Prairie Dog as a Pet: So Cute But So Hard to Care For

Prairie Dog in a FieldPhoto by Caden Van Cleave: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-shot-of-a-prairie-dog-12569403/

Prairie Dogs are tough to keep as pets, especially in the city. They are really cute, but need a lot of attention and have lots of needs that are difficult to deal with indoors.  They are also illegal to have as pets in some areas.


Prairie dogs are an important part of the ecosystem, but it is thought that they are too plentiful in some areas. So there is a process where prairie dogs are vacuumed out of their burrows into a refurbished septic truck.  They are then relocated, used to feed some endangered species or put up for adoption. 


If you do get a prairie dog as a pet, it is recommended that you get a black-tailed one instead of a white-tailed one. Black-tailed prairie dogs tend to be more sociable and white-tailed ones actually hibernate, so that needs to be managed if they are your pet.

Caring for Prairie Dogs as a Pet: What You Need to Know

Prairie Dog in a TunnelPhoto by Ingrid Dietrich: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-shot-of-a-prairie-dog-7103880/

Prairie dogs live in large colonies in the wild, so owning a group of prairie dogs as a pet can be a rewarding experience. However, providing the right living environment is crucial for their well-being. The minimum cage size for a single prairie dog should be 24 inches by 24 inches by 30 inches. Avoid wooden cages, as prairie dogs will chew through them.

While prairie dogs don't climb much in the wild, it's important to keep their cage low to prevent accidents from falling off ramps or stairs. The cage must be well-ventilated, easy to clean, and regularly inspected for weaknesses, as prairie dogs can escape if given the chance.

In their cage, prairie dogs prefer designated areas for sleeping, eating, burrowing, and using the bathroom. They can be litter box trained, as they naturally have bathroom areas in their tunnels in the wild. Their cage should be placed in a high-traffic area where they can feel involved in daily activities. Prairie dogs also need full-spectrum light and a stable environment with a temperature of around 70°F (21 C).

It's essential to allow prairie dogs time outside their cage to explore. Prairie dog-proofing your home involves protecting corners to prevent chewing, encasing electrical wires in PVC pipe, and using tiles to cover floors and wainscotting to discourage climbing and chewing.

Although it's generally recommended to keep prairie dogs outdoors for their burrowing needs, most city yards may not be secure or large enough for them. Thus, pet owners should consider the challenges of providing a suitable environment for these active and curious creatures.


Essential Bedding and Cleanliness for a Prairie Dog as a Pet

Shredded paper makes an excellent bedding material for prairie dogs, providing them with plenty of material to burrow in, which is vital for their natural behaviors. It allows them to create tunnels and nests, helping to mimic their wild environment. However, it’s important to keep the bedding clean and dry to prevent odors and maintain a healthy living space. Regularly changing and refreshing the bedding will ensure your prairie dog’s home stays comfortable and hygienic.

Proper Diet and Hydration for Prairie Dogs

Prairie Dog Eating a Carrot. A Prairie Dog as a Pet Needs a Balanced DietPhoto by Petr Ganaj: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-photo-of-prairie-dog-eating-a-carrot-6743061/

A Prairie dog as a pet requires a balanced diet to stay healthy. They should have plenty of hay, such as timothy hay or orchard grass, which provides essential fiber. Additionally, prairie dog pellets can be a good staple food, and mealworms offer a necessary protein source. If prairie dog food and mealworms are hard to find, you can substitute with dog food and live crickets. Occasionally, vegetables can be given as a treat.

Fresh water should always be available for your prairie dog, whether from a bowl or bottle, to keep them properly hydrated at all times.

Sociability, Activity, and Toys: Prairie Dogs Need Lots of Attention

Prairie dogs like to be with others of their kind.  It doesn’t seem like males or females are different in behavior or temperament, but you do want to be careful to neuter them so you don’t get a lot of baby prairie dogs if you mix the sexes.


A prairie dog as a pet also wants a lot of attention from you. Lots of attention. They can be quite cuddly and fun to be around, but what they want is hours and hours of attention from you every day. If they don’t get that attention, they could become depressed and/or destructive.


They will have a barking sound when they are excited and also have a noise they make when they are scared to alarm other prairie dogs of danger. You will notice that they make a fun sound when they see you!


They will definitely bite if they are scared and their bites can be quite painful.


They want their cage to be where you are most of the time. So a living room would be a great place.  They want to be able to see what is going on around them.


They like to chew on wooden toys. They also really like to burrow and make lots of tunnels.  Lots of bedding helps with this, and you can also give them tubes to run around in. A 15-inch solid exercise wheel may be a good idea, but you have to be sure it is mounted well and is safe for them.


Prairie Dog Size and Weight: What to Expect

Prairie dogs typically range from 14 to 17 inches in length and weigh between 1 to 3 pounds. This small but sturdy size makes them manageable as pets, though they still require ample space and care to thrive.

Prairie Dogs as Pets: Lifespan, Health Risks, and Care Considerations

Prairie Dog Close Up ImagePhoto by patrice schoefolt: https://www.pexels.com/photo/close-up-shot-of-a-prairie-dog-5732405/

Prairie dogs live 8 - 10 years in the wild and but a prairie dog s a pet will live less than that because of stress and diet problems.  You will need to check them for parasites and trim their nails.


It's important to note that prairie dogs can carry diseases, including monkeypox (which was once linked to an outbreak) and even the plague. Additionally, they are prone to obesity, heart problems, and respiratory difficulties. Proper care, a balanced diet, and regular veterinary checkups are crucial for maintaining a healthy prairie dog pet.


Other, less common, small furries are chinchilla, degu, ferret, and hedgehog. You can click on each of these pet names to find out about their care. These pets are less common for a reason.  They can be hard to take care of, especially in a city. If you have an opportunity to adopt one of these less common pets, think twice. It can be really tempting to take in a cute little prairie dog if you see one that needs to be adopted. Just be aware that it is really difficult to care for them properly in a city.

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