How to Know if a Gerbil is Ill

Reviewed by Natalie Punt, DVM

Last Updated: September 27, 2024

It's important to keep an eye on any pet and know when you need to take them to the vet. Like any animal, a gerbil will sometimes need veterinary treatment. Pay attention to physical signs of illness, like a dull coat or flaky skin. You should also look for changes in behavior, like a dip in energy or a lack of appetite. If you think your gerbil is sick, take it to the vet.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Watching for Physical Signs

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Check your gerbil's scent glands. If you're worried your gerbil isn't acting like itself, check its scent glands. Early signs of sickness can often be detected here. Scent gland tumors are a common cause of illness, although they are more frequently found in older gerbils.
- Scent glands are found on your gerbil's belly. You will notice a hard lump forming around the scent gland if your gerbil is sick.
- Tumors will continue to grow without treatment. Take your gerbil to the vet right away if it has a scent gland tumor.
- Scent gland tumors are more common in male gerbils, but can occasionally be found in females.
A gerbil's eyes can be an indicator of health. Mild allergies and eye injury can be spotted by examining your gerbil's eyes. If a gerbil's eyes look puffy and red, and are emitting any mucus-like discharge, your gerbil may be sick.^{[1]
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A gerbil should have a strong coat free of any bald spots. If a gerbil is sick, illness may affect the appearance of a gerbil's coat. The appearance of a rough, patchy coat can indicate a variety of medical ailments. It should be evaluated by a doctor, especially if your gerbil has not had skin problems in the past.^{[2]
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Pay attention to your gerbil's nose. Respiratory problems and allergies can be identified by looking at your gerbil's nose. If your gerbil has a runny nose, you should take it to the vet for evaluation. If your gerbil is having an allergic reaction, you may have to change the bedding in your cage.^{[3]
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- Keep in mind that a gerbil's mucus is red. Therefore, a runny nose can be mistaken for a bleeding nose. If your gerbil appears to have a reddish nose, its nose is likely running and it may need treatment for an allergic reaction or respiratory issue.

Part 2

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Looking for Changes in Behavior

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A change in bowel movements can be an indication a gerbil is sick. If you clean your gerbil's cage regularly, you should have a sense of what's normal for your gerbil. If your gerbil is suddenly eliminating less or more, it may be sick. Diarrhea in particular is generally a warning sign that something is wrong.^{[4]
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Watch for signs of a seizure disorder. Seizure disorders are very common in gerbils. For the most part, seizures are not life threatening or dangerous. They can be concerning, however, and should be evaluated by a vet to make sure your gerbil is otherwise healthy.^{[5]
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- Seizures usually begin a gerbil when a gerbil is 2 to 3 months old. You may notice your gerbil twitches, goes into a mild trance, or has some muscle convulsions. Usually, seizures last several minutes.
- Seizures are fairly common. About 20% of gerbils will develop seizures. They can be scary, but are usually not a sign of another illness.
A sudden loss of appetite can be a sign of sickness. If you suddenly notice you're filling your gerbil's bowl less often, this can be an indicator your gerbil is sick. A healthy gerbil will have a good appetite.
Lethargy is a common early sign of sickness. If you notice your gerbil suddenly seems tired and disinterested in toys and activities, it may be sick. Any changes in your pet's energy level should be evaluated by a veterinarian.

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Addressing Specific Ailments

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Watch out for allergic reactions. Allergic reactions are a common cause of illness in a gerbil. Usually, an allergic reaction is marked by a runny nose. A gerbil may also lose hair around its nose due to rubbing it vigorously.^{[6]
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- Try switching your gerbil's bedding if it appears to be having an allergic reaction. Cedar pine bedding can be particularly irritating for gerbils. Try removing all your current bedding and swapping it with another kind. You may notice symptoms change.
- If your gerbil remains sick after a change of bedding, take it to the vet. Your gerbil's health issues may not have been caused by allergies.
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Pay attention to symptoms of respiratory infections. Respiratory infections are a common affliction in gerbils. Respiratory problems can also be caused by bedding, particularly cedar pine bedding. If your gerbil's coat is rumpled and it makes a clicking noise and lacks energy, it may have a respiratory infection.
- In addition to changing the bedding, take your gerbil to the vet if it has a respiratory infection. Gerbils are small and their health can decline quickly if they're ill. A respiratory infection should be addressed by a vet.
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Be wary of intestinal parasites. If you just got your gerbil from a pet store, it may have parasites. These are a common health concern that require veterinary treatment. Some parasites may not cause symptoms, and therefore a new gerbil's droppings should be tested by a vet. Other types of parasites can cause diarrhea and dehydration.^{[7]
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- Take your gerbil to the vet to get specific instructions on treatment if you suspect your gerbil has a parasite.
- Clean and disinfect your gerbil's cage thoroughly. If you suspect an infestation of bugs like cockroaches or fleas may have caused the parasites, you should make an effort to eliminate these pests.
Any signs of illness should be evaluated by a vet, especially if they don't appear to be clearing up. Gerbils can easily die from illness if it's left untreated. Any unusual signs or symptoms warrant a trip to your vet's office.^{[8]
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Tips

Do not use sawdust or anything pine or cedar based. These can cause serious respiratory illnesses in rodents.

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Warnings

Never pick a gerbil up by their tail. The outer layer can come off; this is known as de-gloving and is extremely painful for them.

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