Are there Allergies to Hedgehogs???

[mycatjavajoe]

Hi there! I was wondering if some people are allergic to these little cuties? My husband is highly alergic to rabbits, so it makes me wonder. then again, hes also alergic to cats which we have two of and LOVE! If there are alergies to them... is it okay to give them an alergy whipe down or solution or bath like we do the cats? Let me know! THANX!

STEPHANIE

[horsegal]

I think some people can be allergic to the quills but I am not sure.

[Super Chin]

There are some people who are allergic to hedgehogs. The best thing to do would be to visit a breeder (you should do this anyway before you buy) and see if he has a reaction.

[keeja820]

when we first got Kazz, we got some allergic reactions to his quills! but after some handling, we dont experience any allergic reactions anymore! hehe...oh, and the form of allergies we experienced was just some slight rashes on our forearms or wrists. it would be a lil itchy but disappeared quickly!

good luck! :hearts:

[Pringlesmom]

I am allergic to practically eveything from food to animals. I now have my second hedgehog and am not allergic to him. The most reaction I ahve ever had was a break out of small hives from his quills wherever I was holding him. I have read a lot about allergies and saw my allergist before getting one. The most reaction I have ever read about was the itchy hands/hives. I notice I will get more itchy when he needs a bath. When he is 100% clean I do not break out. I react the same way to dogs though. I will sneeze, get itchy eyes, but I will only break out in a rash from their saliva. I guess it is the annointing and the pee that lands on their quills from running that is causing the itchiness. I would definately visit a breeder first and try to hold one and see what happens. I have never heard of anyone sneezing (like they would near a dog or cat) from a hedgehog. That worst thing would be getting one and realizing that you are allergic and cannot keep him/her. I respect your interest before buying. Hope this helps!

[Nancy]

I've heard of people having everything from a slight rash to huge open runny sores from handling them. Some people also have mild to severe repiratory issues and asthma from them.

As with most allergies, sometimes it can take months to years to become allergic. You usually aren't just suddenly allergic to things, it takes repeated exposure to become allergic. :)

[HamorHollow]

I know of 1 family that is highly allergic to hedgehogs. They were potentially interested in getting one, but are very allergic to all other pets. So I took some hedgehogs to visit them and the both the mother and daughter had bad reactions.

I also know of some people who get contact allergies (hives and rashes). Sometimes that can be cleared up by washing your hands after playing with the hedgehog, sometimes not. Most are minor and disappear quickly.

My guess is that if your husband is ok with the cats, he will probably be ok with the hedgehogs. I don't know if you can give then any sort of wipe down, and you would want to limit bathing because they have dry skin. But the fact that your husband can live with the cats is promising.

If you have a local breeder, schedule a visit so your husband can handle the hedgehogs for at least a half hour. Then wait a day and see if he has any reaction. If you do not have a local breeder, try to find a pet store that will allow you to hold a hedgehog. My advise is to buy from a breeder. You will get a healthier hedgehog, after sales support, and you'll be happier in the long run.

[Tails]

Oh no! I didn't think a hedgehog would affect me, had no idea people could be allergic. I get my boy on Sat. but have only held one once before: last year. I have severe allergies to like everything and asthma I hope I'm ok? I probably will be ok, I'm allergic to my chins dust and I deal with it.

[HamorHollow]

Oh no! I didn't think a hedgehog would affect me, had no idea people could be allergic. I get my boy on Sat. but have only held one once before: last year. I have severe allergies to like everything and asthma I hope I'm ok? I probably will be ok, I'm allergic to my chins dust and I deal with it.


I will keep my fingers crossed for you. Severe reactions are rare, and washing your hands (or any area in contact with the hedgehog) after playing with him will help.

I think that if you can handle the chin, you should be fine with the hedgehog.

Let us know how it works out!

*This board is starting to make me want to rescue an older chin!*

[Pringlesmom]

I've heard of people having everything from a slight rash to huge open runny sores from handling them. Some people also have mild to severe repiratory issues and asthma from them.

As with most allergies, sometimes it can take months to years to become allergic. You usually aren't just suddenly allergic to things, it takes repeated exposure to become allergic. :)

Wow. I never knew about the runny sores or the severe respiratory issues. Everything I ever read stated that hedgehogs are great for people with allergies. I have asthma too and have no respiratory problems from Scoops and I didn't have any from Pringle either. Thank Goodness!!!! Well, if this is true, I hope that everything turns out well for you.