Although exercise balls aren’t inherently dangerous, they can be harmful if used inappropriately. Oxbow is committed to educating pet parents about utilizing exercise balls appropriately to receive the benefit of physical activity and enrichment in a safe way.
Oxbow’s instructions for safely utilizing exercise balls include:
- Supervise pets at all times as they run/use the balls
- Ensure you are using the correct sized ball for your species (Oxbow’s exercise balls are designed for dwarf hamsters and mice)
- Introduce your pet to the ball first. Use a favorite treat to familiarize your pet with the ball and decrease any potential anxiety or stress.
- Clean the ball before and after every use. Wipe it out with a warm, damp cloth to remove dust and droppings.
- Ensure that your pet is ready for exercise. Never wake a sleeping pet to roll if they are not ready.
- Make sure the ball is closed tightly before use. This will ensure your pet’s safety.
- Ventilation is important. Oxbow’s exercise balls are designed with ventilation, however, ammonia can build up quickly from droppings or urine so it is important to limit roll time.
- Avoid the sun. Use only indoors in cool areas.
- Limit roll time. Never leave your pet in a ball for indefinite periods of time. Start with a few minutes per session and add on gradually. If your pet stops running, your pet may be signaling it is time to stop.
For more information on this product or other Enriched Life items, please visit our Enriched Life product page.
If you have additional questions or would like more information, please feel free to contact us directly.