Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
Breckenridge Animal Hospital

3451 Breckenridge Lane

Louisville, KY 40220 USA

502-491-5800

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
  • New Patient Center
    • New Pet Intake Form
    • Online Forms
    • What to Expect
    • Veterinary Resources
    • Payment Options
  • About Us
    • Meet Our Veterinarians
      • Dr. Keith Gaines
    • Meet Our Team
  • Services
    • Diagnostic Services
    • Surgery
    • Dental Care
    • Behavior Consultation
    • Emergency & Specialty Referrals
    • Nutritional Counseling
  • Wellness Packages
    • Wellness Package FAQ's
    • Adult Wellness Packages
    • Puppy/Kitten Wellness Packages
  • My Pet's Medical Records - Petly Pages
  • Referral Rewards Program!
  • Useful Links for Pet Owners
  • Contact Us
  • Blog
  • Community Content
    • Pet Health
      • Chronic Conditions
      • Digestive and Oral Health
      • Diseases and Viruses
      • Pests and Parasites
      • Orthopedics
    • Today's Veterinarian
    • Choosing Your Pet
      • Finding Your Pet
      • Cats
      • Dogs
      • Exotics
        • Amphibians
        • Birds
        • Reptiles
          • Lizards
          • Turtles
      • Small Mammals
        • Ferrets
        • Rabbits
        • Domesticated Animals
          • Prairie Dogs
        • Pocket Pets
          • Chinchillas
          • Guinea Pigs
          • Hamsters
          • Hedgehogs
          • Rats
      • Livestock
        • Cows
        • Donkeys, Horses & Mules
        • Goats
        • Pigs
        • Poultry
        • Sheep
    • Living With Your Pet
      • Bringing Your Pet Home
      • Children and Pets
      • Providing Care
      • Travel
      • Saying Goodbye
    • Newsletter Library
      • Tips for Pet Owners
      • Seasonal Topics
      • Nutrition & Food
      • Recognizing Illness
      • Visiting the Vet
      • Equine
      • Cats
      • Keeping Pets Healthy
      • Fleas & Parasites
      • Pet Dangers
      • Behavior & Training
      • Newsletter Archive
        • Fun with Pets
        • Unbelievable Pets
    • Video Newsroom
      • Health Topics
      • Technology and Science
      • Other Interests
    • Client Survey
    • Pets4Kids
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Choosing Your Pet >
  • Small Mammals >
  • Pocket Pets >
  • Hedgehogs

Hedgehogs

  • Created in Choosing Your Pet, Small Mammals, Pocket Pets, Hedgehogs

hedgehog

Shy animals that roll into a ball when scared, hedgehogs are covered with spiky quills. They're small, clean, and fun to watch so they're quite popular as pets. Even so, these little guys need lots of activity to stay healthy.

Health

Hedgehogs can have health problems, including dental diseases, skin infections, intestinal parasites, and tumors. They may need a dental cleaning once a year to keep them from losing teeth. We can recommend a course of action during your hedgehog's annual checkup.

Just as humans lose hair, hedgehogs will lose some of their quills. But you should consult our care team if your hedgehog is losing an excessive amount or developing bald patches.

Training

Hedgehogs are quite smart and can be trained to use a litter box. With treats and patience, you might also have success getting your hedgehog to come when called or to climb up your arm. You will have more success training a young hedgehog than an older one. Younger hedgehogs are also much easier to tame and may be more willing to be handled.

Care

Hedgehogs need ample space where they can be active. A crate should be no smaller than 4x2 feet. Your pet will need bedding, a place to hide, and toys for exercise and stimulation. It's important for hedgehogs to get adequate exercise or they may become depressed or overweight. A running wheel is a good option. Be sure to clean it regularly to avoid foot infections. In the wild, hedgehogs are nocturnal, so you may hear your pet running on his wheel at night.

While hedgehogs aren't usually aggressive, they will extend their quills when they feel threatened. Supervise children to ensure they aren't playing too rough with your hedgehog. They don't like being wet and generally don't like their heads petted.

Feeding

Hedgehogs eat primarily insects in the wild, so many owners feed them mealworms or crickets. Commercial hedgehog kibble is available and contains the nutrients your pet needs to be healthy. Don't feed your hedgehog cat food as it does not include blood meal or chitin.

