There is nothing quite heartbreaking as losing your beloved Hedgehog, especially if you have tried your best to treat him. However, keeping aside your emotions and making practical decisions in these challenging times would be best.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t get my Hedgehog euthanized by a vet for personal and financial reasons. So, the first question that came to my mind was, how do I humanely euthanize my pet Hedgehog at home? So, I did some thorough research, and here is what I found out.
The best way to euthanize your Hedgehog at home is by using carbon dioxide (CO2). A solution of vinegar and baking soda will help you generate CO2. The American Veterinary Medical Association even approves euthanasia with CO2. However, the most humane way to euthanize your Hedgehog is to take it to a vet.
Many people do not realize that euthanasia is an option for hedgehogs, but if your pet is in pain and slowly dying, it is an option you might want to consider.
Even though you can carry out the process of euthanasia at home, I would advise you to get it done by a vet, if possible. This is because the vet makes the procedure painless and effortless.
This guide will explain to you the entire process of humanely euthanizing your Hedgehog at home, but first, you must know when is the correct time to euthanize your pet. So, let us get right into it!
How Do You Know When To Put Your Hedgehog Down?
To identify the right time to say goodbye to your pet, The best option would be to take some guidance from a veterinarian. An open and honest conversation with the vet will help you through this challenging process.
It is essential to take this decision as soon as possible. You definitely would not want your dear pet to go through any unnecessary suffering. The vet guided me thoroughly when I experienced the same with my first Hedgehog.
Listed below are some of the few considerations that you must discuss with the vet to make the ultimate decision for the Hedgehog:
- Look if your pet is suffering from any physical injuries or incurable diseases. Such wounds and diseases can give your Hedgehog unbearable pain.
- Decide if you are ready to spend financially and mentally on the Hedgehog’s treatment. The expense of an exotic vet can pinch your pocket a little too much.
- Check if your Hedgehog is breathing normally. Also, see if your pet has a cold or if he coughs regularly.
- See if the Hedgehog is eating and drinking like always. It is a bad sign if your Hedgehog has stopped eating or drinking.
- Check if your Hedgehog has lost significant weight in the past few days. If yes, try to find out the reason for the same.
- Observe your Hedgehog and see if they participate like usual in its daily activities. For example, if your pet spends most of the time in the corner of a cage, he is probably sick.
- See if your Hedgehog is urinating and defecating without any problems. Also, see if you see any traces of blood in their pee or poop.
- See if your Hedgehog has suddenly stopped human interaction. Is it grumpier than usual? Does he behave the same way around you, like always?
- Look if your Hedgehog is facing any mobility issues. Then, see if he walks without facing any problems.
- The last and most important thing to discuss is if your Hedgehog is spending more bad days than good days.
Also Read: 10 Signs That Show Your Hedgehog Is Dying
Prepare Yourself To Say The Final Goodbye
Once you have decided to put your Hedgehog to sleep, it is time to bid your dead pet the final goodbye. To carry the process forward, you need to decide how and where you would want the process to be executed.
However, before the euthanasia process, you and your family must plan to spare some time with the little pet to bid a private goodbye.
If your children are emotionally attached to the Hedgehog, you must give them time to understand the process. Preparing them mentally for losing their beloved pet in advance is essential.
Also, you must decide if you or any family member wish to be present during euthanasia.
Also, from my personal experience, I would advise you not to let the young children of the family witness the process. It might break their heart to see their beloved pet pass away.
How Can I Euthanize My Hedgehog At Home?
Honestly, there is no humane or effective way to euthanize an animal at home. It is impossible to provide your Hedgehog with a comforting and painless death as a veterinarian would. However, if you still want to euthanize your Hedgehog at home, you can follow the process mentioned below.
List Of Materials You Will Need:
- A huge plastic bag
- A shoebox (make some holes in the box)
- Baking soda
- Vinegar (about 2-3 liters)
- A huge empty container
Procedure:
- Place your pet in the shoe box. Make sure there are plenty of tiny holes in the box. The holes will allow the easy movement of air.
