Pet Supplies for Guinea Pigs and Hamsters

Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Guinea pigs and hamsters are not only cute but very popular with pet owners. The pet supplies for these small furry creatures are affordable and fun. People who suffer from pet allergies often try to live with a hamster or guinea pig so that they have something small, cute, and furry to cuddle with. The basic needs of these pets aren't that complicated, but pet owners can get carried away with all of the fun pampering accessories available from pet stores.

Housing, Food, and Water for Small Animals

Cages are good for small animals. Guinea pigs need something that can't be chewed through, so a wire cage is ideal since their teeth can easily gnaw down plastic. Hamsters do well in the glass tanks or plastic cages commonly sold at pet stores. Both animals need a suitable substrate for the flooring. Wood chips are popular because the animals can gnaw on them and they don't hurt them if digested. Cedar is commonly sold at pet stores for small animals, but many veterinarians recommend pine shavings instead of cedar, since cedar can be toxic.

When shopping for small animal pet supplies you'll need to get an exercise wheel for hamsters, but guinea pigs do not run on wheels. You will need to play with a guinea pig in an open area to allow it to exercise. Hamsters also like tubes and places to hide, so it's ideal to choose housing that will fit these tubes. Both animals do well on a diet of grains and fresh food. Water bottles that attach to the cage are the easiest ways to provide water to small animals.

Treats and Extra Pet Supplies

Once you have the necessities, you have a large variety of extra pet supplies. Pet stores sell a selection of food treats and wood chews to satisfy a small animal's need to gnaw. You can also purchase soft cuddle beds, domed houses, straw, food cluster bites, and even leashes and harnesses. Pet stores carry a variety of exercise toys for hamsters. Pet owners can find exercise balls, enclosed wheels that look like vehicles, play tunnels and cubes, and climbing toys.

Many of the extra pet supplies will need to be replaced as your pet chews through it or eats it completely. You must make sure that all toys are safe to eat, as small animals will gnaw and chew on anything in their cage. While a small animal may not be the same as a dog or cat, they can provide the same love and entertainment as a larger animal.

Chris Jenkinson is an internet marketing consultant working and writing for K9Capers an online pet supplier.

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