What do I do if my gerbil has cuts?

If you suspect your gerbil has a wound, change the bedding to towels to prevent infection. Arrange to take your gerbil to the vet as soon as possible for antibiotics. If you are not able to get to your vet within 24 hours, clean the wound with salt water or diluted Hibiscrub to reduce the risk of infection.

How do you know if your gerbil is in pain?

Here are a few symptoms of illness in gerbils:

Behavior. If your gerbil is in pain, he may squeak or nip at you.
Hiding. Like many animals, gerbils sometimes hide when they aren’t feeling well.
Runny Eyes/Nose. Gerbils produce mucus that has a reddish tint.
Fur Loss.
Lethargy.
Diarrhea.
Problems Eating.
Temperature.

How do gerbils usually die?

The most common causes of death in gerbils are old age, heart failure, stroke, neglect, Tyzzer’s disease, scent gland tumors, fighting, and respiratory infection. Your gerbil may also die for no clear medical reason.

Can you get sick from gerbils?

Pet rodents (such as hamsters, gerbils, rats, mice, guinea pigs) can make great pets for the right family. However, pet rodents, even when they look clean and healthy, can carry germs that can make people sick.

Can gerbils die of cold?

Gerbils, quite simply, do not function well in cold temperatures. To keep your gerbil happy and healthy, think somewhere between 65 and 75 degrees, according to the Small Animal Channel. If the temperature ever hits a low of around 55 degrees, then it’s just too cold for your gerbil, full stop.

What happens if a gerbil gets wet?

No, you should not get your gerbils wet. Being small they can quickly get hypothermic if they get wet. If gerbils get wet they should be dried off and kept warm.

Can you put gerbils in water?

Instead of bathing gerbils in water as you would a human, gerbils need ‘sand baths’. Sand baths involve the gerbil rolling around in a small pot of sand, an activity which looks rather strange but actually gives the animal a chance to give its fur a good scrub and to free itself of dirt.

Can gerbils drink tap water?

Yes they do. They need water to drink and re-hydrate themselves. They don’t drink any other liquid to do this and can only drink water. This can be tap water or still spring water which can be purchased from grocery stores and supermarkets.