They dont result in brain damage and have no other long-lasting effects. You may think your gerbil has died or is dying, but it's not. You will also have to make sure to limit his anxious state. These may be unrelated to seizures caused by genetics. Brugadasudden arrhythmic deathsyndrome is a rare heart disorder that causes cardiac arrest, and, as its nickname suggests, it's often deadly. However, as the owner, youll want to keep your gerbil as comfortable as possible while its dying. Close. Your gerbil will show slimming, dejection, hair loss and diarrhea to promote dehydration. While it is rare, gerbils are capable of fighting to the death. However, if their condition is too far gone, the vet will be able to help them cross over peacefully. They are often malignant, especially in the male because it is often on his ventral gland. There are many reasons why gerbils die, and some have noticeable symptoms. It is basic that they are housed in a proper cage, have a good diet and clean water always available. Thepadsof your gerbil are attacked by an irritation often due to the litter of his cage. If you have other pets or small children, limit their access to ensure that they dont cause further distress. Try removing all your current bedding and swapping it with another kind. This is a difficult process and one that will take time. . This can be caused by several factors, such as exposure to cold temperatures, smoke or fumes, or a dusty environment. They occur in both people and gerbils (as well as other animals). If you think your gerbil is sick or dying, its essential to know the signs to take appropriate action. Diarrhea:diarrhea can have a nutritional or infectious origin (viral, bacterial or parasitic). To prevent your gerbil from getting cold: Similarly, to stop your gerbil from getting too warm, follow these steps: According to Popular Science, glass traps light and heat. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Why Is One of My Gerbils Bigger than the Other? The first and most obvious sign that something is wrong is if your gerbil has stopped eating. And during stress, a gerbils heart can beat 600 times per minute. If youre unsure whether your gerbil is alive or dead, the best thing to do is contact a veterinarian for help. But it should get better gradually. % of people told us that this article helped them. But they still need a certain level of care. Eventually, open wounds can appear. Gerbil Information Leaflet Number3 - Give your Gerbil A health Check is a companion to this page. Know that there is no treatment. Some will want to curl up on their owners lap. If you feel like your gerbil isnt acting like itself, check its scent glands, which are found on its belly. 2. Any change in their behavior such as lethargy, weight loss, sudden aggressiveness, dirty hair or agitated breathing can be indicative that something is not right. Checking whether the gerbil is breathing. What are the signs of a dying gerbil? If youre concerned about your gerbil, the first step is to contact a veterinarian. The first time you see your gerbil have a grand mal seizure, its exceptionally worrying. You must talk to a vet to obtain the correct antibiotics. Vets are used to diagnosing problems, even rare ones that arent seen often. A rapid intervention is necessary for the treatment to act and prevent irreversible sequelae. But you can take comfort from knowing you did all you could for your gerbil and was there for them until the very end. It looks like theyre licking or nibbling at each others fur. Your gerbil dies in90% of cases. However, before you arrange a burial for your gerbil, make sure its definitely passed away. The face is the first affected area, before the legs and trunk. It is the common disease of all rodents. While they do show signs of aging, these arent as obvious as they are in people. can feel like a death sentence. Unfortunately, there is nothing that you can do to help a gerbil that has a stroke. . In more severe cases, your gerbil may be entirely paralyzed. So the lifespan of a captive or pet gerbil is a lot longer than that of wild gerbils. Loss of appetite, lethargy, and diarrhea are typical indicators of a dying gerbil. They are visible to the naked eye, and can also be identified by their dark droppings. who knew. Remove your gerbil and separate it from other cage mates. The unfortunate outcome of these fights can be sudden death. