Pet Guide

petguide 2 0 1 7 R I V E R VA L L E Y

APRIL 23, 2017

Sweet Mollie 2017 TOP PET

A S P EC I A L S EC T I O N O F T H E T I M E S R EC O R D

INSIDE A full look at Times Record’s Top Pets Introducing new pets to your family Keep pets cool this summer

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2017 Pet Show Off Contest

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t the Times Record, we believe that cuteness needs to be shared and honored. Giving our readers the chance to brag and show off their precious pets in our first Pet Show Off Contest seemed like a great way to do that. We had dozens of adorable entries — dogs, cats, a bird and even a donkey! Every entrant received a framed keepsake print of their pet.

Pet photo entries were voted on by the public in two rounds. The first round narrowed down the entries to the Top 24, which were all published in the Times Record in March. The Top 24 competed in the final round where voters chose the winning 12. The photos of the 11 furry and 1 feathered friend, along with their personal anecdotes are featured here, in the 2017 Pet Guide.

More than 13,000 votes were cast in the selection of the top pets in the River Valley.

As part of the voting process, people could purchase blocks of votes to help boost their favorite animal. These extra votes helped generate a $1,000 donation for the Sebastian County Humane Society.

The overall winner with the most votes, Sweet Mollie, is our 2017 Pet Guide cover model and received $1,000 in gifts and prizes. The top 12 winners also received prizes.

Editor’s note: The staff at the Times Record had initially planned to recognize the top 12 pets in this special edition. However, there was a submission accepted that was a replica of a photograph. Our team failed to ask the owner for the original photo in the voting process. After careful scrutiny, we do not feel that the results would have changed. However, in all fairness we wanted to make sure all pets received their accolades. This is why we are recognizing the top 13 pets in the River Valley area.

contents Page 5: Keep pets cool, comfortable this summer Page 7: Foods that cats and dogs should never eat Page 9: Ensure pet birds are happy and healthy Page 11: Recognize separation anxiety in dogs Page 13: Fascinating facts about cats Page 15: Finding a lost hamster or small pet

2017 top pets Page 3: Winner, Sweet Mollie Page 4: Eli Aaron, Gus Grimes Page 6: Hurricane Deuster, Piper McDonald Page 8: Dr. Pepper Albatros, Preacher Boys’ Roscoe Page 10: Tsunami Beatrice Deuster, Hans Sparkman Page 12: Boomer Crowder, Landon Bernard Deuster Page 14: Penny Lane, Larry the Wonder Terrier

PHOTOS BY BRIAN D. SANDERFORD FOR THE TIMES RECORD

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Mollie PET'S FULL NAME: Sweet Mollie WHAT YOU CALL THE PET: Mollie BREED OF PET: Maltese AGE OF PET: 2 years HOMETOWN: Fort Smith FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Watching birds and squirrels on the patio.

FAVORITE TREAT: Milk Bones PERSONALITY: Sweet, friendly, loves people HOW DID YOUR PET BECOME PART OF YOUR FAMILY?: The previous owner was unable to care for her because of the other pets.

FUNNY OR HEROIC STORY ABOUT THE PET: She thinks she is the boss of our other pets even though she is by far the smallest.

OWNER: Ron Jones & Ramona Jones

2017 top pet

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Eli

PET’S FULL NAME: Eli Aaron WHAT YOU CALL THE PET: Eli BREED OF PET: Miniature Pinscher/ Chihuahua mix AGE OF PET: 5 years HOMETOWN: Fort Smith FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Going for walks or rides and playing with his many toys.

FAVORITE TREAT: Anything I’m eating PERSONALITY: When I first rescued Eli, he was afraid of everything. Now he loves his friends and neighbors, and thinks he is the guardian of the neighborhood. If he sees anyone who doesn’t belong, he lets everyone know.

HOW DID YOUR PET BECOME PART OF YOUR FAMILY?: He was a stray and I had never had anything but large

dogs. When I went to look at him, he jumped into my lap; so he picked me.

FUNNY OR HEROIC STORY ABOUT THE PET: While Eli makes me laugh or smile several times a day, one incident stands out. He was out walking with a friend, and came across two squirrels, which he proceeded to chase. Since he was running along while looking up, he failed to notice a tortoise crossing his path and tripped over it. When he looked to see what he had stumbled upon, he was shocked, because he had never seen a tortoise before. He promptly shot off in the other direction and forgot about the squirrels.

