I know it’s upsetting to hear this, but your sugar glider can get fleas and multiple parasites like many other domestic animals.
The next time the discussion around whether or not sugar gliders can get fleas, point them to this article or let them know what you found out today.
Can Sugar Gliders Get Fleas?
Yes. Here is a list of pests and parasites that may inflict your sugar glider:
- ticks
- fleas
- mites
- lice
- roundworms
- hookworms
- tapeworms
If you believe that your sugar glider has parasites internally or externally such as fleas, consult a veterinarian for the best available treatment options or continue reading this article first.
How Do I Treat My Sugar Glider for Fleas?
A sugar glider with fleas is a headache for me, but you can get involved and treat this condition before it gets worse.
You can use dusting with pyrethrin or carbaryl powder (50 g/kg). This is known to be able to control the spread of fleas and mites. You have to treat the nest, enclosure and your sugar glider at the same time.
Parasite Treatment
- A treatment known as Selamectin is used to deal with ectoparasites on sugar gliders.
- Ivermectin and Fenbendazole are been used for treating GI parasites.
Consult with the vest for the best available treatment program for your sugar glider at this time.
Why does my sugar glider have a bald spot? Is it from a sickness or parasite?
Should I Bathe My Sugar Glider?
A sugar glider is not used to taking baths and you really shouldn’t have to do it. They’re able to clean themselves and do not need bath.
Are you wondering if sugar gliders need dust baths? The answer is no. Neither technique of wet or dry bathing is necessary for sugar gliders.
Your sugar glider who may have been inflicted with a parasite, such as fleas or ticks might need dusting with medicated powder such as pyrethrin or carbaryl powder.
Overall, as much as we have wanted to bathe a sugar glider just for the fun of it, we have resisted because of the advice we received from our veterinarian that it is not necessary.
How to Clean a Dirty Sugar Glider
Even though I told you that we don’t bathe a sugar glider because we were told not to, they can still get dirty sometimes. My brother wanted to give my sugar glider a bath but I screamed at him not to.
I took a warm, damp washcloth and I gently rubbed the areas that were dirty. I didn’t use any soap or shampoo.
Sometimes you could use a soft toothbrush as well. Finally, I made sure that my sugar glider was fully dry because any type of wetness or damp residue on their body can get them sick very easily.
Why Is My Sugar Glider Itchy?
There are many reasons why sugar gliders could be itchy. It could be due to fleas or mites, but you don’t need to assume that right away. Sometimes stressed out sugar gliders might resort to self mutilation.
It could be in constant fear or anxiety of perceived threats that are not there. It is up to us to create a more comfortable, calming environment in an area that isn’t high-traffic or loud.
Keep the temperature at a higher setting or involve the use of heat lamp, heat pouches, warm bedding and lots of enrichment toys.
Stress is the number one reason why your a sugar glider might be scratching or mutilating itself. If you notice that the itchiness is constant, it could also be due to fleas.
Immediate treatment for dusting with pyrethrin or carbaryl powder needs to be dealt with by consulting a veterinarian.
Have you seen you sugar glider shake? This is explained right here.
4 Signs That Your Sugar Glider Has Fleas
Uh oh. We have come to this point where you are sure that your little glider has fleas. A flea infestation can get worse with each passing day. Here are four signs that your sugar glider could have fleas:
1. You Can See Them
look closely at your sugar glider’s fur. I know that fleas are hard to spot, but a 1/8 inch long, reddish/brown color, may stand out on top of your sugar glider’s grey fur. Fleas hop from one spot to another so be careful when you’re inspecting them.
2. Constant Scratching
Usually the scratching could be due to discomfort, pain or stress. If scratching is located in one constant area, it could be because your sugar glider is experiencing the stings or the prickling pain of biting flea.
3. Flea Dirt
Flea dirt looks like tiny dark flakes. It’s their frass or droppings. This is a way of knowing that fleas have been infesting the area and biting your sugar glider. It kind of looks like black pepper.
If you notice this on the bedding, toys or around the cage of your sugar glider, you are now aware that some intruder has entered the premises. It is most likely a parasite that is affecting your sugar glider.
4. Evidence Around Your Home
This is the worst part I think. There could be fleas in other places too. You need to start looking around areas for flea eggs.
Check the baseboards, carpets and know that these fleas cannot survive without a host. Flea eggs look like an off-white color and could be located in areas like pet beds or rugs.
We hope your sugar glider isn’t cold during this time. See what could have caused this.
7 Remedies to Get Rid of Fleas on Your Sugar Glider
There are treatments and then there are preventions. I always think that preventing and being proactive is much better than reacting to a flea infestation. Don’t you agree?
- Create a routine that your sugar glider can depend on for sanitary conditions that are well-maintained.
- Remove the bedding each week. Using safe betting options, with a soft texture is easy for you to control odor and suppress ammonia.
- Wipe the entire cage down twice a week. You can use this soap, water or vinegar. A clean wiping with baby wipes can also work.
- Use hot water and dish soap to also thoroughly clean out any water bottles and bowls.
- Finally the cleaning process has to also occur throughout the home. Whenever you are cleaning out your sugar glider’s bedding consider changing your own bed sheets as well.
- Another remedy for dealing with fleas is using pyrethrin or carbaryl powder.
- Finally, fill a bowl of warm water with a few drops of dish soap. Place it near your sugar glider’s cage. The fleas will be drawn to the bowl and they will be stuck in the gluey substance.
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