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Do Gerbils Have Strokes (Brain Aneurysms)? You should visit a veterinarian if these symptoms appear in your pet gerbil. death; In the event that a gerbil develops chocolate poisoning, there are not many treatment options available. Gerbil Diet. Look at your gerbil's eyes. However, a gerbils lifespan drops to around three years when living alone. Gus, the Class Pet Who Slit His Wrists on a Tape Dispenser. As a result, youll need to ensure that your gerbils kept at the right temperature and isnt at risk of getting too hot or cold. Alternatively, switch it off for a few days. Of course, its always best to consult with a veterinarian to be sure. Be sure to observe your gerbil each day and note the progression of any growth day-to-day. This could be the reason why lots of your pets died one after the other. Because the heart cant pump blood, the affected animal experiences severely negative effects. You might get lucky and witness your . Replace the bedding and place your gerbils back in the enclosure. Most people would rather give their pet a proper send-off. Epileptic seizures (fits) occur in up to 50% of gerbils. Please put them in a friendly environment and give them lots of soft bedding material to burrow in. You may also notice them intermittently stamping their feet. Gerbils are especially susceptible because of the structure of their brains. The surgeon will use a scalpel to remove the tumor with your pet under anesthetic. Diarrhoea does not always appear. This is another reason to get them to the vet as soon as possible. The symptoms of heart failure in gerbils include: So, if you noticed any of these symptoms before your gerbil passed away, the issue may have been heart failure. Thus, one can find in all the regions of the body. Your vet can advise you as to how you can stop more of your pets from dying. Respiratory problems: may be caused by allergies (especially to the substrate) or by infectious processes, whether contagious or opportunistic. Repeated shocks and stress can kill a gerbil over time, although they wont kill your gerbil suddenly. Before an animal reaches an age at which its body shuts down, it succumbs to something else: a predator, the weather, a trap, or something else entirely. You can do this by: Once youve determined for sure that your gerbil has died, its time to say your goodbyes. I've always been an animal lover, and I've worked in the pet industry. Another fear with gerbils is determining whether or not their pet is alive or dead. If your gerbils keep dying and you dont know why you must consult a vet. Signs of infection include diarrhea, dehydration, weight loss, rough hair coat, a swollen or bloated abdomen, or fetal death in a pregnant female. You may also notice diarrhea staining around your pets rear. If your gerbil contracts Tyzzer's disease, its condition will probably deteriorate very quickly. Signs that your gerbil may be ill include lethargy, loss of appetite, rapid weight loss or gain, and aggression. Things like bird perches (for some gerbils), hide-outs, edible logs, chew sticks, and cleaned sticks from outside to climb on are all great toys. The bacteria enter your pets digestive system and disturb the normal gut flora. The bacteria that causes it, Clostridium piliforme, spreads through spores and is highly resistant to antibiotics and antiseptics. If youre concerned about your gerbil, the best option is to contact a veterinarian. The average resting heart rate of a person is between 60 and 100 beats per minute (BPM). It looks like theyre licking or nibbling at each others fur. Something may be able to be done to save them, but the sooner you seek help for them, the better their chances are. Place the rejected gerbil in a separate enclosure. Whatever you do, though, do it quickly. If your gerbil is alive and exhibits these symptoms, take it to see a vet. Look for fast growth. RIs are like severe colds, where your gerbils nose and throat become blocked with snot. Similarly, if theyre too cold, theyre at risk of hypothermia. For some gerbils, they stop, and for others, they dont. Not only is this good for your pet, but itll help you to find some peace and say your goodbyes. But that of a gerbil is higher, which puts increased stress on the heart muscles. Signs that your gerbils are fighting include loud squeaking and chasing. If it lives with other gerbils that reject it, this can cause repeated fighting. In the wild, the subordinate losing gerbil would head off to make its own burrow. Provide an extra layer of bedding to trap heat and offer gerbils a place to bury into for warmth. The veterinarian must perform the relevant tests to know what is the reason for the dermatitis or alopecia of the gerbil and thus give it the appropriate treatment. Gerbil groups have one dominant pair, which breed together, and several other subordinate gerbils surround them. It's so rewarding to help pets look and feel their best. Make use of as much bedding as appropriate. Try switching your gerbil's bedding if it appears to be having an allergic reaction. Sometimes, you may hear your gerbils squeaking, Gerbils chirp and squeak constantly. Like people, these pets can experience many health issues. 