How to Help a Baby Squirrel Stop Aspirating 
Rehydrating and feeding a baby squirrel formula are vital first aid measures. You should also take it to a rehabilitator or euthanasia specialist if necessary. Read on for more information. Alternatively, you can give it formula to stop aspirating. This article will explain what you should do if the squirrel can’t stop aspirating. In the worst case scenario, you can put it down.
Rehydration
Rehydrating a baby squirrel can be a life-saving procedure if the infant is experiencing a case of aspiration. Aspiration is a condition in which a squirrel drinks fluid too fast and aspirates it into the lungs. This fluid can lead to pneumonia. While most squirrels will poop on their own, rehydrating the infant can stop aspiration and save a life.
A vet can prescribe Pet Tabs, a suppliment that contains calcium and other vitamins. The tabs can be mixed with peanut butter or water and force fed to the baby. Sometimes, the baby will not stop aspirating for a few days, and a veterinarian can administer a calcium injection or a calcium supplement. It is important to provide the baby with food and water in the early stages of the condition to prevent paralysis.
If the infant has been crying, you can perform a pinch test. Keeping the baby squirrel’s eyes closed while he is awake will stimulate him to go to the bathroom. When you notice this, the baby squirrel’s eyes may be sunken and its skin wrinkling may indicate dehydration. A baby squirrel with a weakened mouth may be unable to swallow water, so the pinch test should be repeated as often as possible.
Feeding a baby squirrel formula
If your pet squirrel is having difficulty feeding, you should know how to handle aspiration. A feeding seizure doesn’t mean that your baby squirrel is choking. It’s a symptom of aspiration. In order to prevent aspiration, feed your squirrel slowly so that he doesn’t inhale formula. This may require tapping the squirrel on its nose.
The first step to feeding a dehydrated squirrel is to raise his blood sugar level. Pedialyte is a good choice, but you must remember to use a high fructose mix. Make sure to mix Pedialyte with water before feeding. Never use Pedialyte with formula or feed it for more than 24 hours. It is also important to avoid feeding your squirrel formula if the temperature is above 104�F (40�C).
If your baby squirrel is under five weeks old, avoid giving him too much formula at once. Use an O-Ring syringe with Wonder Nipples attached. Do not try to feed a squirrel formula made for kittens, as it contains less protein than what a squirrel needs for healthy development. Aspiration pneumonia can be fatal if left untreated, so always seek help from a wildlife vet or rehabber.
Taking a baby squirrel to a rehabilitator
If you notice that your baby squirrel is aspirating, it may be time to seek veterinary assistance. Aspiration symptoms may appear immediately or a few hours later. Sneezing and gagging can be signs that the animal has aspirated fluids. The fluids enter the trachea and move into the lungs. The rehabilitator should watch the squirrel closely during feeding and look for respiratory problems. Aspiration can result in death quickly, and it is best to seek treatment immediately.
The first step in treating baby squirrels is to make sure they are warm. Make sure the squirrel is warm and not under direct sunlight. If the baby squirrel is injured, intervene immediately. Don’t leave the squirrel on the ground. Take it to a rehabilitator right away. Many of these animals are not rehabilitable, and some of them are better off humanely euthanized.
Euthanasia
If you’ve accidentally aspirated a baby squirrel, there are some things that you can do. These are safe ways to help your squirrel nurse without aspirating any fluids. First, make sure that the squirrel’s eyes have fully opened. If the nipple is on the syringe, the squirrel can choke on the nipple tip or swallow it. To reduce the risk of aspiration, use a 3cc syringe. Also, remember to use a smaller syringe with a thinner plunger diameter.
Next, make sure that the baby squirrel is comfortable and warm. Aspiration pneumonia is a dangerous condition in squirrels and should be treated by a Wildlife Rehabber as soon as possible. If you can’t reach a Wildlife Rehabber immediately, you can try one of these methods. It’s important to keep this information out of the reach of children and pets. Aspiration pneumonia can lead to death, so make sure to take the baby squirrel to a rehabber if you see one.
How do you know if a baby squirrel is aspirating?
If the baby squirrel is making a wheezing sound when it breathes it may be aspirating.
What are the consequences of aspirating?
If a baby squirrel aspirates it may develop pneumonia which can be fatal.
How can you prevent aspirating?
When feeding a baby squirrel make sure that it is in an upright position.
What should you do if you think the baby squirrel is aspirating?
Take the squirrel to a vet or wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible.
How do you feed a baby squirrel?
You can feed a baby squirrel with a syringe or eye dropper.
What kind of food do you feed a baby squirrel?
You can feed a baby squirrel with formula puppy formula or kitten formula.
How often do you feed a baby squirrel?
A baby squirrel should be fed every 2-3 hours.
How much food do you feed a baby squirrel?
You should feed a baby squirrel 1-2 ml of formula per feeding.
What are the signs of dehydration in a baby squirrel?
The signs of dehydration in a baby squirrel are sunken eyes a dry mouth and lethargy.
How can you prevent dehydration in a baby squirrel?
You can prevent dehydration in a baby squirrel by making sure that it has access to water at all times.
What are the signs of hypothermia in a baby squirrel?
The signs of hypothermia in a baby squirrel are cold body temperature shivering and lethargy.
How can you prevent hypothermia in a baby squirrel?
You can prevent hypothermia in a baby squirrel by keeping it in a warm environment.
What should you do if you find an injured squirrel?
Take the squirrel to a vet or wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible.
What should you do if you find a baby squirrel?
Take the squirrel to a vet or wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible.
What should you do if you find an orphaned squirrel?
Take the squirrel to a vet or wildlife rehabilitator as soon as possible.
Jessica Watson is a PHD holder from the University of Washington. She studied behavior and interaction between squirrels and has presented her research in several wildlife conferences including TWS Annual Conference in Winnipeg.
