File :-(, x, )
Anonymous
Hey, /a/,

I just got two male gerbils. One of 'em has developed a runny nose, and he rubs/cleans it all the time. Somedays it's worse than others. Doesn't seem to be bothering him, though; he's active as ever and eats and drinks normally.

I read that this could be because of an allergy to aspen, so I changed his bedding to Carefresh and it only got marginally better. I also read that it could be a stress thing.

Should I just continue to keep an eye on him, or should I try to find a vet to bring him too? The vets around here aren't exactly brilliant, so that's usually not my first reaction.
>> Anonymous
>>158115

FAIL

this is /an/
>> Anonymous
You're probably right on the allergy track if he's otherwise ok, but it could be near anything. Try (gradually so you don't shock the poor bastard) different foods, playthings, bedding material. In my experience, most allergies I've seen in animals come from either food additives or synthetic materials in bedding etc.

Of course, if it gets worse, go to a vet.
>> Morrie
It could also be cause of dust from the bedding. Gerbils are usually the less bothered by crappy shavings but on rats and guinea pigs it causes runny nose and lung infections eventually.
I guess just changing to the Carefresh helps if it's not one that produces much dust. :)
>> Anonymous
I really recommend using Carefresh. I worked at Petco and I have 4 gerbils right now. My one gerbil has had a similar condition but he has been fine. Just keep and eye on him obviously. Also keep an eye on the other one to make sure he isn't getting anything.
>> Anonymous
I wouldnt listen to anything PETCO associates say about caring for pets. The animals in those stores are in such poor condition that only a small percentage live more than a few months.
>> Anonymous
I think your gerbil is going to die. Enjoy your dead rodent.
>> Anonymous
>>158186
All retail petstores just pick up any person who wants a job to give pet advice. But, the person in this case was still right about saying to use Carefresh.
>> Anonymous
make him do a barrel roll
>> Anonymous
>>158115

You realize you're intentionally raising a rodent right?
>> Anonymous
It could be allergic to what ever bedding your using. If it pine or cedar I would try switching to paper towel or that old news paper stuff
>> Anonymous
mycoplasmia

look it up
>> Anonymous
FAIL
>> Anonymous
DID YOU FUCKING READ THE OP?

He was using Aspen, switched to Carefresh.

Sweet merciful fuck. Read, THEN post.
>> Anonymous
I don't know about all Petcos, but my store did a good job taking care of the animals. I wouldn't have worked their otherwise. I've had small animals since I was a kid, including hamsters, guinea pigs, rabbits, gerbils, and now a ferret.