How to Know If Baby Squirrel is Dying 
When it comes to caring for your baby squirrel, there are several things you can do. Check the following signs: Coldness, lethargy, swollen joints, and lack of use of the back legs. If you notice any of these signs, it is most likely time for you to seek professional help. However, if you’re concerned, you can always give the baby squirrel a warm bath.
Lethargy
If you notice your squirrel lethargy and not moving, he or she may be on the verge of death. This behavior is not normal for squirrels, who are normally fast and full of energy. Whether your baby squirrel has gone into hibernation mode or has simply lost all energy, lethargy can be a sign of impending death. The following are symptoms you should look for and what you should do if your squirrel starts to act lethargic.
Coldness
You can tell that a baby squirrel is sick if you notice it is cold to the touch, grayish-pink in color, and squirms when you touch it. It might also be inactive and curl up in a ball. You can place the baby squirrel in a high-sided box so it is out of reach of predators. If you are unable to reach the baby squirrel, you should contact a wildlife rehabilitation center.
Swollen joints
The first thing to look for in a squirrel is swollen joints. While this isn’t a cause for alarm, it can indicate that your baby squirrel is about to die. A squirrel’s joints are the best indicator of its health and can be caused by a variety of issues. The following symptoms may be associated with the baby squirrel’s condition. Swollen joints can also indicate a squirrel is dying from pneumonia. In this case, the baby squirrel may need to be given antibiotics.
Lack of use of back legs
The sudden death of a baby squirrel is usually caused by an internal organ rupturing. The blood quickly drains into the abdominal cavity. The squirrels’ last signs of life are reduced appetite and thirst. The lack of use of their back legs indicates that the organs are failing. A baby squirrel quickly loses its appetite and energy. It gradually dies of internal organ failure. A lack of back legs in a dying baby squirrel may be an indicator that an internal organ has failed.
Smell of urine
The smell of urine may be one of the most telling signs that your baby squirrel is dying. A baby squirrel’s privates are their only source of nutrition, so the smell of urine could indicate that your little one isn’t getting enough. You should take your baby squirrel to a vet if you notice that the urine smells bad or if it has a bloody scab over the opening. You can remove the scab by giving the squirrel a bath in warm water, and you can also check the skin for parasites. A squirrel with a smelly peeing hole is also likely dehydrated, so give them some more water.
Lack of growth
You may notice lack of growth and loss of appetite. A baby squirrel could be suffering from a variety of illnesses. It could fall from its nest or be suffering from severe internal injuries. A baby squirrel can seem healthy one day and have an extreme lack of appetite the next. If you’ve noticed any of these symptoms, you should contact a veterinarian immediately. If you don’t have the means to help a baby squirrel, you can try to find out if the animal is alive.
Lack of mother’s milk
Squirrels self-nurse at their privates when they are hungry. They may have a scab blocking the opening. Clean the area with blue Dawn soap or Instant Shampoo. The no-rinse formula is effective in loosening dirt and oil from the squirrel’s skin. If the squirrel continues to eat but is not peeing, it is likely dehydrated. It should be taken to the veterinarian for a full evaluation.
What are some signs that a baby squirrel is dying?
Some signs that a baby squirrel is dying are if it is lethargic has trouble breathing its fur is matted or bare in spots it has diarrhea its eyes are sunken in or it has a swollen belly.
What should you do if you find a baby squirrel that you think is dying?
If you find a baby squirrel that you think is dying the best thing to do is to take it to a wildlife rehabilitation center as soon as possible.
What are the chances of a baby squirrel surviving if it is taken to a wildlife rehabilitation center?
The chances of a baby squirrel surviving if it is taken to a wildlife rehabilitation center vary depending on the severity of the squirrel’s condition but generally the chances are good.
How long does a baby squirrel typically stay at a wildlife rehabilitation center?
A baby squirrel typically stays at a wildlife rehabilitation center for around two to three months.
What will happen to a baby squirrel if it is not taken to a wildlife rehabilitation center?
If a baby squirrel is not taken to a wildlife rehabilitation center it will most likely die.
Can a baby squirrel be released back into the wild if it is not completely healed?
No a baby squirrel cannot be released back into the wild if it is not completely healed.
What are some of the dangers to baby squirrels in the wild?
Some of the dangers to baby squirrels in the wild are predators diseases and parasites.
What is the biggest threat to baby squirrels?
The biggest threat to baby squirrels is predators.
What are some of the predators that baby squirrels have to worry about?
Some of the predators that baby squirrels have to worry about are birds of prey snakes and other mammals.
How can you protect baby squirrels from predators?
One way to protect baby squirrels from predators is to build a squirrel-proof fence around their area.
What are some diseases that baby squirrels can get?
Some diseases that baby squirrels can get are rabies typhus and mange.
What is the most common disease that baby squirrels get?
The most common disease that baby squirrels get is mange.
What are some of the symptoms of mange in baby squirrels?
Some of the symptoms of mange in baby squirrels are itching hair loss and scabs.
How can you treat mange in baby squirrels?
You can treat mange in baby squirrels with a medicated shampoo or cream.
What are some of the parasites that baby squirrels can get?
Some of the parasites that baby squirrels can get are fleas ticks and mites.
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.