- The next step is to fill the empty container with one and a half cups of baking soda. Do not fill the soda to the brim. Take a larger container, if necessary.
- Now, place the shoebox where you have kept the Hedgehog in the plastic bag and the baking soda container. You must also ensure that the box and the container are at least a foot apart.
- Reach for the container in the plastic bag with the bottle of vinegar. Now, slowly pour the vinegar into the container filled with baking soda. As you do so, you will notice a fizzing sound and movement.
- While doing so, wrap the ends of the plastic bags around your arms. This will restrict the passage of air. As a result, you will notice that the bag starts to inflate.
- After pouring 1-2 liters of vinegar into the container, use your hands to fan the air inside. After this, you can start filling the container again until you finish all the vinegar.
- After you are done, remove your arm from the plastic bag and close the ends properly. Now, all you have to do is wait for an hour or so before verifying the death.
Although the process of euthanasia might seem easy and convenient to you, it would be very harsh on your Hedgehog. Therefore, I would suggest you take help from a vet to euthanize your pet.
How To Dispose Of A Dead Hedgehog?
Once a Hedgehog has died, it is essential to dispose of the dead body correctly. If you do not wish to do it independently, a vet might help you with the process. He will probably arrange for a funeral or cremation safely and legally.
Although the process can cost you a lot, this cost will be less than the penalty for inappropriate animal disposal.
On the other hand, if you wish to handle your Hedgehog’s body by yourself, you can choose to follow any one of the options listed below:
- Private Burial: If you have a garden or backyard at your home, you can choose to bury your Hedgehog there. However, you must confirm all the legal involvements of your state.
- Composting: Composting is another way that you can choose to dispose of the dead Hedgehog. If you do not want to let your pet Hedgehog go completely, this method might work for you.
- Private Cremation: A local service provider can surely help you to arrange for a private cremation. However, this process is pretty expensive.
- Garbage Disposal: Although garbage disposal is inhumane, some might still want to do it. However, you should check with the local waste collector for the rules and regulations of the area you are living in.
If you are not confident about the process or still have some doubts in your mind, I would advise you to contact animal control or a vet for proper guidance. They will provide you with the necessary suggestions depending on the situation.
Also Read: How To Dispose Of A Dead Hedgehog? (The Right Way)
How Are Hedgehogs Put Down?
Vets mostly put down a sick Hedgehog through the process of euthanasia. This is one of the best and most painless methods to put a Hedgehog to sleep.
In typical cases, the vet will ask you to sign a form of consent, which will permit him to euthanize your pet Hedgehog.
However, no vet will carry out the process for free. The fee can range anywhere from 35$ to 250$, depending on the service they provide you.
Recommended Reading:
- What NOT To Feed Your Pet Hedgehog! (You Must Be Aware)
- Do Hedgehogs Die Easily? (All You Must Know)
- 15 Common Mistakes Hedgehog Owners Make That You Should Avoid
- How To Comfort A Dying Hedgehog? (All You Should Know)
- Why Is My Hedgehog Crying? (Causes+What You Can Do About It)
How Much Does It Cost To Euthanize A Hedgehog?
The average cost of getting a Hedgehog euthanized can be between 50$ and 500$. The cost of the process of euthanasia depends on many factors.
Now, let us see what these factors are:
- Your Location: You can always choose where you would want to put your pet to sleep. You can either do it at the vet’s clinic itself or in the comfort of your own home. This depends on you. It would be best if you considered that an in-house euthanasia service could cost as much as 500$. The cost mostly depends on the distance between your home and the service provider.
- Service-Provider: If you do not want to euthanize your Hedgehog on your own, you can get it done by a veterinarian or an animal help group in your locality. However, the cost differs for both options. While the vet can take around 50$, it will cost much less if done by a help group. Therefore, you can go with whatever option suits you the best.
- After Service: Once the euthanasia process has been done, you can either bury your pet’s body or get it done by a service provider at a pet cemetery. Burials in pet cemeteries can cost up to 800$ in total. Also, the cremation cost can vary anywhere between 50$-200$.
