Be Careful Choosing Exotic Pets

Beware When Adopting Fad Exotic Pets Such as Sugar Gliders, African Hedgehogs and Prairie Dogs

MANHATTAN -- August 2003--The prairie dog, African hedgehog and the sugar glider, a small marsupial, are among today's top fad pets, said Kansas State University exotic animal veterinarian Dr. James Carpenter. "Fad" exotic pets, such as the pot-bellied pig of the mid-1990s, are defined as uncommon pets that suddenly become popular. However, some fad pets can be challenging to care for, and potential owners need to be careful before buying into the animal's popularity. Carpenter said prospective owners should be well informed about the pet's needs.

No one should get a fad pet simply because it is "cool," Carpenter said. They may not realize how difficult or complicated proper care can be.

"They might acquire a tiger cub, not realizing that it may weigh over 400 pounds when fully grown and be expensive to care for, as well as dangerous," Carpenter said. "Others may purchase a small constrictor (such as a young Burmese python), not knowing that some species grow to be 16 to 18 feet -- or more -- in length."

The prairie dog, one of the "fad" pets of the moment, poses a lot of behavioral problems, Carpenter said. It can be aggressive, has tendencies to dig and chew and needs a lot of social interaction. Although the prairie dog can seem tame once familiar with humans, it is fundamentally a wild animal. It will revert to its wild instincts when exposed to any stress.

Diet-related ailments are also common among fad pets because owners don't know the nutrients animals need, Carpenter said. For instance, a common medical problem among sugar gliders is sudden hind-leg paralysis, which is caused by calcium and vitamin deficiencies. Prairie dogs and hedgehogs often suffer from obesity, which leads to many other ailments.

Many fad pet medical problems -- even hind-leg paralysis -- can be treated if detected early. However, fad pets, like most exotic pets, instinctually hide signs of illness; owners may not realize their pet is sick until it is too late. Carpenter suggests scheduling regular veterinary check-ups so a professional can examine the pet.