My hedgehog is losing quills. Can its mites spread to me or my pets?

There are no specific drugs for managing fleas in hedgehogs. Advantage and Revolution may be used "off label" but only under the direction and care of your veterinarian. Do not use flea collars or any product containing organophosphates or permethrins.

They do not usually get them form insects- but can get them from bedding, other hedgies and other pets. This does sound like it could potentially be a parasite so I would see a vet for some testing to find out what it is-- she can give you some meds if needed to get rid of any parasite-- there is not anything safe over the counter for most of the parasites that might affect them. Make sure to get rid of any wood shavings in her cage and keep it very clean and urine free.

I would recommend an exam at a veterinarian who sees exotic pets. Quill loss and dry skin can be a sign of mites in these little guys. The vet can check for these mites and to see if the quill loss is excessive/abnormal (some quill loss can be normal but it sounds like you are describing excessive loss) and prescribe medication if needed.

Rabbits and rodents with mite issues are best resolved with Revolution for kittens / cats. It is a vet only product so you will need to obtain a vet prescription to obtain the product, which will likely mean bringing your piggy in for a visit. Hope this helps.

She is probably fine to roam around the apartment after confining her for about 72 hours of the Revolution application. I would recommend you continue with Revolution dosing every 3 weeks for a few more treatments. These mites are very contagious to other dogs but since she has been treated, the house has been treated and the other dogs are on prevention they will probably not contract the mites.

It sounds indeed like your rats may be suffering from a mite or louse infection. Treatment usually consists of applying an avermectin such as Revolution or ivermectin available either in pet shops, your vet or over the internet. You can use the Revolution for dogs up to 5 lbs, at a dosage of 0.1 ml/lb of rat (you will need a 1ml syringe to measure out the dose correctly. Of course it would be easier to have the treatment done by your vet after he or she verifies whether this is indeed a mite infection/louse infection. Make sure you remove and destroy all bedding and disinfect all cages and toys.

Thanks for reaching out about Peggy and including a photo. The skin does appear a little flakey. Dermatopathies such as quill mites, skin infections, vitamin A deficiencies or other nutritional problems needs to be investigated. Monitor her for being itchy. If you continue to have problems or the condition progresses, a veterinary visit is recommended to assess and provide a diagnostic/treatment plan. Good luck.