Maintaining the highest standards of health and wellbeing is the key to becoming a responsible hedgehog parent. Knowing the likes and dislikes of hedgehogs as well as what they may be allergic to can be a big part of that.
This article answers the question “What Are Hedgehogs Allergic To?” by revealing what foods, bedding materials, and scents pet hedgehogs should never be exposed to. Let’s get started.
Table of Contents
What Are Hedgehogs Allergic To?
Hedgehogs are allergic to citrus fruits, milk, chocolates, and nuts. Avoid applying essential oils that can burn their skins and always protect pet hedgehogs from exposure to wood-shaving derived cage bedding.
Knowing their likes and dislikes can help you create the most serene living environment for pet hedgehogs. This minimizes exposure to health problems that may require expensive treatments while reducing the hedgehog’s quality of life.
What Kinds of Food Are Hedgehogs Allergic To?
Hedgehogs enjoy a wide variety of diets and typically rely on dry and wet cat foods as a staple. Many folks are experiencing positive results from feeding commercial hedgehog diets to their beloved quill babies.
Fruits and vegetables can also serve as nutritional supplements for caged hedgehogs since they eat different varieties in the wild. However, hedgehogs may be allergic to many types of foods and consumption could lead to health problems. Let’s dive into a few of the foods to avoid.
Citrus Fruits
Hedgehogs are allergic to citrus fruits due to the high acid content which can pose issues including stomach upsets and digestion problems. If you’re thinking of adding citrus to your pets’ diet, it is time to look for healthier alternatives.
Avocados
Avocados contain numerous toxins that may cause problems for hedgehogs and should be avoided. Their significant fat content could expose hedgehogs to obesity and related effects.
Mushrooms
Mushrooms are another popular food hedgehogs are allergic to. While it is not true for all varieties, some mushrooms contain toxins that could create problems including indigestion and stomach trouble for hedgehogs.
Chocolates
Chocolates are a tasty treat enjoyed by many of us but resisting the temptation to feed your hedgehogs can literally save their lives. Chocolate contains theobromine, a potentially life-threatening toxin for animals including hedgehogs.
Dark chocolates usually contain more theobromine than white chocolate but hedgehogs should consume neither. Chocolate may also contain dairy, another popular food hedgehogs are allergic to.
Milk
The consumption of milk and dairy products typically stimulates allergic reactions in hedgehogs and should be completely eliminated from their diets. Hedgehogs are lactose intolerant and side effects often include diarrhea and stomachache.
Do not be surprised to see domesticated hedgehogs wallowing in pain and looking disoriented after ingesting butter, cheese, or milk.
Nuts and Seeds
Hedgehogs are allergic to nuts and seeds because of the high fat and fiber content that sometimes slows down the digestion process. Many folks have a peanut butter allergy so you can imagine the effect of peanuts on the little hedgehog’s body.
What Essential Oils Are Hedgehogs Allergic To?
Hedgehogs are allergic to many types of essential oils because they may have a burning effect on their skins resulting in rashes and other forms of irritations. Not only should you never apply these essential oils directly to the hedgehog’s skin but avoid spraying them into the air because inhaling could trigger breathing difficulties.
A couple of essential oils hedgehogs can be allergic to include:
- Cassia
- Cinnamon Bark
- Eucalyptus
- Lemongrass
- Peppermint
- Teatree oil
- Cloves
Also, avoid scented candles that contain any of the toxic essential oils stipulated above because they could expose pet hedgehogs to respiratory problems.
What Soaps Are Hedgehogs Allergic To?
Hedgehogs require soaps made from vegan ingredients or oatmeal to prevent negative reactions that may affect their health and comfort. A few popular soaps that could stimulate allergies are discussed below.
Regular Soaps
Due to the presence of additives and harsh chemicals, hedgehogs are typically allergic to many regular soaps. They enjoy fortnightly or monthly baths in a bucket or bathtub but only healthy shampoos should be used to prevent breakouts and skin irritations.
Many hedgehog owners report positive results from using unscented baby shampoos but always check the component ingredients to be sure of zero potential allergens.
Aloe Shampoos
Aloe shampoos can stimulate allergies in hedgehogs because they find the plant and its by-products toxic. Side effects include rashes on the hedgehog’s skin as well as irritation at their backs where the spines are located.
Hedgehogs enjoy healthier lives when protected from exposure to aloe plants and products.
What Cage Bedding Are Hedgehogs Allergic To?
Hedgehogs are allergic to many types of cage bedding and this becomes evident when they start developing rashes or skin irritations. If your new hedgehog is showing signs of unhealthy skin after arriving at home, the type of cage bedding used could be responsible.
Hedgehogs are allergic to the following types of bedding.
Cedar Shavings
Hedgehogs are allergic to cedar shavings which can lead to catastrophic results when placed in their cage. Cedar shavings are popular among caged animal owners but mammals like hedgehogs should be an exception for a few reasons.
Cedar shavings contain Plicatic Acid, a toxic chemical that may expose hedgehogs to respiratory problems, liver diseases, and cancer. This toxic chemical together with other component hydrocarbons can repel parasites like moths and fleas successfully from the hedgehog’s enclosure.
However, exposure to Cedar shavings could do more harm than good for domesticated hedgehogs and should be avoided.
Pine Shavings
Pine Shavings are probably the most popular bedding material for caged pets but they’re one of the least recommended due to their high levels of toxicity. Pine shavings contain significant amounts of Abietic acid which can cause similar problems as Plicatic Acid.
The dustiness and moist texture are reasons why hedgehogs are allergic to pine shavings. Common side effects include sneezing, wheezing, and respiratory problems in hedgehogs with long-term exposure causing cancers and other severe health problems.
Sawdust
Sawdust may trigger allergies in caged hedgehogs due to its dusty nature which could cause several types of irritations. The dust can easily enter the hedgehog’s genitals resulting in severe irritation, skin rashes, and a decline in good skin health. (Source)
Conclusion: What Are Hedgehogs Allergic To?
Hedgehogs are allergic to a variety of bedding materials, food, essential oils, and soaps. Knowing the potentially hazardous items can help owners protect hedgehogs from a variety of situations that may trigger skin irritations, respiratory problems, and food poisoning.
Many folks discover their hedgehog’s allergies through trial and error which often puts their quill babies under severe distress. The list outlined above could serve as a guide to prevent common allergy triggers and resultant discomfort.