OWNER: Sandra Aaron

Gus

PET’S FULL NAME: Gus Grimes WHAT YOU CALL THE PET: Gus BREED OF PET: Dachshund AGE OF PET: 1½ years HOMETOWN: Fort Smith FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Chasing rabbits FAVORITE TREAT: Milk Bones PERSONALITY: Determined HOW DID YOUR PET BECOME PART OF YOUR FAMILY?: We got Gus as a puppy to act as a “brother” to our older dog.

FUNNY OR HEROIC STORY ABOUT THE PET: Gus likes to run circles through the house at a high rate of speed.

OWNER: Gary & Amy Grimes

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Keep pets cool, comfortable and safe in hot weather Metro Creative Graphics

Summer may be a time for vacations and recreational activities for human beings, but pets may not be privy to the same luxuries. Summer recreation may not always include our four-legged friends, as summer heat and other issues can pose a threat to companion animals. As a result, pet parents must make pet safety a priority when the weather heats up.

The Humane Society of the United States says that the summer months can be uncomfortable and dangerous for pets. Temperatures that may be tolerable for adults and children who are dressed accordingly may not be so for animals covered in fur. It’s vital to help pets stay comfortable and safe as summer temperatures heat up. Pet parents also must be aware of particular dangers that go hand-in-hand with summertime activities.

Practice vehicle safety

Look for indicators of heat stress

It is never acceptable to leave pets in parked cars, even for a minute. Temperatures inside vehicles can rise quickly and considerably in a matter of minutes, even with the windows opened slightly. HSUS says on an 85-degree-day, temperatures inside parked cars can reach 102 F within 10 minutes. Pets can suffer irreversible and even fatal organ damage in that period of time. If you have to run errands, keep dogs and cats at home where they will be more comfortable.

If you’re hot, chances are your pet is hot, too. Offer a means for pets too cool off, such as a wading pool when you are outside. Offer plenty of fresh water. Keep pets who do not enjoy the heat indoors with the air conditioner running on hot days.

Schedule a pet grooming visit The American Veterinary Medical Foundation suggests speaking with your veterinarian to see if it’s appropriate for your pet to get clipped shorter or to be shaved in the summer. But a fur coat can offer protection from the sun, so weigh the pros and cons before taking action.

Apply sunscreen to your dog’s skin if he or she has a thin coat.

Provide a way for pets to cool off Dogs can get swept away by rip currents just like human swimmers. If you will be boating, invest in a life jacket for your pooch and look for water hazards, such as currents, sink holes, and blue-green algae in lakes and ponds.

Exercise caution in the water Dogs can get swept away by rip currents just like human swimmers. If you will be boating, invest in a life jacket for your pooch and look for water hazards, such as currents, sink holes, and blue-green algae in lakes and ponds.

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Stay off of hot asphalt If you’ve ever walked on the hot sand or an asphalt driveway on a hot day, you understand just how scorching those surfaces can get. Dogs and cats do not have protective shoes to wear, so safeguard the delicate pads of their paws by keeping companion animals off of hot surfaces.

Schedule walks in the early morning or late afternoon when temperatures are cooler.

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Hurricane

PET’S FULL NAME: Hurricane Deuster WHAT YOU CALL THE PET: Dooter BREED OF PET: Pembroke Welsh Corgi AGE OF PET: 10 years HOMETOWN: Fort Smith OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS: Phoof & Tsunami Deuster FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Playing fetch with her ball.

FAVORITE TREAT: Her sister’s food!

PERSONALITY: She has a one-track mind for playing ball only.

HOW DID YOUR PET BECOME PART OF YOUR FAMILY?: Hurricane came from Van Buren to be a little sister to my 14-year-old Corgi that passed away.

FUNNY OR HEROIC STORY ABOUT THE PET: She loves to play ball and we threw her ball into the cabinet by accident and she cried at the cabinet for 10 minutes trying to get it out.

OWNER: Sara Deuster

Piper

PET’S FULL NAME: Piper McDonald WHAT YOU CALL THE PET: Piper BREED OF PET: Miniature Pinscher AGE OF PET: 4 years HOMETOWN: Central City OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS: Lindsey, Georgee, Zia (all dogs) Damon (Husband/Dad) FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Running to the neighbors and getting dog biscuits.

FAVORITE TREAT: Milk Bones PERSONALITY: Energetic, full of life

HOW DID YOUR PET BECOME PART OF YOUR FAMILY?: Lindsey wanted a sister so she picked her out ... she just didn’t realize she was coming home with us!

