Characteristics, Housing, Diet, and Other Information. My two Dachshund mixes came to me when they were only 45 days old and have grown up to be two well-behaved, beautiful, and very social dogs. Our choice for the #1 Best Overall Taste of the Wild grain-free dog foods is Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. The United States currently does not prohibit the ownership of prairie dogs as pets, but this may change in the future. Do prairie dogs enjoy being handled? You will also need to provide the prairie dog with regular veterinary care to keep it healthy. While they are closely related to flying squirrels, they are not dogs. They can be kept in captivity for up to 12 years at a time. Prairie dogs have been kept as pets for decades in captivity. 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. If youre interested in pet prairie dogs,check out: Otherwise, check out other rodentsthat can be your new pet. They don't shed much, and you don't need to bathe them. Provide them with a varied diet consisting primarily of grasses and other plants, and occasionally treat them with fresh water in a water bottle. Prairie dogs are available in the United States during the months of April and July. Prairie dogs are generally not considered to be dangerous animals. It may not be 100%, but its a tool we can certainly work with; barriers and buffer zones can be made of many materials: Establishing vegetative barriers and buffers may mean new plantings or simply allowing existing plant life in grassy areas to become taller and denser by mowing and clipping less often. Cons. Prairie dogs in captivity eat a simple vegetarian diet consisting of pellets, fresh hay, grasses, fruits, vegetables, and water. Prairie dogs may look cute and cuddly, but they can bite if threatened and their sharp teeth can cause scratches and puncture wounds. 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. When kept as a pet, prairie dogs should be fed a high fiber pellet diet, along withtimothy hayortimothy hay cubes. The Humane Society of the United States is registered as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. They are now eight years old and are still as active as they were when they were only three years old. There are rodents that are active, playful, and strong, and they can make affectionate pets if purchased as young, socialized well, and given plenty of attention. A natural prairie dogdiet consists primarily of grasses, with some brush and roots. next pet, you may want to watch this video first. Message and data rates may apply. 45 related questions found. The prairie dog is diurnal, which means it is active in the day while sleeping at night. Let us know what you think! High Prairie is one of the nine grain-free dry dog foods that Taste of the Wild produces using superior-quality ingredients. 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 have become popular as pets in recent years. Because prairie dogs live underground, finding them can be difficult. First and foremost, you need to ensure you have the time, energy, and finances available to properly care for a prairie dog. A prairie dog owner can train their pet prairie dog to behave on and off leash, and even teach it to come when called. Prairie dogs are susceptible to human diseases and can also become aggressive if not given many hours of daily socialization. Prairie dogs may cause serious infections if they cause bites. In captivity, prairie dogs are susceptible to obesity from being fed the wrong foods, dental issues from a lack of fibrous foodstuffs that clean teeth and gums, and diet-associated heart disease and respiratory diseases. Though prairie dog habitat has decreased tremendously and their numbers have dwindled dramatically, people are still trying to wipe out these highly social creatures. As of 2008, the FDA lifted its restrictions on pet prairie dogs, but in 2016, prairie dogs carrying the plague again became a concern. Are prairie dogs really that bad? Are prairie dogs cute? Overall, prairie dogs can make great pets for the right owner, but be sure to do your research before bringing one home. Pit bulls on prairies are dangerous to livestock because they burrow. Before making major landscaping changes, determine what species of prairie dog is on your property and do a little research on its preferred habitat. During daylight hours, prairie dogs frequently attack ferrets in South Dakota and Montana, and we observed prairie dog aggression towards ferrets four times. 2023 The Humane Society of the United States Privacy policy and terms. Both my brother and my sister adopted dogs from a rescue shelter. If you're thinking of having a prairie dog as your next pet, you may want to watch this video first. Prairie dogs, a rare and highly misunderstood species of wildlife, are a North American phenomenon that has sparked considerable debate. The enclosure should have plenty of space for the prairie dog to dig burrows, as well as plenty of food and water. There is no such thing as a gender-specific prairie dog pet. How to minimize the risk of antler chews. Wisconsin prairie dogs that were received in Minnesota after April 1 are not permitted to enter the state. Recent studies on the overall ecological benefits of prairie dogs suggest that their critical role in encouraging biological diversity has been overlooked. A number of factors can contribute to your dog's fussy eating habits. I have been a happy dog owner for many years now. It is possible to develop a number of bacteria infections from bite wounds. These friendly little animals make great companions and are relatively easy to care for. The animals are uncommonly important not only as food sources, but