Things toxic to hedgehogs

[Nancy]

I'm starting this thread to post things that are toxic to hedgehogs.

If you are unsure about something being toxic, post saying you are unsure.

If you have read somewhere that something is toxic but is not widely known, please post the source so we can confirm the information.

Remember also, when feeding or using anything on your hedgehog or any other pet, if you are unsure, ask your vet or do not use it unless it has been verified by reliable source. The saying "when in doubt, leave it out", is the safest way to go.

[Nancy]

NOTE: This is only a partcial list and just because something is not mentioned on this list, does not mean it is safe.

Grapes - are toxic to most small animals including hedgehogs. They cause renal, liver and organ failure.
Raisins - are not only toxic but can get caught in the roofs of their mouths.

Tea Tree oil - this includes, tea tree shampoo, tea trea oil, tea tree sprays and anything tea tree. This can be fatal in as little as one dose or application. It causes renal, liver and complete organ failure.

Avocados - Many people feel avocados are toxic, others feel they are safe. Personally, I would not risk it.

Ivermectin - Injected ivermectin has been the cause of many hedgehog deaths yet it has also been widely used on many hedgehogs with no problem. When a safe alternative is available, Revolution, it is simply not worth the risk to use ivermectin.
Topical and oral ivermectin has been linked to an increased risk of bladder cancers.

Nuts & seeds - can get caught in the roofs of their mouth and there is a risk of them digging an eye out will trying to claw out the nut. Nuts are fattening and provide minimal nutritional benefit.

Chocolate

Milk, dairy products - hedgehogs are lactose intolerant and cannot digest dairy. Leads to upset stomach and diarrhea.

Junk food of all types - for the same reasons it is unhealthy for humans

Ethoxyquin
BHA (butylated hydroxyanisole)
BHT (butylated hydroxytoluene) -"Toxic" may not be the right word here, but the following artificial preservatives in pet food are suspected to cause serious health issues in animals including cancer, kidney disease, birth defects, liver disease, and so on. Read the labels on the food and avoid them if the products contain any of the followings:

Polysporin and Neosporin Pain Relief or Extra Strength - Regular original Polysporin is safe to use. Any other formulas are toxic.

[Johanna]

I also heard chocolate is toxic.

[tacotac]

grapes??!! Hmmm... have to remember this.

[LunaMidnight]

Anything that's people junk food (probably even most people food) would be bad for hogs. No McDonalds for hogs! :p

[HedgeMom]

Grapes - are toxic to most small animals including hedgehogs.

Tea Tree oil - this includes, tea tree shampoo, tea trea oil, tea tree sprays and anything tea tree.

Avocados - Many people feel avocados are toxic, others feel they are safe. Personally, I would not risk it.

Ivermectin - Injected ivermectin has been the cause of many hedgehog deaths yet it has also been widely used on many hedgehogs with no problem. When a safe alternative is available, Revolution, it is simply not worth the risk to use ivermectin.

I'd add raisins, not only for toxicity but for being unsafe.

Also, even topical and oral Ivermectin has been linked to increased risk of bladder cancers.

[Johanna]

NUTS--they can caught in the roof of a hedgie mouth which can cause serious problems (and avoid foods that have them).

Johanna

~~~I love u my little girl Chiquita and you will be so very missed.

[Pringlesmom]

Seeds for the same reasons as nuts

[Janine]

Maybe this should be a stickey?

[hemi_mygirl]

I also heard chocolate is toxic.

Milk chocolate isn't toxic, per se, it's just bad for hedgehogs. Baker's chocolate is toxic to animals. I'm not sure why, or what the difference is though. HM or someone will know though.