Possible pneumonia

[Baby Squirrel]

My 6 week old squirrel aspirated at the begining when I found him about 3 times and has been sneezing for a week. I put my ear up to it and do hear a fast clicking sound but I’m not sure if it’s pnemonia or it’s his heart beating. I don’t know where I can find antibiotics because I don’t have any on me. I was wondering if instead of antibiotics, if it would work to give him a small dosage of oregano oil which can also work as an antibiotic. Also if I was to go to the vet and get prescribed antibiotics wouldn’t they just call the police because it’s illegal? He is eating fine,he just ate his first solid food apples today. Thanks

[HRT4SQRLS]

Hi Baby Squirrel, the clicking that's characteristic of aspiration pneumonia is a sound that you hear every time they breath. It's a click or kind of like a pop sound.
Usually when they have pneumonia they don't have an appetite. Is your baby still feeding normally?

[Baby Squirrel]

he has eaten about 20ml of half water, half esbilac puppy milk formula today and a few pieces of apple. He is not very active but he also just turned 6 weeks old yesterday. I’m not quite sure how active he should be. He likes to sleep a lot.

[HRT4SQRLS]

Is the Esbilac the powdered puppy Esbilac with probiotics and prebiotics OR is it the liquid Esbilac in the can? Do you have a weight on your baby.

[Baby Squirrel]

It’s the powder, no I don’t have a weight . He does sneeze quite often, dust maybe idk? Should I fill up my tub with warm water to humidify the room he is in just Incase?

[HRT4SQRLS]

That's good. The powder is correct. You mentioned half water half Esbilac. What does that mean? The formula is mixed 2 parts water to 1 part powder. The water must be very warm, almost hot. It should sit before feeding so that it goes into solution.

How long have you had him? You really need to get a kitchen scale. We feed 5-7% of the body weigh. Example... if the baby weighs 100g the amount of formula would be between 5-7 ml per feeding.

A six week old would be fed every 5 hours.

[Baby Squirrel]

I’ve had him for about a week and a half. Oops I’ve been feeding him 1part water 1 part powder for a few days. I guess I’m going to have to buy a scale. Maybe I’ve been feeding him too much.

[HRT4SQRLS]

Here is a link that will help you. It is 6 pages.
https://www.henryspets.com/baby-squirrel-care/

You mentioned aspiration pneumonia. You asked if oregano oil would work. The answer is no. You would need antibiotics. All you need is one pill. You could ask friends and family if they have a left over antibiotic. We can dose it, if needed.
I wouldn't be concerned about sneezing. Are you sure it's sneezing? Squirrels make pffft sounds that sound like sneezes.

[HRT4SQRLS]

I’ve had him for about a week and a half. Oops I’ve been feeding him 1part water 1 part powder for a few days. I guess I’m going to have to buy a scale. Maybe I’ve been feeding him too much.

That's possible. Overfeeding can cause problems like bloat. Yes, the scale is very important.
Baby squirrels do sleep a lot. They pretty much eat and then fall back asleep.


Could you post a pic?

[Baby Squirrel]

Yes I’m sure it is sneezing. If it gets any worse or I hear more clicking I’ll repost again. I don’t think bloating is a problem with him he looks fine. Here is a picture of him eating apple chunks today https://drive.google.com/open?id=1RLSlUOjTUbstV7N23dFCKV04PbD0pFSm

[Baby Squirrel]

I have 2 main questions left. How active should a squirrel be at 6 weeks old? And I do have just 1 pill 100mg of simplicef would that work? Thanks!

[Nancy in New York]

I have 2 main questions left. How active should a squirrel be at 6 weeks old? And I do have just 1 pill 100mg of simplicef would that work? Thanks!

His first solid food should be a good quality rodent block.
Many of us use HHB's. Get the high protein blocks or the ones for picky eaters.
Make an account and you will get 10% off every order, if you sign in.
Flat Rate Shipping - $5.99 for any size order. So if you need other things
get them now.
https://www.henryspets.com/squirrel-diet/
Keep him on formula for as long as he'll take it. It's the best insurance against
Metabolic Bone Disease.
You definitely need a scale. We feed and dose meds according to weight.
He looks small, but oh so cute.
How much formula does he take a day (meaning within 24 hours?)
You said that he ate about 20 cc's of formula today. Is he hungry when
you stop feeding?
About the antibiotic. I'm not sure if a squirrel can have simplicef, I don't see it listed in the Wild Mammal Babies Book.
Try to get Clavamox (Animal ab.) or Augmentin, (Human ab.) Baytril, (animal) or Cipro ( Human)
These are good antibiotics to have on hand even if you don't use them now.
At 5 weeks old, they mostly sleep and eat. I would say over the course of the day they
may be awake 2-3 hours. He's a single, if he had a buddy, he would be more playful and probably
stay awake longer.
Good luck with this little one.

[Baby Squirrel]

Ok thanks for the feedback. I’ll repost if things get worse. Last question if I take him to the vet will the vet call the police or help or do nothing? Here are some more cute pictures just for fun.

https://drive.google.com/open?id=14QD-G9xq3uGTmdcabyR5VGfJP5-g5D45

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1V8QldblOgpb3nEwp3-0D1m4kWOD8vIRk

https://drive.google.com/open?id=1X9Mq4KDpXkbDdvug1GsexzI11JMBrBCz

[cava]

He's adorable. Keep in mind momma wouldn't let them out for roaming at this age and they startle easily. Is it possible the "sneezing" you are hearing is baby barking/vocalizing when startled?

I limit out of bin to one space, like on your lap for snuggles. It helps you bond, is good for him to get time with you and stimulation and decreases the stress of a large, open space and fear of moving objects.

As always, keep all in house pets far, far, FAR away from baby, if you have any.