Why Does a Sugar Glider Bark?

Sugar gliders make charming pets, not in the least because they make a variety of interesting sounds. Among the different sounds they make, their bark seems to be one of the most intriguing. Sounding a bit like a young puppy’s bark, this noise often happens at night and has several possible uses for the sugar glider.

  1. Attention

    • If your glider is barking at night, it might need some attention. These pets are very affectionate and need a sizable amount of petting, gentle handling and conversation. If your sugar glider is looking for companionship or is lonely, it might bark in the night.

    Warning

    • Many owners find that their sugar glider will bark if it feels threatened. If other pets come in the room, the sugar glider might bark to intimidate the other animal. Sugar gliders are territorial like dogs and other pets, and will bark to protect territory.

    Conversation

    • Sugar gliders might also bark as a form of conversation with each other, even in response to a distant bark from a completely different animal, such as a dog. They can make the bark when they’re exited during play, or in an attempt to locate other sugar gliders.

    Prevention

    • If your glider is barking during the night, try getting out of bed and talking to it. If it stops the barking, it might need more company, according to David M. Brust, a sugar glider veterinarian. Elizabeth Cantu of Expert Village says if you have two that are barking at each other, it can be stopped by turning on a light nearby, such as a small nightlight or a lamp in a nearby room.

    Tips

    • If you are thinking of getting sugar gliders for pets, Sugarglider.com recommends buying at least two at a time. They are communal animals and can die without companionship. It is important to research fully the pros and cons of these animals before choosing them as pets, because they are not right for everyone.