Do you have a bunny, gerbil, hamster, mouse, or Guinea pig? These little guys make very cute pets! One thing that smaller animals have in common is the fact that they all have open-rooted teeth, which never stop growing. In the wild, they would wear those little choppers down on tough roots and fibers. Pets have a much softer diet, however, so you’ll need to provide your tiny buddy with lots of suitable chew toys. Otherwise, your pet could develop painful dental issues. A Bourne, MA veterinarian lists some great DIY options for pocket pets below.
Plain copy paper is safe for pets to nibble on. Crumple a piece up around a tasty treat, or shred some and put it in a paper bag or a cardboard box. You can also make little shapes for your pet. (Tip: this is a great project for kids!)
Cardboard is another good option. You can use the rolls from toilet paper or paper towel tubes in several ways. Stuff them with fresh herbs, grass hay, or shredded paper. Or, cut them into rings and reassemble them as a little ball around a tasty snack. You can also form pyramids out of them. If you want to go all-out, make your pint-sized pal their own box castle!
Many smaller animals live in burrows in the wild. That’s one reason they like mazes and tunnels so much. You can make your tiny pet a tunnel by connecting cardboard boxes. Shoeboxes work fine, or you can use the boxes that cans of soda or beer come in. Another option is to make your own out of PVC pipe.
Many wood and wicker objects are also fine. For example, wooden spoons, children’s blocks, and thread spools can all make great toys. You can even hang toys from an end table to make a fun activity center for your pet. Just avoid hard woods, like pine and cedar.
Always put your pet’s safety first. Never give your furry pal anything that is covered in paint, stain, varnish, dye, or glitter. Items with small parts, sharp edges, and/or dangling threads are also unsafe. Finally, make sure your pet’s toys have been cleaned and disinfected.
Please reach out to us, your Bourne, MA vet clinic, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs. We are dedicated to offering great care!
