Gerbils are pretty hardy animals, and they do not get sick easily. However, just like humans, they can develop certain illnesses.
As a gerbil caretaker, you should know the signs and symptoms of sickness so you can take action as soon as possible.
There are many things that can cause a gerbil to become ill. Some examples include:
● Infection
● Stress
● Overfeeding
● Underfeeding
● Poisoning
● Bacterial
or viral infections
● Parasites
● Aging
● Genetic
defects
● Diseases transmitted from other animals or people
If you notice any of the following signs in your pet, it may be time to contact your veterinarian:
● Your
gerbil is lethargic (feels tired all the time)
● Your
gerbil has trouble breathing or has difficulty breathing
● Your
gerbil has a runny nose or sneezing fits that last more than a few days
● Your
gerbil seems to have lost weight without trying (or if you've recently noticed
that your gerbil appears thinner than usual)
● Your
gerbil has a change in the color of its fur or skin
● Your
gerbil has developed sores or wounds that don't heal within a few days
● Your gerbil is acting abnormally, such as being aggressive towards other animals or people
If you have more questions or wish to schedule your little
guy for a checkup, please don't hesitate to call us,
your local veterinary clinic Forest Hill, MD anytime!
