Can dogs and hedgehogs live together in peace? If you have both pets in your home, or you’re considering it, this article has all the answers you’ll need. We’ll start by teaching you if hedgehogs get along with dogs, and how to help if they don’t (including stopping barking).

Next, we’ll cover tough but important subjects like do hedgehogs carry diseases harmful to dogs and what to do if your dog killed a hedgehog. Of course, we’re also going to go over things like can hedgehogs hurt dogs and how to calm a scared hedgehog to ensure you have all the knowledge you’ll ever need. Keep reading for all this and more!

Dogs and Hedgehogs: How to Keep the Peace

While dogs and hedgehogs can live together in peace, caution and supervision are necessary to ensure both animals remain safe and stress-free. Dogs’ natural curiosity and prey instincts might prompt them to bark or try to play with hedgehogs, which can lead to accidents or stress for the hedgehog. With correct training, environmental modifications, and patience, peace can be maintained between dogs and hedgehogs in a shared household.

Understanding the Dog-Hedgehog Relationship

Dogs, being descendants of wolves, often retain natural instincts to chase and investigate smaller animals, including hedgehogs. Hedgehogs, on the other hand, are solitary and defensive creatures. They prefer to be left alone and will protect themselves when they feel threatened, typically by curling into a spiky ball.

Creating a Safe Environment for Both

To establish a peaceful cohabitation, create a safe, separate space for your hedgehog. Use a secure enclosure that your dog can’t get into to prevent unsupervised interactions. Introduce your dog to the hedgehog gradually, always under close supervision. Reinforce positive, calm behavior around the hedgehog with rewards.

Dog Barking at Hedgehog: How to Stop

If your dog barks at the hedgehog, using the “quiet” command can help. This command is taught by saying “quiet” when your dog barks, then rewarding them when they stop barking. Repeat this process until your dog associates the command with the action. Remember, consistency and patience are key when teaching a new command.

Monitoring Interactions Closely

Always monitor interactions between dogs and hedgehogs closely. Look for signs of stress in either animal. If your dog is overly excited or your hedgehog appears distressed, it’s time to give them some space apart.

These steps will get your dog to get along with your hedgehogs, but it’s important to remember that the underlying behavioral issues (prey drive, anxiety, overexcitement, etc.) that were causing all of this to begin with will still be present. And until you address those, any positive changes you see are only going to be temporary.

“Well, how do I make these changes last?”

By getting your dog to truly choose to follow your direction, that’s how. I tried many times to write out how you can do this before deciding it made more sense to just link you to the free video series that explains it better than I’d ever be able to.

The series is by a man named Dan who is one of the world’s leading dog obedience trainers. In it, he teaches you how to put an end to things like when your dog isn’t getting along with your hedgehogs and all other misbehavior using his fast and easy-to-follow methods.

In the first video, Dan will reveal to you why the two most common methods of dog training only doom you to failure. You can watch the video now by clicking here. Follow the proven system he’ll show you in his series and you’ll never have to spend another second worrying about your dog not getting along with your hedgehogs ever again!

Do Hedgehogs Get Along With Dogs?

Whether hedgehogs get along with dogs depends largely on the individual temperaments of the animals and the level of training and socialization. In general, hedgehogs can coexist with dogs, but it requires careful management, supervision, and the right introduction process.

1. Hedgehog’s Defensive Nature: Hedgehogs are naturally defensive animals, possessing sharp quills that serve as their primary mechanism of protection. When they feel threatened or scared, hedgehogs curl into a spiky ball, causing their quills to protrude outwards. This instinctual behavior can potentially cause injury to dogs, especially if they get excessively curious or attempt to engage the hedgehog in rough play.
2. Dog’s Prey Drive: Dogs, particularly those breeds with a heightened prey drive, might perceive hedgehogs as potential prey due to their small and distinctive size. Consequently, it’s of utmost importance to manage these interactions carefully and supervise them closely to avoid any negative or harmful incidents.
3. Socialization: It’s of critical importance to introduce your dog and hedgehog to each other in a gradual, controlled manner. Begin this process by allowing them to familiarize themselves with each other’s scent from a safe distance. As both animals gradually become more comfortable, you can slowly decrease this distance, always monitoring their reactions.
4. Training: Training your dog to behave calmly and respectfully around the hedgehog is an integral part of this process. Teaching and reinforcing commands like “leave it” and “gentle” can be particularly effective in controlling your dog’s behavior during their interactions with the hedgehog. We explain a command to stop barking in the first section.
5. Supervision: Despite successful introductions and even with thorough training, it’s crucial never to leave hedgehogs and dogs alone together unsupervised. All interactions between these two species should always be actively monitored to ensure safety.

