How to Treat an Injured Squirrel
Injuries to a squirrel are not always fatal, but they can be difficult to treat if left untreated. In addition, injured squirrels tend to be more difficult to rehabilitate as time passes. Luckily, many of these injuries can be successfully treated with the right treatment. In this article, we will discuss what to do in a few different situations. We will also discuss how to release an injured squirrel near a busy road, intersection, or highway.
Common causes of injuries in a squirrel
Some common injuries in a squirrel can be painful, but you should always take your pet to a veterinarian to rule out more serious problems. In severe cases, your squirrel might develop abscesses, which are pus-filled cavities beneath the skin. These can be caused by punctures, bite wounds, or trauma to any part of the body. Some signs to look for include licking or chewing on the affected limb, shaking of the head, or rubbing of one of the squirrel’s ears. Luckily, abscesses can be treated with antibiotics. However, they can be deadly if left untreated, so it is important to treat them right away.
Aside from being injured by falling from a tree or car, squirrels can also suffer from poisoning. In some cases, an internal injury may be difficult to diagnose, but symptoms include bleeding in the nose and mouth, listlessness, and dizziness. Other minor injuries in a squirrel, however, can be treated at home with a little patience and care. A good rule of thumb is to treat the injured part of the animal first and then treat the rest later.
Signs of injury in a squirrel
If you’re concerned about the health of your pet’s limbs, look for the following warning signs: abscess, fever, and localized pain. Your squirrel may be showing symptoms of a bacterial infection. It may also favor a particular limb or paw. It might shake its head or rub its ears. These signs may be symptoms of a more serious condition, such as a viral infection. If you’re unsure of whether your squirrel has a bacterial infection, consult a veterinarian.
Young squirrels in animal shelters usually have a puncture wound or are being taken by a dog or cat. If you notice any of these signs in a squirrel, take it to the veterinarian as soon as possible. Even a small scratch can be life-threatening if the saliva of the animal enters the bloodstream. Even if the wounds are superficial, antibiotics may be needed. Even if the injury is minor, it’s still important to take the animal to the veterinarian for further treatment.
Treatment options for an injured squirrel
If your injured squirrel is prone to diarrhea, probiotics can be helpful. These bacteria are essential in repopulating a squirrel’s intestinal tract after an antibiotic. They must be given two hours before or after the antibiotic, since antibiotics destroy the good bacteria in the digestive tract. For severe cases, a vet should be consulted. If the squirrel is too ill to eat, he or she may need a veterinarian’s care.
First, it is essential to restrain the animal. Even if the squirrel is only lightly injured, he or she could give a vicious bite if handled without proper restraint. For this reason, you should wear gloves and carefully assess the injured animal. It may be helpful to place the squirrel in a plastic container for visual evaluation, or you can use isoflurane to perform a full examination. If necessary, you can keep the injured squirrel under a tarp for protection.
Releasing an injured squirrel near a busy street, intersection, or highway
Releasing an injured squirrel near a highway, intersection, or street is never a good idea. Not only is the animal at risk of being harmed by passing vehicles, it’s also highly visible. If you’re not sure where to release the squirrel, contact a wildlife rescue group for help. These professionals have experience releasing injured wildlife and can provide you with important information on safe re-release practices.
If a squirrel falls from a tree, try to avoid releasing it near busy roadways. Eastern Box Turtles, for example, frequently fall from trees while trying to cross highways. The safest place for this animal is 12 feet beyond the road, in the direction of the attempt to cross. Don’t touch the injured squirrel! It’s very dangerous for it and could get into an accident.
How do you safely transport an injured squirrel?
Place the injured squirrel in a small box or other container with high sides.
Line the bottom of the container with a soft cloth and then place a second layer of cloth over the top of the squirrel.
Secure the lid of the container with tape making sure that there are air holes in the lid.
How do you restrain an injured squirrel?
Gently pick up the squirrel by its scruff being careful not to hurt it further.
If the squirrel is particularly large or aggressive you may need to wear gloves to protect yourself.
How do you assess an injured squirrel’s injuries?
Look for visible wounds such as cuts bruises or swelling.
Also look for any foreign objects such as pellets or arrows that may be embedded in the squirrel.
How do you treat an injured squirrel’s wounds?
Clean the wound with gentle soap and warm water.
Apply pressure to the wound to stop any bleeding.
If the wound is deep you may need to place a clean cloth over it and secure it with medical tape.
How do you treat an injured squirrel for shock?
Keep the squirrel warm and quiet.
Do not give the squirrel food or water.
If the squirrel is conscious you can offer it a few drops of water from a syringe or eyedropper.
How do you care for an injured squirrel’s broken bones?
Do not try to straighten or reset the bone yourself.
Instead splint the injured limb to the uninjured one using a piece of soft cloth or gauze.
Secure the splint in place with medical tape.
How do you care for an injured squirrel’s internal injuries?
Internal injuries are very serious and require immediate veterinary care.
Do not attempt to treat them yourself.
How do you care for an injured squirrel’s eyes?
If the squirrel’s eyes are injured do not try to treat them yourself.
Seek veterinary care immediately.
How do you care for an injured squirrel’s teeth?
If the squirrel’s teeth are injured do not try to treat them yourself.
Seek veterinary care immediately.
How do you care for an injured squirrel’s fur?
Gently brush any dirt or debris from the squirrel’s fur.
If the fur is wet use a hairdryer set on low to gently dry it.
How often should you check on an injured squirrel?
Check on the squirrel frequently at least every few hours.
Look for any changes in its condition such as increased pain bleeding or swelling.
What should you do if an injured squirrel bites you?
Immediately wash the wound with soap and warm water.
Apply pressure to the wound to stop any bleeding.
Seek medical attention if the bite is deep or if you have any concerns.
What should you do if an injured squirrel dies?
Place the squirrel in a bag and put it in the freezer.
Contact your local wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian for further instructions.
Can you release an injured squirrel back into the wild?
No injured squirrels should not be released back into the wild.
They need professional medical care in order to recover.
What should you do if you can’t care for an injured squirrel yourself?
Contact your local wildlife rehabilitator or veterinarian for assistance.
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.
