Treating Dehydration in Squirrels

Treating Dehydration in Squirrels

Dehydration is one of the most common and dangerous conditions affecting orphaned or rescued squirrels. Whether you’ve just found a baby squirrel or are caring for a recent adoptee, recognizing and treating dehydration early is essential to their survival and long-term health.

How to Identify Dehydration

Even if a squirrel appears healthy, all orphaned or rescued babies should be assumed to be dehydrated until tested and treated.

Signs of Dehydration in Squirrels:

  • Dull, sunken eyes
  • Dry or sticky gums and mouth
  • Little or no urine output (Oliguria)
  • Dark or concentrated urine

Skin Turgor Test (Elasticity Test):

Gently pinch the skin at the back of the neck:

  • Normal: Skin snaps back into place quickly
  • Dehydrated: Skin stays elevated or slowly returns

Note: Very young squirrels naturally have loose skin. Some tenting may be normal.

Stimulating Elimination

Use a warm, damp cloth or tissue to gently stimulate the baby squirrel’s genitals to encourage urination. If no urine is produced, or it is very dark, dehydration is likely.

How to Safely Rehydrate a Baby Squirrel

Once you’ve confirmed the baby is warm and dehydrated, it’s time to administer fluids slowly and safely.

Supplies You’ll Need:

  • 1cc syringe or eye dropper
  • Unflavored Pedialyte® (or store-brand equivalent)
  • Optional: Homemade rehydration fluid (see below)
  • Clean towel and warm, draft-free environment

💡 Most pharmacies will give you a small syringe for free just ask.

Homemade Rehydration Fluid

In an emergency, you can make your own electrolyte solution:

Recipe:

  • 4 cups (1 quart) warm water
  • 3 teaspoons sugar
  • 1 teaspoon salt

Mix thoroughly and allow to cool to body temperature (warm, not hot).

⚠️ Important Warnings

  • Never feed a cold squirrel. Warm the baby to at least 99°F before giving fluids.
  • Do not substitute with cow’s milk, juice, or Gatorade®. These can worsen dehydration or cause fatal diarrhea.

Never feed a squirrel:
❌ Cow’s milk
❌ Sugary drinks or soda
❌ Juice or fruit punch
❌ Alcohol
❌ Gatorade or other adult hydration drinks
❌ Fluids with artificial sweeteners

Feeding Guidelines

How Much to Give:

Only give small amounts at a time no more than 5% of the baby’s body weight in fluid per feeding.

For example:
A 100g squirrel should receive no more than 5cc (or 1 tsp) per feeding.

Feeding Steps:

  1. Warm the baby first (see How to Warm a Squirrel).
  2. Hold the squirrel in a semi-upright position, never on its back.
  3. Drip warm fluid slowly into the corner of the mouth with a 1cc syringe.
  4. Let the squirrel swallow naturally never force-feed.
  5. Wait a few seconds between drops to avoid aspiration.
  6. Feed every hour for up to 6 hours.

After 6 hours, begin transitioning to formula only if the baby is warm, alert, and urinating properly.

Tips for Rehydration Success:

  • Keep the baby warm during and after every feeding.
  • Stimulate the baby to urinate after each feeding.
  • Watch for signs of aspiration (bubbling from nose, sneezing, yawning).
  • Feed slowly to avoid choking or pneumonia.
  • Use a small syringe for better control.

If Severe Dehydration Is Suspected:

If the baby appears extremely weak, cold, limp, or nonresponsive, seek immediate help from a wildlife rehabilitator or exotic vet. Dehydration over 12% is often fatal without professional intervention.