Are hedgehogs hypoallergenic?

The simple answer is – Yes!

Definition

hy·po·al·ler·gen·ic
adj.
Having a decreased tendency to provoke an allergic reaction.
The American Heritage® Medical Dictionary

The definition of hypoallergenic may surprise some people. Hypoallergenic does not mean non-allergenic. Hedgehogs are not very likely to cause an allergic reaction, but it has been known to happen. Hedgehogs produce very little dander, which is the usual culprit for animal allergies. It is extremely rare that hedgehog dander produces any sort of reaction. Allergic reactions to hedgehogs are usually from small pricks of the hedgehog’s quills that have been contaminated with an allergen.

Allergies to Bedding

The majority of people who think they are allergic to their hedgehog are actually allergic to the bedding. You might want to try switching to different bedding options if you are affected. I am allergic to almost all of the bedding, so I use a hepa filter right beside my hedgehog cages. Due to my allergies, if the quills prick my fingers I get a little rash that disappears within minutes of washing my hands. I know that some people get hives after handing hedgehogs and that is probably due to an allergen being pushed into the skin.

How to lessen allergic reactions

If you find that you have a severe reaction to the bedding, you should try fleece or corduroy fabric that is cut to fit in the bottom of the cage. Remember to look for loose threads in the fabric, since hedgehogs have been known to get their feet caught and lose circulation which leads to amputations.

If you suspect that you are allergic to hedgehogs, it can help to bathe the hedgehog monthly in lukewarm water and a drop of olive oil. It is also a good idea to keep an air purifier with a hepa filter close to the cage. Since hedgehogs produce very little dander, this should be all that is needed to relieve your symptoms.

My own experiences

Although my cat is hypoallergenic (bengal cat breed), I will get a reaction if I touch my eyes after petting him. I have noticed that if I pet my cat and then handle my hedgehogs I am more likely to get a rash. I also have mild allergies to perfumes, hay, mold, most cleaning products and animal dander. I find that if I wash my hands with hand sanitizer before handling the hedgies, that I rarely get any rash. If you have troubles with allergies, I’d recommend washing your hands before handling your hedgehogs, but avoid scented soap.

So, of course you love your hedgehog. Who wouldn’t? But, can you love your hedgehog too much?

Possibly.

Imagine a family with a child who loves hot dogs and chips. What child does not love hot dogs? It is not too hard to imagine. Now imagine that the parents give the child hot dogs and chips every single day.

Obesity

Obesity is one of the leading causes of death in hedgehogs. Treats shouldn’t be fed every day. A basic healthy staple food should be the majority of every pet’s diet. Treats should only be fed sparingly. I’d recommend no more than a few times per week (e.g. a few mealworms at a time).

Over the years I have heard many pet owners tell me how spoiled their pets are and how they are given treats all the time. Just as often I see overweight and unhealthy pets. Our pets depend on us to provide a healthy diet, just the same as children depend on their parents.

We as pet owners sometimes feel that a pet’s diet is boring and monotonous, so we want to spice it up by adding lots of treats. Ultimately, the health of the animal should be more important.

Keeping Your Hedgehog Fit

If your hedgehog starts to look too plump (you can tell by looking at the underbelly or from above since hedgehogs should have a tear shape) reduce the amount of treats and be careful to limit their daily food intake. In the wild, hedgehogs may need to walk for miles to find food, so obesity is not usually a concern. Pet hedgehogs need significantly less fat intake. Each hedgehog is different. Some are more active than others (e.g. running in their wheel all night). Owners should monitor their hedgehogs weight and feed their hedgehogs accordingly. You will have a happier and healthier pet in the long run.

What is it?

Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome or WHS is a debilitating disease which is compared to Multiple Sclerosis. It is a progressive, degenerative, neurological disease usually showing first symptoms in the hind legs with paralysis then spreading to the front legs and upwards Paralysis could affect one side of the body more causing the hedgehog to fall over. Age of onset of symptoms is usually around 18 months and death usually occurs between 2 to 18 months after onset.

Cause

Up to 10% of pet hedgehogs are reported to carry this disease. Some people believe that the disease is diet-related. While I do not agree with that, I know that diet is important for the health of the hedgehog in general. A high quality diet should always be provided for your hedgehog.

I feel that WHS is a genetic disease, although there is no proof as of yet. The cases that I have heard of always seem to run in certain lines. Given this theory, I will not breed any hedgehogs with any known cases of WHS in their ancestry. Until the cause is proven, it is important for breeders to be cautious. This is another reason to buy from a reputable breeder and not a pet store. Pet stores often sell heavily inbred hedgehogs with a greater likelihood of genetic diseases/conditions.

Cure

Unfortunately, there is no cure for WHS. But, with treatment and care you can heighten the quality of life of an afflicted hedgehog.