We’ve all seen those adorable online videos of dogs forming unlikely friendships with creatures like bunnies, cats, birds, and even hedgehogs. If you haven’t witnessed the cuteness of a dog-hedgehog friendship, we suggest you do some googling to truly appreciate the “aww-factor” we’re talking about.
But here’s the question: can dogs catch diseases from hedgehogs?
Are there specific illnesses or conditions that your dog can contract from being in close proximity to a hedgehog?
Unfortunately, the answer is yes.
Hedgehogs can indeed transmit certain ailments to your dog. These include fleas, mites, salmonella, and ringworm. It’s important to take precautions to ensure the well-being of both your pets and be aware of any signs that your dog may have contracted something from your hedgehog.
Signs Your Dog Has Caught Something From Your Hedgehog
There are several things your dog can catch from a hedgehog, whether it’s a pet or in the wild. If you decide to get a hedgehog, it’s crucial to watch out for the following symptoms and conditions in your dog:
– Itchiness, hair loss, mange, loss of appetite, fever, or skin sores from fleas or mites transmitted by the hedgehog.
– Signs of salmonella infection, such as fever, diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, dehydration, depression, and a lack of interest in activities.
– Symptoms of ringworm, including hair loss, poor coat condition, red and crusty skin, and excessive itching.
Body Language
Your dog may exhibit certain body language cues to indicate that something is wrong. If you suspect your dog may have caught something from a hedgehog, keep an eye out for the following behaviors:
– Shaking
– Cowering
– Panting
– Chewing
– Scratching
– Pacing
– Weakness
Other Signs
Here are some additional signs to consider when monitoring your dog for symptoms of something caught from a hedgehog:
– Sores or ulcers
– Crusty skin
– Red skin
– Depression
– Dehydration
– Lethargy and fatigue
– Decreased activity
– Diarrhea
– Vomiting
– Loss of appetite
– Itching and scratching
– Mange
– Fever
– Hair loss
The History of Dogs and Hedgehogs
The popularity of pet hedgehogs has skyrocketed in recent times, thanks to their adorable appearance and relatively low maintenance. However, it’s important to consider the impact of buying exotic pets on the wild hedgehog population. Additionally, people often overlook the various diseases and conditions that hedgehogs can carry and spread when purchasing them as pets.
The Science Behind Dogs and Hedgehogs
Hedgehogs can spread infections such as salmonella, ringworm, mites, and fleas to dogs and other pets. Moreover, hedgehogs can transfer zoonotic diseases, which can be contracted by humans as well. Salmonella is a prominent example of a zoonotic infection that both humans and dogs can catch, resulting in severe symptoms.
How to Train Your Dog and Hedgehog to Get Along (and Stay Healthy)
Ensuring a harmonious and healthy relationship between your dog and hedgehog largely depends on your actions. Take the following precautions:
– Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds after handling your hedgehog before touching your dog.
– Clean up after your hedgehog and avoid bringing them into areas where food or drinks are prepared.
– Avoid snuggling, kissing, or touching your dog after interacting with your hedgehog.
– Keep dogs with immune deficiencies or poor health conditions away from hedgehogs.
– Train your dog to stay away from the hedgehog through obedience commands like “no,” “stay,” and “leave it.”
“In the delicate dance of dog and hedgehog, it’s important to recognize the signs and symptoms of potential ailments to keep your furry friends healthy and happy.”
Tips & Things to Know
1️⃣ Be aware of the potential health risks: Hedgehogs can transmit fleas, mites, salmonella, and ringworm to dogs. Keep an eye out for symptoms such as itching, hair loss, fever, diarrhea, and loss of appetite.
2️⃣ Pay attention to your dog’s body language: If your dog is shaking, cowering, panting, chewing, scratching, pacing, or displaying weakness, it may be a sign that they have caught something from the hedgehog. Look out for other signs like sores, ulcers, crusty or red skin, depression, dehydration, lethargy, and decreased activity.
3️⃣ Take preventive measures and train your dog: Wash hands thoroughly after handling a hedgehog before interacting with your dog. Keep your hedgehog’s living area clean and separate from areas where food or drinks are prepared. Train your dog to stay away from the hedgehog using obedience commands like “no,” “stay,” and “leave it.”
Frequently Asked Questions, Answered ✅
1. Can dogs catch diseases from hedgehogs?
Yes, dogs can catch diseases such as fleas, mites, salmonella, and ringworm from hedgehogs.
2. What are the signs that my dog has caught something from a hedgehog?
Signs to look out for include itching, hair loss, mange, fever, scabs or sores on the skin, diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, and loss of appetite.
3. How can I tell if my dog is feeling sick after being near a hedgehog?
Watch for body language cues such as shaking, cowering, panting, chewing, scratching, pacing, weakness, and decreased activity.
4. What are some other signs that my dog may have caught something from a hedgehog?
Other signs to consider include sores or ulcers, crusty or red skin, depression, dehydration, fatigue, loss of hair, and itching.
5. How can I ensure that my dog and hedgehog coexist safely?
Take precautions such as washing hands after handling the hedgehog, keeping the hedgehog away from areas where food or drinks are prepared, and training your dog to stay away from the hedgehog on command.