also as prairie grasslands. In adult prairie dogs, the female prairie dog kisses the male prairie dog. Both sexes need to be either spayed or neutered to avoid health issues later in life. The prairie dog prefers temperatures in the 70s Fahrenheit range. Which states are allowed to have prairie dogs? Every spring and summer, thousands of prairie dog pups are vacuumed from their burrows. Welcome To Old Time Pottery: Shop With Your Furry Friends! They are also relatively long-lived, with a lifespan of up to 15 years. They also have a lifespan of only about 10 years. Their average lifespan is three to four years in the wild. In the United States, the plague bacteria can spread to human skin or mucous membranes by coming into contact with them. Because these are wild animals, they can be kept as pets in most states, but they must be licensed. Whats the best way to take care of prairie dogs? Are prairie dogs dangerous? Cost 3. 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. In the case of kissing, the person is from the same group. Prairie dogs were observed chasing ferrets in the study area, which may be due to the ferrets tendency to explore prairie dog burrows. Prairie dogs are diurnal, meaning that they are active during the daytime hours and sleep at night. 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. The prairie dog is not dangerous, but it can cause damage to the landscape. 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. Black-tail prairie dogs (also known as prairie dogs) are becoming more popular as pets. What are the pros and cons of prairie dogs as pets? Conflict reduction plans and coexistence offer a more wildlife friendly and humane solution to issues that arise for both wildlife and people. Prairie dogs can make great pets, but there are pros and cons to consider before making the commitment. The prairie dog is a keystone species because its colonies create islands of habitat that benefit approximately 150 other species. The care info blog is a great place to start if you think a prairie dog is the right pet for you. If you believe your prairie dog is sick, it is not a good idea to eat it. Prairie dogs are critical to the ecosystems survival because they provide food and shelter to other animals. Ultimately these health issues are due to a mismanaged habitat and, as with many systemic diseases, symptoms are often vague and non-specific. Many people have been attacked by prairie dogs after being taken in by them and mistakenly giving them away as pets. A prairie dog is a wild animal that is happy to be a pet as well as a wild animal. Prairie dogs are one of the most controversial and widely misunderstood wildlife species in North America. Physical contact, such as pushing and biting, was also common in aggressive prairie dog-fret interactions. Prairie dogs have a wide range of native habitats in the United States Great Plains. Prairie dog colonies have the potential to host up to 150 different species of wildlife. Conservationists in Hawaii, California, and Arizona have banned them for various reasons. They are small, burrowing rodents that live in colonies, but they are not typically known to attack humans. They are relatively easy to care for and can be trained to do tricks. Prairie dogs are extremely intelligent when it comes to social interaction. In Massachusetts, it is illegal to keep wild animals as pets. Prairie dogs are known to flee from conflicts in the wild. Prairie dogs in captivity typically consume pellets, fresh hay, grass, fresh fruits, vegetables, and water as part of their diet. Cookies collect information about your preferences and your devices and are used to make the site work as you expect it to, to understand how you interact with the site, and to show advertisements that are targeted to your interests. They are very active, social animals and are a lot of fun to watch and interact with. Prairie dogs, as well as the disadvantages listed above, compete with livestock for grass, though some studies suggest that prairie dogs improve grass, prompting livestock to prefer grass near prairie dogs. Allergies 4. Furthermore, it should be noted that certain animals, such as prairie dogs, are not permitted to be brought into Wisconsin. As a pet owner, you should be certain you can dedicate time to owning a prairie dog before purchasing one. . The black-tailed, white-tailed, and Gunnisons prairies are not at risk of extinction. Do the cons greatly outweigh the pros? The gender of a prairie dog does not make it a better pet than the gender of the person owning it. 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. They are notorious for biting on cage bars and damaging teeth, so a large enclosure is a must. A Prairie dog is an affectionate animal that can make a good pet, but it takes a lot of work to get one here. Close your eyes and jump, for you will fall on the back of a big fish which will carry you to your destination". Prairie dogs and other animals, as well as their habitats, must be protected, and we must all do our part to do so. Once you understand the role native predators can play in helping to reduce prairie dog colony size, you may want to tolerate their presence in order to set up a natural balance that will reduce your problems. And feeding them is pretty easy and cheap once you get the hang of it. Colors are a range of chocolate, chocolate and tan phantoms, black, cream, champagne, and parti. 