settlementcocaThere’s a solid reason hedgehogs are becoming more and more typical as family pets. These tiny fellas are just too adorable for words. Hedgehogs are excellent pets but require a certain level of attention from their owners.
Top Care Tips When Raising a Pet Hedgehog
Having a pet is a significant commitment; not everyone can afford to be responsible for one. However, it’s constantly great to have a friend in difficult situations, primarily when most people are restricted to their houses due to covid limitations. Hedgehogs make excellent pets since they do not require much attention from their owners while having a lot of fun.
Hedgehogs are low-maintenance pets, but there are still a few things to consider before introducing one into your home. The following are a few of the most important factors while looking after a pet hedgehog who will provide much joy to your home.
Keep Their Nails Trimmed
Hedgehogs require constant nail trimming because, depending on their bedding, long nails might catch on the fibers and create pain. They might pick not to the running wheel if they discover that jogging on it causes pain because of their long nails. By not using their running wheel, they would be shortchanging themselves of the health advantages it may provide.
A veterinary clinic that also offers grooming and pet boarding services is an excellent alternative if you do not feel comfortable trimming your hedgehog’s nails yourself.
Provide the Right Diet
The average hedgehog eats its food once or twice daily. Keep the food right outside the designated hiding box. If you don’t have available bugs or worms, you can give your hedgehog finely chopped rice and meat or low-fat cat or dog kibble. Fruit is a fantastic choice for a nutritious snack to have on hand. Overfeeding, to the point of obesity, is a risk with most pets.
Socialize With Them Regularly
They need constant social interaction with people to develop a connection. They hibernate throughout the day and awaken during the night due to their nocturnal lifestyle. Avoid making substantial changes to their bedtime regimen. You’ll need to prepare activities to do with them while they’re awake. You can take them out throughout the day and cuddle up with you as you relax in a sleep sack or under a cozy blanket.
While spending quality time together, increase your pet’s immunity against disease-causing pathogens by giving vitamins and supplements. Supplements might help, but before you give them to your pet, you should talk with a veterinarian specializing in exotic and large animals.
Watch for Diseases
Hedgehogs are prone to fleas, equally as most other small animals. If you see any flea problems, you can treat them with the same flea preventative you would use on a kitten. Hedgehogs can contract numerous diseases, including intestinal parasites, worms, and pneumonia.
If you believe your hedgehog may be sick, you must instantly take it to the vet from animal hospitals like All Creatures Veterinary Care. Hedgehogs are vulnerable to different ailments, including cancer of the squamous cell type, fatty liver disease caused by poor nutrition, and even heart disease. Spine loss is a typical sign of ailment in hedgehogs.
Bottomline
As first-time pets, hedgehogs are among the best. Although they may be slow to trust you initially, they will reward you with their wholehearted attention once they do. This oddball should be at the top of your list if you’re searching for an eccentric pet.