FUNNY OR HEROIC STORY ABOUT THE PET: Piper has a big sister (Georgee, a full size Doberman). Every day she has a path: To the wheelbarrow, to the truck, to the boat, and back home with a dog biscuit in her mouth trying to make it before Georgee gets her!

OWNER: Judy McDonald

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Foods that cats and dogs should never eat Metro Creative Graphics

Nutritious diets are essential to longterm pet health. Many well-intentioned pet owners feed their pets foods they believe are nutritious, only to learn that certain foods, even those deemed healthy for humans, can be quite dangerous to dogs and cats.

Cats and dogs metabolize foods and other substances differently from humans. WebMD reports that each year, there are more than 100,000 cases of pet poisoning in the United States. Many of these instances were caused by household substances that may seem perfectly harmless. Medications, cleaning products and certain foods can poison pets. Dogs tend to be at higher risk for food poisoning, particularly because they are less discriminatory with regard to food.

Before caving into the temptation to share snacks with their pets, pet owners should recognize the common foods the ASPCA and other pet welfare organizations list as the most likely to contribute to pet poisonings worldwide.

Chocolate Chocolate is accountable for roughly one-quarter of all toxic exposures. Chocolate contains methylxanthines, which are found in cacao seeds. When ingested by pets, methylxanthines can cause excessive thirst and urination, panting, vomiting, diarrhea, abnormal heart rhythm, and seizures. Serious cases can be fatal. Dark chocolate and baking chocolate are especially dangerous for pets.

Grapes/raisins

Grapes, raisins, sultanas, and currants, whether raw or cooked, can cause kidney failure in dogs. Not all dogs are affected. However, these fruits should be avoided. Symptoms include lethargy, diarrhea and vomiting within 24 hours of consumption.

Hops

Commonly used for brewing beer, hops have become a greater risk for pets now that home brewing as a hobby or side business has become popular.

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When ingested, hops can cause a rapid heart rate, anxiety, vomiting, and other abdominal symptoms. Essential oils and tannins in hops also can cause high fever when pets ingest them.

do not possess significant amounts of lactase, the enzyme that breaks down lactose in milk. Therefore, diarrhea and digestive upset is likely to occur when pets consume dairy.

Macadamia nuts

Onions/garlic

These nuts can cause depression, vomiting, tremors, and hyperthermia in dogs.

These aromatic ingredients are not a good idea for pets, particularly cats.

Onions contain an ingredient called thiosulphate, which is toxic to cats and dogs. The ingestion of onions and onion-related foods can cause a condition called hemolytic anemia. This is damage to red blood cells that causes

Milk and dairy Do not give dogs and cats milk to lap up, and avoid giving them high amounts of cheese and other dairy foods. Pets

the cells circulating throughout the pet’s body to burst.

Xylitol

Keep pets away from sugarless gums and candies that contain Xylitol, which also may be used in toothpaste. The substance causes insulin to release in most species, which can lead to liver failure.

Pet owners should be aware that the foods they eat regularly may not be safe for their pets. Always consult with a veterinarian before giving pets foods commonly eaten by humans.

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Pepper

PET’S FULL NAME: Dr. Pepper Albatros WHAT YOU CALL THE PET: Pepper BREED OF PET: Green Cheek Conure AGE OF PET: 4 years HOMETOWN: Fort Smith OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS: Only child (bird) FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Watching TV and movies starring Clint Eastwood and John Wayne.

FAVORITE TREAT: Kettle popcorn and Dr. Pepper PERSONALITY: Very active and voices if he likes something or doesn’t.

HOW DID YOUR PET BECOME PART OF YOUR FAMILY?: He was given to me by my friend Heather.

FUNNY OR HEROIC STORY ABOUT THE PET: If he likes you he will cuddle you and blow kisses.

OWNER: Shannon Ladd

Roscoe

PET’S FULL NAME: Preacher Boys’ Roscoe WHAT YOU CALL THE PET: Roscoe BREED OF PET: American Bully AGE OF PET: 15 months HOMETOWN: Alma OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS: Nancy, Todd and Josh FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Eating FAVORITE TREAT: Anything edible PERSONALITY: Goofy HOW DID YOUR PET BECOME PART OF YOUR FAMILY?: Raised him from birth FUNNY OR HEROIC STORY ABOUT THE PET: He frequently runs from one end of house to the other and slides into the washing machine in the laundry room.

OWNER: Gary Myers

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6 ways to ensure pet birds are happy and healthy Metro Creative Graphics

Households across the country include companion birds. Their sweet music and vividly colored plumage make birds beloved pets.

