Hedgehog Emergency First Aid Kit Suggestions

Although you may never need it, hedgehogs have a tendency to get into mischief, which may end up in an emergency. After having performed many searches on the world wide web, I have given up on finding a good source for what should be kept in an emergency first aid kit for hedgehogs and decided to compose my own. The following is a list of items that I recommended keeping on hand in case your hedgehog ever gets into trouble. If you have any additional suggestions please contact us so that I may include them.

1. Emergency Vet's Phone Number
2. Antiseptic/Antibiotic Cream. I have seen owners suggest using Polysporin. What ever you decide on it should be an equivalent for pet use.
3. Iodine. I have always seen iodine suggested for any first aid kit as it is a very good antiseptic.
4. Gauze & tape. Keep this on hand in case you need to make a splint or for bandaging a bad wound.
5. Soft clean cloth.
6. Cornstarch. This is good to keep on hand in case you trim your hedgehogs nails too far down, or they get one torn in an accident.
7. Cotton Swabs.
8. Tweezers
9. Sharp scissors. One very good reason to have this on hand is for cutting hair or threads off of legs.
10. External heat source. (Chemical hand warmers, heating pads, Snuggle Safe heat disc, etc) These are good to use if your hedgehog ever should start to hibernate. Sick hedgehogs also have a tendency to not be able to control their temperature very well.
11. Oral syringes. I suggest getting one that measures in milliliters and teaspoons and also has a soft, flexible nipple. A soft nipple will be easier on a refusing mouth if you should ever have to force feed or water your hedgehog.
12. Can of Ensure/Boost. I suggest keeping one of these on hand in case you ever have to force feed your hedgehog. Hedgehogs who have stopped eating will loose weight extremely fast. I am still amazed at the speed my little female lost weight when she quit eating.