Gerbils in Summer

Gerbils, like humans, can suffer from too much heat. However, unlike us, they can't sweat to cool down. You won’t even find them panting to cool off like your pet pooch so their ways of keeping cool are limited. This makes them particularly vulnerable to high temperatures, making summer care not just important but crucial for their wellbeing. Your fur baby’s natural habitat is dry and hot so as long as they have ways to escape the heat, they usually fare well over the summer. Understanding why summer care is essential can help you take proactive steps to keep your gerbils safe. 

Recognising the signs of overheating is the first and most important step to prevent serious health issues. Overheating can lead to heatstroke, which always requires immediate attention. By keeping a close eye on your gerbils during hot weather, you can identify early warning signs and take appropriate action to cool them down. 

Some common signs of overheating in gerbils include: 

Overheating in pet gerbils can be attributed to several factors, primarily related to environmental conditions and improper care techniques. Excessive ambient temperature is the most common culprit, often resulting from leaving your sensitive fur baby’s habitat in direct sunlight or failing to regulate indoor temperatures.  

Inadequate ventilation can make the issue worse by trapping heat and depriving them of necessary airflow. Insufficient hydration will increase the risk, as gerbils need a constant supply of fresh water to regulate their body temperature. Overcrowding in the cage can also lead to increased body heat, especially if multiple gerbils are housed together without sufficient space. Proper care and some good housekeeping are often all these critters need to stay happy and healthy through the warmer months.  

During the summer months, you might observe noticeable shifts in your pets' behaviour due to the increased temperatures. Gerbils may become more nocturnal, choosing to sleep during the hotter parts of the day and becoming more active in the cooler evenings and nights. This adaptation helps them avoid the heat and conserve energy. 

Feeding patterns can also shift, with gerbils eating less during the day and more actively foraging and consuming food during cooler periods. Monitor these changes closely and adjust their care routines to ensure they remain comfortable and healthy. 

Creating a cool and comfortable environment for your gerbil is essential during the summer. Make sure their cage is in a cool, shaded area of the house. Avoid spots that receive direct sunlight, such as near windows or in conservatories. If they’re left in direct sunlight they won’t have anywhere to go to cool themselves down. 

Choosing the right bedding can make a significant difference in keeping your gerbils cool. Opt for materials that are light and breathable. Avoid thick, heat-retaining options but they will still need a nice thick layer. While it may seem like thicker bedding will keep them too hot, gerbils will often burrow to escape heat and a nice thick layer of light bedding can help to keep them cool.  

Paper-based bedding like Back 2 Nature Small Animal & Bird Bedding can be a good choice as it allows for better air circulation. You can invest in cooling accessories designed for small pets. Ceramic tiles or cooling mats can provide a cool surface for your four legged friends to lie on. For DIY options, you can also freeze a small ceramic dish like the Happy Pet Carrot Pet Bowl and place it in the cage for them to cool down. It will cool surrounding bedding quickly and provide relief from the heat in their cage.  

Keeping your gerbils hydrated is vital during the hot summer months. Dehydration can exacerbate the effects of heat and lead to serious health issues. Ensure that your furry friends have a constant supply of fresh, cool water. Check their water bottle multiple times a day and refill it as needed. Adding an extra water bottle can be a good idea to ensure they always have access to hydration if you have a larger group living together. The Classic Mini Deluxe Water Bottle is a great option for gerbils and you can even add a little ice to keep it cool for longer.  

Incorporate hydrating foods into their diet. Fresh vegetables like cucumber and lettuce have high water content and can help keep them hydrated. Be cautious with the quantity to avoid digestive issues, and always wash vegetables thoroughly before feeding them to your beloved pets. 

Always keep a close eye on signs of dehydration during warmer months. Signs of dehydration include sunken eyes, dry nose, and lethargy. If you notice any of these signs, try to boost their water intake to get them back on track.  

Your gerbils' dietary needs can change during the summer. Adjusting their diet can help them stay healthy and happy. Offer lighter meals that are easy to digest. Avoid high-fat foods as they can generate more body heat by adding a layer of fat they don’t need. While treats are always a nice addition to their diet, opt for those with high water content during summer. Small pieces of watermelon or cucumber can be refreshing treats but as ever you should remove uneaten food. Food will spoil faster during the summer so can only be left for a few hours at a time. 

Maintain a regular feeding schedule, but consider offering food during cooler parts of the day. You may need to change when you feed them so you’re offering them fresh food earlier or later in the day when they’re more likely to show interest.  

Keeping your furry family members entertained and active is important, but it's crucial to do so safely during hot weather. Ensure that playtime happens in a cool, shaded area. Avoid letting your gerbils run around in direct sunlight or on hot surfaces. Supervised playtime in a temperature-controlled room can provide them with the exercise they need without the risk of overheating. You can set up fans to keep air moving around the room and provide a pleasant and safe environment for them.  

Consider giving them toys that can help keep them cool. Hide small ice packs wrapped in cloth in their play area for a fun, cooling experience. Make sure their wheel is not left in the sun to retain heat if it’s made of plastic or metal. A natural wooden wheel like the Classic Small Animal Wooden Wheel is a great way to avoid it heating up too much. If they tend to get too active in the middle of the day, you can always remove the wheel for short periods and replace it when it’s cooler.  

The summer routine you develop for your four legged friends may look a little different to colder months. You should always perform daily checks to ensure your gerbils are comfortable and healthy. Look for signs of overheating or dehydration, and adjust their environment as needed. If it’s a particularly warm day, check on them more often as once they start to overheat they can go downhill quickly without being able to cool off.  

Keep their cage clean and fresh to prevent any additional stress. Remove any soiled bedding and replace it with clean, cool material. A clean environment can make a significant difference in their overall comfort and wellbeing. 

Be prepared to adapt your routine based on weather changes. If a heatwave is forecasted, take extra precautions to keep your gerbils cool. Have a backup plan in place, like somewhere you can move their cage to a cooler room or use fans to improve air circulation. A cage with good ventilation but plenty of burrowing space to escape the heat like the Savic Lugano Gerbil Cage is ideal for the summer.  

Caring for your gerbils during the summer requires a little extra attention and effort. By understanding the signs of overheating and creating an environment that helps to prevent it, you shouldn’t have too much to worry about. If you notice any signs of overheating, move them to a cool area and give your vet a ring to discuss the best course of action. Sometimes it might just be a case of monitoring them or taking them to the vet for a check if their symptoms are severe. As ever, prevention is always the best cure so visit us in store and online for your gerbil summer essentials.