Emergency First Aid Kit for Hedgehogs: What to Pack in an 8-inch Pouch
- Keep Dreaming Creative
- Aug 27
- 9 min read
Why every hedgehog owner needs a compact kit
Medical issues and missed meals can escalate fast with hedgehogs. A small emergency kit kept in your car, travel bag, or house can buy you time — not replace your vet. This kit is designed to fit an 8-inch hard-shell pencil case or small tackle box and contains only items that are safe and practical for short-term use.
See more product picks for syringes and emergency food on the Supplies Page.
Checklist for a compact emergency first aid kit for hedgehogs
Everything below fits most small hard-shell pouches. Items marked (essential) should be prioritized. Start building your emergency first aid for hedgehogs compact kit!
Essential
(carry always)
1–5 mL feeding syringe with curved or soft tip — precise, low-volume feeding & meds.
Pre-measured emergency food sachet — emergency assisted nutrition.
Pre-measured single serving of kibble — a small single-serving of their regular kibble.
Small folded microfiber towel / soft cloth — warmth, gentle restraint, or cleanup.
Disposable gloves — hygiene during handling wounds or medicine/food.
Small ceramic collapsible dish or metal ramekin — stable water/food dish.
Tiny bottle of water — for emergency hydration or to mix food/medicine with.
Very useful
(if space allows)
Tiny saline ampoules (single-use) — for gentle wound cleaning.
Tweezers & blunt-ended forceps — remove debris/splinters safely.
Small pack of gauze squares + medical tape — temporary wound dressing.
Microwaveable Snuggle Dish Warmer — for brief supplemental warmth (make sure it is wrapped in cloth so there is never direct skin contact).
Small plastic zipped bag — isolate soiled items or stool samples.
Optional
(if you have a slightly larger pouch)
Small packet of cricket powder or high-calorie treat — tempt appetite.
Mini flashlight / penlight — inspect mouth/eyes/feet.
Contact card with your vet & local exotic-pet emergency number — critical info for times of emergency - keep laminated.
How to use the most important items (step-by-step)
1) Syringe feeding technique (safe, slow, practiced)
When: only when recommended by your vet or to maintain minimal calorie intake during short-term anorexia.
Tools: 1–5 mL syringe with curved or soft tip, emergency food mixed to recommended consistency, towel, gloves.
Steps:
Prepare the feeding area. Wrap a towel loosely around your hedgehog so only the head is free (prevents flailing).
Mix food properly. Prepare Oxbow Critical Care (or vet-recommended formula) to the consistency your vet advised — usually a thin paste for syringe feeding. Warm to room temperature (test on wrist — not hot).
Load the syringe and remove air bubbles by gently flicking and depressing plunger until a tiny drop appears.
Position the hedgehog. Hold head level (not tilted back). Aim the syringe to the side of the mouth (not throat center).
Feed slowly. Deliver small amounts (0.2–0.5 mL per swallow for small hedgehogs), allowing the hedgehog to swallow between pushes. Watch for coughing or sputtering — stop immediately if present.
Aftercare. Wipe mouth, give water in a small dish if alert, return to warm, quiet area. Note volumes & times in a log to tell your vet.
Safety tips: Never force large volumes; aspiration is dangerous. If you’re unsure, call your vet to walk you through the first feeding.
2) Oxbow Critical Care (basic prep guidance — confirm with your vet)
Note: Always follow product directions and your vet’s instructions. This is a general overview.
Open a sample sachet or measure the recommended grams to water ratio.
Mix with warm (not hot) water to reach the consistency your vet recommends for syringe or spoon feeding. Usually the mix is a smooth, pourable slurry — adjust per vet direction.
Warm to room temperature (hot can scald; cold is less palatable).
Use immediately and discard leftovers after 24 hours. Store unopened sachets per package instructions.
3) Temperature checks & emergency warmth
Use the thermometer to check environment temperature. Hedgehogs should be roughly warm to the touch. If the animal is cool and responsive, use a wrapped Microwaveable Snuggle Dish Warmer (never direct skin contact), or warm the hedgehog with your own body heat by laying it on your chest and covering with a blanket. Hybernation attempts can be deadly so call your vet immediately.
Quick red flags — when to call an exotic-pet vet now
Any diarrhea, bloody stool, or vomiting.
Refusal to eat for >24–48 hours and/or rapid weight loss.
Difficulty breathing, open-mouth breathing, or severe lethargy.
Choking, coughing during syringe feeding, or signs of aspiration.If any red-flag sign appears, get veterinary help immediately. Bring your kit and note what you gave, how much, and when.
Free Printable 4×6 Emergency Contact Card
Click below to download and print!
Hedgehog First Aid & Emergency FAQs
What should be in a hedgehog first-aid kit?
