Lavender is safe around hedgehogs. I wouldn't diffuse it nearby if you could help it, as breathing in the oil could be an irritant, but it's definitely fine in another room or at least across a room. I use lavender oil in my hedgie bath soap from time to time.
Many hedgehog owners have had success using lavender essential oil for their grouchy, stressed hedgehogs. Apply one or two drops topically, or use in a diffuser in the room.
Tea Tree oil/ Eucalyptus/Thieves - this includes: tea tree shampoo, tea tree oil, tea tree sprays and anything tea tree. Even Candles inhaled can harm your hedgehog! This can be fatal in as little as one dose or application. It causes renal, liver and complete organ failure.
We DO NOT recommend ANY candles, incense, or essential oils to be used anywhere near your hedgehog. Your pet has no way to let you know if what you are using is hurting them in any way. Do not risk your pet's life over an air freshener, candle, incense or essential oils.
A very well known Veterinarian here in Illinois that has treated and owned Hedgehogs for over 20 years was appalled to hear that owners were using Coconut Oil or ANY oils on their animals. His recommendation was Flaxseed oil or an Essential Fatty Oil (EFA3) to be added to their food every 2 - 3 days.
Talking to your hedgehog while holding, snuggling, bathing, and other enjoyable activities will help your hedgehog associate the sound of your voice with comfort and enjoyment. Over the years we have found the radio and music very soothing for a variety of different animals.
Hedgehogs are very sensitive to smells. Often, when they encounter a new smell, they will start to produce a large amount of frothy saliva.
Paper Shavings
Look for varieties that are scent-free: perfumed paper bedding can be overpowering for your hedgehog's sensitive sense of smell. Check frequently for paper getting stuck to your hedgehog's urethra and rectum. The only bedding we DO NOT recommend is cedar shavings.
Threats: The biggest threat to hedgehogs is probably habitat loss, with the change from pastoral farming to arable crops, over the last 30 years. The use of chemicals in gardens and for intensive farming kills the creatures hedgehogs need for food and may also poison them directly. Many are also killed on roads.
A badger and a hedgehog feeding together on a lawn. Badgers are hedgehogs' main predators in the UK. They are the only animals strong enough to tackle a hedgehog's spiny defences. Hedgehogs and badgers share what's known as an asymmetric intraguild predation relationship.
One of the many dangers faced by hedgehog is poisoning by commonly used pesticides and slug pellets. Many types of poisonous chemicals used in gardens and farmland are capable of negatively affecting hedgehogs, either directly or indirectly.
Lavender is toxic to dogs, especially when consumed. However, the scent can also cause respiratory symptoms in some dogs because they have a stronger sense of smell. Both the lavender plant and essential oils can be dangerous for your pet.
Lavender oil can be safe for dogs as long as it's used properly. “Some lavender essential oils will need to be diluted before they are considered safe,” Dr. Bonk said. “Using too strong of a concentration of lavender oil or too much can lead to lavender poisoning or skin irritation.”
Lavender keeps mice, mosquitos, and other common pests at bay. The intense fragrance deters the critter from the area, making it wise to grow in your yard or garden.
You can put soft hay or dried grass in as bedding, but do also try and leave some fallen leaves around for the hedgehog, not only add to options for bedding but are good places for hedgehogs to find insects and beetles which make up the bulk of their diet.
Carefresh Natural Premium Soft Pet Bedding By Monster Pets
This is another one of the best hedgehog bedding choices without a doubt. It has extremely efficient and long-lasting odor control which is so good it might take you by surprise.
Don't kiss or snuggle hedgehogs, because this can spread Salmonella germs to your face and mouth. Don't allow hedgehogs to roam freely in areas where food is prepared or stored, such as kitchens or dining tables. Clean and wash enclosures, toys, and supplies outside of your house when possible.
“Don't kiss or snuggle hedgehogs because this can spread salmonella germs to your face and mouth and make you sick,” the agency warned. No deaths have been reported and one person has been hospitalized, the C.D.C. said.
Sometimes a belly rub feels really good, and this hedgehog is here to show us just how good. Yep, it's impossible to ignore his blissful little face as he gets a mini massage!
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.
Eventually, you might notice that your hedgehog is losing quills, frequently biting, licking, chewing, or scratching itself, losing weight, has less energy than usual, and/or has seborrhea (dandruff).
a drop of Dawn dish soap is okay too. Dry your hedgehog off with a towel when finished and keep warm. If you notice your hedgehog is itching and scratching excessively then add a teaspoon or so of Aveeno oatmeal bath powder (available at Target) to the bathwater.
Moisturizing during Hedgehog Bath TIme (As Needed)
Don't apply it directly to their skin because any oils can potentially clog the pores. We don't recommend olive oil or coconut oil in their rinse water. This is because it clings to their skin and traps bacteria when they're back in their cage.