Hedgehog Care

Hedgehog Grooming: Bathing, Brushing, and Ear Cleaning

Hedgehogs are generally clean animals, but they do require some occasional grooming assistance from their owners. Regular grooming not only keeps your hedgehog clean and comfortable but also provides an opportunity to check for potential health issues like mites, skin infections, or injuries. Key grooming tasks include bathing, quill care, nail trimming, and sometimes ear cleaning.

Bathing Your Hedgehog

Hedgehogs don’t need frequent baths, as over-bathing can dry out their skin. Bathing is typically only necessary when they get dirty (e.g., from messy droppings, “poop boots”) or perhaps once every 1-3 months. Knowing how often bathe hedgehog depends on the individual’s cleanliness.

How to Bathe:

Gather Supplies: Shallow basin or sink, warm water (lukewarm, about wrist temperature), gentle hedgehog-safe or baby shampoo (tear-free, oatmeal-based is good), a soft toothbrush, and a warm towel.
Prepare Water: Fill the basin with only 1-2 inches of warm water – just enough to cover their feet and underside.
Gentle Introduction: Slowly lower your hedgehog into the water, supporting their body. Most hedgehogs are hesitant about water initially.
Washing: Gently lather a tiny amount of shampoo onto the toothbrush. Carefully scrub their quills (following the direction of growth), feet, and underside. Avoid the face, ears, and eyes. Rinse thoroughly with clean, warm water, pouring it gently over their back (again, avoiding the head).

Hand gently holding a hedgehog, implying careful handling during grooming

Drying: Immediately wrap your hedgehog in a warm towel and gently pat them dry. Keep them warm until completely dry to prevent chills. A low-heat hairdryer on a low setting held far away can be used cautiously, but ensure it doesn’t burn or frighten them. Snuggling in a dry towel is often preferred.

Temperature is Key: Ensure the water and drying environment are warm to prevent your hedgehog from getting chilled, which can lead to respiratory issues.

Quill and Skin Care (Brushing?)

Hedgehogs don’t require “brushing” in the traditional sense. Their quills generally take care of themselves. However, during bathing, the soft toothbrush helps clean between the quills. Check the skin regularly (when the hedgehog is relaxed and quills are down) for dryness, flakes, redness, or signs of mites (quill loss, crustiness). Dry skin can sometimes be helped with a drop of vitamin E oil or flaxseed oil massaged gently onto the skin (not the quills) after a bath, or added to food (consult your vet).

Nail Trimming

Trimming hedgehog toenails is crucial as overgrown nails can curl into the footpad, get caught on things, or cause discomfort. This needs doing roughly every 3-6 weeks.

How to Trim Nails:

Supplies: Small animal nail clippers (human baby clippers or specific small animal ones work), styptic powder (Kwik Stop) in case you cut the quick, and good lighting.
Technique: Hold your hedgehog securely but gently. Having a helper can be beneficial. Identify the quick (the pink part inside the nail containing the blood vessel) and cut only the clear tip of the nail before the quick. If you accidentally cut the quick, apply styptic powder immediately to stop the bleeding.
Patience: Many hedgehogs dislike nail trims. You may only be able to do a few nails at a time. Offer treats and take breaks. Trimming after a bath can sometimes soften nails, making it slightly easier.

Hedgehog held gently in hand, suitable for nail trimming attempt

Ear Cleaning

Most hedgehogs keep their ears clean naturally. Only attempt cleaning if you notice significant wax buildup or debris, or if advised by your vet. Gently wipe the *outer* part of the ear with a slightly damp cotton swab or cloth. **Never insert anything into the ear canal.** If you suspect an ear infection (odor, discharge, head tilt), see a veterinarian immediately.