Holidays With Pocket Pets

The holidays are here! It’s easy to find information on holiday gifts and safety for dogs and cats, but what about smaller pets, like hamsters or gerbils? A Louisville, KY veterinarian offers some information on spending the holidays with tiny furballs below.

Decorations

Who says you can’t decorate your little buddy’s home? Just stick to things you know are safe. One option is to get a cute seasonal hide box, such as a gift bag or box that is printed with a seasonal pattern. You can also get wrapping paper that was printed with nontoxic ink, and make little gifts or chew toys out of it. You can even hang decorations outside your pet’s cage, as long as they are safely out of paws’ reach.

Safety  

Always put your pet’s safety first. Things like tinsel, pine needles, and ornament hooks often end up on the floor. These are all hazardous to pets! Ribbons, lights, and garlands are also unsafe, as they can choke or entangle playful pets. You’ll also want to be careful with plants. Poinsettia, holly, ivy, and mistletoe are all toxic to our furry friends. Keep a close eye on your pint-sized pal. You may want to use a puppy pen or even a kiddie pool to keep them confined to a safe area. 

Gifts

Don’t forget to put a few things into your furry friend’s stocking! Toys make wonderful gifts for these little guys. Most smaller pets need to chew, so look for edible playthings. You can find things like wicker balls or chew sticks in many pet stores. You can also make many of your pet’s things out of household items. For example, the rolls from toilet paper tubes can be upcycled into a variety of cute playthings. Other gift ideas include new hide boxes, exercise wheels, and mazes. If you want to go all-out, get your pet a new cage.

Photos

Little animals can take some adorable holiday photos! Use the macro setting, rather than zooming in, and choose a background that contrasts with your pet’s fur. You can also play with cute props. Put a Santa hat on your bunny, or put your gerbil in a tiny sleigh. Just don’t leave your tiny friend unattended with their props. 

Happy Holidays! Please reach out if ever we can be of assistance. As your Louisville, KY veterinary clinic, we’re here to help!