There’s a solid reason why hedgehogs are recently becoming more and more common as household pets. These tiny fellas are just too cute for words. Hedgehogs are exciting pets, but they require a unique level of attention from their owners.
Top Care Tips When Raising a Pet Hedgehog
Having a pet is a big commitment; not everyone can afford to be responsible for one. However, it’s always fantastic to have a pal under challenging situations, primarily when most people are constrained to their houses because of covid limitations. Hedgehogs make fantastic pets because they do not require much attention from their owners while providing 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 substantial factors while caring for a pet hedgehog, who will provide much joy to your home.
Keep Their Nails Trimmed
Hedgehogs need constant nail trimming because, depending on their bedding, long nails might catch on the fibers and cause discomfort. They may choose not to use the running wheel if they find that jogging on it causes discomfort due to their long nails. By not using their running wheel, they would be shortchanging themselves of the health benefits it may provide.
A vet clinic that also offers grooming and pet boarding is a good option if you don’t feel comfortable trimming your hedgehog’s nails on your own. Moreover, pet boarding is a good option if you are leaving town and unsure where to leave your pet. To read more about pet boarding, click here.
Provide the Right Diet
The average hedgehog consumes its food once or twice daily. Keep the food right outside the designated hiding box. If you don’t 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. To the point of obesity, overfeeding is a danger 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 at night because of their nocturnal lifestyle. Stay clear about making significant 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 snuggle 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 might help, but before you give them to your pet, you need to talk to an exotic and large animal veterinarian.
Watch for Diseases
Hedgehogs are prone to fleas, equally as most other tiny creatures. If you see any flea problems, you can treat them with the same flea preventative you would use on a kitten. Hedgehogs can acquire various diseases, including intestinal parasites, worms, and pneumonia.
If you believe your hedgehog may be sick, you must promptly take it to the vet that provides exotic and avian pet care services. Hedgehogs are susceptible to different health problems, including cancer of the squamous cell type, fatty liver disease brought on by inadequate nutrition, and even heart disease. Spine loss is a typical symptom of health problems in hedgehogs.
Bottomline
As first-time pets, hedgehogs are among the best. Although they might be slow to trust you at first, they will compensate you with their undistracted attention once they do. This oddball must be at the top of your list if you’re searching for an eccentric pet.