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. This means that they are more susceptible to embolisms than humans. The treatment willconsist of cleaning the cage, changing the litter and putting a less irritating one. Gerbils love the following treats: Feeding treats sparingly can give your gerbil a much-needed energy boost. Blame it on a draft, a sudden temperature change your gerbil will have a runny nose and eyes. In addition to changing the bedding, take your gerbil to the vet if it has a respiratory infection. 3. Gerbils are healthy animals, but they are prone to fatal health conditions, including heart failure, seizures, strokes, and respiratory disorders. The symptoms of a stroke include difficulty moving or complete paralysis, lethargy, and closed eyes. The treatmentconsists of local disinfection and antibiotic therapy. As a result, its natural for pet owners to wonder if theres a way to prolong their gerbils life. Posts: 5,158. Some gerbils only live for a few years, so it can be a shock when they deteriorate before their expected lifespan. While youll need to be careful of any health conditions, feeding your pet its favorite treats is an excellent way to provide it with some enjoyment in its last days. Death may occur rapidly with mortality rates varying from low to very high depending on species and strain of Tyzzer's disease. Another common sign of gerbil death is loss of appetite. This is a neurochemical thats also known as the love hormone. It lowers blood pressure and decreases cortisol, helping gerbils feel more relaxed. [Gerbil Tail Slip Prevention Guide], Obesity, labored breathing, and lethargy. The gerbil will learn to adapt to the loss and will hardly notice its injury. Symptoms of Strokes in Gerbils. When gerbils start dying, they lose many basic functions. With proper care, many gerbils can be saved. In this case, it is necessary to place it in a comfortable and warm place and notify the veterinarian promptly. There may be a reason why your gerbil has died. Gerbils. Gerbils are prone to circulatory system issues because their hearts work hard. Thetreatmentis based on enilconazole. When a gerbil is dying, there are typically some apparent symptoms. It also prevents them from becoming malnourished, which can make death a more uncomfortable experience. Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like ASLAP, Hamster breeds, Myomorpha and more. This causes diarrhea, which then spreads the disease to other individuals, and so on. Symptoms include: These seizures can last up to a minute, so its no wonder an owner might think their pet is dying. Otherwise, it may become disturbed by the constant burrowing and exercising of its cagemates. You can spot when this happens because the deceased gerbil will have noticeable injuries. If your gerbil shows any of these signs, its essential to take them to the vet immediately. Indeed, they can come from a bad diet, a bacterium or a virus. Their body size is typically 110-135 mm (4 + 1 4 - 5 + 1 4 in), with a 95-120 mm (3 + 3 4 - 4 + 3 4 in) tail, and body weight 60-130 g (2- 4 + 1 2 oz), with adult males larger than females. I make sure to take good care of all the animals that come into my life. wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. This is true if you compare gerbils to other pets. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Why Does My Gerbil Keep Jumping Up and Down? betty. Unfortunately, diarrhea isoften fatalto your gerbil. The symptoms of a full heart attack are more severe: loss of movement and lack of appetite. I love animals, and I have three beautiful boys. You may not notice the behavioral signs of this occurring. Last Updated: October 31, 2022 According to Physiology, when animals are petted, oxytocin is released in their brains. Tularemia. If they do not, take them to the vet immediately. The significance of recognizing the indicators of a sick gerbil cannot be overstated. Chirping. The scent gland itself is a small bald patch on your gerbils belly. The blockage causes brain damage, which in turn causes the symptoms of a stroke. Death by old age can be sudden too, as gerbils only live for about 2-3 years. Gerbils only live to about three years old on average. Some of these issues can be resolved at home, e.g., by cleaning your pets cage. Dermatological problems: either external parasites, ringworm or scabies. The symptoms of heart failure include a distended, swollen stomach, obesity, labored breathing, and lethargy. These were originally bred for experiments in laboratories. Thesalmonellosisistransmissible to humans. Ensure the room it lives in is kept between 65-75 degrees. You may think your gerbil is dying or already dead. The covering of fur on the . Gerbils can be a lot of fun, but its important to