Hedgehogs will need a constant supply of freshwater. Some prefer a water bottle attached to the side of his cage while others like a bowl.

  • Pet Health
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Digestive and Oral Health
    • Diseases and Viruses
    • Pests and Parasites
    • Orthopedics
  • Today's Veterinarian
  • Choosing Your Pet
    • Finding Your Pet
    • Cats
    • Dogs
    • Exotics
      • Amphibians
      • Birds
      • Reptiles
        • Lizards
        • Turtles
    • Small Mammals
      • Ferrets
      • Rabbits
      • Domesticated Animals
        • Prairie Dogs
      • Pocket Pets
        • Chinchillas
        • Guinea Pigs
        • Hamsters
        • Hedgehogs
        • Rats
    • Livestock
      • Cows
      • Donkeys, Horses & Mules
      • Goats
      • Pigs
      • Poultry
      • Sheep
  • Living With Your Pet
    • Bringing Your Pet Home
    • Children and Pets
    • Providing Care
    • Travel
    • Saying Goodbye
  • Newsletter Library
    • Tips for Pet Owners
    • Seasonal Topics
    • Nutrition & Food
    • Recognizing Illness
    • Visiting the Vet
    • Equine
    • Cats
    • Keeping Pets Healthy
    • Fleas & Parasites
    • Pet Dangers
    • Behavior & Training
    • Newsletter Archive
      • Fun with Pets
      • Unbelievable Pets
  • Video Newsroom
    • Health Topics
    • Technology and Science
    • Other Interests
  • Client Survey
  • Pets4Kids

A Healthy Pet is a Happy Pet!

Preventive Care Plans Are Here

Featured Links

Click to find out more

  • Shop Online Now

    Click Here
  • Make An Appointment

    Click Here
  • Online Forms

    Click Here

Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-1:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-6:00 pm

Saturday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Location

Find us on the map

Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Say

  • ""The entire office staff and doctor are the greatest. I am very confident with taking my animal to them. Have been going to this office for over 20 yrs. Very pleased.""
    Joyce & Genef, Louisville

Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics

  • Human vs Pet Medications: Why You Should Never Share Medicine with Your Pets

    Could your medications harm your pets? ...

    Read More
  • Ways to Take the Stress Out of Your Pet's Next Veterinary Visit

    Does your pet dread veterinary visits? ...

    Read More
  • Signs on Heatstroke: Keep Your Pets Safe This Summer

    Do you know how to protect your pet from heatstroke? ...

    Read More
  • Why Heartworm Protection Is Necessary for All Pets

    Is your pet protected against heartworm? ...

    Read More
  • Cat-Safe House Plants

    Not sure which house plants are safe for your cat? Take a look at our list. ...

    Read More
  • Feline Skin Allergy Symptoms and Care

    Has scratching become your cat's favorite activity? A skin allergy may be to blame. ...

    Read More
  • The Next Step

    The grieving process includes accepting the reality of your loss, accepting that the loss and accompanying feelings are painful, and adjusting to your new life that no longer includes your pet. How do I tell my family? Family members usually are already aware of a pet's problems. However, you should ...

    Read More
  • Battling Canine Cancer

    Every day, Cindy Fleischner lines up her crew of cuddly canines for breakfast. As the four other dogs eat, Cindy pulls Katy, her 12 year old Shepherd mix aside for a peanut butter treat. Katy is battling lymphoma and this treat hides her daily dose of chemotherapy drugs. Katy is not alone in this war. ...

    Read More
  • Gastroenteritis in Pets

    Lengthy bouts of vomiting and diarrhea can be a sign that your pet has gastroenteritis, a common condition that occurs when the lining of the stomach and intestines becomes irritated. Since frequent diarrhea and vomiting can lead to dehydration, a visit to the veterinarian is a good idea if you notice ...

    Read More
  • What You Need to Know About Antibiotics

    Using antibiotics incorrectly may harm, rather than help, your pet. ...

    Read More

Newsletter Signup

Sign up for more articles

Connect With Us

  • Copyright © 2022 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map