Well-socialized birds who are accustomed to human interaction can make for wonderful pets. However, unlike dogs and cats, some birds may not prefer or receive the same amount of daily attention from their owners as other pets.

Birds can suffer from depression and anxiety if their living conditions are not optimal. Birds can become irritable thanks to illness, boredom, cage position, and many other factors. Unhappy birds may engage in self-destructive behaviors, such as plucking out their feathers. Bird owners concerned that their birds may be unhappy or unhealthy should take the bird to the veterinarian for an examination, taking steps to improve the birds’ quality of life if necessary.

The organization Born Free USA does not advocate for keeping birds in captivity, but does agree that if birds are cage-kept, their conditions should be made as ideal as possible. Here are some suggestions to keep birds healthy and happy, courtesy of Born Free USA and other animal welfare and healthcare resources.

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PROVIDE ENRICHMENT ACTIVITIES. Birds can become bored, so stave off boredom with activities that enable them to use their brains. Birds might enjoy foraging for treats or playing treasure hunt games. Offer a variety of toys to keep them stimulated.

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FEED BIRDS NUTRITIOUS DIETS. BeautyofBirds.com states that seed-only diets are the most common cause of premature death in companion birds. Birds need more variety to prevent nutrient deficiencies.

Fruits, vegetables (including leafy greens) and sprouted seeds should account for between 20 and 25 percent of a bird’s diet.

OFFER THE LARGEST ENCLOSURE POSSIBLE. While it may not be possible to devote an entire room to a companion bird, shop for the largest cage available.

This will give the bird more room to exercise and spread its wings.

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KEEP SUNLIGHT FLOWING. Birds need access to unfiltered sunlight and/or full-spectrum lighting so they can synthesize vitamin D. Window glass blocks necessary UV rays. On nice days, take birds outside to enjoy time outdoors with fresh air and plenty of sunlight.

PROVIDE TIME TO SPEND OUTSIDE OF THE CAGE. Birds may benefit from a change of scenery to improve their moods. Let the bird out of its cage so it can safely explore its surroundings.

Make sure there are no breakable items, close drapes so the bird will not fly into window glass, and be certain ceiling fans are turned off.

PROVIDE NATURAL PERCHES. Offer living branches that will be more comfortable on birds’ feet than other perches. Birds need a variety of textures and sizes in their perches to keep them healthy.

Birds’ happiness as companion animals is strongest when their needs are met. Employing various strategies that promote their health and provide mental stimulation can improve birds’ quality of life.

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Tsunami

PET’S FULL NAME: Tsunami Beatrice Deuster WHAT YOU CALL THE PET: Noms BREED OF PET: Pembroke Welsh Corgi AGE OF PET: 6 months HOMETOWN: Fort Smith OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS: Landon Bernard & Hurricane FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Playing with Larry the Wonder Terrier

FAVORITE TREAT: Wild Rabbit treats PERSONALITY: Attitude mixed with sass HOW DID YOUR PET BECOME PART OF YOUR FAMILY?: She’s the cousin of my 14-year-old Corgi, who I lost in 2014.

FUNNY OR HEROIC STORY ABOUT THE PET: Larry the Wonder Terrier dug a huge trench to hide in to get away from Tsunami!

OWNER: Sara Deuster

Hans

PET’S FULL NAME: Hans Sparkman WHAT YOU CALL THE PET: Hans BREED OF PET: German Shepherd AGE OF PET: 9 years HOMETOWN: Fort Smith OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS: Jane & Elliott FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Playing with a ball, getting newspaper every morning, going to parks, chasing squirrels PERSONALITY: Very sweet

HOW DID YOUR PET BECOME PART OF YOUR FAMILY?: We purchased him.

FUNNY OR HEROIC STORY ABOUT THE PET: He has fun looking out the window waiting for the squirrels to come down from the trees so he can chase them. He also likes to get the newspaper so he can get a treat.

OWNER: William Sparkman

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Recognizing separation anxiety in dogs Metro Creative Graphics

Dogs that appear stressed or nervous when their owners leave the house or even the room may be experiencing a common problem known as separation anxiety. Many dogs become apprehensive when their owners are out of view, and such apprehension can be very tough on the dogs.

The Humane Society of the United States says severe separation anxiety may be exhibited by extreme behavior problems and destructive actions. Dogs may engage in destructive chewing, excessive barking that annoys neighbors, digging or scratching at windows, breaking out of cages or enclosures, or urination and defecation, even among

house-trained dogs.