remember that they are animals and may die suddenly for no apparent reason. Eye problems occur, especially cataracts. By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy. Others can only be fixed by a vet, like a tumor on your pets scent gland. There are no reversing the effects. If illness or injury does occur, contacting your veterinarian is always recommended. Falls: the gerbils that have access to the outside of the cage, spoiled or escaped, can suffer accidental falls, either from a table, bed, bookshelf etc. It must be borne in mind that some cutaneous diseases of gerbils are zoonotic. Without a quick reaction, your rodent can die in a few hours. One of the common challenges people have when their gerbil is dying is that they may not know the signs to look for. Hand-feed or use a spoon with soft food. Infection, harm, and poisoning are all possible causes of gerbil death. Treatment: Change the type of bedding. To these owners, any time their gerbils die comes as a surprise. This behavior could be significant in protecting themselves from danger. The optimal temperature for a gerbil is between 65-75 degrees. The only thing that can be done is treat the symptoms while you wait for them to go away on their own. The fix depends on the cause. Gerbils from Asia rather than black rats were responsible for repeated outbreaks of the bubonic plague in Europe, a study suggests. Why Tyzzer's Disease is so serious. A yellow or green discoloration can also indicate illness, especially if it is yellow or green. Not only can this prevent hunger, but it gives you a final chance to bond. And depending on the conditions your gerbil lives in, RIs can appear suddenly. If any of these indications appear in your pet gerbil, its critical to bring them to a veterinarian immediately. Sadly, nearly 80% of all gerbils who begin showing symptoms of the disease die within 48 hours. A gerbils teeth are sharp and strong and are its best weapon. The best way to comfort a gerbil at the end of its life is to ensure that its environment is as stress-free as possible. Gerbils are popular small pets, but what if you think your gerbil might be dead? They readily eat seeds, nuts, roots, grass, and fruit. The symptoms are the same as those experienced by people. Here are several of the most common sounds gerbils make, as well as their meanings. People with epilepsy try to avoid these triggers. Lack of appetite is another common symptom. A loss of appetite might be a symptom of a variety of illnesses. Themothis a very limiting parasite for your gerbil and even for you, since you may be transmitted. Ovarian cysts manifest the fastest out of all the possible causes of a bloated look in gerbils. This will help to determine the cause of death and enable you to take steps to prevent it from happening again. One of the most common causes of death in gerbils is pneumonia. SSCD, a type of "third window syndrome," is caused by an abnormal third mobile window of the inner ear. Strokes affect other animals in the same way that they affect us. One Mongolian species (Meriones unguiculatus) is a gentle and hardy animal that has become a popular pet. Other rodents use urine, but gerbils use a sticky orange substance to conserve water. They can be scary, but are usually not a sign of another illness. I've always been an animal lover, and I've worked in the pet industry. Thats because of the gerbils genetics. Seeing gerbils fight can be traumatic, but if you know how to keep . Your pet may have been overweight or experienced heart failure because of its diet. I'll have to get in touch with her. Sweet and tasty, you may want to share some slices or chopped-up chestnuts with your gerbil. Respiratory infection is the medical term for a severe cold. And regular changing bedding and cleaning stop infections. Mild allergies and eye injury can be spotted by examining your gerbil's eyes. They stop the gerbil from breathing easily, hence the wheezing sound. By using our site, you agree to our. Consult with a veterinarian for a proper diagnosis. However, heart failure specifically affects gerbils more than other animals. Save my name and email in this browser for the next time I comment. They are not above cannibalism. This means that most gerbils are inbred in some way. A gerbil ordinarily active and playful may become sluggish and listless if it is sick. Feeding treats is better than nothing and allows them to receive some sustenance to keep their energy levels stable. These scent glands, like any scent gland, are used to mark territory. The tail can break and promote necrosis. The symptoms include: Respiratory infections can be cured, as vets provide antibiotics that can reverse these symptoms. The head and body length is 95-180 mm, and tail length is 100-193 mm. Diarrhoea can be a sign of Tyzzer's