Happy Holidays! At this time of year, you’ll probably see plenty of articles offering information on keeping dogs and cats safe over the holidays. Exotic pets? Not so much. We can help! A Greater Cincinnati vet offers some seasonal tips for exotic pets below.
Holiday trees can be very dangerous for pets. Ferrets, for instance, are drawn to shiny objects, and may want to play (or steal) things like tinsel, ornaments, and ornament hooks. Pine needles are also a concern, as they are quite sharp and are very dangerous to eat. You may want to use a small puppy pen or fence to block your pet’s access to the tree.
Stress can take a huge toll on animals’ health, just as it does with ours. Noise, commotion, decorations, strange smells, guests, and schedule disruptions can all make pets feel very anxious and uneasy. Travelling and boarding can also be difficult. Keep an eye on your pet, and try not to disrupt their schedules too much. If you’re hosting a party, cover your pet’s cage or move it to a quiet room until your guests have gone.
We love that delicious holiday food as much as anyone else. However, you’ll need to be careful not to give your pet anything unsafe. Ask your vet for more information.
Communicate With Guests
Set down some simple ground rules for visitors. Your four-year old niece may not realize that playing with a ribbon is quite dangerous to bunnies!
Don’t forget to get your little buddy something special! For reptiles, tank decorations and upgrades are a good bet. This can also be a good time to replace heating and lighting equipment. Keep an eye out for sales! Pocket pets may enjoy toys, or perhaps a new hide box or pet tent.
Are you traveling for the holidays? It can be tricky trying to find someone to care for an exotic pet. For one thing, many of these guys eat things like bugs and worms, which may be a dealbreaker for your squeamish aunt. It’s also best to have someone that’s familiar with exotics. We generally would recommend boarding, unless you have a perfect petsitter lined up.
Happy Holidays from Clermont Animal Hospital, your Greater Cincinnati pet clinic. Please feel free to contact us anytime!
