Why Does My Gerbil's Fur Look Oily?

Gerbils typically have dry, glossy coats, so seeing your beloved pet's fur get greasy and oily can be scary. The most common causes for oily fur are environmental, and can be easily remedied, while others may need a trip to a veterinarian who specializes in exotic pets.

  1. Humidity

    • Gerbils are desert animals and, thus, poorly adapted for life in humid climates. When humidity rises over 50 percent, your gerbil's glands go into overdrive. Your gerbil's fur may look oily, and it may groom more often than normal. If possible, purchase a dehumidifier to use in the same room as your furry friend, to mitigate the problem.

    Bedding

    • Pine and cedar shavings are inappropriate bedding for your gerbil and can lead to respiratory problems and oily fur, among other potential health issues. Change to a bedding made from aspen, corncobs or recycled paper instead.

    Sandbaths

    • As desert natives, gerbils naturally use dust and sand to groom. Depending on conditions, a sandbath may help your gerbil groom himself and keep his coat clean, reducing the oily appearance. Fill a small dish that won't tip over easily with chinchilla sand. Place the dish in your gerbil's cage and let it explore and roll around in it, removing the dish after 10 minutes or so to keep it from getting dirty or soiled. You can repeat this process several times a week.

    Veterinary Care

    • If these solutions don't help, or your gerbil is losing fur or displaying other signs of sickness such as lethargy or a change in appetite, contact a veterinarian who specializes in small animals. Your gerbil's vet can diagnose your pet and tell you what the issue is and how to solve it.