Emergency First Aid for Hedgehogs
Please bear in mind that Spiky Butts and other wild species are protected species in Ireland and to have one in care you MUST apply for a license from the National Parks and Wildlife Service
An injured wild animal needs a vet ASAP please dont waste time on social media asking for help, you might be given inappropriate advice that could delay treatment and endanger life.
This is a guide to Emergency First Aid prior to a hedgehog being transferred to an experienced hedgehog carer or Vet.
The sooner that a sick or injured hog is received by an experienced vet or carer, the more chance it has of recovering. So following these instructions should increase its chances of survival.
Hogs often carry diseases like ringworm and salmonella, therefore, when handling Hedgehogs, Hoglets and other wildlife good hygiene is essential. I prefer to wear disposable or gardening gloves and practice strict hygiene. A good antibac hand gel or wipes are essential.
As a general rule a hedgehog out and about during the day time probably needs help. Please phone us for advice as soon as you notice the hedgehog
Hedgehogs don't sunbathe so if you spot one lying on the lawn, this is an emergency and it needs help asap, especially if there are flies landing.
If the hedgehog is wobbly, falling over or looks ill or injured it needs help.
Please don't forget you can phone me if you need to speak to a human being or WhatsApp details, video, photos etc.
Hogs that need rescuing will usually be really cold, suffering from exposure and/or dehydrated.
Rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife can be difficult, very expensive and unless you are an experienced carer, with a good vet to help, please don't try to rehabilitate the casualty without taking care of the specific behavioural and nutritional needs of the species, "having a go" could mean the casualty dying in your care when an experienced carer could have saved it.
If you find a Hog in need please phone us immediately for help and information.
Bev Truss RVN ADipCABT (COAPE)
APDTI010 CFRI0033
Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator
Irish Veterinary Nurse of the Year 2012 www.thehogsprickle.com
Phone The Hogsprickle 086 8624511 Co Clare, Ireland
The Hog will need water but not too much, you can use a lid from a jam jar that won't be easily knocked over, or a shallow glass bowl.
Check the Hog frequently and note any apparent change in its condition or behaviour. Hogs are wild animals so the smell and sound of a human is pretty stressful to them, remember to be quiet and as gentle as possible around them. Comforting a dog or cat is a LOT different to dealing with wild things.
We can advise on feeding as some time it is not advisable to feed a casualty before treatment
If it's advised then, if it is an adult, kitten food is ideal, but must NOT be dried food as this will cause further dehydration. Try white meat like chicken, turkey, rabbit or lamb.
Cat and dog food can be used and If it is a young Hoglet, Goat's milk, via a syringe when warm this should kick start the feeding. BUT IT MUST GET TO AN EXPERIENCED CARER ASAP
This is emergency care until you can get the hedgehog into a more experienced wildlife rescue.
An injured wild animal needs a vet ASAP please dont waste time on social media asking for help, you might be given inappropriate advice that could delay treatment and endanger life.
This is a guide to Emergency First Aid prior to a hedgehog being transferred to an experienced hedgehog carer or Vet.
The sooner that a sick or injured hog is received by an experienced vet or carer, the more chance it has of recovering. So following these instructions should increase its chances of survival.
Hogs often carry diseases like ringworm and salmonella, therefore, when handling Hedgehogs, Hoglets and other wildlife good hygiene is essential. I prefer to wear disposable or gardening gloves and practice strict hygiene. A good antibac hand gel or wipes are essential.
As a general rule a hedgehog out and about during the day time probably needs help. Please phone us for advice as soon as you notice the hedgehog
Hedgehogs don't sunbathe so if you spot one lying on the lawn, this is an emergency and it needs help asap, especially if there are flies landing.
If the hedgehog is wobbly, falling over or looks ill or injured it needs help.
Please don't forget you can phone me if you need to speak to a human being or WhatsApp details, video, photos etc.
- Put the Hog in a high-sided box or cage from which it cannot escape, they are fantastic escape artists so make sure the sides are taller than they can reach.
- Give the hedgehog lots of shredded newspaper to dig into and hide to reduce stress.
- Other wild casualties will need an old towel to lie on or to support them whilst being transported.
- Make sure the box is closed and kept away from dogs, cats and children.
Hogs that need rescuing will usually be really cold, suffering from exposure and/or dehydrated.
- A hedgehog won't drink or feed until it is warm enough, so get it warm.
- BUT wrap it in a towel so the Hog doesn't burn itself, or ideally with a heat pad that can be warmed in a microwave. You can buy these in most pet shops.
- Put a towel or small blanket over the box to keep the heat in but be careful it doesn't get too hot, or too cold, in the box.
- Put the box on thick newspaper to prevent the cold ground stealing heat out of the box and make sure the bottom of the box is dry.
- Putting the box in a dry shed or garage is better than leaving it outside. If in the garage, make sure that fumes from oil, petrol and other chemicals do not harm the Hog. Petrol lawnmower fumes can easily overpower a sick Hog.
- Give the Hog something like shredded newspaper or hay to hide under. Newspaper makes great warm bedding and is easily disposed of.
- Please keep the casualty away from pets, especially dogs, and children. Wild animals and birds are terrified of us as they see humans, dogs and cats as predators.
Rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife can be difficult, very expensive and unless you are an experienced carer, with a good vet to help, please don't try to rehabilitate the casualty without taking care of the specific behavioural and nutritional needs of the species, "having a go" could mean the casualty dying in your care when an experienced carer could have saved it.
If you find a Hog in need please phone us immediately for help and information.
Bev Truss RVN ADipCABT (COAPE)
APDTI010 CFRI0033
Certified Wildlife Rehabilitator
Irish Veterinary Nurse of the Year 2012 www.thehogsprickle.com
Phone The Hogsprickle 086 8624511 Co Clare, Ireland
The Hog will need water but not too much, you can use a lid from a jam jar that won't be easily knocked over, or a shallow glass bowl.
Check the Hog frequently and note any apparent change in its condition or behaviour. Hogs are wild animals so the smell and sound of a human is pretty stressful to them, remember to be quiet and as gentle as possible around them. Comforting a dog or cat is a LOT different to dealing with wild things.
We can advise on feeding as some time it is not advisable to feed a casualty before treatment
If it's advised then, if it is an adult, kitten food is ideal, but must NOT be dried food as this will cause further dehydration. Try white meat like chicken, turkey, rabbit or lamb.
Cat and dog food can be used and If it is a young Hoglet, Goat's milk, via a syringe when warm this should kick start the feeding. BUT IT MUST GET TO AN EXPERIENCED CARER ASAP
This is emergency care until you can get the hedgehog into a more experienced wildlife rescue.
