Why is My Squirrel Shaking and Acting Drunk?
Have you ever wondered why your squirrel is shaking and acting drunk? It is heartbreaking for both you and your squirrel! Despite your love for your furry friend, your baby squirrel can’t let you go. He’s just like you. Thankfully, God knows your love and is there to watch over him. So what can you do to help your squirrel? In this article, you’ll learn why your squirrel is acting so crazy!
Table of Contents
Symptoms
When it comes to squirrel health, you need to be on your toes. Not only is this creature prone to rabies, but it is also a carrier of several diseases and parasites. Living in close proximity to a sick squirrel can increase the risk of contracting Lyme disease, salmonellosis, or rabies. Not only can these diseases cause death, they can also spread to other critters. These diseases are transmitted through bites and direct contact. When a squirrel is infected, they can develop petechial rashes, fever, and other symptoms.
You can warm your squirrel safely using a hot pad, a medical hot pack, or a towel. It is best to place half the container on the heating pad and half off, as this will prevent your squirrel from getting too hot. If your squirrel continues to shake or act drunk, you can give him or her a plain hydration formula. You can also mix a few drops of water with the formula, and administer it as directed below.
If the animal has lost its appetite, it’s time to visit a vet. Squirrels need to be fed frequently, so if you notice a sudden drop in their appetite, be sure to take it to the vet right away. A baby squirrel with dehydrated skin may be difficult to digest food. You can spot signs of dehydration by pinching the skin on its shoulder. If the skin does not spring back, it’s dehydrated.
Causes
While we might drive squirrels to alcohol for scientific study, other animals have long been intoxicated. Vervet monkeys have been drinking since people first discovered fermented sugar cane. Studies suggest one in five of these animals will pick alcohol over water. This could make them “alcoholics,” and some of them have even stolen liquor from Caribbean bars. But if your squirrel is shaking and acting drunk, don’t think it’s alcohol-induced, but rather, a natural condition.
In some cases, squirrels may be in shock due to an illness or a parasite. This condition makes it difficult to diagnose, but it is worth a try to offer warmth, darkness, quiet, and shelter for the animal. If this doesn’t seem to help, administer Bach’s Rescue Remedy to the squirrel. If your squirrel persists, seek out a veterinarian for proper treatment. If your squirrel is displaying drunken-like behavior for more than a few hours, take him to the vet for a checkup.
One way to determine if your squirrel is dehydrated is to pinch its skin over the shoulder. If it springs back to its normal state, it is healthy. If not, you should try rehydrating fluids for the squirrel with a solution of salt, sugar, and water. However, if the skin does not re-snap back to normal, feeding the animal may be too late.
Treatment
In some cases, squirrels shake and act drunk. This condition is the result of a calcium deficiency. It’s important to remember that every cell contains water and small amounts of dissolved minerals. These minerals help the cells communicate with each other and allow organs to function properly. If your squirrel is shaking and acting drunk, there are treatments available to help it get back on its feet. Listed below are some of them.
First, you can gently warm the squirrel using a heating pad or medical hot pack. You may have to cover the squirrel’s body with a towel if you’re using a heating pad. In addition, you can apply an antiseptic to the area, as flies usually lay eggs on open wounds. Flies can spread harmful bacterial and fungal infections to the affected area. You can also give the squirrel a plain hydration formula that has been warmed by placing it in a bath. You can follow the directions below to administer it.
If you have noticed your squirrel acting drunk and shaking, you should first find out what might be causing it. If you’re unsure, you can purchase a one-mL syringe at any pharmacy. This syringe doesn’t need needles. A Luer lock, Miracle Nipple, or similar device is available to prevent needle sticking. If the squirrel is ill, it’s essential to seek treatment as soon as possible.
What does flying squirrel feces smell like?
Feces from a flying squirrel smells musky and heavily scented.
Where do flying squirrels live?
Flying squirrels are found in North America and across Eurasia.
What do flying squirrels eat?
The flying squirrel’s diet consists mostly of insects and other arthropods but can also include fruit nuts and leaves.
What is the lifespan of a flying squirrel?
The lifespan of the flying squirrel in the wild is typically around 5-7 years but can live up to 10 years.
How big are flying squirrels?
The average flying squirrel is around 9-10 inches long with a wingspan of around 16-21 inches.
Do flying squirrels actually fly?
No flying squirrels do not actually fly.
They use their skin flaps which are called patagia to glide from tree to tree.
How many flying squirrel species are there?
There are currently three recognized flying squirrel species: the Northern flying squirrel (Glaucomys sabrinus) the Southern flying squirrel (Glaucomys volans) and the Humboldt’s flying squirrel (Glaucomys oregonensis).
Are flying squirrels nocturnal?
Yes flying squirrels are nocturnal creatures that are most active at night.
What is the top speed of a flying squirrel?
When gliding flying squirrels can reach speeds of up to 36 miles per hour.
How far can flying squirrels glide?
Flying squirrels can glide up to 150 feet.
How do flying squirrels mate?
Male flying squirrels will mate with multiple females and the mating season typically occurs in the spring.
How many young does a flying squirrel have?
A flying squirrel will typically have 1-5 young per litter.
What is the predators of the flying squirrel?
The predators of the flying squirrel include owls weasels snakes and hawks.
Do flying squirrels hibernate?
Yes flying squirrels hibernate during the winter months.
What is the scientific name for the flying squirrel?
The scientific name for the flying squirrel is Glaucomys volans.
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.