While it’s possible for dogs and hedgehogs to coexist, each pairing is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. Therefore, always prioritize safety and be prepared to keep them separated if cohabitation doesn’t work out.

And you should know that it’s important to get this taken care of now, particularly if you have other animals in the home in addition to your dogs and hedgehogs. Getting behavioral problems fixed will ensure happy interactions between dogs and hamsters, dogs and guineas, dogs and chinchillas, dogs and ferrets, and even dogs with rabbits.

Do Dogs Eat Hedgehogs?

Dogs do not eat hedgehogs typically. While dogs may show curiosity towards these small, spiky creatures, their protective quills usually deter dogs from trying to consume them. However, dogs with strong predatory instincts might attempt to harm or kill hedgehogs, though they’re unlikely to eat them. It’s important to properly supervise interactions to avoid any harm to either animal.

Dog’s Natural Curiosity

Dogs are naturally curious animals and may be intrigued by a hedgehog’s unique appearance and movements. While this curiosity is normal, it’s crucial to monitor your dog around a hedgehog, ensuring they don’t harm themselves or the hedgehog.

Protective Quills as a Deterrent

Hedgehogs have an effective defense mechanism against potential threats: their sharp, spiky quills. When threatened, a hedgehog rolls up into a ball, making it difficult for dogs to harm them without injuring themselves.

Dangers of Dogs Attempting to Eat Hedgehogs

If a dog tries to bite or eat a hedgehog, it can result in serious injuries to the dog’s mouth or digestive system. These injuries can be painful and require veterinary attention. Further, a distressed hedgehog can also release a foam-like substance from its mouth which can cause mild stomach upset in dogs if ingested.

Preventing Negative Interactions

If you own a dog and a hedgehog, it’s essential to establish boundaries and supervise their interactions. Training your dog to respond to commands such as “leave it” can prevent potential harm to the hedgehog and protect your dog from injuries caused by hedgehog quills. The “quiet” command also is important, which we explain in the first section.

While dogs do not eat hedgehogs typically, it’s still important to supervise their interactions and train your dog to respect these spiky creatures. The curious nature of dogs can lead them to harm or kill hedgehogs, so appropriate training and vigilance are key to maintaining peace between these two pets. (More in the first section.)

Do Hedgehogs Carry Diseases Harmful to Dogs?

While hedgehogs can carry diseases, the risk of them transmitting these diseases to dogs is generally low, especially if both pets are regularly checked by a veterinarian and are well cared for. However, some diseases such as external parasites, Salmonella, and ringworm can potentially be passed to dogs.

1. External Parasites: Hedgehogs can be hosts to external parasites like ticks and fleas. These parasites can jump to dogs and cause itching, skin irritation, and potentially transmit other diseases. Regular vet check-ups can help identify and treat these parasites before they become a problem.
2. Salmonella: Hedgehogs can be carriers of Salmonella bacteria without showing signs of the disease. If your dog comes into contact with the hedgehog’s feces or contaminated objects, they may contract the bacteria, leading to symptoms such as diarrhea, vomiting, and fever in dogs.
3. Ringworm: Although not common, hedgehogs can carry ringworm, a fungal infection affecting the skin, hair, or nails. Dogs can contract this if they come into contact with an infected hedgehog, causing skin lesions and hair loss in dogs.
4. Veterinary Care: Regular veterinary visits for both your hedgehog and dog are essential to ensure they are healthy and not carrying any diseases. The vet can carry out regular check-ups, administer necessary vaccinations, and provide advice on how to prevent the spread of diseases.
5. Hygiene Practices: Proper hygiene can greatly reduce the risk of disease transmission. This includes regularly cleaning the hedgehog’s habitat, ensuring your dog doesn’t have access to the hedgehog’s waste, and washing your hands before and after handling each pet.

While there’s a low risk of disease transmission from hedgehogs to dogs, maintaining proper hygiene and ensuring regular vet visits can mitigate this risk even further. As always, it’s important to closely monitor the health and behavior of your pets to ensure they remain in good health. Learn how to do this in the first section.

My Dog Killed a Hedgehog: What Next?

If your dog killed a hedgehog, the first steps are to ensure your dog is uninjured, isolate them from the scene, and seek professional advice if needed. It’s important to understand that dogs’ predatory instincts can be triggered by small, scurrying creatures. However, this doesn’t mean that dogs inherently hate hedgehogs. Proper training and socialization can help manage these instincts and prevent such incidents.

What to Do if My Dog Attacked a Hedgehog

Firstly, check your dog for any injuries, especially around their mouth and face, as hedgehog quills can cause puncture wounds. If you notice any injuries, seek immediate veterinary care.

Remove your dog from the scene to prevent them from causing further harm or consuming any part of the hedgehog, which could lead to health issues. Contact a local wildlife rescue center or animal control for advice on handling the deceased hedgehog.

