Prairie dogs are charming and quiet pets, but they require careful attention to diet and health to live a long and happy life. Most common ailments in prairie dogs are diet-related and can be prevented with proper nutrition.
Diet-Related Health Issues
Feeding prairie dogs food made for other species or table scraps can lead to serious health problems, including heart disease, pulmonary edema, and respiratory distress. A high-fiber pellet prairie dog diet, such as Exotic Nutrition Prairie Dog Food, is recommended to maintain overall health and prevent these issues.
Intestinal Disorders
Overeating or rapid changes in diet may cause symptomatic diarrhea. To help relieve discomfort, you can administer bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto Bismol) at 0.2 to 0.5 ml per pound every 6 to 8 hours. Coccidia infections can be treated with sulfadimethoxine. After antibiotic therapy or surgery, reintroduce beneficial gut microflora with products like Bene-bac, pet gels, or yogurt.
Respiratory Disorders
Nasal discharge or blockage may occur from inhaling dust, lint, terry cloth fragments, or volatile oils from cedar bedding. Non-infectious rhinitis or allergic nasal discharge has responded to oral Orange Triaminic. Always avoid cedar bedding and dusty environments to reduce respiratory risks.
Prepuce Blockage
Unneutered adult males may develop accumulation of urine and debris in the prepuce, especially during the breeding season (October to January). Symptoms include purulent discharge or urinary incontinence. Treatment involves careful cleaning, sometimes under sedation, and possibly bacterial culture testing.
Malocclusion
Overgrown or misaligned teeth can prevent proper eating and cause trauma. Signs include weight loss, wet muzzle and chest, and partially eaten food. Overgrown incisors may need careful clipping under sedation, and regular follow-up care is necessary.
Alopecia and Skin Issues
Hair loss often results from cage rubbing, unsanitary conditions, poor diet, parasites, or dermatophytes. Maintaining a clean cage and providing proper nutrition helps prevent these issues.
Obesity
Prairie dogs need a high-fiber, low-fat diet. Avoid high-fat treats like cookies, peanuts, dog foods, buttered popcorn, and crackers. Obesity can lead to secondary health problems, including gallbladder disease. Seasonal weight gain may be normal, but they should return to healthy weight by spring.
Other Important Care Tips
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Prairie dogs live 7–12 years; consider long-term commitment.
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Neutering is recommended by November of the first year to prevent hormonal aggression during breeding season.
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Provide chew toys and safe branches to satisfy their natural chewing behavior.
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Use metal or ceramic feed dishes such as our No-Escape Feeding dish or Stainless Steel Feed dish to ensure safe feeding.
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Notice: Exotic Nutrition cannot provide specific care guidelines on an individual basis. Please consult a veterinarian or experienced breeder or wildlife rehabilitator.
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