extremely weak dehydrated gerbil

[lrt12345]

Basically, I messed up really bad and didn’t realize my 3 gerbils’ water bottles were empty. Sadly, 2 of them ended up dying but there is one left alive. He is extremely weak and I don’t have much hope for him, but I was hoping someone here might have some suggestions. I tried giving him water but he seemed too weak to actually drink from the bottle. I put an apple slice in the cage and he couldn’t bite down enough on it so I found some applesauce with no sugar added and he did eat a bit of that. He’s breathing extremely slowly. I think I covered everything but for reference I will leave this post I made in another forum here.
hamsterhideout.com/forum/topic/173513-weak-dehydrated-gerbil/?p=1826468

[LilyandDaisy]

Hello,

How is he doing now? You did the right thing with the apple puree. If he still seems weak, try giving him the electrolyte solution someone posted in the thread you linked.

I've approved your account so you can post in the main forum now.

[lr098]

May 17, 2022 3:34:25 GMT -8 LilyandDaisy said:

Hello,

How is he doing now? You did the right thing with the apple puree. If he still seems weak, try giving him the electrolyte solution someone posted in the thread you linked.

I've approved your account so you can post in the main forum now.

When I woke up he was somehow still alive, but still very weak. I will try the electrolyte solution. Thanks!

[catnut]

sorry to hear about your gerbils but it is best to refill the water daily as gerbils like fresh water and that way you won't forget to check or change it as well.

[Thea]

Sorry to hear about this I understand you feel guilty but you seem to be doing everything you can for your gerbil. I hope he's still doing ok.
I agree with catnut, refilling their water every day is ideal. I can't say I always stick to it (I occasionally change the water every two days) but it's definitely a good thing to do, to keep it fresh etc.
Good luck for your little guy