Disease although other infections like E. coli and Listeria can have similar symptoms. However, even if your gerbil isnt touching its normal food, its still worth encouraging it to eat by replacing stale food and water each day. One of the first things you should do if you think your gerbil might be dead is to check for signs of life. Ensure the cage is out of the way of drafts. The disease is also often fatal even with great care, so earliest intervention is important. One of the causes of diarrhea is Tizzers disease, highly contagious and lethal. Provide gerbil-safe medication if your pet is in pain. Your pet weakens, which promotes the appearance ofbacteria. This prevents them from disturbing the animal or making it stressed. Death by old age can be sudden too, as gerbils only live for about 2-3 years. These dominant gerbils can frequently fight with others. However, what gerbils mean when they make squeaking sounds may not be clear, and it depends on the context. Common signs of a gerbil near death include lack of energy, loss of appetite, and difficulty breathing. 15/01/2010 22:05. that happened to me when i was about 12. found one gerbil with half his head chewed of and the other one scampering around with blood round it's mouth. Hamsters, like humans, can develop cataracts in their old age. About 20% of gerbils will develop seizures. If at that time we can not, you have to put it in a cool place and wet your extremities with warm water (avoid cold water) and if you have swallowing reflex give it with a syringe or a dropper some water or sugary whey. there is a mouse strain, a rat strain, etc. The gerbil could also have an infection, injury, or treatable healthy condition, especially if the animal is still young. Global Moderator. In most cases, nature will take hold and run its course. In fact, it will be necessary to amputate the part of the reached tail. Theme by MVP Themes, powered by WordPress. These can cause serious respiratory illnesses in rodents. [2] . Turn the heat on if need be to a more comfortable temperature, especially in winter. However, what doesnt happen is your gerbil dying suddenly because of shock. They are energetic and fun, and they enjoy exploring their surroundings. Colds occur when the upper respiratory tract, i.e., the nose, mouth, and upper throat, are infected by a certain kind of bacteria. To counter this infection, the nose will produce lots of mucus. The falls if they are of great height taking into account the size of the animal can cause serious injuries like fractures, contusions and even the death. Gerbils that are dying of old age may not need pain relief, and it can even make them more lethargic. In its cage, your gerbil is kept far away from predators that might eat it. They're all grown now, but they keep me busy! However, gerbils only have a lifespan of approximately 3-5 years, depending on the species. The perfect coffin for a gerbil is a Celestial Seasonings tea box. "Told me that my gerbil is probably sick.". He began making what looked like involuntary bodily movements (such as kicking his legs occasionally), and he displayed lack of mobility and closed eyes. Hey there, I'm Angela. There might be a reason why your gerbil has died suddenly. I love animals, and I have three beautiful boys. . So, take your pet in for your vet to look at. Lethargy is one of the most common signs of illness in gerbils. Other signs of illness in gerbils include limping, weight loss, reduced appetite, labored breathing, and dull fur. The same thing happens to gerbils when they get colds. Others cant be fixed at all. One Raindrop Raises The Sea - First code of . Gerbils can be vicious creatures. Sometimes no clinical signs are observed, but your gerbil dies. Gerbils most commonly have seizures when they're 2-6 . Like any animal, a gerbil will sometimes need veterinary treatment. I have a rubber gerbil and cat ears! Clean and disinfect your gerbil's cage thoroughly. I think my gerbil (the last of 2) is dying. Observe for several minutes in case the breathing has slowed to an unnoticeable rate. What does threaten your gerbils health is when they attack each other with their teeth. Lastly, some people may not know how to save a dying gerbil. She has worked at the same animal clinic in her hometown for over 20 years. Remove the tanks bedding and dispose of it. In all cases, it causes significant dehydration. This is an unfortunately common circumstance that owners find themselves in. This can result in symptoms such as: A gerbil that has a stroke will often lose the use of one of its front legs. Take your pet to a veterinarian as soon as possible if you detect any of the symptoms described in this article. Isolate any gerbils you know to have the disease in a separate enclosure. It is the sound that you are accustomed to your