Hedgehogs keep themselves mostly clean, so you should only have to groom them once every 3-6 months unless they get noticeable dirty more often. Foot baths can be given more frequently if the feet are evidently soiled. The more social and comfortable your pet is with you, the easier and more enjoyable the process will be! If the process is a struggle, try talking to him/her in a soothing voice and offering treats.
The easiest way to manage your pet's nails are by using one of our
Sandy Trimmer Wheels, so their nails are filed down automatically as they run. The other option is to gently clean his feet and toes with a damp cloth then trim just the ends of the nails with a small nail clipper. Note that the second nail on each hind foot is longer than the others, this is normal so adjust your trimming length.
Oral care is also an important issue when caring for your Hedgehog. If your pet is not comfortable enough to let you nears it's mouth, at least try to observe any dental problems that might need veterinarian attention. If they are comfortable enough, use pet-safe toothpaste on a cotton swap to gentle dab onto it's teeth.
Cleaning your Hedgehog can be the more pleasant part of this process if you are gentle and careful, paying attention to your pet's responses. Remove debris from between the quills using tweezers. Place your pet in the sink (or a similar basin) with up to one inch of water. Spray or pour warm water onto the quills and gently clean with pet-safe shampoo and a soft toothbrush. Rinse your Hedgehog, being careful to avoid the entire head-region. Gently dry him/her with a warm towel in a draft-free location, making sure it never gets cold.
*Get more tips and detailed explanations in the
Barron's Hedgehog Book*
by: Exotic Nutrition
