You know your hedgehog is in pain through behavioral changes like lethargy, loss of appetite, reduced wheel use, or unusual stillness, and physical signs such as limping, head tilting, staggering, crying out, hiding more, or changes in droppings (like green, sticky poop) or skin/eyes, but remember they hide pain well, so prompt vet care is crucial for any subtle or severe signs.
Hedgehogs that drag their back legs, tilt their head, walk in circles or appear stiff may be in pain or suffering from neurological issues.
Check if the hedgehog: Has an obvious sign of injury, like a cut or broken leg. Is staggering, wobbly, walking in circles or seems lethargic (slow and sluggish). Has a large number of flies or ticks on or around it.
If your hedgehog is unusually still in the evening—sleeping in short, restless bursts, waking and dozing repeatedly, or staying sluggish when they would normally explore—it can be a sign of unhappiness or even illness.
A bath may help your hedgehog relax and get to know you through the bathing process. Even the grouchiest hedgehogs will uncurl in water. Allow a tiny gentle stream of water to run over your hedgehog's back. Many times the sound of the water alone is enough to get a hedgie to uncurl.
Symptoms of stress
Offer A Wheel
Hedgehogs are naturally quite active, and they can get quite sad and depressed if they don't get enough exercise. A running wheel is rather like the hedgehog version of a treadmill. Just be sure to choose a solid one: the wire ones are actually dangerous.
Toxic foods for hedgehogs include chocolate, caffeine, dairy products, and certain fruits like grapes and citrus. It's essential to avoid these items to ensure your hedgehog's health and well-being. Always consult your veterinarian for specific dietary advice.
Quick at-home pain relief methods:
However if you find a hedgehog staggering around, lying still (not in a nest), with flies around it or obviously sick or injured be it day or night, it needs urgent help. Sick, injured and orphaned hedgehogs are very susceptible to hypothermia.
If attacked or injured, hedgehogs will scream. Their screams are indistinguishable from human cries, and the police have been called out many times by worried neighbours thinking someone is in distress or being attacked.
Signs of dehydration in a hedgehog: Dull eyes Shaking/wobbling Collapse Out during the daytime Pale gums Sitting with hunched back Skin tenting What to do if you find a dehydrated hedgehog? Either stay with the animal or if this is not possible pick the hog up in a blacket/towel/jumper and place in a secure box.
These symptoms may include sharp or stabbing sensations, a dull ache, throbbing, or burning feelings. Additionally, pain can be localized to a specific area or may radiate to other parts of the body. Accompanying symptoms often include swelling, redness, and tenderness in the affected region.
Offer the hedgehog a drink of WATER OR LECTADE - NEVER cow's milk as this can cause enteritis, (Lectade is a re-hydrating solution which can be obtained from a Vet). If injured, coughs or wheezes or does not respond to First Aid treatment take the hedgehog to a Vet or seek help from a hedgehog carer.
Hedgehogs are known for their ability to roll themselves into a ball of spines when threatened. These spines are actually modified hairs and the average hedgehog has about 7000 of them, which can be raised using powerful muscles along their back.
What should I never feed a hedgehog? Foods that are toxic to hedgehogs...
Hedgehogs can develop a variety of illnesses, including cardiovascular disease, gastric ulceration, acariasis, neoplasia, dental problems, and pneumonia.
This decline is partly due to a loss of natural habitat, which provides both shelter and food for hedgehogs. Fencing, pesticides, garden hazards (like ponds, strimmers and netting) and development and construction also have an impact. And of course, cars are a major threat to hedgehogs, killing thousands each year.
Unseasoned scrambled eggs are OK in tiny amounts as an occasional treat, but they shouldn't be a regular part of your hedgehog's diet. Dr. Giese says she only offers eggs for hedgies who won't eat or need the extra fat for health reasons.
Hedgehogs have prickly quills along their back to protect them from predators. They are shy animals and will roll up into a tight ball and hide their face if they are frightened. Always approach a hedgehog slowly and handle them with a small towel so you don't prick yourself on one of their quills.
Ponds also provide a water source so it's important to ensure garden ponds have sloping sides or an exit ramp so 'hogs don't fall in and get stuck. You can also leave out a shallow dish of water for hedgehogs and other wildlife to drink from.
The Five Signs encouraged people to ask if they or their loved ones were not feeling themselves, feeling withdrawn, feeling agitated, feeling hopeless or not caring for themselves. A longtime mental health advocate, Broderick discovered the program and introduced it to New Hampshire.
If your stress is getting out of control and you need quick relief, try one of these tips.
You may experience symptoms such as: