Squirrels lose hair for a variety of reasons. Many people assume that when they see a squirrel with missing tufts of fur, it has contracted mange. Mange in squirrels is caused by a tiny mite called Notoedres douglasi. They are similar to the mites that cause mange in humans in that they cause intense itching, but there are no reports of squirrel mange being transmitted to humans! Healthy squirrels can usually recover from a mange infestation, but it can take a considerable amount of time, and a lack of fur coverage can leave squirrels at the mercy of the weather, especially in winter!

Another cause of hair loss in squirrels is a fungal infection called dermatophytosis. The squirrel doesn’t actually lose its fur, it’s just that the fungus causes its skin to break. Most fungi like a warm and humid environment to grow, therefore dermatophytoses are seen in hot and humid climates and during unusually wet periods. A squirrel can recover from this fungal hair loss as long as its immune system is in good shape. A sick or immunocompromised squirrel may not be so lucky!

Dietary insufficiency, or a poor diet, is another cause of hair loss in squirrels. A severe lack of calcium will cause poor hair growth and/or cause hair to fall out. This is especially true of squirrels kept in captivity! Special attention should be paid to feeding, as well as daily exposure to natural light or the sun.

Following closely behind poor diet is the condition called Metabolic Bone Disease. Hair loss and loss of calcium from the bones are hallmarks of severe calcium deficiency. Squirrels quickly develop a condition called rickets and lose the use of their back legs. This causes them to drag when they try to walk and their bones become quite brittle and prone to breaking. If left untreated, metabolic bone disease will progress to permanent nerve and bone damage and heart failure. Poor diet and metabolic bone disease are treatable as long as they are caught early. Calcium-rich foods and calcium supplements are a must for all captive squirrels!

The last potential cause of hair loss, especially in Gray or Fox Squirrels, is a hereditary defect. There are some Squirrels that are born without the hair growth chromosome, just as there are some that are born without the pigmentation chromosome (Albino Squirrels). These Hairless Squirrels never grow hair. It is rare for them to survive in colder climates and at best difficult to survive even in hot climates due to the fact that they are not recognized by their species and are often shunned and even attacked or killed.

All dietary causes of hair loss in squirrels are very easily treated with proper diet and ensuring there are sufficient amounts of calcium and essential vitamins in their diet. Through work with squirrels and natural product research, I have been able to improve some tried and true recipes for squirrel food supplements. One major improvement I found was the addition of organic raw coconut oil.

Raw coconut oil is rich in a substance called lauric acid, which is a natural antibacterial, antifungal, and antiviral substance. You can read about the effect of this amazing substance on Candida Albicans, a common yeast-like organism at: http://www.candida-albicans-cure.com/coconut-oil.html #R2. Since adding raw coconut oil to my squirrel supplements, my squirrels have grown hair that feels as soft as mink!

Hair loss in squirrels can be a problem! But I have found that improving the diet of affected squirrels and adding the right natural products to what they eat goes a long way in solving most problems!