Cat shampoo is a good choice for cleaning your hedgehog’s quills. [4] X Research source Tear-free baby shampoo is another good option. Since hedgehogs are prone to dry skin, oatmeal shampoo would be a great choice. Oatmeal nourishes and moisturizes the skin. Look for a pet-specific oatmeal shampoo at your local pet store.
The toothbrush or nailbrush are small enough to give your hedgehog’s quills a good cleaning. In addition, these items would protect your hands from getting pricked during cleaning. Make sure the toothbrush or nailbrush is dedicated to only cleaning your hedgehog. [6] X Research source Nailbrushes are available at your local pharmacy. If you are cleaning your hedgehog’s quills in a sink, you will also need a rubber stopper. Place your supplies by the bathing area (either the tub or sink) so you will have everything close by when you need it.
Clean your sink or tub before adding the water. Be mindful that hedgehogs tend to urinate or defecate during bath time. If you are using a sink, choose one where you will not be preparing food. Make sure to use shallow water only in your hedgehog’s bath. If the hedgehog rolls up in deep water, then he may drown. After the bath, disinfect the sink or tub.
Scoop up some shavings in your hands as you pick him up. This will lessen the chance of you getting pricked by his quills. When you have lifted him up, slowly work the shavings out of your hands. This will allow your hedgehog to feel your skin on his belly and begin to relax by lying his quills back down. [9] X Research source
Let him soak in the water for a few minutes before you start cleaning his quills. [11] X Research source If you’re using shampoo, pour about an ounce of it into your hand and then onto the hedgehog. This is equivalent to about a dime-size dollop.
Don’t hold your hedgehog underneath a running faucet; your hedgehog may get burned if the water is too warm.
Use extra shampoo in the trouble spots. [15] X Research source Cleaning your hedgehog’s quills in the opposite direction of their growth could be painful for him.
Rinse him off in the direction of the growth of his quills to ensure all of the shampoo and dirt is rinsed away. [17] X Research source
Drying off a hedgehog is difficult, since it is challenging to get in between all of his quills.
Allow at least a few hours for your hedgehog to dry off. Think of this as good bonding time with him. Wrap him up snugly in a towel and let him rest in your lap while you watch TV. [19] X Research source Snuggle sacks, which resemble tiny fleece sleeping bags, are available for hedgehogs. You could place your hedgehog in a snuggle sack while he dries off.