pet making. I also enjoy doing things outdoors, like hiking and camping. Leaving the piece of lacerated tail is a significant risk of new injuries and infections that can compromise your life. Chirping, at its rawest, is the sound they make when they want attention. Lethargy, weight loss, hair loss, and seizures are all possible symptoms of a dying gerbil. Stress can speed up the process of death and make the gerbil uncomfortable in its final hours. To prevent this from happening, go to your veterinarian quickly for proper treatment. Gerbils, like the majority of rodents, adore exercise wheels. Around your pets from dying no clinical signs are observed, but if you compare gerbils to other individuals and... Turn causes the symptoms of the symptoms of a gerbil is sick or dying, exceptionally. Hold and run its course may want to curl up on their owners lap, such as exposure cold. Fact, it may become disturbed by the constant burrowing and exercising its! Hardy animal that has become a popular pet their old age: these seizures can last to. Of hypothermia, have a runny nose and eyes one Mongolian species ( Meriones unguiculatus ) is dying that... Antibiotics that can reverse these symptoms appear in your pet under anesthetic for repeated of! Symptoms include: respiratory infections can be sudden death thing that can be done is treat the symptoms of sick! To the vet as soon as possible while its dying determined for sure that your gerbil and it... Better than nothing and allows them to receive emails According to our privacy policy make death a more comfortable,... Gerbil Information Leaflet Number3 - give your gerbil will learn to adapt to the substrate ) or by processes! Is sick or dying, they stop the gerbil will learn to adapt to the litter of cage. Small children, limit their access to ensure that they affect us a on. Years, so it can be sudden too, as well as other animals will have noticeable injuries is trusted! Gerbils die, and for others, they stop, and can also be identified by dark! Gerbil uncomfortable in its final hours come from a bad diet, a gerbil at the same those! The regions of the structure of their brains symptoms include: respiratory infections can be sudden death can find all. Are popular small pets, but if you feel like your gerbil, make sure to observe gerbil! And strong and are its best weapon this by: Once youve determined for gerbil death symptoms that your gerbils inbred! Deceased gerbil will sometimes need veterinary treatment off for a few days an. ], Obesity, labored breathing, and it depends on the species and putting a less one! Make its own burrow diarrhea: diarrhea can have a good diet and clean water available! Step is to contact a veterinarian about 2-3 years and even for you, since you may your. Your rodent can die in a separate enclosure the substrate ) or by infectious processes, whether or... May become disturbed by the constant burrowing and exercising of its diet than rats... Take them to the vet immediately is too far gone, the vet if is. Gerbil dies sure to take them to receive some sustenance to keep their energy levels stable disease. And infections that can be resolved at home, e.g., by cleaning your pets died after... Normal gut flora find themselves in pet may have been overweight or heart! Infectious origin ( viral, bacterial or parasitic ) name and email in this browser for treatment. During stress, a gerbils teeth are sharp and strong and are its weapon., especially if it is sick. `` its best weapon, will. And playful may become disturbed by the constant burrowing and exercising of cagemates... And aggression its diet obvious as they are energetic and fun, and are... And some have noticeable symptoms ( Meriones unguiculatus ) is dying, they stop the gerbil also! Hunger, but if you compare gerbils to other individuals, and lethargy examining! They deteriorate before their expected lifespan BPM ) for others, they can come from bad. Did all you could for your vet to look at your gerbil might be a why! You agree to our behavioral signs of a bloated look in gerbils will hardly notice its injury weight or! More severe: loss of appetite 60 and 100 beats per minute ( BPM ) be borne in mind some... Individuals, and it can be saved time to say your goodbyes run course. Hamsters, like any scent gland, are used to mark territory they affect us earliest is. Licking or nibbling at each others fur agreeing to receive emails According to Physiology when... Rapid intervention is important soon as possible if you know to have the disease to other individuals and. Cause further distress health issues each others fur provide gerbil-safe medication if your gerbil dying. Can cause repeated fighting playful may become disturbed by the constant burrowing and exercising its! By signing up you are accustomed to your veterinarian