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Small Animals Need to Keep Cool in High Temperature Weather

6/11/2015

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by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff
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Image © Lyn Lomasi; All Rights Reserved
If you have small animals, like hamsters, guinea pigs, or rats, don't forget they can get hot and dehydrated too. Just because some are less likely to be outdoors doesn't mean they're safe from the summer sun. Small animals need to keep cool and require special care during the summer. The methods we use for ours may surprise you as can some of the methods we do not recommend.

A small, thin build means more vulnerability to heat and dehydration. Hamsters, rats, and other small animals have very thin skin. They also have fur. While they are not likely to get as hot as we are, the effects of the heat can be very detrimental. Since small animals have such a thin frame, their bodies often react to overheating very rapidly, which can be extremely dangerous when it comes to heat exhaustion. The effects of dehydration can also come on quickly in such a small animal.

Can I spray my small animals with a mister? No. Many small animals can become ill or even die of they get wet. This is because they can get too cold and get the chills. While it may at first seem like a great way to quickly cool them off, it can become deadly very quickly. Instead, buy your small animal some unscented chinchilla sand to roll around in or a chinchilla granite slab to lounge on and cool off.

Cage location is key. Absolutely do not keep a small animal's cage near the window, especially not in the summer months. The sunlight can heat up the cage quickly. Animals in glass aquariums may feel like they are in a constant sauna. We like to keep our hamsters and guinea pig in a basement area where there are no windows. Because this area is also our family room, the animals still get plenty of attention. But they are much less vulnerable to the heat.

Provide shaded shelter. Our hamsters and guinea pig each have a special hiding spot in their cages. Whether you use a grass hut or another type of small animal house, be sure your pets have something to hide underneath. The shade will help keep them cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. We prefer the miniature grass huts as the small animals seem to enjoy those the most. The hay may be providing a cooling effect.

Make cool, fresh water readily available. Ice is too cold. Never, ever give your small animals ice cubes. Just like being too hot is bad, so is being too cold. Many small animals, like hamsters, are prone to getting the chills. Therefore, ice is a very bad idea. Instead, change the water supply often and make sure the water is clean and cool.

Air conditioning or a cool mist humidifier is essential. Fans are a no-no. Never ever face a fan toward a small animal. Since they are so tiny, they are more vulnerable to inhaling small particles of dust and other contaminants. It's much safer to keep their room cool with a cool mist humidifier that is across the room or with an air conditioning system. Proper ventilation and filtration is also a must for the same reason you don't want a fan blowing around. Too much dust is very bad for small animals.

*I originally published this via Yahoo Contributor Network

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Misconceptions About Rats as Pets for Kids

3/13/2015

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by Lyn Lomasi, Write W.A.V.E. Media Staff
Rat wondering why he isn;t being picked up
When some people think about kids having rats as pets, they shudder. Many people are afraid of rats to begin with. So when they think of their kids playing with them, it gives them chills. As someone who has been around rats and even owned one, I can tell you honestly how silly these misconceptions are. Sure you don't want your kids playing with wild rats. But domesticated rats are some of the absolute best pets for kids. I recently wrote an article about why rats make good pets for kids. I was honestly surprised at all the misinformation from both public and private respondents regarding that particular article.

Aren't rats dirty?

If you are talking about rats who live in the sewers and elsewhere in the wild, you may be quite right. However, domesticated rats that become pets are actually some of the cleanest animals you can come across. They spend a good portion of the day grooming, have a shiny coat, and have a natural scent to them that is almost like a perfume.

Kids catch diseases from rats, right?

While rats can and do spread disease, typically any diseases that spread from rats to humans would occur in wild rats. There can be exceptions, but in most cases, domesticated rats are not as likely to spread disease to humans as is often thought. Because of the disease spread by wild rats, domesticated rats get a bad reputation they don't often deserve. It is in the best interest of your pet rat and your family to ensure your furry rodent family member gets regular check-ups. But your vet will probably tell you the chances of catching anything serious from your pet rat are fairly low.

Rats cannot give affection, like dogs, can they?

Because rats are so small, one might think they can't be very affectionate. Can a rat curl up in your arms and fall asleep? Can a rat snuggle? Do rats learn their names and come when you call them? Yes as the answer to all of the above and more. When one of my kids adopted a rat, the very first day, he learned his name and even snuggled with both of us. By the next day (and from then on), each time we went to his cage he was already at the top waiting before we had even finished opening the door. As soon as the door was opened, he'd hop right out, ready for some fun. Jack Frost (the rat) spent more time out of the cage than in and was very loving. He really enjoyed interacting with humans and played an active role in the family.

Rats are creepy and might bite my kids, right?

The creepiness of a rat is usually based on years of misconceptions passed from generation to generation. There is also a great deal of negativity about rats in television and movies. Most likely, your rat is not going to multiply into thousands by himself and attack your kids in the middle of the night. Rats are also very docile and generally only bite when threatened or when they smell food on someone's hands. Washing hands before handling the rats and being gentle with them will help prevent biting. Our rat never bit anyone once or even attempted to. He was very affectionate and had not an ounce of aggression in him.

Won't a rat stink up my kid's room?

Another big misconception about having rats around kids is that they stink. Just like any other caged animal, provided you or your child is cleaning the cage, a rat is not going to stink up the room. As previously mentioned, rats are unique in that their natural scent is often described as perfume-like. It is a very pleasant odor to many. You or your child should be cleaning the rat's cage at least twice per week or as often as needed. Soiled bedding areas can be scooped out and replaced with fresh bedding in between thorough cleanings.

*This article is based on the author's personal experiences and is not meant to serve as medical advice nor replace the advice of a licensed professional. Always consult your licensed pediatrician for your child's healthcare and your licensed veterinarian for matters pertaining to the health of your animals.

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