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. They also need to be fed a special diet of prairie dog food, which can be purchased from pet stores. Why are prairie dogs cute? Marylands wildlife protection has been a top priority for the state. The rodents are active, playful, and strong, and if properly cared for, they can be wonderful pets if purchased as young puppies, socialized properly, and given a lot of attention. Prairie dogs have a lot of personality and make great companions. Adult Size: 11 to 13 inches long; weighing 1 to 3.5 pounds. Spaying and neutering both sexes is recommended in order to avoid health problems later in life. Prairie dogs are interesting and entertaining pets that can be easily trained. Difficulties While Traveling 5. If you want to buy a prairie dog, you should first contact your local animal shelter or wildlife rescue organization to see if there are any injured, orphaned, or surrendered prairie dogs for adoption. Ownership in some areas may be restricted due to city and county regulations. There are no artificial heating requirements for prairie dogs and they should be comfortable at room temperature (around 70 degrees Fahrenheit). The #1 Best Overall dog food for picky eaters is the Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. Ultimately, the decision to bring a prairie dog into your home should be made carefully, as these animals require a significant amount of time, space, and commitment from their owners. Prairie dogs prefer temperatures in the 70s Fahrenheit range. As adults, they are able to burrow several feet underground and often create different subterranean chambers for different purposes. Efforts to educate people about the health risks they face and to reduce those risks can be effective in this regard. If you want a prairie dog, you must first ensure that you can devote the necessary time to owning one. Physical contact between Prairie dogs and ferrets may be used to intimidate or immobilize them. The legal status of prairie dogs varies from state to state. To sit with a dog on a hillside on a glorious afternoon is to be back in Eden, where doing nothing was not boring it was peace.". These animals are nonvenomous, unprotected reptiles and amphibians, such as gerbils, hedgehogs, honey possums, sugar gliders, rats, mice, moles, shrews, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, domestic ferrets, European ferrets, guinea pigs In general, prairie dogs live three to four years in the wild and up to eight years in captivity. The Twoodle. Sometimes the damage that animals actually do is much less than believed and sometimes what some see as "damage" is actually a benefit that goes unappreciated. Prairie dogs are social creatures and live in family groups. The primary protein sources are water buffalo, lamb meal, egg product, and pea protein. If youre looking for a pet in Washington, consider adopting a domesticated species instead. As a practical matter, prairie dogs should be kept in a large cage so that they can move around freely and explore. It is generally illegal to own prairie dogs, so owning one may be possible depending on your state, but it may also result in legal problems. Its no surprise that prairie dogs enjoy nothing more than a good kiss and a cuddle, particularly when theyre surrounded by people. Additionally, prairie dogs are considered a species of special concern in Washington State, meaning that the state has taken steps to protect and conserve these animals. Over 150 wildlife species including hawks, eagles, songbirds,foxesand even nematodes are associated with prairie dog colonies. Browse Trucks used in Grand Prairie, TX for sale on Cars.com, with prices under $19,998. Yes, you can have a prairie dog as a pet. A study of 25 black-tail prairie dogs at Saint Louis Zoo in Missouri revealed that they enjoy receiving attention as well as receiving attention from humans. Pros and Cons of Getting a Fish. Because of their ecological significance, prairie dogs are frequently overlooked as an important part of the prairie. Be sure to provide them with plenty of places to hide, like boxes, tunnels, and more. Prairie dogs have a typical lifespan of 4 to 5 years, but can live up to 8 years in captivity. Even if they are related, a prairie dogs gender does not make him or her the best pet. They come in many different colors and sizes and can be found for sale in pet stores or through breeders. 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. Can I legally own a coyote in Florida? At Prairie Dog Town in Lubbock, Texas, the first Prairie Dog Preserve was established. Ask your dealer what method of collection they use to be sure it is humane to the prairie dogs. In Illinois, it is legal to own a prairie dog as a pet. Prairie dogs can make great pets, but there are some pros and cons to consider before making the commitment. It is recommended that you have at least two of them. The anal glands on these animals produce a strong odor that is caused by their clean skin. A tunnel and warren system in an underground burrow are shared by these animals. However, there are some things to consider before getting a prairie dog as a pet. Minnesota, like Wisconsin, does not have a large population of wild prairie dogs, which is illegal to import. Creating conflict reduction plans and coexisting with other wildlife is a more humane and friendly way to solve conflicts. The prairie dog is not a true dog but rather a type of ground squirrel. Are prairie dogs difficult to potty train? This recipe also features ancient grains, live probiotics, and antioxidants to maintain a healthy pooch. Prairie dogs are affectionate, loving creatures largely, if not entirely due to their social structure in nature. They require a lot of attention and care when it comes to creating the right social and physical environment for them. If given an appropriate burrow outside, prairie dogs can withstand extreme temperatures on either end of the thermometer, keeping