Happy Holidays! At this time of year, it isn’t hard to find gift ideas for our canine and feline friends. There are loads of options to choose from for dogs and cats! It’s not quite that easy shopping for other types of pets, however. Read on for some great suggestions in this article from me, your Marion, IA area veterinarian.
Sugar Gliders
Sugar gliders love to climb things. Safe hanging toys, such as ladders, swings, and pouches, are a great bet. If you want to spoil your buddy, get them a climbing wall. You can also get yourself an apron with attachments your adorable pet can hang on to.
Chinchillas
Though they aren’t quite as aerobatic as sugar gliders, chinchillas also like climbing, and will enjoy things like hammocks and swings. They also like nibbling on branches. Some safe options include blackberry, blackcurrant, crabapple, grapevine, hawthorn, kiwi, mulberry, and rose hips. Your pet can also have certain flowering trees, such as ash, aspen, cottonwood, dogwood, and magnolia. Bamboo, elm, poplar, and sycamore are also fine. You will need to disinfect the wood by boiling it for 15-30 minutes . Then scrub it, and let it air dry before handing it over.
Hedgehogs
Did you know that hedgehogs can’t see well? These little guys often prefer colorful toys, as they are easy for them to spot. Hedgie may enjoy playing with many toys made for cats or dogs, such as balls and small plushies, or even children’s blocks. Tents and hides are also good bets. For treats, you can offer waxworms, mealworms, centipedes, or boiled eggs.
Reptiles
Toys are great gifts for most pets. However, reptiles are definitely the exception to that rule. Most of these guys aren’t particularly playful! However, they do like having things to climb and explore. Hidey-holes, climbing branches, or rock formations are all good options. This is a great time to take advantage of sales and upgrade your pet’s habitat, or maybe get new heating and lighting equipment. As for treats, well, that varies, but bugs are pretty much the standard here. Be sure to only offer store-bought ones!
Tips
No matter what your animal companion is, the list of safe, suitable gifts and treats will depend on the type of pet you have. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations.
Happy Holidays! Please feel free to contact me, your Marion, IA area veterinarian, anytime!
