Celebrating the Holidays with Pocket Pets

Wishing you a joyful holiday season! While the presents, decorations, and other trappings are nice, the real meaning of the season is spending time with loved ones. Pets definitely fall under that umbrella. That includes smaller animals such as hamsters, mice, gerbils, and Guinea pigs, too! These little ones also require some additional attention during the holiday season! Continue reading as a local Fort Myers, FL veterinarian shares valuable tips for looking after your itty-bitty animal companion during the holiday season.

Gifts for Pocket Pets During the Holidays

Many smaller animals have open-rooted teeth and must chew continuously to prevent painful dental issues. You’ll find great options in stores, but you can also try making homemade ones. 

Here are several options:

• Crumple plain paper into balls and fill a shoebox or a paper grocery bag with them. Put a small treat or tidbit in the center to enhance the enjoyment. 
• Shred paper into thin strips and put them in a box or paper bag. 
• Fold or cut the paper into various shapes, like snowflake chains. (Great kids’ project.)
• Fill the tubes from toilet paper or paper towel rolls with herbs or plain paper. 
• Make a box castle out of shoeboxes
• Create mazes out of boxes
• Offer wood or wicker items 
• You can also give your pet 

There are some caveats, though. Only offer safe woods. Avoid pine, cedar, and other hardwoods, as their oils can be harmful to small animals. Also, make sure that the items are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected before handing them over. Ask your vet for more info.

Providing Treats for Your Pocket Pet

Food plays a significant role in many seasonal celebrations. Little pets love treats, too! Just stick with safe options. The exact list will vary based on the type of pet you own, but there are some things that are safe for most pets, such as bananas, blueberries, and melons. For veggies, you can offer carrots, sweet potatoes, bell peppers, and cucumbers as vegetable options. Hamsters may like a bit of egg or cheese, or perhaps a dog biscuit, while bunnies love sweets, such as strawberries. 

You’ll also need to know what isn’t safe. That list includes chocolate, garlic and onion, avocado, anything containing xylitol, as well as products high in salt, sugar, or fat. Ask your Fort Myers, FL vet for specific advice. 

Enhancing Your Pocket Pet’s Cage

You can also have some fun making your pet’s cage look nice and festive. 

Smaller pets really need hidey-holes where they can retreat when feeling scared, seeking privacy, or simply needing a little rest. There are lots of adorable seasonal items you can incorporate, including igloos, winter cabins, gift bags and boxes, and plant pots. Avoid anything that contains small parts or sharp objects. Items that are brittle or fragile pose safety risks as well, as do things with lights, tinsel, or other types of strings.

Seasonal bedding can also create a cozy holiday atmosphere. Pet tents, cozies, and hammocks crafted from cheerful seasonal materials are all good options. You can also create your own.

Although it’s not advisable to hang ornaments, tinsel, or lights inside your pet’s cage, you can certainly adorn the outside or arrange decorative items around it.

Seasonal Hazards for Pocket Pets

This special season does pose some specific risks for our beloved furry patients. If you let your pet out to play, you’ll need to do some thorough petproofing before allowing pets to roam outside their habitats. 

• Make sure to collect any tinsel, ornament hooks, or needles (whether pine or plastic) that may have dropped onto the floor. These are definitely unsafe for pets to consume!
• Numerous holiday plants, including holly, ivy, and mistletoe, pose a toxicity risk to pets. Store these in elevated locations that your pet cannot access.
• Fires, candles, and fireplaces can create a warm, inviting atmosphere in your home, but they pose safety risks for your pint-sized companion. Place candles and potpourri burners on elevated surfaces, well beyond the reach of those little paws, and utilize grates in front of fireplaces.
• Bunnies are large enough to reach ornaments, lights, and tinsel, and can definitely wreak havoc on presents. Consider putting a baby gate in front of the tree. 
• Keep wires for lights and other trappings high enough so pets can’t get to them. Or, use protective coverings.

Ask your Fort Myers, FL vet for more tips on pet safety.

Capturing Adorable Photos of Your Pocket Pet

We always love seeing charming photos of our patients. Capture some delightful seasonal photos of your little friend! 

Here are a few tips:

• Make a small photo set. You can use a small igloo, a tiny sleigh, a little tree, or presents.
• Try putting small antlers or Santa hats on your pet. (Don’t leave them on long, especially if your tiny pal seems uncomfortable.) 
• These can create some truly charming photos! Simply use safe props. Avoid using any small or sharp objects, as well as items with dangling threads.
• Taking a photo of your pet in their habitat? Try angling your phone downward. This will reduce glare significantly. 
• If your phone includes a macro setting, consider utilizing it. It may work better than the zoom.

Safeguarding Pets Against Holiday Stress

The constant hustle and bustle can be somewhat overwhelming for pets. If you have many guests coming over, consider taking some measures to help your little friend stay calm. Think about relocating their habitat to a serene back room until the holiday hustle and bustle has subsided somewhat.

Schedule a Visit at Our Fort Myers, FL Pet Clinic

Season’s Greetings from everyone at your pet clinic. Are you seeking information regarding your pet’s health or care? Feel free to reach out to your local Fort Myers, FL animal clinic at any time!