Gerbils
are really cute furry little creatures that make great pets because of their
gentle affectionate nature, small size and daylight activity. These make
excellent pets for beginners because they are not high maintenance. However,
they are not suitable for very young children as they are sensitive and fragile.
They require careful handling and the formation of a strong bond with their
owner. Gerbils are quite hardy and do not require a lot of medical care costs.
As with the case of every animal, they do have weaknesses so gerbil owners
should be aware of the ailments their pet may develop. This article lists the
common health problems gerbils are susceptible towards.
Respiratory Problems
Gerbils
might have trouble breathing normally if they develop respiratory illnesses.
Symptoms include excessive coughing, labored breathing and a peculiar clicking
sound. This is a contagious disease so
keep your other gerbils away to avoid spreading the illness among them.
Scent Gland Tumor
The
scent gland is a bare oval patch on the underside of an adult gerbil and runs
along the midline of the body. Females do not normally use it for marking their
territories but males use it often especially if there are many adult males
living together. Symptoms of a scent gland tumor include irritation, excessive
grooming or scratching, rough patches and bleeding. Females are less
susceptible to them and elderly gerbils are at higher risk of developing them.
A certified vet needs to examine the animal in case any of these signs are
apparent. A surgery is performed to remove the tumor with hardly any risks or
after effects.
Tail Damage
Gerbils
are delicate little creatures and require care by a responsible individual who
understand its sensitivity, habits and preferences. Never hold a gerbil by its
tail because this will definitely hurt it as the tail is very much part of the
rest of its body.
Diarrhea
A
substandard diet or inadequate hygiene considerations may lead to digestive
problems like diarrhea. It is very important to scrub the cage clean every week
with warm water and recommended soap along with a safe antiseptic spray. The
vet should be consulted in cases of diarrhea so that proper medication may be prescribed.
A large variety of pet meds are available online through comparison shopping
sites like www.lovemypets.com.
Mites
Parasitic
creatures like mites may attach themselves to your pet gerbil and live off
their host’s fluids. It is important to get quality anti-mite medication
recommended by a vet to remedy this problem. It should be powerful and
effective but safe to use.
Dental problems
Gerbils
are nibblers so they love to gnaw on everything! The trick is to provide them
safe wood chips or branches which have not been treated with any sort of
chemicals or pesticides. This will prevent overgrowth of your gerbil’s teeth
and keep it satisfied and healthy. Any symptoms related to oral care must be
reported to a vet immediately.
Seizures
It is very important to provide a stress free
environment to your pet gerbil. It does not tolerate the presence of other
rodent species readily. Larger carnivorous pets must be kept away from the
gerbil at all times. It must have its private cozy little home where it can
roam around under supervision and live happily. It is important to care for
your gerbil properly at all times.
Stroke
Elderly
gerbils may get strokes so be very attentive to their needs and behavior.
Strokes may result in paralysis. A vet should be consulted for appropriate treatment
and care. Gerbils recover quite well from strokes if taken good care of.
Gerbils
are very sweet pets and keeping them is very rewarding and simple. Rodent
supplies for gerbils are easily available at US pet stores and online
petsupermarket websites.
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