How to Treat a Baby Squirrel
If you have a baby squirrel and it has some of the common symptoms of illness, you may want to find out how to treat it right away. There are several symptoms of illness, including Aspiration, Bloat, Nuts, and Overfeeding. Here are some tips for treating these conditions. Always check the baby squirrel with a veterinarian if you think it is suffering from any of these conditions. If the symptoms persist, follow the instructions below to determine the cause of the illness and treat it as soon as possible.
Aspiration
If you find a baby squirrel who has aspiration pneumonia, it is important to know how to treat it. First, it should be kept warm in a dark, quiet room. Then, you should wipe the affected area with a damp washcloth, mimicking the way a mother licks her baby. Next, apply an ointment or a nasal spray to the area. Make sure the squirrel is hydrated, even if he does not seem sick.
Bloat
Bloat can occur as a result of overfeeding, a digestive upset, or other medical condition. Treatment includes massaging the abdomen or holding the squirrel in warm water. A drop of pediatric colic medicine, a stool softener, or Pedialyte can also be given to relieve the symptoms. Your veterinarian should be consulted for further diagnosis. Listed below are some common treatments for baby squirrel bloat.
Nuts
Leaving a baby squirrel alone for an extended period of time will lead to it developing a fear of humans. A mother will often check on her baby and go out foraging for food or securing a new nest, so if she leaves your squirrel alone for an extended period of time, you may want to treat it accordingly. Here are some tips that will help you treat a baby squirrel:
Overfeeding
You can overfeed a baby squirrel by giving it too much milk or food. This can result in diarrhea and easy predation by predators. It is recommended to feed your baby squirrel at least once a day. A serving of milk is about five percent of its body weight. However, remember to warm it up before releasing it. A squirrel’s body temperature is 99 degrees Fahrenheit, so only a single c.c. of milk is needed to nourish a newborn baby squirrel.
Proper diet
The best way to determine the proper diet for a baby squirrel is to observe its belly. It should be round, not tight, and full of solid food. A good rule of thumb is to feed 5% of the animal’s body weight in formula. Use a small scale to weigh your animal to determine the amount of formula to feed. For example, if your squirrel weighs 100 grams, you should feed it 5 ml of formula. Keep in mind that human baby formula, cow’s milk, and goat’s milk are not appropriate for your baby squirrel.
Rodent block
In case of an injury to a baby squirrel, it is crucial to seek medical help right away. If the squirrel is small and has no obvious wounds, the first thing to do is to assess it in a calm room. To treat a baby squirrel, you should use a damp washcloth that mimics the way a mother licks a baby. Do not use a commercial formula, since this can kill the baby.
Reuniting a baby squirrel with its mother
If you are lucky enough to come across a baby squirrel, you may wonder how to reunite it with its mother. While squirrels are not considered domesticated pets, reuniting them with their mothers may be an option. If the baby is not sick, it is not too late to try. However, you should avoid extreme weather conditions. If you do find the baby in a tree, you can put it in a bread basket. The bread basket should be no deeper than three inches. You can attach the basket to the lower part of the tree that the baby was found.
What is the best way to pick up a baby squirrel?
The best way to pick up a baby squirrel is by the scruff of the neck.
What is the best way to hold a baby squirrel?
The best way to hold a baby squirrel is by supporting its body with your hand while holding its scruff with your thumb and forefinger.
How often should a baby squirrel be fed?
A baby squirrel should be fed every two to three hours.
What kind of milk should a baby squirrel be fed?
A baby squirrel should be fed goat’s milk.
How much milk should a baby squirrel be given each feeding?
A baby squirrel should be given about one teaspoon of milk per feeding.
What should be done if a baby squirrel refuses to eat?
If a baby squirrel refuses to eat you should try offering it a different type of milk or food.
How can you tell if a baby squirrel is dehydrated?
A baby squirrel is dehydrated if its skin is dry and wrinkled.
How can you rehydrate a baby squirrel?
A baby squirrel can be rehydrated by giving it water or an electrolyte solution to drink.
What is the best way to keep a baby squirrel warm?
The best way to keep a baby squirrel warm is to place it in a box with a soft towel.
What is the best way to keep a baby squirrel cool?
The best way to keep a baby squirrel cool is to place it in a box with a soft towel and put it in a cool shady area.
Should a baby squirrel be kept in a cage?
A baby squirrel should not be kept in a cage unless it is injured and needs to be protected from other animals.
How often should a baby squirrel be given a bath?
A baby squirrel should only be given a bath if it is dirty or has fleas.
What is the best way to give a baby squirrel a bath?
The best way to give a baby squirrel a bath is to place it in a sink or tub filled with warm water and mild soap.
How can you tell if a baby squirrel is too cold?
A baby squirrel is too cold if it is shivering or its body feels cold to the touch.
How can you tell if a baby squirrel is too hot?
A baby squirrel is too hot if it is panting or its body feels hot to the touch.
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.
