A sick hedgehog often makes abnormal, loud noises like persistent wheezing, gasping, wet coughing, or high-pitched squealing/chirping, unlike their normal snuffling, snorting, or occasional hissing; these sounds usually signal respiratory issues (pneumonia, lungworm) or severe distress, requiring immediate help from a hedgehog rescue.
Persistent distress sounds in hedgehogs may indicate pain, respiratory issues, or stress. Symptoms include continuous vocalizing, lethargy, or refusal to eat. Causes range from infections to environmental stressors.
Dry and Hacking: A lungworm cough may be dry and hacking in nature, resembling a repetitive, non-productive cough. The cough may sound harsh or raspy and may be more pronounced during certain activities, such as exercise or excitement.
The most common sounds you'll hear are grunts, snuffles, and snorts, which often occur during foraging, exploring, or when they're just generally being active. Then there are the hisses and huffs, which can indicate that the hedgehog feels threatened or is trying to scare off a potential predator.
A hedgehog shouldn't usually be pottering around in the daytime as it is against their natural rhythm and routine. If you are concerned about a hedgehog that is active all day, particularly in bright sunshine, or not moving very much, report them to a rescue centre which will advise you what to do.
Common conditions of pet hedgehogs include internal and external parasites, ringworm, cancer, pneumonia, gastrointestinal disease, and obesity. Signs of illness or disease are often vague and non-specific, such as lack of appetite and lethargy.
Take the hedgehog to the vet
If you can't take them to the vet straight away, keep them somewhere warm and quiet, offering them water and meaty cat or dog food, until you can.
Signs of stress
Many hedgehogs are busy and want to try to explore but a stressed hedgehog will be much more persistent and not easily distracted. The stressed hedgehog may also twitch or shake its head nervously. It is almost as if the hedgehog is saying “Sensory overload. I can't take it anymore.”
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.
As pets, hedgehogs can recognize and remember their owners' scent and voice, making them a loyal and affectionate companion. They can also quickly learn routines and habits, such as when it's time to eat or play.
Diagnosis of lungworm can be achieved by microscopic examination of hedgehog faeces to look for Crenosoma larvae or Capillaria eggs. Not all hedgehogs infected with lungworm will develop signs of disease. A clinical examination by a veterinary surgeon is necessary to diagnose the disease in a live hedgehog.
The most common abnormal (adventitious) lung sounds include:
Wobbly hedgehog syndrome (WHS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease. Spongy degeneration of the brain and spinal cord is the diagnostic feature of WHS. WHS affected brain and spinal cord show extensive demyelination and remyelination. Axonal degeneration is accompanied by loss of neurons in WHS.
Indeed, hedgehogs produce several different noises, including the "twittering" of hoglets and the "shrill piping [metallic] whistles" (at around 8 kHz) of nestlings. Others include "clucking" or "quacking" when annoyed, various snorts or huffs, spits, and (perhaps) ultrasonic "clicks".
Hedgehogs are nocturnal, so the best time to spot them is during the evening or night. They are most active just after sunset and before sunrise.
A lethargic hedgehog, one that appears disoriented, or moves erratically may be unwell. Check for signs of injury, such as visible wounds, blood, or limping. Healthy hedgehogs are usually active and have a steady gait. Monitor the hedgehog's body condition.
Five key signs of dehydration include thirst, dark/less urine, dry mouth, headache, and dizziness/lightheadedness, signaling your body needs fluids, with reduced urination and darker urine being key indicators you aren't getting enough water. Other signs include tiredness, fatigue, cool extremities, and in infants, fewer tears when crying or sunken eyes.
Leave out food and water
Leaving food and fresh water out in the garden each night will encourage visiting hedgehogs to return regularly. Try tinned meaty cat or dog food and crushed cat or dog biscuits. Place the food and water in shallow bowls so they can access them easily.
Hedgehogs can develop a variety of illnesses. Some of the ones we most often see in these little guys include respiratory issues, gastrointestinal problems, and eye troubles. There's also Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome, a degenerative, neurological disease which affects Hedgie's ability to walk and move.
Symptoms of stress
This is what we call 'splooting'. Spreading themselves out to increase their surface area to cool down. This was on one of the recent very hot days. We use self cooling pads they can lie on. They claim to automatically cool down when an animal lies on it.
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.
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.
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.