Wild Squirrel Has skin issue

[squirrelbird]

I have wild squirrels in my front yard and noticed a few days ago one of them did not look quite right. His fur looks different and it looks like there is a spot where there is no fur. Just wondering if there is anything I can do to help him?

Thank y

[CritterMom]

There absolutely is. Does this poor baby come by regularly? That will help. He has mange mites.

You need to buy a tube of 1.87% ivermectin equine wormer like this: https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/pr...7?cm_vc=-10005 or this: https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/pr...g?cm_vc=-10005. ANY place that sells horse stuff sells it, just find the cheapest and MAKE SURE it is just 1.87% ivermectin. They sometimes combine it with another anti-parasitic called Praziquantel because it is convenient for horse people.

Pick up a pack of pecan halves.

It is usually a paste or gel. Squirt a tiny blob out on something flat and using a toothpick, pull a bit of the paste away the size of an UNCOOKED grain of rice. I usually suggest people actually look at an uncooked grain before they do this - it is really small. Using the toothpick, stuff it into the grooves in the back of the pecan and hand it over to your squirrel. You can't just treat a bunch of food and put it out, dosing is VERY specific. If possible, redose him the same amount 7-10 days after the first, and then again 7-10 days after the 2nd. It only kills adult mange mites so this schedule allows eggs to hatch and be gilled before laying more eggs. The paste is usually apple flavored so nobody will turn up their noses!

[squirrelbird]

Thank you. Yes he does come by and gets walnuts from me. I will get the stuff asap. Thank you.

[squirrelbird]

Just so I understand I need to try and get it to home 7-10 days and then another 7-10 days?

[CritterMom]

Just so I understand I need to try and get it to home 7-10 days and then another 7-10 days?

Not sure what that meant...

Give 1 dose the size of a rice grain. Wait 7-10 days and then give him another dose. Wait 7-10 more days and give one more. All doses are the same size.

His timing is good. They are beginning to shed their summer coats now so his little body will be all cranked up to grow hair right at the time he needs to!

[squirrelbird]

Ok thank you. So just a total of three times over a 14 to 20 day period. If another squirrel should get the pecan instead would that hurt them?

[CritterMom]

Nope, not at all - ivermectin kills lots of parasites so it will likely help them. You just don't want one squirrel eating multiple doses in a day.

[squirrelbird]

Hello,

Had to order from Chewy, none of the TSC had any in stock and AMAzon was a week or later before shipped. So if anyone needs any tell them Chewy. They have already shipped it so hopefully I can get it to him tomorrow. Thank you so much for the help.

Susan

[squirrelbird]

Hello,

I have been able to get him the ivermectin twice. Today I noticed his arms were shaking when he was standing still. Is there some food or supplements or something I could give him to help him?

Thank you