Holiday Gifts for Smaller Pets
Have you finished your holiday shopping yet? Don’t forget to pick up something for your pet! It's easy to find things for dogs or cats, but what about smaller animals? A local Santa Rosa veterinarian has some great gift ideas for smaller pets.
Toys
Chew toys are a must for many of these little furballs. You can actually make many of your adorable friend’s plaything out of things you likely have around the house, such as the cardboard tubes from toilet paper rolls. You’ll find some super cute ideas online. These can be great projects for kids!
Treats
No surprises here! Treats are always a popular gift for our animal pals. Just stick to things that you know are safe for your tiny buddy. Our animal friends all have unique dietary needs, so ask your vet for recommendations.
Bigger House
Could your miniature furball use a bit more space? Consider getting them a brand new house! If you don’t have a lot of floor space, look into getting a two-story cage with an enclosed ramp for access.
Box Castle
Smaller pets don't necessarily have expensive tastes. Make your fuzzy friend a box castle or maze. This is a great way to reuse boxes.
Hides
Pocket pets are very shy by nature, and always feel safer if they have somewhere to go when frightened. Get your cute pet a new hidey-hole. You can even get a few different ones, and rotate them out regularly.
Labyrinth
Many smaller animals really enjoy going through tunnels and mazes. You can buy these, of course, but you can also make your own. Use PVC pipe, cardboard tubes, or boxes. Paper mache works as well. Just be sure to only use a flour and water glue mix, and newspaper printed with nontoxic dyes.
Leash
Not all pocket pets like being walked on leashes. However, some of them, such as bunnies, ferrets, and Guinea pigs, actually can be trained to take strolls with their humans. Really tiny pets, like hamsters and gerbils, may prefer a runabout or exercise wheel. Just be sure to put your pet's safety first! Ask your vet for more information.
Happy Holidays from all of us here at Wise and Wonderful Integrative Veterinary Center, your local Santa Rosa, California, animal hospital. Please do not hesitate to reach out if ever we can be of assistance.