Essentials: 1–5 mL curved-tip feeding syringe, Oxbow Critical Care sample sachet, single-serve portion of their kibble, small water bottle, mini digital thermometer, small towel, disposable gloves, small ceramic dish, saline ampoules, gauze pads, tweezers, and a laminated vet contact card. Keep one kit at home and one in your car.
How do I syringe-feed my hedgehog safely?
Wrap the hedgehog loosely in a towel leaving the head exposed. Warm the emergency food to room temp, load the syringe, and deliver very small amounts at the corner of the mouth, allowing swallowing between pushes (0.2–0.5 mL for small hedgies). Stop immediately if the animal coughs or sputters — aspiration is an emergency. Always follow your vet’s instructions.
My hedgehog won’t eat — what can I do right now?
Offer a small amount of warmed, palatable topper (freeze-dried insects) or a tiny spoonful of vet-approved critical care. If refusal exceeds 24 hours (or the animal is losing weight or lethargic), contact your exotic-pet vet immediately. Keep the hedgehog warm and hydrated while you arrange care.
How do I treat a small cut or scrape?
It is best to see a vet for all hedgehog injuries as the risk of infection can be quite high! In the interim, gently clean the area with sterile saline (single-use ampoule). Apply a small piece of sterile gauze and secure lightly with medical tape if needed. Monitor for swelling, discharge, or worsening — deep punctures, heavy bleeding, or wounds over joints require IMMEDIATE vet attention.
What if my hedgehog is overheated or in heatstroke?
Move to a cool, shaded area, offer cool (not cold) water in a shallow dish. Do not attempt to reduce their temperature too quickly. Do not immerse in cold water. Contact your vet immediately — heatstroke can progress quickly and needs professional care.
What do I do if my hedgehog is very cold or trying to hibernate?
Move the hedgehog to a warm, draft-free area and provide gentle supplemental heat (wrapped hand warmer or thermostat-controlled heat pad under one section of the enclosure). Raise ambient temp toward 75–80°F (22–27°C). If the hedgehog is unresponsive, shivering, or limp, call your vet right away.
Read more HERE: Preventing Hedgehog Hibernation
How do I tell if my hedgehog is dehydrated and what should I do?
Signs: tacky gums, sunken eyes, decreased skin elasticity, reduced urine output. Offer fresh water and moistened food; if you suspect moderate to severe dehydration, your hedgehog needs veterinary fluids (subcutaneous or IV) — get to a vet promptly.
What should I do if I suspect my hedgehog was poisoned?
Remove the hedgehog from the exposure source and secure the environment (take away plants/chemicals). Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a vet. Gather packaging or a sample of the suspected toxin and contact your exotic-pet vet or a poison-control resource immediately.
How should I transport an injured hedgehog to the vet?
Use a secure, well-ventilated carrier with a folded towel for warmth and gentle restraint. Keep the hedgehog stable and quiet; if bleeding, apply gentle pressure with gauze. Bring your first-aid kit, a sample of the hedgehog’s feces/food, and any suspected toxins or photos of the incident to help the vet diagnose.
What are the immediate red flags that mean “get to a vet now”?
Go to an emergency exotic vet right away if you see: breathing problems, unresponsiveness/collapse, choking, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, suspected aspiration while syringe-feeding, major trauma or heavy bleeding, or refusal to eat for >24–48 hours with lethargy or rapid weight loss.
Why is my hedgehog sneezing?
Sneezing can be caused by dust, bedding, allergies, or a respiratory infection — if sneezing is frequent, noisy, or accompanies discharge, consult an exotic-pet vet.
How can I tell if my hedgehog has mites?
Signs include itchiness, quill loss, flaky skin, and frequent scratching; a vet can confirm via skin scrape and recommend treatment.
What should I do if my hedgehog has mites?
Isolate the pet, keep bedding clean, and contact your vet for a diagnosis and approved topical/systemic treatment.
How long can a hedgehog go without food?
Short fasting may be tolerated briefly, but refusal to eat beyond 24–48 hours is concerning — seek vet advice.
My hedgehog is wheezing — what does that mean?
Wheezing can indicate respiratory infection or obstruction — prompt veterinary evaluation is recommended.
How do I stop bleeding from a hedgehog’s paw?
Apply gentle pressure with sterile gauze and get vet help if bleeding is heavy or won’t stop. Sometimes their feet get bloody from running too much on their wheels. Remove their wheel for a day or two to allow the wound to heal. You should never have wired wheels due to frequent injuries to their legs and feet.
What to do if my hedgehog falls or gets injured?
This requires immediate vet attention. Even if the hedgehog appears fine, there is risk of internal bleeding. Keep the hedgehog warm and as stress-free as possible, limit handling, control any severe bleeding, and transport immediately to an emergency vet.
What are the signs of pain in hedgehogs?
Changes in posture, decreased movement, reduced appetite, grunting, and unusual aggression can indicate pain — consult a vet.
