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Preventive medicine is the key to keeping your gerbils healthy. That means
providing a proper diet, maintaining a clean living environment and seeing
that your pets get adequate exercise. If these needs are not met, however,
your animal companions can become ill. Knowing what to look out for can
help you to help your pet should a problem arise.
Gerbil Pet Care – Diet Is Important
Did you know that many problems in gerbils can be attributed to an IMPROPER
DIET? If you've never given your pets fresh foods before, for example,
feeding too much, too soon can result in diarrhea. This unpleasant symptom
can also occur if your little guys eat food that's spoiled. It's a smart
idea to isolate the sick individual and keep him on dry foods only for a
couple of days. Seek the advice of your veterinarian if it hasn't cleared
up by then.
Gerbil Diseases – Trouble Breathing & Parasites
Gerbils seem to be prone to RESPIRATORY PROBLEMS, particularly the common
cold. Symptoms of the sniffles include sneezing, hacking, wheezing and
drippy eyes and nose. Gerbils suffering from colds tend to shiver and
huddle up, in an effort to stay warm. Keep the affected individual in a
warmer area of the house, and if his symptoms aren't getting better in a
day or so, consult the vet.
PARASITES of various kinds have bugged many a gerbil. Mites, for example,
can cause itchy lesions and loss of fur in affected animals. If your pet is
constantly scratching and biting himself, fleas or lice may be the
culprits. Animals suffering from an infestation, as well as the surrounding
environment, should be treated.
An EYE INFECTION is one of the major occupational faced by gerbils. With
all the digging and burrowing they do, it's not uncommon for a particle of
sand, dirt or bedding material to get trapped behind a gerbil's nictitating
membrane, or the third eyelid found at the inner corner of the eye. If you
see your pet constantly scratching his eye, or notice any loss of fur
around the eye, consult your veterinarian.
Sick Gerbils Need Immediate Care
If you notice any unusual symptoms in your pet, do not wait until a
regularly scheduled check-up to see your veterinarian. Signs of illness, in
addition to those discussed above, include lethargy, dull or uneven coat,
and a crouching posture. If you think one of your gerbils is ill, seek
medical attention immediately.
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