There’s a good reason hedgehogs are becoming increasingly common as family pets. These tiny fellas are just too cute for words. Hedgehogs are exciting pets, but they need a distinct 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. Nevertheless, having a friend in difficult situations is constantly fantastic, mostly when most people are restricted to their homes due to covid restrictions. Hedgehogs make fantastic pets since they don’t need 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 significant factors while caring for a pet hedgehog, who will provide much happiness to your home.
Keep Their Nails Trimmed
Hedgehogs require frequent nail trimming because, depending upon their bedding, long nails could catch on the fibers and create pain. They might pick not to 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 advantages it may provide.
A veterinary clinic that likewise provides grooming and pet dog boarding is an excellent option if you don’t feel comfortable trimming your hedgehog’s nails yourself.
Provide the Right Diet
The average hedgehog consumes its food one or two times 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 an excellent option for a nutritious snack to have on hand. To the point of excessive weight, overfeeding is a risk with most pets.
Socialize With Them Regularly
They need constant social interaction with people to establish a connection. They hibernate throughout the day and awaken in the evening due to their nocturnal lifestyle. Stay clear about making significant changes to their bedtime routine. You’ll need to plan activities to do with them while they’re awake. During the day, you can take them out and snuggle up with you as you relax in a sleep sack or under a warm blanket.
While spending quality time together, increase 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 with a vet specializing in exotic and large animals. If you are looking for a credible vet, click here.
Watch for Diseases
Hedgehogs are at risk of fleas, equally as most other little animals. If you discover any flea attack, you can treat them with the same flea preventative you would use on a kitten. Hedgehogs can contract diseases, including intestinal parasites, worms, and pneumonia.
If you think your hedgehog might be sick, you must immediately take it to the exotic bird veterinarian. Hedgehogs are susceptible to numerous diseases, including cancer of the squamous cell type, fatty liver disease brought on by poor nutrition, and even heart disease. Spine loss is a usual symptom of disease in hedgehogs.
Bottomline
As first-time pets, hedgehogs are among the best. Although they may be slow to trust you at first, they will reward you with their undivided attention once they do. This oddball must be at the top of your list if you’re searching for a peculiar pet.
