How To Bathe A Baby Squirrel: Step By Step Guide

It is normal to not have the faintest idea of how to bathe a baby squirrel. Baby squirrels are very little and charming. Their vulnerability makes them adorable all the same. However, finding an orphaned baby squirrel is one thing, caring for it is another. It’s usually hard to resist the urge to pick up a helpless baby squirrel and give it the care it needs. 

And now that you must have taken it in, with little or no knowledge of how to properly clean it up, finding out how to bathe a baby squirrel without hurting it is the top on your list. 

While bathing a baby squirrel you must ensure that extra care is taken as a lot of things can go wrong since the squirrel is still in a very delicate stage. Be sure to use lukewarm water, mild soap, and washing clothes to gently clean its body. 

Cleaning and feeding baby squirrels can be tricky but it is not a tough task as it doesn’t take so much time to get the job done. That baby squirrel needs a nice bath and with the help of this article, you certainly are going to be a pro at it. So let’s dive right into it.

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How To Bathe A Baby Squirrel

It is not common to see baby squirrels as their mothers keep them safe in the nest.

But in a case where you have a baby squirrel, you have to be sure it is orphaned before taking it in. Bathing a baby squirrel is essentially the first step.to caring for it. However, the fragility of the squirrel calls for tenderness whilst doing so. 

Here are a few things you’ll be needing to bathe the baby squirrel;

• Warm water
• Baby soap or any mild soap
• A washcloth
• And a towel

It is important to note that warm water is the best way to bathe a baby squirrel. Combined with baby soap, it can help get rid of fleas that are attached to the baby squirrel’s fur. 

Also, squirrels have a sharp sense of smell this is why it is best to avoid using soap with a strong fragrance.

No chemicals such as flea dips must be used to bathe a baby squirrel as they are very delicate and might react to it. Instead, you can use a very soft toothbrush to gently get rid of any flea or sticky eggs from their fur. 

Step By Step Guide On How To Properly Bathe A Baby Squirrel

Bathing a baby squirrel is not hard, you also do not have to break the bank to get all you need for the process. However, it is imperative to be very careful when handling the squirrel. The following are easy steps to take; 

Step 1

Pour the lukewarm water into a medium-sized bowl. You want to make sure the bathing bowl is not too big or too small for the baby squirrel.

Step 2

If you are using liquid soap, go ahead and mix it in the warm water. If not you can wet the wash clothes and rub the soap around them. 

Step 3

Put the baby squirrel in warm bathing water. Make sure its head is not in the water. We want to bathe it, not drown it. 

Step 4

Now that the squirrel is soaked with water, bring it out. Depending on its size you can place it on one of your palms or in another bowl without water. This ensures that soapy water doesn’t get into its eyes, nose, and mouth. 

Step 5

Now that it is out of the water, gently scrub its body with the dampened washcloth. Make sure to get every dirt and debris off its fur. 

Step 6

Next is to carefully clean its face and still make sure soap doesn’t get into its eyes. 

Step 7

Ensure to properly rinse off every soap residue. This is also very important. 

Step 8

Pat dry with a clean towel. Make sure the fur is dry completely before putting it in a warm and cushioned box. 

Conclusion

Baby squirrels do need care and they could use a bath especially if there are parasites on its body.

However, they might be used to bathing but it is only a matter of time before they might adjust. More importantly, you must make sure you take extra care whilst bathing it and avoid using soap with string fragrance to bathe it.

In some states in the United States, keeping a squirrel as a pet is illegal and if you are living in one of those states it’s best to reach out to a rehabilitation center right after giving the baby squirrel the basic care you can provide.