Why Do Dogs Hate Hedgehogs?

It’s a misconception that dogs inherently hate hedgehogs. Dogs are predators by nature, and their instincts can be aroused by small, fast-moving creatures like hedgehogs. This doesn’t mean they hate hedgehogs but rather are acting on their instinctive behaviors.

Preventing Future Incidents

The best way to prevent future incidents is through consistent training. Teaching your dog the “leave it” or “drop it” commands can be invaluable in situations where they encounter wildlife. Additionally, keeping your dog on a leash, especially in areas known for wildlife, can help control their behavior.

Why Supervision Is Important

Supervision is vital when your dog is outside, especially at night when many small creatures like hedgehogs are active. Ensuring that your garden or yard is secure can also prevent hedgehogs and other wildlife from entering.

A dog attacking or killing a hedgehog is usually an instinctive response, not a sign of hatred towards hedgehogs. With proper training, supervision, and preventive measures, it’s possible to manage your dog’s behavior around small animals and help keep both your pet and local wildlife safe. We explain more you should know in the first section.

Can Hedgehogs Hurt Dogs?

Hedgehogs can hurt dogs potentially, but they are not generally dangerous. Their primary defense mechanism, their spiky quills, can cause mild to moderate injuries if a dog tries to bite or play roughly with them. However, these injuries are usually not serious unless the dog has an allergic reaction or an infection sets in.

Are Hedgehogs Dangerous to Dogs?

Hedgehogs are not dangerous to dogs typically. They are small, peaceful creatures whose primary defense against threats is to roll up into a ball, exposing their sharp quills. While these quills can cause discomfort or minor injury to a curious or aggressive dog, they are not venomous or inherently harmful.

However, dogs may get injured if they attempt to bite or paw at a hedgehog. Moreover, hedgehogs can carry fleas and ticks, which can transmit diseases to dogs. It’s also worth noting that certain species of hedgehogs may carry salmonella bacteria, which can cause illness if transmitted to dogs or humans.

Can Hedgehog Spikes Hurt Dogs?

Hedgehog quills (or “spikes”) can hurt dogs. If a dog bites a hedgehog or tries to, the quills can pierce the dog’s skin, causing pain and potentially leading to infection if not properly treated. The quills could also get lodged in a dog’s mouth, throat, or stomach if swallowed, leading to more serious complications.

Preventing Interactions Between Dogs and Hedgehogs Outdoors

To protect both your dog and hedgehogs local to your area, it’s best to prevent any interactions between them. Always supervise your dog while they’re outside, particularly at dawn and dusk when hedgehogs are most active. You can also train your dog to leave hedgehogs alone using commands like “leave it” or “stay.”

What to Do if Your Dog Interacts with a Hedgehog

If your dog does interact with a hedgehog, it’s important to remove your dog from the situation without putting yourself at risk of getting pricked. Afterwards, check your dog for quills and injuries, and consult with a vet if any are found.

While hedgehogs can cause minor injuries to dogs, they are not generally dangerous. The best way to keep both dogs and hedgehogs safe is to prevent any unsupervised interactions between them. If you have both as pets, learn how to help them get along in the first section.

How to Calm a Scared Hedgehog

To calm a scared hedgehog, it’s essential to create a safe and quiet environment, handle them gently, and gradually desensitize them to human contact. Regular handling, soothing sounds, and even special treats can all help to calm a nervous hedgehog over time.

1. Create a Safe Environment: Hedgehogs need a quiet, warm, and secure environment. Reduce noise, provide a suitable hideaway, and maintain an appropriate temperature in their habitat to help them feel safe.
2. Gentle Handling: When you handle your hedgehog, be gentle and patient. Quick movements can frighten them. Let them acclimate to your scent by allowing them to explore your hand before picking them up.
3. Desensitization: Gradual exposure to handling can help hedgehogs become accustomed to human contact. Start by interacting for just a few minutes each day, gradually increasing the duration as your hedgehog becomes more comfortable.
4. Use Soothing Sounds: Soft and soothing sounds can help to calm a scared hedgehog. This could be the sound of your voice talking gently or quiet, relaxing music. Avoid sudden loud noises which can scare them.
5. Offer Treats: Offering treats during handling sessions can help your hedgehog associate your presence with positive experiences. However, ensure the treats are safe for hedgehogs and given in moderation.

Remember, each hedgehog is unique, and what works for one might not work for another. It might take time and patience, but creating a positive and reassuring environment can significantly help to calm a scared hedgehog.

I’m sure you’re ready for your dog and hedgehog to get along, so I’ll let you get started on things now. Best of luck with all of this, and thank you for checking out our article “Dogs and Hedgehogs: Do They Get Along? (+How to Help!)”.