Does your hedgehog’s skin look dryer by the day with seemingly no end in sight regardless of the weather changes in your city? The problem can keep you up at night as the struggle to find a solution for your quill baby to enjoy a natural skin glow continues.

This article focuses on how to help a hedgehog with dry skin by revealing the various solutions such as shampoos and topical oils that can help reverse the condition. We also look into the causes of dry skin in hedgehogs and preventative measures that could be taken. Let’s get started.

How to Help a Hedgehog With Dry Skin

Signs of dry skin in hedgehogs can be reversed with oatmeal shampoo or plain oatmeal baths and by applying Vitamin E oil, Flaxseed oil, and Olive oil. Adding 2-3 drops of flaxseed oil to the hedgehog’s food, placing a humidifier in the cage environment to counteract dry air, and getting treatment for bacterial, fungus and mite infections are additional ways to treat dry skin in hedgehogs.

Formulating the right treatment for dry skin in hedgehogs begins with the identification of the underlying cause. That could determine whether homemade solutions can be effective or to go to a vet.

Why Does My Hedgehog Have Dry Skin?

Hedgehogs may suffer dry skin due to a variety of reasons since each one’s circumstances are different. Here are the common causes of dry skin in hedgehogs.

Dry Air

Dry air is inevitable during winter and exposure to drafts may lead to dry skin in hedgehogs. Providing some form of heat can protect them from the chilly winter winds and minimize the risks of suffering dry skin.

Heat lamps may be a great addition to homes with no central heating. You could also add heat pads in the cage to provide some warmth for the hedgehog. Not only can this improve their comfort during the harsh winter months but the risks of suffering dry skin could at least be minimized if not eliminated.

Excessive Bathing

Hedgehogs enjoy baths because it produces amazing relaxation. However, excessive bathing may result in dry skin especially when harsh soaps or shampoos are used. Failure to rinse their bodies properly in clear water typically increases the risks of dry, flaky skins.

Many hedgehog owners also rub their skins with towels after baths which can increase the risk of excessive dryness. It is recommended that you wrap the towel around your hedgehog’s body gently and wait patiently for the skin to dry.

Prolonged Exposure To Heating

Providing some warmth during chilly weather protects the hedgehog’s skin from dryness but prolonged exposure to heat can counteract those benefits. Experts recommend turning off the central heating routinely to prevent sucking the moisture out of the hedgehog’s skin.

If you’d rather use heat lamps or space heaters, the best practice is to only heat one side of the cage to allow the hedgehog to alternate between warm and cool areas for comfort at different periods.

Bacterial and Fungal Infections

Bacterial and fungal infections can cause numerous side effects including dry skin in hedgehogs. Keeping their cages or enclosures clean and dry typically keeps the majority of such infections at bay. Hedgehog cages should be spot-cleaned every 1-2 days and completely cleaned weekly for maximum results.

Additionally, food and water bowls should be washed every 24 hours. Avoid leaving leftover food in the cage for more than a day to prevent them from consuming and suffering various infections that can have serious effects on their health.

Mites

Hedgehog mites are a leading cause of dry skin as the parasites leech considerable amounts of moisture and nutrients. Other signs of mite infestations in hedgehogs include constant scratching and licking of their skin as well as quill losses and weight loss.

Book an appointment with your vet as soon as signs of a mite infestation become apparent for the right treatments to be prescribed. Not only will the hedgehog enjoy a much higher life quality but could also experience a reversal of the dry skin symptoms.

Quilling

This is the process where hedgehogs lose old quills in favor of new ones. Hedgehogs typically undergo a few rounds of quilling during their first year of life resulting in multiple side effects including dry skin. While quilling may be inevitable, their skins do not have to be so dry as long as you take the necessary precautions including giving them regular oatmeal baths. Oatmeal baths also provide soothing relief from the discomfort associated with quilling.

Dehydration/ Poor Nutrition

Hedgehogs require healthy nutrition to guarantee good health and vitality. Not only should their food contain the right nutrients like Vitamins C and E but it should also feature the correct amounts of moisture to promote good skin.

Besides, hedgehogs require access to good drinking water to stay hydrated and enjoy healthy-looking skin. Making sure that their water bowls and bottles are always clean and refilled helps achieve just that.

Bedding

Some popular bedding types like fleece can absorb moisture from your hedgehog’s skin during play or sleep. Since physical contact with bedding is inevitable in their cages, it is only a matter of time before your beloved quill baby starts showing signs of dry skin.

Always consult your vet before introducing any new bedding into your hedgehog’s cage if you’re unsure of the best options. In our experience, paper-based types like shredded paper and newspapers work well without side effects.

Harsh Shampoos and Chemicals

Hedgehogs are delicate little animals that require the mildest shampoos during bathing. Unfortunately, some shampoos on the market which may even be labeled “Pet-friendly’ could contain chemicals that are too strong for them.

Dry skin can be inevitable after usage, especially among owners that do not pay close attention to their hedgehog’s skin regularly. Experts recommend oatmeal baths for hedgehogs to prevent such negative side effects.

Allergies

Does your hedgehog have extra sensitive skin? If yes, the dryness and flakiness could be due to allergies from physical contact with wood shavings, paper shreds, and puppy pads. The hedgehog may also suffer allergic reactions to certain soaps and laundry products used in washing their bedding or cleaning their cages.

Dry skin triggered by allergies often affects only specific parts of their bodies such as the sides and stomach. If your hedgehog only started experiencing dryness after using certain products, it is time to ditch those.

