Hedgehog Health & Wellness Guide:

With the increasing availability of exotic and small-animal veterinary care, finding a qualified veterinarian for your hedgehog is easier than ever.

Hedgehogs are very good at hiding illness. In many cases, they do not show visible signs until a condition has become serious. Because of this, daily observation and early veterinary care are essential.

Signs Your Hedgehog May Be Ill

If you notice any of the following symptoms, consult a veterinarian promptly.

Loss of Appetite or Thirst

If your hedgehog:
Suddenly eats less
Has not eaten for 1–2 days
Has not consumed water for 24 hours

➡️ Seek veterinary care immediately.

Cold to the Touch & Unresponsive

This may indicate a pre-hibernation state, which is dangerous for pet hedgehogs.

What to do:
Place a bottle of very warm water in a towel and allow your hedgehog to rest against it
OR wrap your hedgehog in a warmed cloth

If your hedgehog does not improve within 30–60 minutes, contact a veterinarian right away.

Runny Nose or Eye Discharge

These symptoms may indicate a respiratory infection and require veterinary attention.

Discolored Feces

Green feces are often caused by stress and are commonly called “stress poop.”
This is normal when a hedgehog is newly brought home or experiencing changes.

Monitor closely.

If green feces persist for more than a few days, schedule a veterinary visit.
⚠️ Green feces can also indicate:
Intestinal infection
Fatty liver disease

Bring a fresh fecal sample and your hedgehog to the appointment.

Stiff or Unsteady Walking

This may be a sign of Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome or another serious neurological condition.
➡️ Veterinary consultation is urgent.

Dry, Flaky Skin & Quill Loss (Adults)

In adult hedgehogs, dry skin and quill loss may indicate:
Fungal infection
Mite infestation

Veterinary diagnosis and treatment are required.

⚠️ Do not attempt home remedies.
Before assuming dry skin, check to ensure flakes are not dust from bedding. If it is not dust, consult your veterinarian.

Quilling in Juvenile Hedgehogs

Young hedgehogs naturally shed their baby quills as adult quills grow in.
Occurs around 2–3 months of age
This process is normal and temporary

Your hedgehog may be slightly irritable during this time. Continue gentle handling to maintain trust and tameness.
Bonding sacks can be very comforting during quilling.

⚠️ Do not use bonding sacks as sleep sacks or place them inside the cage.

Important Skin Care Warning: Oatmeal Shampoo

🚫 Do NOT use oatmeal shampoo on hedgehogs.

Why this matters:

Human skin is acidic, and oatmeal (slightly alkaline) helps raise the pH to relieve dryness
Hedgehog skin is naturally alkaline, even more so than oatmeal
Applying oatmeal lowers the hedgehog’s skin pH, causing increased dryness and irritation

“Oatmeal soothing” applies to humans, not hedgehogs.

Helping With Quilling Discomfort

To ease discomfort during quilling:
Offer a warm water bath
Warm water softens the skin, allowing adult quills to emerge more easily

Mite Prevention

Hedgehogs must receive monthly mite prevention.
Treatment requires a veterinary prescription
Revolution (Selamectin) is the recommended medication
Applied as a small drop on the back of the neck

Mites are present everywhere in the environment, and preventative treatment is essential.
✔️ Your hedgehog was treated for mites before leaving our premises.

When in Doubt — Call Your Vet

Early treatment saves lives. If something feels “off,” trust your instincts and contact a qualified exotic veterinarian.