How do I treat diarrhea in a hedgehog?
Monitor hydration and diet; if diarrhea persists beyond 24–48 hours, or if there’s blood/mucus, call your vet immediately.
My hedgehog is limp and unresponsive — what now?
This is an emergency — keep warm, minimize handling, and transport to an emergency exotic-pet vet right away.
How do I give oral medication safely to a hedgehog?
Follow your vet’s exact dosing and technique; if you’re unsure, ask the clinic to demonstrate before attempting at home. Since hedgehogs are so tiny, it can be extremely dangerous and even deadly to administer the incorrect dosage of medicine.
Can I give my hedgehog subcutaneous fluids at home?
Subcutaneous fluids should only be given if taught and directed by a vet — improper technique can harm your pet.
What do I do if my hedgehog swallowed something small?
If the animal is choking, having breathing trouble, or showing severe distress, seek emergency vet care. For minor ingestion, call your vet for guidance.
How can I tell if my hedgehog has a broken bone?
Signs include sudden limping, swelling, reluctance to move, or visible deformity — immobilize gently and see a vet.
How long will it take a hedgehog to recover from surgery?
Recovery time varies by procedure — your vet will give specific post-op care and timelines; most small procedures need days to weeks of monitoring.
Are there household toxins that commonly poison hedgehogs?
Many human foods, pesticides, rodenticides, and some plants are toxic — remove hazards and call a vet/poison hotline if exposure is suspected.
Common items toxic to hedgehogs include:
Tea tree oil (melaleuca oil)
Other essential oils (peppermint, oregano, cinnamon, clove, thyme, lemongrass, etc.)
Chocolate
Grapes & raisins
Xylitol (artificial sweetener)
Avocado
Onions, garlic, chives (allium family)
Dairy (milk, soft cheeses)
Raw/undercooked meat or eggs and fatty/fried human foods
Nuts & seeds (whole)
Citrus fruits
Cedar & fresh pine shavings
Slug pellets / garden pesticides / insecticides
Rodent baits / anticoagulant rodenticides
Antifreeze (ethylene glycol)
Human medications (NSAIDs, acetaminophen, antidepressants, etc.)
Household cleaners, bleach, solvents
Caffeine (coffee, tea, energy drinks)
Toxic garden plants (foxglove, lily of the valley, rhododendron/azalea, oleander, etc.)
Glue/sticky traps & small choking hazards
Toiletries containing potent essential oils (lotions, shampoos, hair products)
Why is my hedgehog losing quills?
Causes include stress, mites, skin infection, or seasonal shedding — if hair loss is patchy or worsening, consult your vet.
Can hedgehogs get ringworm and how is it diagnosed?
Yes — ringworm is fungal and shows as circular hairless/scaly patches; a vet can confirm and prescribe topical/systemic antifungals.
How do I clean my hedgehog’s eyes or clear discharge?
Gently wipe with sterile saline and a clean cloth; persistent discharge, swelling, or cloudiness needs vet evaluation.
My hedgehog’s stool is green — should I worry?
Green stool can indicate diet changes or bile; if it’s persistent, watery, or accompanied by other signs, contact your vet. READ: Why Is My Hedgehog's Poop Green?
How can I tell if my hedgehog is too cold?
A hedgehog should never feel cool to the touch. Cool limbs, lethargy, and attempts to burrow or hibernate are signs; bring to 73–80°F (22–27°C) and call your vet immediately.
What’s the safest way to warm a cold hedgehog?
Provide a warm environment and gentle heat source (wrapped pet warmer like the Microwaveable Snuggle Dish Warmer or your own body heat); if sluggish or unresponsive, get vet help immediately.
Can hedgehogs go into shock and what are the signs?
Yes — signs include pale gums, rapid/weak pulse, cold extremities, and collapse; this is an emergency — get veterinary care right away.
When should I take my hedgehog to an exotic-pet ER vs. a regular vet?
If it’s an emergency problem (respiratory distress, severe dehydration, trauma), prioritize an emergency exotic vet; if there is no emergency exotic vet available, your regular 24-hour vet may be able to help your hedgehog for urgent matters — call ahead.
How much blood loss is too much for a hedgehog?
Hedgehogs are very tiny, so even the smallest amount of blood loss can be life-threatening. Any ongoing bleeding, heavy bleeding, or bleeding that soaks through dressings quickly is too much — control bleeding and seek immediate vet care.
How can I recognize early signs of illness in my hedgehog before they become emergencies?
Watch for appetite changes, decreased activity, weight loss, abnormal stool, sneezing, or changes in grooming; early vet checks prevent escalation.
Do hedgehogs need regular emergency vet contacts on file?
Yes — keep local exotic-pet vets and a nearby animal emergency hospital’s contacts handy and laminated in your kit.
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