How To Treat Hedgehog Dry Skin Internally

Dry skin symptoms may become conspicuous externally but internal treatments can be effective. This is because the external side effects are often a result of internal issues that have been left unresolved.

The best internal treatment options for dry skin in hedgehogs involve adding recommended solutions to their food. Some hedgehogs may reject food with new additions so you have to monitor their response to be sure of no appetite losses before continuing.

CBD Oil

CBD oil can soothe skin irritations when ingested and we recommend adding no more than 2 drops to the hedgehog’s food every other day. The cannabinoid receptors in the hedgehog’s skin respond positively by targeting underlying causes of itch, heat, and dryness. (Source)

Flaxseed oil

Adding 1-2 drops of flaxseed oil to your hedgehog’s food can reverse dry, flaky skin. The oil should be offered 2-3 times a week while keeping a close eye for signs of improvement. Also, pay attention to the hedgehog’s stool to be sure there are no apparent signs of diarrhea.

Fractionated Coconut Oil

Fractionated Coconut Oil is a popular superfood that can provide benefits ranging from aiding digestion to speeding up metabolism and improving your hedgehog’s skin. Putting 1-2 drops every other day in their food may reverse the signs of dryness and flakiness.

Olive Oil

Olive oil is another solid alternative for treating hedgehog dry skin internally. Olive oil is proven to accelerate healing from a wide range of skin problems including dryness and even burns. Your hedgehog only requires up to 2 drops twice or thrice a week to enjoy its amazing natural skin healing properties.

Vitamin E

If none of the options above have shown definitive results for your hedgehog’s skin, it is time to turn to Vitamin E. Vitamin E is known to alleviate dryness, itching, and flakiness in not only pet hedgehogs but other animals and humans as well.

Just put 1-2 drops in their food a few times per week and watch out for the reversal of dry skin symptoms.

How To Treat Hedgehog Dry Skin Externally

There are several effective options for treating dry skin in hedgehogs externally. Each typically targets a specific underlying reason for the dryness.

Oatmeal Baths

Oatmeal baths are a great option for providing soothing relief from dry, flaky skin. Oatmeal contains various nutrients that ensure nourishment for the skin and reverse negative side effects. You may opt for packaged oatmeal baths such as Aveeno or even infuse plain oatmeal into their baths for maximum benefits.

Humidifier

Have you noticed extremely dry air in the hedgehog’s environment? A portable humidifier can come in handy in reversing dry, flaky skin. Humidifiers release moist air into the environment which ensures healthier skin for everyone.

Humidifiers come in many brands, sizes, and price ranges and it is up to you to choose what works for your budget.

Warm Cages

Providing some warmth in your hedgehog’s cage can offer relief from dry skin. It is no secret that the chilly temperatures in winter often extract moisture from the skin of animals and even humans. Providing some warmth in the quill baby’s habitat via central heating, space heaters, or heat pads could ensure not only more comfort but also the elimination of dry skin and other symptoms.

Non Frequent Baths

Hedgehogs enjoy bathing because it calms down their nerves and provides additional benefits. However, excessive bathing can trigger side effects including dry skin in most hedgehogs because even the mildest soaps and shampoos could still be too harsh on their skin.

We recommend bathing your hedgehog fortnightly or even monthly to prevent overbathing-induced dry skins.

Oils

Applying a few drops of oil on the skin of pet hedgehogs can reverse dryness and flakiness. The following options may work well when applied correctly and in the right dosages.

• Olive oil
• Flaxseed oil
• Grapeseed oil
• Safflower oil
• CBD oil
• Rosehip seed oil

Since each hedgehog’s skin is different, you may have to try a few of these oils to find the best one for your pet. We recommend applying one type on your hedgehog’s skin for a week or two before moving on to an alternative if the results are not satisfactory.

Mild Shampoos

Always use mild shampoos for bathing pet hedgehogs to minimize the risks of dry, flaky skin and other side effects. Avoid scented shampoos or soaps because the scents can be uncomfortable for them resulting in an increased risk of respiratory troubles.

Also, avoid using harsh laundry products for cleaning their cages or washing their blankets because it may result in an increased risk of skin problems.

Veterinary Appointments

Dry, flaky skin could be a result of bacterial or fungal infections which are best treated by a vet. An appointment can also reveal potential underlying reasons including mite infestations resulting in the prescription of the right antibiotics and other treatments.

Do not hesitate to contact your vet immediately after noticing signs of dry skin. It could speed up the healing process for your hedgehog because the underlying reasons can be detected much sooner.

Is Baby Oil Safe for Hedgehogs?

Hedgehogs hate baby oil due to the strong scent. It may also contain chemicals that can be harsh for their bodies and should be avoided.

Can You Put Lotion On Hedgehogs?

Avoid applying body lotion on your hedgehog’s skin because it may contain harsh chemicals. Instead, apply a few drops of coconut oil or grapeseed oil to reverse signs of dryness and flakiness.

Conclusion: How to Help a Hedgehog With Dry Skin

Dry skin in hedgehogs can be treated by applying healthy oils to their food or directly on their skin. Oatmeal baths could also provide relief for the condition because of their relaxative effects on your hedgehog’s skin but be careful not to overuse them.

Vet appointments can help detect and treat bacteria and fungal infections as well as mite infestations that may be causing dry, flaky skin. The vet could prescribe antibiotics and antifungal creams in addition to topical oils that may provide soothing relief.