themselves warm in the winter and cool in the summer through burrowing. They require a lot of attention and a safe, secure environment, so make sure you are prepared to provide them with the best care possible before you make your purchase. This dry food uses pasture-raised bison and venison as its primaryx protein sources, both of which are highly digestible. A prairie dog in the wild typically has three to four years of life left. She now works with a team of other experienced vets to provide the best advice and care for their clients' pets. As a result, it is clear why many farmers and ranchers do not like prairie dogs. Class II animals include monkeys, wolves, and coyotes, as well as carnivores and primates. Axolotl (Mexican Walking Fish): Species Profile. Health Benefits 5. Although eating prairie dogs is unlikely to cause illness, you should clean them thoroughly before cooking them to ensure they are safe. Conservationists are concerned that maintaining healthy populations is critical to preserving these species. Should You Keep a Pet Mexican Redleg Tarantula? Because burrows and colonies use the same amount of space as crops, grasslands can be difficult to navigate for livestock, but their benefits include providing food for many animals and creating habitat for up to 150 other species. Like with most pets, there are a few ethical things to consider before investing in a prairie dog as a pet. Do the cons greatly outweigh the pros? When baby Prairie dogs are weaned and then brought up in a human . A female prairie dog is a better pet than a male prairie dog because the sex of the prairie dog does not make it better than the other. As with their other products, High Prairie has a unique formula that combines protein, fat, carbohydrates, fiber, and fatty acids. You can change landscaping to increase or decrease cover or available food or to encourage predators. For example, many folks dont like the looks of dirt patches on prairie dog colonies, but those dirt patches are the perfect camouflage place for the mountain plover (a songbird in decline) to build a nest and lay their eggs. This bacterium can be spread by prairie dogs. To schedule an exotic vet appointment, you must go to your local veterinarian. There are few things you wouldn't do for your furry friends. Pets that live in western states are frequently predisposed to common conditions such as obesity, dental disease, respiratory disease, heart disease, and parasites. This rating has been stable over the past 12 months. Many people are interested in the fact that prairie dogs can pass the bacterium that causes bubonic plague to other dogs. Contributions to the HSUS are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. Prairie dogs are social animals that live in underground burrows. They can be noisy and destructive, and they require a lot of space. There is a lot of affection between them and they kiss and cuddle, especially when they are together. The two rodents frequently touch each others mouths and occasionally press their tongues together. Despite the harsh climate conditions, it is clear that many animals, both large and small, have adapted to live in the northern region. Furthermore, the ability of monk and ring-neck parrots to survive in a Northern climate is also prohibited. Many grazing animals, including domestic cattle, prefer to graze within prairie dog towns. A shipment of exotic animals has since arrived in the state. People kill prairie dogs for their fur, and their populations are dying as a result of pesticides and herbicide use. 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. I've been reading what I can find on them but I'd love to hear from you PD owners first hand!! Additionally, some localities may require a special permit to keep one as a pet. Prairie dogs are sociable and enjoy receiving attention, just like humans. Prairie dogs help to aerate and fertilize soil, which in turn allows for a greater variety of plants to thrive. It is not harmful to come into contact with prairie dog poop, but if you do, do not go into the tissue or fluids of a sick animal. Human-caused changes to the grasslands stemming from crop agriculture, livestock grazing, energy development, residential and commercial development, prairie dog shooting, poisoning campaigns and plague (an introduced disease) have caused the five species of prairie dogs to disappear from an estimated 87-99% of their historic (1800s) range, depending on the species. Prairie dogs also seem to be very susceptible to plague, which makes them a risk to nearby human populations. Thas, I. et al. Prior to 2010, the owner of the exotic animal had a valid Oregon exotic animal permit. The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. NoDespite their name, prairie dogs are actually rodents and are more closely related to squirrels, groundhogs, chipmunks, and woodchucks. There are no requirements for obtaining a permit to keep these pets as personal pets, including nonvenomous and unprotected reptiles and amphibians, gerbils, hedgehogs, honey possums, sugar gliders, rats, mice, moles, shrews, rabbits, squirrels, chipmunk. 