Cases of separation anxiety may be simulated or true, according to professional dog expert Cesar Millan.

Some attention-seeking dogs learn the behavior, knowing it will garner attention Ñ even if it’s for the wrong reasons.

True separation anxiety is a genuinely stressful event for dogs.

When treating dogs with separation anxiety, the ASPCA advises that owners should aim to resolve the dog’s underlying anxiety and help it to grow accustomed to being alone for long periods of time. This can begin through early socialization as a puppy. Try these techniques.

• While it’s tempting to take a new puppy with you everywhere or lavish

constant attention on the dog, this could be setting you up for problems later on. Help the dog feel secure by not being the constant center of entertainment. Reinforce lessons that the dog will have to busy itself with toys from time to time.

• Many dog-related problems result from ill-established leadership roles in a house. Dogs follow a pack mentality, and it’s important for pet owners to constantly reinforce their role as pack leader so that the dog does not try to push boundaries. Knowing the pack order can relieve some of the dog’s stress.

• Exercise may help reduce anxiety.

Tired dogs are less likely to grow bored and more likely to find contentment by sleeping instead of being destructive.

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Exercise, discipline and then affection are the common mantras of dog trainers.

• Don’t make a fuss when coming or going. This way the dog doesn’t associate your leaving with a big deal, nor your coming home as something that is the pinnacle of his day. Be calm and consistent, and only reward desirable behavior.

• Provide comforting items, like worn clothes that smell like you. Also, train the dog to recognize that a particular word or action signals your eventual return.

Talk to a vet if separation anxiety has gotten out of control. Temporary administering of a sedative may help pets and their owners as the dogs continues to be trained.

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Boomer

PET’S FULL NAME: Boomer Crowder WHAT YOU CALL THE PET: Booms BREED OF PET: Buff Tabby AGE OF PET: 7 years HOMETOWN: Fort Smith OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS: Sheila & David Crowder + two dogs, another cat and chickens.

FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Boomer hangs out with the chickens FAVORITE TREAT: Meow Mix Party Mix

Treats PERSONALITY: Laid back, loving HOW DID YOUR PET BECOME PART OF YOUR FAMILY?: Boomer was rescued from a feral litter of kittens.

FUNNY OR HEROIC STORY ABOUT THE PET: Our first year with Boomer we had to have a Christmas tree without ornaments because he would climb the tree and lay in the top.

OWNER: Alexa Crowder

Landon

PET’S FULL NAME: Landon Bernard Deuster WHAT YOU CALL THE PET: The Phoof BREED OF PET: Pembroke Welsh Corgi AGE OF PET: 5 years HOMETOWN: Fort Smith OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS: Tsunami & Hurricane Deuster FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Running down the fence with his friends.

FAVORITE TREAT: Pretzel sticks PERSONALITY: Happy-go-lucky 24/7

HOW DID YOUR PET BECOME PART OF YOUR FAMILY?: He came to live with us after he ended up down the street at an elementary school from my brother.

FUNNY OR HEROIC STORY ABOUT THE PET: Landon totally enjoyed his first trip to the movies in the park at Creekmore. He sat straight up in the front for the entire movie with the biggest smile on his face!

OWNER: Sara Deuster

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Fascinating facts about felines Metro Creative Graphics

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any cat owners are fascinated by their feline friends. Cats can be quirky, and their behavior often amuses their owners.

But there is more to cats than their quirky personalities. The following are some interesting facts about felines, courtesy of Animal Planet.

• Much like humans can be righthanded or lefthanded, cats can favor their right paw or left paw. Cats can even be ambidextrous.

• Cats spend roughly one-third of their waking hours cleaning themselves. In fact, cats’ tongues are so strong that they can lick animal bone clean.

• A single litter of kittens can produce multiple “father” cats.

• Selkirk cats are known for their distinctive curly coats. But Selkirk cats slowly lose their natural-born curly coats in the months after their births.

The coat begins to grow again when Selkirk cats reach eight months of age.

• While cats are partial to litter boxes, their skill sets enable them to learn how to use toilets.

• Though cats might not have the skill set to operate blow driers, 25 percent of cat owners use driers to dry their cats’ coats after bathing.

• Kittens may be adorable and cuddly, but their teeth are most sharp at this stage of their life. Upon reaching 6 months of age, cats lose their needlesharp milk teeth.

• Once they reach one week old, cats start to dream while sleeping.

• Cats don’t just close their eyes because they’re tired. In fact, many cats close their eyes when they’re happy or pleased.

