Even the most prepared and loving of gerbil owners can find themselves in financial hardship. Having a sick gerbil, yet being unable to afford an expensive vet visit is very disheartening. In the current American economy, many pet owners are finding themselves unable to afford vet care for their pets. So what is an owner supposed to do in this situation?
Unfortunately without a formal diagnosis from a vet, it can be difficult to create an in depth care plan for your gerbil. But there are a few steps you can take to help ensure your pet is comfortable and has the highest possible chances to recover.Separate Other Gerbils From Your Sick Gerbil
The first step you should take if any of your gerbil’s begin showing signs of illness is to separate the sick gerbil from the rest of your gerbils. Clean your gerbil habitat thoroughly before placing your healthy gerbils back into it. This can help prevent the spread of the illness from one gerbil to the rest of your pets.
Keep Your Sick Gerbil’s Habitat As Clean As Possible
The habitat that your sick gerbil is being kept in should be kept as clean as possible. Change bedding frequently (we recommend once a day). Wash accessories, décor, tunnels, and food bowls daily. Change out water and wash the water container daily.
Keep An Emergency Food Mix On Hand
Having an emergency food mix, like this one, available can help ensure your gerbil can continue eating- even if they become too weak to feed themselves. This food mix can be mixed with water and then placed in a bowl in your gerbil’s habitat or force-fed with a syringe. Offering a liquid food to your pet, in a food bowl, can help them maintain weight and recover quicker. The fine powdered food is easier for your gerbil to digest, which can help their body take in more nutrients while they are recovering from their illness.
Force-Feed Your Gerbil If Necessary
If your gerbil stops eating, it’s vital that they continue taking in nutrients. You can force-feed your gerbil an emergency food mix according to the food directions, every few hours. As long as your gerbil continues to have regular bowel movements, it’s safe to force-feed your gerbil to help them continue to take in necessary calories during this vulnerable time.
Ensure Your Gerbil Is Getting Adequate Water Intake
Keeping your gerbil fed is very important when they are ill- but keeping them hydrated is even more important. Liquid food mixes can help your gerbil stay hydrated- as water is being mixed into the food. But you should also offer extra water as often as possible. Fresh water should be available in multiple locations in your pet’s habitat, and if they are too weak to drink, gerbils should be force-fed a small amount of water every 2 hours.
Massage Your Gerbil’s Belly To Aid In Digestion
When a gerbil is weak with illness their digestive system can begin to slow down. If your gerbil is comfortable being held and doesn’t seem stressed when being picked up, you can help aid your gerbil’s digestion by gently massaging their stomach in a circle motion. You can also gently massage their stomach by starting near their chest and rubbing downwards towards their tail.
Keep Your Gerbil’s Habitat Away From Drafts
Gerbil’s, like humans, have trouble regulating their body temperature when they are ill. It’s especially important to ensure your gerbil is not stuck in an area where they will get cold easily. Keep your gerbil away from windows, doors, and drafty areas. Keep them away from the direct airflow from vents, air conditioners, and fans. You want to ensure your gerbil is in a place where they are not subject to cold air blowing on them frequently.
Create A “Warm Spot” In Your Gerbil’s Habitat For Them To Easily Access
A gerbil’s body temperature can more easily lower when they are sick. They may have trouble staying warm. You can help your gerbil stay warm by creating a “warm spot” within their habitat. We suggest using a small hermit crab heat mat and placing it on the bottom of your gerbil’s habitat in one corner of their cage. This gives them a warm spot that they can move to if they need extra help staying comfortable- but because it’s placed in a corner, they can also move to a different part of the cage if they get too warm.
Keep Your Gerbil’s Habitat In A Dimly Lit Room
All animals, during times of stress (such as illness), have a natural instinct to hide away. By feeling hidden, they feel protected. Most small animals, like gerbils, seek out dark secluded areas to rest and heal in. By keeping your gerbil’s habitat in a dimly lit room during the day, you can create a sense of security and safety for them that can eliminate extra stress and give them a better chance to rest and heal.
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