Emergency First Aid for Hedgehogs

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. Please bear in mind that Hedgehogs and other wild species are protected in Ireland and to have one in your care you MUST have a license from the National Parks and Wildlife Service. An injured wild animal needs a vet ASAP so please don't waste time on social media asking for help, you might be given inappropriate advice that could delay treatment and endanger their life. 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 can. CALL US on 0868624511.

The following is a guide to Emergency First Aid prior to a hedgehog being transferred to an experienced hedgehog carer or Vet.

Hogs often carry diseases like ringworm and salmonella, therefore, when handling Hedgehogs, Hoglets and other wildlife good hygiene is essential so wear gloves. 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.

• 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. You can either use a hot water bottle at the side of the box so the hedgehog can move away from the heat if it gets too hot, or in one end of the box, 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.

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.

While it is not advisable to feed a casualty before treatment if you have contacted us and we agree that food is the right course of action and you have an adult Hog, then 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. If it is a young Hoglet, Goat's milk, via a syringe when warm can kick start their feeding, BUT ONCE MORE, WE STRESS, IT MUST GET TO AN EXPERIENCED CARER ASAP.

This is solely an emergency care guide until you can get the hedgehog into a more experienced wildlife rescue.