• Cats’ pregnancies last just nine weeks.

• Cats can jump up to five times their own heights.

• While not all cats with blue eyes are deaf, many cats with blue eyes cannot hear. That said, many kittens are born with blue eyes, only to have their eye color change with age.

• Cats have a naturally strong aversion to all things citrus.

• Cats of the opposite sex tend to make better housemates than cats of the same sex.

• Cats can become addicted to tuna, potentially resulting in a vitamin E deficiency.

• The majority of cats do not have eyelashes.

• Cats tend to have 12 whiskers on each side of their face.

More fascinating facts about felines can be found at www.animalplanet.com.

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Penny

PET’S FULL NAME: Penny Lane BREED OF PET: Dachshund AGE OF PET: 4 years HOMETOWN: Greenwood OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS: Ozzy, brother who is a 12-year-old bagel (Basset/ Beagle) FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Going to the Farmer’s Market and getting the squeaky out of every toy she comes across FAVORITE TREAT: Turkey dogs and hemp chews PERSONALITY: She loves to go bye-bye

and is very protective of her family.

HOW DID YOUR PET BECOME PART OF YOUR FAMILY?: We adopted her when was 1 year old from a couple who couldn’t care for her. She is the most loving dog. She loves giving hugs and kisses.

FUNNY OR HEROIC STORY ABOUT THE PET: She loves to chase rabbits in the backyard even though she has never caught one. She also loves to get her nails done with her mommy and play dress-up.

OWNER: Mondria Hamilton

Larry

PET’S FULL NAME: Larry the Wonder Terrier WHAT YOU CALL THE PET: Larry BREED OF PET: Jack Russell Terrier AGE OF PET: 15 years HOMETOWN: Fort Smith OTHER FAMILY MEMBERS: Only child FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Going for walk, chasing squirrels, and playing with toys.

FAVORITE TREAT: Cheese PERSONALITY: A mixture of feisty,

spazzy and abject laziness.

HOW DID YOUR PET BECOME PART OF YOUR FAMILY?: We rescued him from a family with small children who pulled his tail!

FUNNY OR HEROIC STORY ABOUT THE PET: He stalked our friend for two hours and we didn’t know why.

Finally, he pulled out a french fry from his shirt pocket that had become lodged in there at dinner.

OWNER: Sean & Laura Lackey

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Finding a lost hamster or small pet

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Small animals like gerbils and hamsters make great first pets for animal-loving youngsters. Such pets are relatively easy to care for and don’t take up much space. A cage, food and some entertainment is often all that’s needed to keep these furry critters content.

Small animals often provide the experience children need to grow acquainted with the responsibilities of caring for larger, more needy pets. But sometimes things may go awry. Children may overfeed a pet or forget to clean out the cage. Leaving a cage door open and unintentionally allowing pets to escape is a common problem when kids care for small pets.

Finding a missing gerbil, rat, hamster, or mouse can be challenging, but it’s something that should be done promptly to prevent injury to the pet and damage to a home. These rodents can chew, burrow and hide out, and parents do not want pets chewing on electrical cords or making holes in sheetrock walls. These tips can make the process of locating missing pets a little easier.

Work in the evening

These small pets tend to be most active at night and rest during the day.

Therefore, it’s best to begin searching after the sun has gone down. If that’s not working, draw the blinds and curtains to make a home darker in an attempt to draw the pets out.

Start in the room with the cage

Close the door of the room where the cage is located once the pet goes missing. The pet may have not ventured too far if you are lucky. Close the other doors in the home to help contain the animal if he or she got into a different space.

Block off any exits

Look for exits the pet may use to escape. This may include open vents, gaps in the molding, cracks in the floors, or any other areas that offer holes large enough to squeeze through.

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Think like a small animal

Leave food stations

Listen closely

The pet is likely frightened and will want to hide away. Check obvious places like behind and beneath furniture. Look for cozy crevices, such as in shoes or under clothing. Bags, backpacks and open drawers also can be great hiding spots.

When all else fails, place a few food dishes around the house to draw out the animal. Monitor the dishes for activity. Try not to startle the pet if you get a chance to retrieve it. Place the cage by the dish being used and wait. A humane live trap also can help catch a lost pet.

The sense of sound is often more helpful than sight when trying to find missing gerbils, hamsters and other rodents. Listen for sounds of scratching or chewing. Very often these noises will lead you to pets’ hiding spots.

Small pets can get lost in a home from time to time. Patient pet parents can often return animals safely to their cages relatively quickly.

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