Prairie Dog Lover's Burrow
Midwest Prairie Dog Shelter - Outreach * Rescue * Advocacy
This page is for those who may require first aid after hours, and is not meant to replace qualified Veterinary care. This list is not in any particular order, and consists of the top five issues that can occur after our Veterinarian's office is closed. Please be sure to follow up with your Veterinarian.
Keeping the animal warm is the single, most critical first aid for prairie dogs.
Sudden drop in body temperature or lethargy:
With prairie dogs, when the body temperature drops, breathing slows in order to conserve energy, and organs may slow and even shut down. During illness, following or during surgery, with very young or very old prairie dogs, or during episodes of torpor or semi-hibernation, the body temperature drops. Without assistance in maintaining body temperature, some high risk prairie dogs may not be able to maintain body temperature. There may be an underlying illness that has yet to be diagnosed. Until you can seek medical attention, a heating device is recommended, that is safe and effective for prairie dogs called a Snuggle SafeTM which may be purchased at PetSmart or online. The heat disk is made of hard plastic and is filled with wax and is sold with a cover. There are no electrical cords involved. Simply place the disk in the microwave for 5 minutes and it stays warm for 10-11 hours in a nest box. Add 4-5 baby receiving blankets (lint-free) on top of disk for added comfort. Appetite and body temperature should return to normal. Contact your Veterinarian if symptoms persist.
Loss of toenail or bleeding:
Keep nails trimmed and avoid enclosures with wire ramps. Clip only the tips of nails. Keep Quik Stop in medicine cabinet or use corn starch to stop the bleeding. Keep area clean with an epsom salt soak and a Q-tip. Contact Veterinarian if area is swollen, red or oozing and is not healing.
(For Vets: Clipping the quick is a preferred means of drawing blood for testing)
Choking:
If a prairie dog has a dental issue involving the loss of teeth, choking may become a serious problem. In order to dislodge the debris, the prairie dog will work up a large amount of saliva (foam) and clear the passage. Although it is very frightening to watch foam coming from their nose and mouth, and our instinct compels us to interfere, we must allow them to work it out themselves. Immediately follow up with a Vet visit to identify the oral issue and modify diet accordingly.
Loss of Appetite:
Check body temperature and be sure the animal is warm. It is essential to keep apple/banana flavored Critical Care (Oxbowhay) for herbivores on hand and can be purchased from your Veterinarian or directly from Oxbowhay Company if you call them. This nutritional supplement is a powder that was designed for post surgical, injured or ill, and for the very young and very old herbivore, and can be stored in your freezer indefinitely. The supplement also contains an appetite stimulant. Mix as directed, sprinkle on sweet potato, or mix into warm, pureed sweet potatoes and peas. Using a 1 cc syringe, offer plain pedialyte or other liquid electrolyte supplement by slipping syringe into the side of the mouth in tiny amounts to keep animal hydrated. Offer a teaspoon of Quaker Old Fashioned oats in an attempt to get them to eat something. Follow up with your Veterinarian as soon as possible to determine what is going on.
Gasping for air:
Upper respiratory infection, Odontoma or other nasal obstruction, or an issue with the heart can cause gasping for air or mouth breathing. The steam from running a hot shower may provide some relief. If nasal congestion is evident, use a cotton swab to gently cleanse and clear the nose. An infant nasal aspirator may be GENTLY used. Until you are able to get the animal to a Veterinarian for assessment and diagnosis, be sure to keep them warm.
Falls:
Prairie dogs naturally confront any challenge that comes their way, including climbing. Prevention is the best advice here. Human homes are not a safe place for prairie dogs. Should an accident occur after hours, it is critical to confine the animal in a small pet taxi and keep the animal warm until you can seek medical care. Steroids given immediately may reduce the risk of permanent damage caused by inflammation.
Other accidents:
With any type of injury, an emergency Veterinarian is the preferred option. If no one will help the animal, contact a wildlife rehabilitator who will know the basic first aid for mammals.
