There is a good reason hedgehogs are becoming increasingly common as family pets. These tiny fellas are just too adorable for words. Hedgehogs are unique pets, but they require a distinct level of attention from their owners.
Top Care Tips When Raising a Pet Hedgehog
Having a pet is a huge commitment; not everyone can afford to be responsible for one. Nevertheless, it’s constantly terrific to have a pal under challenging situations, mainly when most people are constrained to their houses because of covid limitations. Hedgehogs make excellent pets because they don’t necessitate much attention from their owners while offering 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 significant factors while looking after a pet hedgehog who will provide much joy to your home.
Keep Their Nails Trimmed
Hedgehogs necessitate frequent nail trimming because, depending on their bedding, long nails may catch on the fibers and trigger discomfort. They may select not to utilize 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 vet clinic that likewise provides grooming and pet cat boarding is a good alternative if you do not feel comfortable trimming your hedgehog’s nails on your own.
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 do not have available insects or worms, you can give your hedgehog finely chopped rice and meat or low-fat cat or dog kibble. Fruit is a fantastic alternative for a nutritious snack to have on hand. Overfeeding, to the point of excessive weight, is a threat to most pets.
Socialize With Them Regularly
They require consistent social interaction with people to create a connection. They hibernate throughout the day and awaken in the evening because of their nocturnal lifestyle. Prevent making substantial modifications to their bedtime regimen. You’ll need to plan activities to do with them while they’re awake. During the day, you can take them out and cuddle up with you as you relax in a sleep sack or under a warm blanket.
While spending quality time together, enhance your pet’s immunity against disease-causing pathogens by providing vitamins and supplements. Supplements may help, but before you give them to your pet, you need to talk to a vet specializing in exotic and large animals. To learn more about taking care of this exotic animal, you should visit a reliable vet.
Watch for Diseases
Hedgehogs are at risk of fleas, just as most other tiny mammals. If you discover any flea infestation, 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 think your hedgehog might be sick, you must immediately take it to the exotic vet. Hedgehogs are susceptible to different ailments, including cancer of the squamous cell type, fatty liver disease caused by inadequate nutrition, and even heart disease. Spine loss is a typical sign of illness in hedgehogs.
Bottomline
As first-time pets, hedgehogs are among the best. Although they might be slow to trust you initially, they will reward you with their wholehearted attention once they do. This oddball must be at the top of your list if you’re searching for a peculiar pet.
