It is crucial to find out whether you are allergic to Hedgehogs or not before getting one for yourself. When I decided to get a Hedgehog a few years ago, the first concern that struck my mind was allergies. Are Hedgehogs hypoallergenic? So, I did some research, and here is what I found out!
Hedgehogs are not hypoallergenic animals. None of the breeds of a Hedgehog is hypoallergenic. The saliva, urine, and dander of these little animals might cause an allergic reaction in some human beings. Some owners are also known to have an allergic reaction to their pet’s bedding material.
You might have a lot of questions in your mind. So, let us get right into it without any further delay.
Are Hedgehogs Allergies Common? Should I Be Worried?
Very few people are known to have allergies to Hedgehogs. On the other hand, allergies from mice, cockroaches, guinea pigs, cats, dogs, or even horses are more common.
Unlike other large pets, such as dogs and cats, they possess more risk of spreading allergies.
They roam around in our house freely and stay very close to us. On the other hand, Hedgehogs spend most of their time in their cage in one corner of our house.
There is nothing to worry about the allergies unless you are a sensitive person or have some kind of serious health problem. Although you might have an allergic reaction to your pet, this does not mean that you cannot own one.
Can You Be Allergic To A Hedgehog?
Any individual around the globe can be allergic to Hedgehogs.
If you have had any health conditions, such as asthma, hypersensitivity, etc., you might develop an allergy to Hedgehogs.
Also, if you have a family background of any of these health problems, you might have an allergy to Hedgehogs. However, such cases are extremely rare.
Many owners often believe that their pet Hedgehog might be their source of allergy. However, this is not the case all the time.
There might be a possibility that when you brought them home, they had something attached to their body, which could have caused the negative reaction.
The best advice in these cases would be to visit a doctor first and then conclude. Also, sometimes, certain individuals are allergic to Hedgehogs or the smell of their cage. So, you must look into it too!
Reasons For The Allergy!
Let us now understand the basic reasons for being allergic to a Hedgehog. The main reasons for the allergy include:
- Dander
- Saliva
- Urine
Dander
Although Hedgehogs produce very less danger, it is one of the most common causes of allergies in human beings. Dander is the dead skin cells that animals shed at a regular interval.
Despite the age, breed, sex, or size, most warm-blooded animals o produce dander which eventually spreads in the surroundings leading to certain allergies.
Saliva
The saliva of Hedgehogs contains certain proteins, which are the major allergens. These proteins might lead to several allergies in human beings.
Urine
Just like the saliva of the Hedgehogs, their urine contains specific proteins too. These proteins are known to cause allergic reactions in us.
As a pet Hedgehog spend most of their lives in a cage, they have restricted space to move around, eat, poop, and pee. This often leads to their fur getting covered with urine.
Besides this, if you do not properly maintain your pet’s cage, then the chances of getting infected further increase.
Can You Be Allergenic To Hedgehog Bedding?
Being allergic to Hedgehog bedding is quite common among Hedgehog owners. Therefore, using good-quality bedding in your Hedgehog’s cage is important.
Ensure that the bedding you use for your Hedgehog is free from dust and smell.
How To Tell If You Are Allergic To Hedgehogs?
The intensity of an allergy caused by a Hedgehog can differ. However, there are some common allergic reactions that most individuals show. Listed below are some of the common symptoms:
- Itchy skin and eyes
- Sneezing
- Coughing
- Rashes
- Runny nose
- Watery eyes
- Vomiting
It is important to understand that these reactions are different for different people. Also, some people might have visible reactions, while others don’t.
The allergies from an animal might even result in some severe infections or negative reactions.
If you are unsure about the same, look for how your body reacts when you are near your pet. If you are not feeling well, the best advice would be to consult a doctor.
What To Do If You Are Allergic To Hedgehogs?
If you are sure that you are allergic to your Hedgehog, then it important to take a few steps to stop the allergy or decrease the allergens.
Listed below are some that you must take to decrease the level of your allergy:
- Do not keep your pet in the same room in which you sleep. Dedicate a separate room for them, if possible. If not, keep them in a well-ventilated area, where the spread of allergens will reduce.
- Always store your Hedgehog’s bedding outside the common area in a cool and dry place. A storeroom or a garage would work the best.
- Clean the room in which you have housed your Hedeghog regularly. Clean the entire room, including the floor, curtains, or any specific furniture present in the room. This will help keep the room allergen-free and away from dust and dander.
- Hire someone or request a family member to clean your Hedgehog’s cage as required. Using a vinegar-water solution will help to disinfect the cage thoroughly.
- Use good quality bedding in your Hedgehog’s cage.
- Do not bring your Hedgehog too close to your face while handling them. Also, do not bring them near your bed. The best option would be to play with them on the ground level.
- Do not forget to wash your hands before and after touching your Hedgehogs.
Consult your doctor for the necessary medication to relieve yourself from the negative reactions. Also, consume a diet high in Vitamin C. This will help keep your immune system strong.
To be honest, there is no precise cure for the same. However, a proper blend of a hygienic living environment and medication works for most people who want to own a Hedgehog despite their allergy.
Are There Any Hypoallergenic Hedgehog Breeds?
There is no one particular breed of Hedgehog that is considered hypoallergenic.
You must understand the fact that no warm-blooded animals are hypoallergenic. There is a slight possibility that some animals might lead more allergies than others.
However, hypoallergenic animals are just a myth.
Many times, owners think that certain breeds of Hedgehogs are hypoallergenic. However, this is untrue. The breed is not the cause of allergy, but major allergies are caused by the pets’ dander, saliva, and urine.
