I have a cold, how can i keep my squirrel safe? Please help?

[ellymay]

Hello! I have had a nasty cold the past couple of days. I have been able to have my little brother who lives with me care for my squirrel so far but now he is sick. I am very close to being done being sick. Just occasional coughing and a slight stuffed up nose. But I am very concerned with giving the cold to Trooper. Trooper is a 3 year old eastern grey. I wash my hands and limit contact with him which has confused the poor baby but I just want to keep him as safe as possible. So far he isn't showing any signs. No lack of appetite, no weight loss, no sneezing or coughing. Can I transfer the cold to him? Besides washing my hands and using hand sanitizer are there any other precautions I can take? Is there a northern Kentucky rehabber that anyone knows of that I could contact should he get sick? I had a vet I used to be able to go to but he moved and didn't know of anyone else I could see...I'm sorry to ramble but I'm downright petrified of getting my little one sick.

[ellymay]

I would also like to add the question of is there anything homeopathic I can give him to maybe boost his immune system? Maybe an immune system boosting food? His diet is based off the charts here so it varies but mostly Henry's blocks, veggies, some fruit and almonds as an occasional treat.

[cava]

Sorry you're sick! I think it's going around, my brother has a nasty cold, too.

I don't know if you can get your squirrel sick, hopefully someone with more experience can weigh in, but you seem to be doing things correctly by washing hands and minimizing contact. And if you are at the end you are probably fine. I think since his diet is spot on and if he is healthy, you don't need to do anything to boost his immune system.

[island rehabber]

I think viruses (like colds) are species-specific and you cannot give your squirrel a virus that you have. I'm not 100% positive, but I think so.

On the other hand, bacterial and parasitic illnesses can be transmitted, such as coccidia, giardia, and leptospirosis. Those things need to be taken seriously as we can get them from our squirrels or give them to our squirrels. Thankfully, it does NOT happen easily and in 12 years of rehabbing it's never happened to me.

[Lighten-Up]

Rose Hips are supposed to be high in vit C and very good for our squirrels immune functions.

My knowledge ends there, as I have yet to give a squirrel rose hips. I am planning on planting Rugosa type Roses in my yard, they grow rose hips, so that all the wildlife will have access to them.

[Eejay]

I dont think they cant catch our common cold. Only certain viruses can spread between species.. I do know that the herpes virus that causes cold sores can affect bunnies, maybe other animals too. so if you happen to have a cold sore i would be careful with that.

[ellymay]

Sorry you're sick! I think it's going around, my brother has a nasty cold, too.

I don't know if you can get your squirrel sick, hopefully someone with more experience can weigh in, but you seem to be doing things correctly by washing hands and minimizing contact. And if you are at the end you are probably fine. I think since his diet is spot on and if he is healthy, you don't need to do anything to boost his immune system.

Thank you! I hope you're right!!

[ellymay]

I think viruses (like colds) are species-specific and you cannot give your squirrel a virus that you have. I'm not 100% positive, but I think so.

On the other hand, bacterial and parasitic illnesses can be transmitted, such as coccidia, giardia, and leptospirosis. Those things need to be taken seriously as we can get them from our squirrels or give them to our squirrels. Thankfully, it does NOT happen easily and in 12 years of rehabbing it's never happened to me.

Thank you! I am going to play it safe for a bit and just continue to do as I am. Hopefully it won't be much longer until I'm back to my normal way. I will make sure he gets lots of snuggles once I'm free and clear

[ellymay]

Rose Hips are supposed to be high in vit C and very good for our squirrels immune functions.

My knowledge ends there, as I have yet to give a squirrel rose hips. I am planning on planting Rugosa type Roses in my yard, they grow rose hips, so that all the wildlife will have access to them.

I'm not much of a green thumb but perhaps in the spring I will try planting some as well! Thank you!

[ellymay]

I dont think they cant catch our common cold. Only certain viruses can spread between species.. I do know that the herpes virus that causes cold sores can affect bunnies, maybe other animals too. so if you happen to have a cold sore i would be careful with that.

Luckily no cold sores. Just stuffy noses and coughing. But that is good to know!! Thank you!