1. **Gather Supplies**: You will need:
- Cotton balls or soft gauze
- A gentle ear cleaner specifically designed for small animals (avoid using alcohol or hydrogen peroxide)
- A towel to wrap your hedgehog in (to prevent them from moving around too much)
2. **Prepare Your Hedgehog**: Gently wrap your hedgehog in a towel, leaving one of their ears exposed. This will help keep them calm and prevent them from rolling away.
3. **Inspect the Ears**: Before cleaning, take a moment to look at the ears for any signs of dirt, wax buildup, or infection (such as redness or discharge). If you notice anything unusual, consult a veterinarian.
4. **Apply Ear Cleaner**: Put a few drops of the ear cleaner on a cotton ball or gauze. Avoid pouring the cleaner directly into the ear canal.
5. **Clean the Ear**: Gently wipe the inside of the ear flap and the outer ear canal with the moistened cotton ball or gauze. Be very gentle to avoid hurting your hedgehog. You can use a fresh cotton ball for each ear to avoid cross-contamination.
6. **Dry the Ears**: After cleaning, make sure to dry the ears gently with a dry cotton ball or gauze to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to infections.
7. **Reward Your Hedgehog**: After the cleaning session, give your hedgehog a treat to reinforce the experience positively.
**Frequency**: Clean your hedgehog's ears as needed, usually every few weeks, or if you notice excessive wax buildup or dirt.
**Important Note**: If your hedgehog shows signs of pain or discomfort during cleaning, or if you suspect an ear infection, seek veterinary assistance immediately.
By following these steps, you can help keep your hedgehog's ears clean and healthy!
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