Q. Why Isn't My Orphaned Baby Squirrel Going to the Bathroom?

Posted by Mia Carter Mar 6, 2009

On March 6, 2009, I received the following question on my article titled Care for an Orphaned Baby Squirrel: "Hello, I live in Kentucky, and we just had a major ice storm about a month ago. Well, my husband was cutting down a damaged tree and a mama squirrel got killed. :( He brought her three babies home to me, and I think they are 3 to 4 weeks old. They have some fur and their bottom teeth. I went out and got the powder Esbilac for puppies, and mixed up 1 quart of water with 1 tsp salt, and 4 tsp sugar. They have drank some of the water, but I haven't tried the formula yet. My main concern is I haven't gotten them to go to the bathroom yet. I've had them for about 3 hours. It happened first thing this morning, so they were several hours without mama. Could they not be urinating because they are dehydrated? Thanks for the help."

A very common question among new baby squirrel caretakers!

In nature, baby squirrels need a bit of "help" from mom when it comes to urinating and defecating. In nature, mom will lick the baby squirrel's genitals, this stimulates the babies to go to the bathroom. Baby squirrels don't learn to go to the bathroom on their own until they're a bit older.

So, when caring for an orphaned baby squirrel (or three, as is the case here), we must replicate the mother squirrel's stimulation. This can be accomplished by using a warm, damp cotton ball or a warm, damp washcloth. It can take a few minutes of stimulation for the squirrels to actually go to the bathroom, particularly in the beginning, as the sensation and situation is a bit different from what they're accustomed to. But patience is always rewarded, including when it comes to helping a baby squirrel with bathroom activities!

It's best to stimulate bathroom activities in a baby squirrel right after feedings, or in this case, offerings of re-hydration fluid.

Dehydration and Urination in Baby Orphaned Squirrels

Dehydration is absolutely a possibility in this situation where the baby squirrels have been without their usual meals for the better part of a day.

To test for dehydration, you can pinch their skin (gently!) into a little tent, pulling it away from the body slightly. A well-hydrated animal's skin will flatten out right away, whereas it can take a few seconds for the skin to flatten out in a dehydrated baby squirrel.

In severe cases, it's best to take the baby squirrels to a veterinarian, who can give subcutaneous (under the skin) fluid injections that will help compensate for lost fluids.

More Help for Orphaned Squirrels

To learn more about dehydration in animals, I encourage you to read this article; it's not specific to squirrels and treating dehydration in baby squirrels must be done using a re-hydration solution of water, salt and sugar, but the general principles concerning dehydration are similar in terms of the symptoms dehydration and the effects of dehydration.

In this case, I would also recommend reading a few of my other baby squirrel care articles. Feedings must be performed at very precise intervals, with proper amounts of food provided based on the squirrels' approximate age.

Keeping the baby squirrels warm - very warm - is also key. A heating lamp, blankets and "squirrel buddy" are great methods to keep a baby squirrel warm, though in this case, it's great that there are three baby squirrels as they can cuddle to conserve body heat.

To read more articles about caring for baby squirrels, check out my Orphaned Baby Squirrel Page.

Have a pet question? Send your questions to Mia.Carter@Suite101.com

Disclaimer: I have extensive experience in caring for animals, including sick and special needs animals, but I am not a veterinarian. I can provide information and advice based on research and my many years of experience with pet care and training, but it's not a substitute for seeking medical attention from a veterinarian.