While feeding a young squirrel, you notice milk bubbles around the nose and mouth. You should...

• A. Continue feeding
• B. Stop feeding, wipe surplus, and rub between shoulders
• C. Switch to solid foods
• D. Increase formula temperature

Answer: (B)

Milk bubbles around the nose and mouth while feeding signal that liquid may be entering the airway, risking aspiration. The best immediate step is to stop feeding, wipe away any surplus from the face to reduce choking risk, and gently rub between the shoulders to stimulate breathing and help move any liquid that may be irritating the airway. Continuing to feed could push formula into the trachea or lungs, raising the chance of aspiration pneumonia or acute airway obstruction. Switching to solid foods isn’t appropriate for a neonate still dependent on milk, and increasing the formula temperature could worsen flow or irritate the mouth. After these initial steps, monitor the animal for ongoing trouble—coughing, wheezing, labored breathing, or cyanosis—and seek veterinary care if breathing doesn’t improve.