prairie dog warrants an examination from your exotic animal veterinarian. High fiber pellets, hay, grasses, and fresh fruits and vegetables will be required in captivity if prairie dogs are to survive. Ask your dealer what method of collection they use to be sure it is humane to the prairie dogs. Their systems may not be able to cope with extreme temperatures if they are kept outside without a burrow. Though animals don't have exactly the same needs as humans, you still want to make sure the pets under your roof receive the . They are social creatures that live in burrows underground in large colonies. Minnesota, like Wisconsin, does not have a large population of wild prairie dogs, which is illegal to import. As they become difficult, nippy, and aggressive when not properly handled or socialized, they may not be the best family pet (especially for young children). Because prairie dogs live in the natural environment, a prairie dogs habitat cannot be replicated in captivity. Table of Contents A Brief History of Owning a Pet Pros of Owning a Pet 1. It is critical for them to have at least two companions in order for their well-being to be successful. The black-tailed prairie dog is one of five different species of wild prairie dogs, but it is the one most often seen in the exoticpet trade. In the same way that humans kiss, prairie dogs do so with each other. It is recommended that they eat mostly grasses and other plants, with a small amount of animal protein on occasion. There is no such thing as a gender-specific prairie dog pet. Additionally, it's hard for some folks to give up a grassy looking turf. Furthermore, this increases the likelihood of more biodiverse and healthy habitats despite the fact that it may appear to some that are not in our interests. There are some calls for specific predators, as well as an alarm that sounds when humans are armed. Every spring and summer, thousands of prairie dog pups are vacuumed from their burrows in the United States. Yes, you can have a prairie dog as a pet. Many grazing animals, including domestic cattle, prefer to graze within prairie dog towns. next pet, you may want to watch this video first.