1. **Stay Calm**: Your hedgehog can sense your stress. Approach the situation calmly to avoid further alarming your pet.
2. **Inspect the Injury**: Gently handle your hedgehog and examine the injury. Look for bleeding, swelling, or signs of pain. If the injury is minor (like a small cut), you may be able to treat it at home.
3. **Clean the Wound**: If there’s a small cut or scrape, clean it gently with warm water. You can also use a saline solution. Avoid using hydrogen peroxide or alcohol, as these can irritate the wound.
4. **Stop the Bleeding**: If there is bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze until it stops.
5. **Apply an Antiseptic**: After cleaning, you can apply a small amount of antiseptic ointment (like Neosporin) to prevent infection. Avoid using anything that contains pain relievers, as these can be toxic to hedgehogs.
6. **Monitor for Infection**: Keep an eye on the injury for signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge. If you notice any of these, it’s important to seek veterinary care.
7. **Veterinary Care**: If the injury is severe (deep cuts, fractures, or if your hedgehog is in distress), take your hedgehog to a veterinarian immediately. They may need stitches, pain relief, or other treatments.
8. **Create a Comfortable Recovery Space**: Once treated, provide a quiet and comfortable space for your hedgehog to recover. Ensure they have a warm area, as injuries can stress them out and lower their body temperature.
9. **Follow Up**: If you visited the vet, follow the aftercare instructions provided. This might include administering medication or keeping the injury clean.
Remember, hedgehogs can be very sensitive to pain and stress, so providing a calm environment and gentle handling is key to their recovery.
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