how can I make the carrier warmer? I have an appointment with the vet in about 5 hours and found out the car is going to be out for the entire day. The vet is 20minute walk from here and its going to be around 0 degree celcius later in the day. I have this carrier from pet smart but the "windows" will leak in wind. I've around lined it up with a towel and its covering most of the windows but I think when Snowball gets in there the part of the towel covering will come off. Is there any other ways for this to work?
You can make a bean bag and fill it with rice or beans. Then you can just microwave it and put it in the carrier.
Rat Toy Ideas
Thanks!Originally Posted by mmas4
A rice sock (old sock filled with uncooked rice) will work really well, but it will get VERY hot if you're not careful. Only microwave it for a few seconds.
How to Make a Rice Sock - wikiHow
I would also put it underneath a towel or something, so that he is not lying directly on it in the carrier.
I would try to make a cover for it, with windbreaking fabric maybe or something thick, with a hole for the handle. I dont know how to explain correctly :s
Pack it full of fleece so it's like a little nest?
Bean bag is nice idea.
The bean/rice bag is a good idea but use caution! They do get very hot very fast. 30 seconds in the microwave will be plenty and even then be sure to shake it about and check for super hot spots.
I'd also add in some extra fleece for piggy to hide down in.
And try covering the crate with a blanket or something to help hold all the heat in.
Will you be carrying the crate the whole 20 minute walk or do you have a stroller or wagon or something you can sit it in?
Last time I took the piggies to the vets it wasn't even cold and the vets is only 100 yards away, but they're used to being warm so I took extra precautions.
What I did was I got a towl and put it in the carrier so it covered the bottom and all the way up the sides, so the only cold air to get in was through the top. I then clutched it to my chest/lap, anything so that the heat from my body would keep them warm. When we took them out at the vets they were toasty warm!
I think the warmed up rice bag is an excellent idea, and definatly one worth trying!
The rice bag is a good idea in theory, but since it isn't washable I would worry about urine on it, and chewing. When I have used them with my cavies I just put the bag in the pouch of my hoodie sweatshirt and put the pigs on top of it, if they seem cold. When I've tried putting it in the cage with them they freak out and don't go near it.
A better idea is a snuggle-safe disc. Designed specifically for small animals like cavies and hedgehogs, it will NOT get too hot and is 100% washable and chew proof.
Amazon.com: Pet Supply Imports SnuggleSafe Pet Heating Pad: Kitchen & Dining
ETA: I have seen them sold for as little as $22. So definitely shop around.
Sirene (12-01-10)
When I had to make an emergency vet visit during a snowstorm, I put several towels on the inside of the carrier, and an additional few on the outside to cover up all of those holes. Since you'll be out in the cold much longer than I was, I'd definitely recommend one of those pet heating pads. Not sure how you'll get one by tomorrow; maybe just use a rice bag and cover it with a good few layers of fleece.
Thing is it is just rice in an old sock. No reason why you can't pour out the rice and wash the sock. I could see getting the heating blanket thing if you were going to need it more often. But just for a one time thing I would start with the sock.
I can also agree with the chewing worry. I'd just be sure to hide it more under a blanket or towel.
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