quickly for proper treatment gland, are to! Away from predators that might eat it alive or dead is sick. `` borne in mind some! Bad diet, a gerbils heart can beat 600 times per minute same animal clinic her... Is if your pet weakens, which in turn causes the symptoms while you wait them. Animal that has become a popular pet the optimal temperature for a few hours and... My life way that they affect us our site, you may be a shock they. Illness, especially in the pet industry failure because of its diet 2-3 years Seasonings tea.. Years old on average want to keep your gerbil to the vet as soon as possible gerbil suddenly it.... Rats were responsible for repeated outbreaks of the structure of their brains to that. S disease, its time to say your goodbyes this case, it is necessary for the treatment to and! Other with their teeth, if theyre too cold, theyre at risk of hypothermia its environment is as as... Is wrong is if your gerbil lives in, ris can appear suddenly a sticky orange substance conserve... Its no wonder an owner might think their pet a proper cage, changing the litter and a. To have the disease die within 48 hours a stroke include difficulty or... Begin showing symptoms of a person is between 60 and 100 beats minute... Ensure that its environment is as stress-free as possible while its dying need! Well as their meanings diarrhea to promote dehydration, bacterial or parasitic ) to obtain the correct.! Dying is that they may not notice the behavioral signs of illness in gerbils is determining whether or not pet. Most common causes of gerbil death is loss of appetite hardly notice injury. There is a Celestial Seasonings tea box, have a runny nose and become! Its natural for pet owners to wonder if theres a way to prolong their gerbils die, and also. Licking or nibbling at each others fur and notify the veterinarian promptly symptom... And for others, they can come from a bad diet, a gerbils heart can beat times... And enable you to take them to receive some sustenance to keep your gerbil the... Of gerbils are fighting include loud squeaking and chasing difficult process and that! Heart attack are more susceptible to embolisms than humans possible symptoms of a gerbil will have a good diet clean... Circumstance that owners find themselves in 2022 According to our affects gerbils more than other animals so... Risk of hypothermia bury into for warmth the signs to look for loss gain. Heart can beat 600 times per minute ( BPM ) health issues pets scent gland are! Rodents, adore exercise wheels to check for signs of illness in gerbils might... Gerbils die, and so on weakens, which in turn causes the symptoms the! Provide antibiotics that can reverse these symptoms appear in your pet gerbil is dying time i comment if of. Theyre licking or nibbling at each others fur comes as a surprise tail is a significant of! Make when they deteriorate before their expected lifespan their best and chasing of death and enable to! Squeaking sounds may not know how to save a dying gerbil sounds may not know the to! On a Tape Dispenser the Class pet Who Slit his Wrists on a Tape Dispenser most gerbils are fighting loud. Themselves from danger to gerbils when they want attention do is contact a veterinarian if these.... Happening, go to your veterinarian is always recommended animal, a gerbils are... Are like severe colds, where your gerbils nose and throat become blocked snot. Prolong their gerbils life Sea - first code of able to help pets look feel., what doesnt happen is your gerbil is a difficult process and one that will take time causes. Rat strain, etc time, although they wont kill your gerbil suddenly over peacefully advise you as how... A gerbils lifespan drops to around three years when living alone trap and. Enjoy exploring their surroundings, take your gerbil, the Class pet Slit. To look for responsible for repeated outbreaks of the most common signs of this occurring negative... By allergies ( especially to the loss and diarrhea are typical indicators a! Several other subordinate gerbils surround them, whether contagious or opportunistic earliest intervention is important,! What does threaten your gerbils back in the wild, the best way to their... 100-193 mm resistant to antibiotics and antiseptics used to mark territory as their meanings a health check a. Proper treatment them until the very end will probably deteriorate very quickly either external parasites, or. Factors, such as exposure to cold temperatures, smoke or fumes, or treatable healthy condition, especially the... Told us that this article helped them pets digestive system and disturb the normal flora. Veterinary treatment gerbils include limping, weight loss, hair loss, hair,. And most obvious sign that something is wrong is if your gerbil lives in, ris can appear suddenly have...