Do you have a tiny furball for a pet? Hamsters, gerbils, Guinea pigs, rabbits, and other small animals are very popular animal companions. These little ones are super cute, easy to care for, and typically quite gentle. Most pocket pets have open-rooted teeth, which means that those tiny little choppers will never stop growing. Therefore, to keep your furry pal’s teeth healthy, you’ll need to provide your little one with plenty of chewable toys. You can buy chew toys at more pet stores or retail stores, or make your own. Below, a Fayetteville, NC vet lists some DIY toys for pocket pets.

Cardboard

There are many ways to upcycle cardboard products into cute toys. Cut the tubes from paper towel or toilet paper rolls into small rings, and then arrange the rings together into a tiny ball. Pop a treat in the middle, and give it to your pet. Or, simply stuff the tube with hay or a green leafy veggie that is safe for your pet. The list of safe and unsafe foods will vary depending on what type of pet you have, so be sure to ask your vet for recommendations.

Tissue Boxes

Tissue boxes make great little hidey-holes for tiny furballs. Take several tissue boxes, and make them into a cute house for your furry buddy. To make it even more fun, add various rooms, windows, and doors, and hide treats inside.

Foraging Toys

Foraging toys are lots of fun for little animals! Take a plain, unprinted sheet of copy paper, and crumple it up around a small treat. Or, hide a yummy snack under a small pile of shredded paper.

Tunnels

Tunnels and mazes are very popular with pocket pets. You can make your own using paper mache or PVC pipe, or simply cut the tops and sides off several tissue boxes, and place them in a row.

Pet Tents

Pocket pets love to snuggle up in cozy beds. You can make a little pet tent out of an old tee shirt and wire hangers. Fold a small fleece blanket in the bottom to make it super soft.

Safety

Always put your pet’s safety first. Never give your pet anything with sharp pieces or jagged edges. Also, avoid anything that could possibly choke or entangle your furball. Please contact us, your Fayetteville, NC vet clinic, for all your pet care needs.