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. To attract raptorssuch as hawks, owlsand kestrelsyou can provide suitable-sized nesting boxes and artificial perching sites near the colony. They graze and dig in bare patches of ground, where they attract insects that feed on a wide variety of birds. By closing their teeth, prairie dogs can determine whether or not they belong to the same group. A Prairie dog is similar to Chicken McNuggets in that it is fast, skilled fighters with powerful teeth and claws. Furs of the black-tail prairie dog are frequently blended with soil. The ferret is nocturnal and eats small animals, which may make them a threat to prairie dogs. Native to the Great Plains region of the United States, black-tailed prairie dogs live in colonies on these grasslands. They can be extremely loving and affectionate and will truly treat you like a member of their family. Jessica Alexander, a program associate with WWFs Northern Great Plains office, describes her worst experience with an animal bite as a prairie dog bite. Because prairie dogs live in the natural environment, a prairie dogs habitat cannot be replicated in captivity. The largest recorded town was 100 miles by 250 miles in size and held 400 million acres of prairies. 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. When they kiss, they interact with each other in a variety of ways, including playing or grooming. As predators and scavengers, dogs and cats evolved a skewed preference for meat, bones, and other animal products as a result of these evolutionary changes. Female prairie dogs are also known to be extremely aggressive, attacking other female burrows and killing their pups. Clinical Diseases In Pet Black-Tailed Prairie Dogs (Cynomys Ludovicianus): A Retrospective Study In 206 Animals. 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. Both sexes must be neutered or spayed in order to avoid health problems later in life. When an animal is young, it is possible to raise a prairie dog. Prairie dogs are small, burrowing rodents found in the grasslands of North America. Some zoos have prairie dog colonies that visitors can explore. Few things can compare to the bond a dog has with its owner. A prairie dog bite is dangerous and can lead to serious infections if not treated. Dogs and cats, for example, are domesticated animals that are fed a mostly processed diet consisting of carbohydrates and processed foods. The prairie dog is a real dog that has a distinctive bark, but it is also a rodent. Any sign of irregularity in your prairie dog warrants an examination from your exotic animal veterinarian. They use specific sounds to alert humans to specific predators, as well as specific alarms if they have a gun. The price will largely depend on the breeder, where you purchase the pet, and the particular prairie dog species. Dogs are loyal and affectionate. A prairie dog pet may cost anywhere from $100 to $1,000. If you want to keep a prairie dog in one of these states, you wont need any special paperwork; however, many of them allow local governments to set their own rules and regulations. Toilets are frequently located in one spot, and litter boxes can be trained to do so. Prairie dogs can also have a hostile kiss, in which one or both of the participants jerk or jump away from the kiss. When you have a dog that is picky about their food, finding suitable dog food can be a real challenge. Table of Contents A Brief History of Owning a Pet Pros of Owning a Pet 1. If you are considering a prairie dog as a pet, be sure you are prepared to commit to their care for the duration of their natural life. Corn cob is recommended for prairie dogs due to the high levels of dust in cat litter and the possibility of cedar allergies. The HSUS's tax identification number is 53-0225390. Emily has been a proofreader and editor at a variety of online media outlets over the past decade and has reviewed more than 200 articles for The Spruce Pets for factual accuracy. This method can help to even out the teeth. Prairie dogs can live in a variety of habitats, from the city to the suburbs, and are adapted to a wide range of environments. One of the most popular Taste of the Wild formulas is the Ancient Prairie Canine Recipe. Prairie dogs clipping and digging activities create more small shrubs and forb plants and less grass sometimes. It is odor-free and extremely healthy to use them. Alternatively, you can visit an exotic pet show or buy a prairie dog at an exotic pet store. Simulating their natural habitat is what dictates their complex needs. They require a lot of care and attention and will not do well if starved for attention. The pros include their intelligence, social nature, and cleanliness. They also prune their foliage to improve their line of sight, stunting their growth. Small, active rodents that can be purchased as puppies or as a pet if they are properly socialized and taught to behave. The prairie dog lives in the wild for three to four years before being released into the wild. It seems that prairie dogs are fond of nothing more than a good kiss and a cuddle, especially when they have people watching. Research has shown that "dusting" colonies with insecticides such a deltamethrim (delta dust) or pyraperm not only kills fleas but may also stop the outbreak of this exotic disease in colonies that have already been infected. A secure, escape-proof cage is also recommended. Prairie dogs, on the other hand, contribute to the health of the land and attract predators, both of which are beneficial to farmers. If you create a visual barrier along the edge of a colony, thereby blocking the line of sight, you can effectively limit the spread of the colony or even force an existing colony to relocate. The cost of a prairie dog varies depending on where you purchase it and its age. Interestingly, prairie dogs prefer to build their colonies in areas that have been overgrazed since the low vegetation allows a clear view of potential predators. If you're thinking of having a prairie dog as your next pet, you may want to watch this video first. There will be no new permits issued. Class I animals cannot be kept as pets in Florida. Although based in Southern California, Celeste consults with clients from all over the world.