Hedgehogs become uncontrollable poopbags when running on wheels which makes it inevitable that their feet get dirty. This can lead to a terrible stench that makes it difficult to go near them, especially as a first-time hedgehog parent.

This article focuses on how to clean hedgehog feet by unveiling the step-by-step process to wash poop and other gross substances off their feet. We also look into the best ways to encourage proper grooming to maintain good health. Let’s dive straight in.

How to Clean Hedgehog Feet

Make a footbath with mild soap and an inch of warm water with a towel or blanket at the bottom. The feet gets clean as the hedgehog walks in the bathtub with the water loosening the dirt and banket or towel doing the cleaning. This can eliminate dirt, poop, and other undesirable stuff. Rinse the hedgehog’s feet several times in warm water to be sure it is completely clean.

Always check both feet to verify complete cleanliness before taking your hedgehog out of the bath. Any leftover poop stuck in the feet can be wiped with a blanket or wet towel. The feet could then be rinsed in the water again to ensure complete sanitation.

Hedgehogs spend the majority of their wake time running and engaging in other forms of physical activity. The probability of stepping into poop is high which makes footbaths a necessity because clean feet provide numerous health benefits and allow you to play more with them.

How Often Should I Clean My Hedgehog’s Feet?

Physically active hedgehogs require a daily footbath to keep their feet clean from poop, dirt, and other substances that may attract bacteria and disease-causing organisms. Poop-soaked feet can also stink which minimizes playtime with your little spiky friend.

If you’re unable to provide a footbath for your hedgehog on a specific day, make it a priority the next day. Avoid letting them go more than a day without getting a footbath unless they’re immobile or do not run on wheels for some reason.

When is The Best Time To Give Your Hedgehog a Footbath?

You can give your hedgehog an early morning or late-night foot bath. Early morning sessions are best done just before their normal sleeping time. You can also give them footbaths late at night, half an hour or so after they’re awake.

Do Hedgehogs Get Upset After A Footbath?

Footbaths can be upsetting for hedgehogs depending on how it is done. Putting them in water to get poop and dirt off their skins can be stressful so do not be surprised if they show signs of anger after the procedure.

We recommend offering tasty treats to get yourself back in their good graces whenever they seem annoyed or agitated after a bath. They’ll be more inclined in the future to receive footbaths because they know a tasty treat is on the way afterward. (Source)

Do Hedgehogs Poop When They’re in Water?

Hedgehogs poop in water especially when you give them a bath immediately after they wake up. Wait for at least 30 minutes after getting out of bed before putting them in a bathtub or bucket. This should allow enough time for pooping before they get their regular foot bath.

If you’re serious to avoid hedgehog poop in your bathtub or bucket, this is an invaluable piece of advice you can’t afford to ignore.

What To Do When Your Hedgehog Poops During a Footbath

Hedgehogs often poop during physical contact with water because it typically makes them agitated. Drain the bathtub when you spot signs of poop and refill with warm water and soap to start the process all over again.

Can I Use Baby Wipes on My Hedgehog?

Baby wipes are an effective method for cleaning poop off your hedgehog’s feet or other parts of the body. Wipes are a solid alternative when you have no time to give them a footbath but avoid using the unscented types.

Hedgehogs have a strong sense of smell and exposure to scented wipes can pose breathing difficulties. Besides, scented wipes may contain harsh chemicals that could have adverse effects on their feet, especially when applied regularly.

Baby hedgehogs especially can be affected by these wipes so you have to protect them from exposure to it.

Do Hedgehogs Only Poop When They Run?

Running triggers pooping in hedgehogs but that is not the only time they excrete fecal matter. They poop everywhere regardless of whether they’re walking, running, or even staying in one place. If your hedgie only seems to poop on its wheel it is probably because it runs for extended periods and poops a lot during those waking hours at night.

Why is My Hedgehog Pooping Where He Sleeps?

Hedgehogs love to poop anywhere in their enclosures without reservations. This can include where they sleep, eat, or play. Unlike some animals, they do not have a specific area designated for peeing and pooping.

Pooping everywhere also means a higher probability of physical contact with their excreta. Since they do not have the best eyesight, stepping in their poop is inevitable in many instances. While it may not be ideal, there isn’t much you can do about it.

Are Hedgehogs Smelly?

Hedgehogs only stink when exposed to poop, pee, or other smelly substances in their cages. They do not come off with a natural stink like some other animals which makes them perfect companions for many folks.

Keeping their cages clean can stave off bad scents and ensure the best experience during playtime with your hedgehog.

How Do I Make My Hedgehog Not Stink?

If your hedgehogs are stinking for any reason, they need a quick bath to eliminate the scents. Avoid harsh soaps because they can have negative effects including excessive dryness on their skin. Aveeno oatmeal baths are recommended for glowing skins to keep them in good shape.

Conclusion: How to Clean Hedgehog Feet

Footbaths that involve dipping the hedgehog’s skin in an inch of warm water and mild soap solution are the best way to clean your hedgehog’s feet. Placing a towel at the bottom of the bathtub ensures the removal of dirt and poop from their skin as they walk in the tub.

Rinsing the feet in fresh warm water a few times can ensure the feet stay clean and healthy to eliminate the stench. We recommend giving your hedgehog daily footbaths to guarantee maximum sanitation and healthy feet.