Sugar gliders can potentially die from shock or hypothermia when given a bath. This can lead to pneumonia, respiratory infection or even a lowered immune system. Sugar gliders groom themselves much like a cat. If their habitat is kept clean they shouldn’t need additional bathing.
This is another reason it’s vital to have two or more sugar gliders. They’re colony animals by nature so they’re used to having another of their own kind around. They will also help groom each other, especially with some of those hard to reach places!
Once in a while a situation may arise where you may need to help your glider clean themselves, though this is very rare.
Examples: Hand raising a joey, the mother or father isn’t there to groom them so you may need to help. Getting into some type of food or other substance that wouldn’t be safe for them to ingest, thus they should not groom themselves. (If you’re worried they may have ingested some it’s vital to get to the vet ASAP!) Having or recovering from an illness, sometimes they may be lethargic and unable to groom as they normally would.
How to Gently Clean Your Sugar Glider
You can do this by taking a warm damp wash cloth and gently rubbing your glider. (You do NOT need to use soap or shampoo!!) A soft toothbrush may also help to get some of the more sticky substances out. Keep in mind that you need to keep them close to you so they stay warm until they’re fully dry or they may get sick!
(Remember, this is only for emergency situations, either where the parents are not there to groom or perhaps if the glider is sick or recovering from an illness or injury. Always give them a chance to bathe themselves first, if at all possible!)