Do you want to learn more about hedgehog pets getting a bath?
People far and near have established a generally good picture of a hedgehog. Wet bathing is something hedgehog owners look forward to because it is not a regular activity. However, it is important to make your hedgehog pet as comfortable as possible so that your connection will be fruitful. I would want to share with you the finest ways to bathe your hedgehog pet, and also direct you to my page on Hedgehog Pet Dry Skin, which will help you keep your pet’s skin healthy
Let’s get started,
Is It Okay To Bathe A Hedgehog Pets
To begin with, contrary to common perception, hedgehogs cannot swim. As a result, any water treatments are a major source of stress for them. They must be washed extremely cautiously, making no loud noises and avoiding heavy water pressure. Bathing the hedgehog once every 2-3 months is sufficient. During the bathing operation, try not to overdo it so that the hedgehog loses the protective coating on its skin. If there is insufficient sebum, the animal’s skin will begin to dry up and it will begin to itch. In any event, it will need to be lubricated with oil after bathing.
Why Is It Critical To Properly Bathe Your Hedgehog Pet
When we bathe our pet, even if it is only in simple water, a certain amount of fat is removed. Good washing prevents the formation of all types of hazardous germs on the hedgehog’s skin because fat is partially formed of feces, food detritus, and filler, which is a great environment for the growth of bacteria. Sebum must be eliminated regularly to prevent a hotbed of ectoparasites (ticks, hair-eaters), fungus, bacteria, and even viruses from forming on an animal’s skin.
Bathing your hedgehog is often a good idea. Too much of anything, however, may be dangerous, and bathing is no exception. Excessive bathing might cause dry skin and subsequent severe itching. This is because water depletes the skin’s natural oils. Another thing that might be dangerous during a bath is utilizing the wrong items. Shampoo, for example, might exacerbate your hedgehog’s dry skin even harder.
Bathing Options For Hedgehog Pets Aside Water Bath
Oatmeal baths
It moisturizes and softens the skin while reducing itching and irritation. If your hedgehog suffers from skin issues, oatmeal baths can help. Such baths are beneficial for dryness, dermatitis, and dandruff, and they are also necessary for molting hedgehogs, which give them a great deal of discomfort.
Sand bath
A container in which to pour sand and bathing sand, such as playground sand, is required for a dry sand bath. At the same time, I do not propose utilizing powder; instead, sand is required. You’ll need roughly 3 cups of sand for one bath. The talc found in the sand is also utilized. 1 spoonful of talc from the bag is needed for one bath. Fill the container with sand and place the hedgehog in it. The hedgehog curls up into a ball and starts vigorously throwing sand on itself, i.e. bathing. Allow him to appreciate this operation. For more information on sand baths read Hedgehog Pet sand baths
Foot bath
If your pet dislikes washing and it causes him undue stress, you can at least attempt to wash his feet. Hedgehogs typically discharge themselves when running, so if this occurs, you might take advantage of the situation by cleaning simply their legs. In such an instance, take a container, fill it with warm water, and let it walk in it to clean its limbs before thoroughly drying them. Another method for cleaning the legs is to place a finger in water and walk on it. The water will soften any feces that is still clinging to them.
Bathing Accessories For Your Hedgehog Pet
Water- Pour water at a suitable temperature – 35-36 degrees – into a hedgehog basin.
Water is best measured by the elbow, as it is for little infants. If your elbow cannot feel the water, the water temperature is appropriate for swimming. The volume of water put into the basin should not be greater than the hedgehog needle’s lower contour. This is required so that the animal’s paws may reach the bottom securely.
Towel – soft, clean, and effective in absorbing moisture from the animal’s body. Provide the hedgehog with a towel that is only for him. Remember to wash the towel after each bath using suitable detergents that will not trigger a negative reaction in the hedgehog. Wrap the hedgehog in a towel after washing, but do not wipe it, rather softly blot it. Keep in mind that the hedgehog’s needles take a long time to dry, so keep it out of draughts or the hedgehog may acquire a cold.
Toothbrush-To clean needles, use a toothbrush with soft bristles. The brush must be brand new and made of high-quality, non-hazardous materials. Remember to clean the brush after each wash and replace it as needed.
Basin-The basin is neither too large nor too little for the hedgehog to wander about in. You’ll need a sufficient basin or you may bathe it simply in the washbasin. Purchase or assign a separate basin for your pet that is specifically made for him. Bathing your hedgehog in the washbasin or tub is far more convenient. The basin you select should be constructed of high-quality plastic with no overpowering chemical odor present.
Glass-We dilute shampoo/soap with water in a glass (the ratio is 2-3 drops per glass of water).
Gloves for your hands
Skin oil is required for moisturizing the animal’s skin after bathing.
Manicure scissors or nail cutters – for trimming an animal’s claws. The nail plate relaxes after bathing, making it much easier to trim the nails. For more tips on how to trim your pet’s nails, I recommend you read Hedgehog Pet Nail Clipping
Suitable soap for your hedgehog pet is also necessary
Bathing Soap Suitable For Hedgehogs’ Pets
Bathing a prickly pal would have been wonderful with baby shampoo. However, not all of them are suitable for the animal’s fragile skin. Baby shampoos are inappropriate for hedgehog pets since the ingredients in them can severely dry up the skin and create an allergic response. Human shampoos, shampoos containing tea tree oil (which is poisonous to hedgehogs), dishwashing detergents, and shampoos for fleas and other parasites should never be used to wash your hedgehog.
Shampoos for cats are much safer than shampoos for dogs or other large pets because they contain glycerin and are designed with the fact that the animal licks itself in mind, and there are no odors or chemicals that can dry out the skin.
Shampoos for rodents (ferrets, guinea pigs, etc.) are fundamentally acceptable for hedgehog pets but are nevertheless less suggested because their composition varies so much.
How To Bath Your Hedgehog Pet 6 Steps
Step 1: Fill the bath with water (no more than 5 cm), put on gloves, and carefully insert the pet beneath the abdomen in the water.
Step 2: Allow him some time to adjust to his new surroundings. Because the hedgehog is already agitated during the bath, it is best if he is not startled by sounds such as a loud voice, music, or commotion.
Step 3: Start carefully washing your hedgehog with a few drops of shampoo on the toothbrush. We start from the stomach, following the paw, and work our way back, trying not to get water or shampoo on the pet’s muzzle. After the process,
Step 4: Apply a small amount of moisturizing oil to the withers.
Step 5: Wrap the pet in a terry towel after bathing and make sure it is totally dry before letting it out.
Step 6: Finally, after cleaning, moisten your pet’s skin with linseed or olive oil (7-10 drops per wither).
Conclusion
Baths keep our hedgehogs healthy and protect them from skin problems, and they don’t have to bathe frequently to retain their hygiene. We will also take care of the hygiene of your living space, which must be washed and disinfected regularly. If water seeps into the eyes, they are cleaned properly with the appropriate solutions. For the best ways to care for your hedgehog pet, I recommend you read Hedgehog Pet Eye Care. Cotton swabs are used to remove water from the ears. For the best care for your pet’s ears kindly read Hedgehog Pet Ear Care