DIY Pocket Pet Toys

Do you have a pint-sized pet, like a hamster, Guinea pig, gerbil, or bunny? These guys may be small, and they often lose the spotlight to dogs and cats, but they’re still very cute and charming animal companions. They’re also very easy keepers! Aside from feeding your pet and cleaning his cage, your main job may very well be to provide them with lots of chew toys. Fortunately, you can make many of these yourself. A local Salisbury, NC vet lists some DIY options below. Plain Paper

Plain paper is safe for pets to nibble on. It’s also both inexpensive and versatile. You can keep it simple, and just crumple a sheet of paper up around a small treat. Or, you can make things like snowflake chains, folded envelopes, or, if you’re feeling really adventurous, origami trees. Another option is to just send some plain paper through a shredder. Put the strips in a paper grocery bag or a shoebox. Cardboard

Cardboard can also come in very handy here. Keep the rolls from your toilet paper and paper towel rolls. You can cut these into slices, and form little balls out of them. Or, stuff them with grass hay, fresh herbs, or safe greens. Tunnels

Many of these smaller pets really enjoy exploring little tunnels. You can make these out of cardboard boxes, such as the ones you get beverages in. Paper mâché will also work. However, you’ll need to stick with a simple flour-and-water glue, and use papers printed in nontoxic ink. If you want to go all-out, make one out of PVC pipe. Wood

Wood items can also come in very handy here. Children’s blogs, wooden spoons, and plain wooden shapes are all fine. Just put your pet’s safety first. Don’t give your little buddy anything coated in stain, varnish, glitter, or dye. Anything with small parts, dangling threads or strings, or sharp sides is also a no-no. Finally, don’t give your pint-sized pal any hard woods, like pine or cedar.

You can also offer your furry friend branches, as long as you are sure the wood is safe. Also, make sure any branches have been cleaned and disinfected before you hand them over. Ask your vet for specific tips on this.

For more information on caring for a pocket pet, contact us, your Salisbury, NC veterinary clinic, today. We’re dedicated to offering great care!