My hedgehog is red and losing hair. Can hedgehogs get parasites from insects?

Most mites are species specific, so there is little concern the mites will choose you over Milo. Call your vet and confirm Revolution use prior to administration. Apply it at least 2-3 days after bathing. If you have other pets, they should be treated as well.

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.

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. If you can have little Henry seen by a veterinarian, this would be best, because it sounds like he may be suffering from internal & external parasites. A stool sample would show if Henry has a parasite called coccidia, or other parasites such as lungworms, tapeworms , or other species of nematodes. The rubbing could result from the presence of the common mange mite of hedgehogs, although they can also harbor other mite species, fleas & ticks. Keeping his environment very clean ( every 2 days ) will prevent reinfestation once he receives treatment. Hope all is well soon with Henry.

Hi there, I'm sorry your little hamster is having trouble. Hair loss can be from a number of things- skin parasites like skin mites are very common in these guys. Also, there can be hair loss from endocrine diseases , overgrooming from stress or other things. Your vet can test your friend for parasites and then prescribe a safe medicine that you can use. Over the counter meds, such as dog and cat flea products, would be too strong and could hurt your pet. if it is not parasites, they can check to see what else might be going on.

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.

Hello, and thank you for your question. Possible causes of itching in hedgehogs include dry skin, mites, bacterial infection, or ringworm. I'd recommend starting with a vet exam, who may be able to help pinpoint a cause by physical exam alone. They will likely recommend a medication for mites, even if none are seen, as mites are a common cause of itching. In the meantime, you can try supplementing Gummy's diet with a bit of omega 3 oil in case dryness is involved. I'd also do a thorough clean of her cage, accessories and bedding in case of mites, although this won't be effective in itself - we'd need to treat Gummy with medication from the vet as well. I hope this helps, and that Gummy is feeling better soon!

Any food coloring could have possibly stained his quills. If he will allow, gently wipe with a moist, soft cloth. If the color comes off then you know it was something external. While you are cleaning him, check for obvious wounds or injury.