View Full Version : My Gray Squirrel is Coughing (with squeaky squirrel vocalizations) and sneezing
Susan Kay
06-17-2015, 11:37 PM
My squirrel, Missy Squirrel, is a gray female squirrel about three years old. About a week ago she started sneezing and about two to three days ago she started coughing. The coughs are open mouthed and sound like very squeaky squirrel vocalizations. She is still eating, but I do not think that she feels well since she is letting me pet her for longer periods of time than she normally would. I could use advise and details on what to do to help her. She is tame, but does not like to be held. Any help would be appreciated.
Shewhosweptforest
06-17-2015, 11:53 PM
Is there anything in her environment that could be irritating her airways? Some people use kitty litter..which can have dust...I have a dirt box they play in that get dry and dusty :thinking she's an adult so I wouldn't think she aspirated....does she chew ok? Nuts, wood....you may want to check around for antibiotics....I also think you can give them infant Benadryl ....but someone will have to dose it for you...that might help if it's environmental :dono sorry that wasn't much help....but I'd try to get a weight on her...look for antibiotics ....antibiotics for UTI infections or amoxicillin ...you'll only need one....and pick up some infant Benadryl .....maybe sit with her in the bathroom with the shower running....if she'll go for that...to see if that helps clear it up....some of our experts should check in soon..if not, first thing in the morning:great
Susan Kay
06-18-2015, 12:22 AM
Thank you for the reply... Yes there is a litter box in the same room, but it has been there the whole time that Missy Squirrel has been here. The litter brand has not been changed either.
Getting her weight is a great idea and that will be attempted tomorrow... So far I have found a few RX's left over from ailments for the cats: Prednisolone 5mg, Torbutrol 5mg and 1mg...
Thank you in advance!
Milo's Mom
06-18-2015, 06:24 AM
What kind of litter is in the box?
Susan Kay
06-18-2015, 10:47 AM
Hi, thanks for answering. I do not
have cat litter in Missy's cage, but I do have a cat litter box in the same room. I use Purina's "Tidy Cat" 24/7 Performance Clumping Litter - Red Top. It has very little odor and the only time I see dust is when it's being emptied into the box. However, it has been in the same room since Missy was a baby. I have only heard her coughing and sneezing for about four (4) days and she does seem a little better today.
TubeDriver
06-18-2015, 11:08 AM
Hopefully she will continue to get better. :thumbsup Perhaps she just has some random respiratory infection like a cold?
You may want to check around with family and friends and see if anyone has a single pill of an antibiotic called Cipro? It is very effective for respiratory infections. I am NOT suggesting to give this to Missy Squirrel now but it is good to have on hand, just in case it is ever needed. If so, we can provide EXACT dosing instruction based on her weight.
HRT4SQRLS
06-18-2015, 12:17 PM
I know this will sound odd BUT you need to check her teeth.
Any time that 'sinus' type issues are present, a problem with the teeth should be ruled out.
Another odd question, what is her diet like as teeth problems can be related to the diet, especially in an older squirrel.
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