It isn’t uncommon for pets to need regular baths. Dogs definitely need to be bathed, and even some cats need to be bathed every once in a while. What about gerbils? Do they need baths too?

Gerbils are native to a sandy, desert environment, which means they wouldn’t have regular access to water in the wild. In addition, gerbils are actually pretty good at grooming themselves. You shouldn’t ever have to give your gerbil a water bath.

However, gerbils can benefit from a sand bath! The sand can soak up oil and get rid of dead skin, not to mention, rolling around in the sand is a lot of fun for a gerbil! Purchase chinchilla sand, but avoid chinchilla dust. The particles are fine, which can cause respiratory distress.

To learn more about bathing a gerbil the right way, call and speak with your veterinarian Bucks County, PA.