Like other pet animals, African pygmy hedgehogs also suffer from health issues. One of the most common problems is obesity. Hedgehogs become obese if they do not get adequate physical activity. Overweight hedgehogs usually have difficulty with mobility. Obesity also causes the development of severe illnesses. Obese pets require a balanced and healthy diet and regular exercise. Mite infestation affects hedgehogs, which causes itching, skin irritations, and quill loss. Regular cleaning of the enclosure helps the prevention of mites. Respiratory infections are also common in hedgehogs, particularly pneumonia. Affected hedgehogs display symptoms like sneezing, coughing, weakness, and loss of appetite. Pet owners should bring hedgehogs with respiratory problems to the veterinarian for treatment. Another common health issue in hedgehogs is the Wobbly Hedgehog Syndrome (WBS), a genetic condition in which a hedgehog wobbles as it struggles to stand still. WBS progresses to paralysis with no known cure. Pet owners should regularly bring their hedgehogs to a professional veterinarian Dahlonega GA for routine checkups.
