Post by Lilith on Nov 24, 2016 19:15:10 GMT
Hedgehog
Emergency guide
Emergency guide
Hedgehogs are a peculiar breed, and as such they require very tailored needs. No one wants an emergency to happen, but it is always good to be prepared for them. You never know when you're going to have a bad storm or a power outage, which can mean disaster for our spiky companions. Below you will find a situational guide for several common emergencies, as well as an emergency supply kit which you would do well to keep on hand just in case.
GLOSSARY
1. Hibernation attempts
2. Estivation
3. Power outages
4. Natural disasters
5. Emergency supplies
5. Emergency supplies
1. HIBERNATION ATTEMPTS
Hibernation attempts can be scary, and are probably the number one emergency the hedgehog community deals with. Hibernation attempts occur when your hedgehog gets too cold. Being naturally from warmer climates, a hedgehog's body is quite sensitive to shifts in temperature. It is important to be prepared for this, even if you don't think you need to worry about it. Hibernation attempts can kill a hedgehog fairly quickly.
Signs of hibernation
Wobbly steps
cold underbelly
unresponsive or lethargic
Curled into a tight ball
What to do
If you find your hedgehog experiencing any of the above symptoms it is likely your pet is attempting to hibernate. You need to warm your hedgehog up right away, but must do so gradually.
Place your hedgehog against your belly, skin to skin.
Use a heating pad set to low over top, or cover with blankets.
If after an hour your hedgehog is still unresponsive you must take it to an emergency vet immediately.
DO NOT PLACE YOUR HEDGEHOG IN WARM/HOT WATER. The temperature change is too drastic too fast and can cause your pet to go into shock.
-----------------------------------------------------------------
2. ESTIVATION
Estivation is similar to hibernation, although it is less common. Estivation holds similar ill effects. This occurs when your hedgehog becomes too warm, and has different symptoms.
Signs of Estivation
Laying out flat on their tummy, or "splatting"
In more extreme cases, panting
Attempting to seek cooler areas in their cage
What to do
Place your hedgehog on a cool surface, like a plate
Turn up the air conditioner if you have one
Place a bucket full of ice in their cage while you attempt to cool them
-----------------------------------------------------------------
3. POWER OUTAGES
Power outages can be a regular occurrence in many parts of the world, and can do great harm to a hedgehog. As previously discussed, keeping your pet warm is a must. When the power goes out for an extended period of time, your hedgehog could attempt to hibernate. It is good to have a power outage kit stashed away somewhere in your home.
Supply list
* - Optional, but very useful
hand warmers (must be wrapped in fleece before using on your pet)
Hot water bottle
Snuggle bags
Fleece blankets
Battery operated space heater
Emergency generator *
---------------------------------------------
---------------------------------------------
4. Natural disasters
No one ever expects a natural disaster to hit, however it is worth mentioning. Natural disasters are very uncommon where I am from, however those who live closer to the equator or a sea's edge can experience all sorts of craziness that could potentially harm you and your pet. We will address the more common disasters and also provide a list of handy supplies that can be prepared beforehand for a disaster kit.
Tornadoes
Tornadoes are probably the most common natural disaster and can occur almost anywhere. Depending on severity they can also cause extensive property damage, injury, and in some cases death. Wind speeds can cause flying debris which is more often than not the cause of injury. They tend to be the most common disaster that leaves people incredibly unprepared. If you find yourself under a tornado warning you must take your pets with you to a safer location. It is good to have an emergency plan prepared just in case. If you have a cellar, saferoom, or basement they are usually the ideal location to be. If you are on a higher floor of your building you will need to take your pets to the ground as fast as possible. If not you will be better off in a bathroom or even a closet than anywhere else in most cases. Avoid any rooms with windows. This is very important. Wind speeds can easily cause windows to explode into the home and can cause severe injury.
Tsunamis
If you live closer to any large body of water you are probably familiar with tsunamis, on both small and large scales. Tsunamis are incredibly dangerous and bring a whole other world of problems that many don't think about. Tsunamis cause extensive property damage, and can easily kill both people and pets just due to the sheer amount of complications they create. You will want to follow a similar protocol to tornadoes, however you will need to seek higher ground if the area floods. If there are evacuation protocols in place you need to follow them. If you get stuck in your home avoid all rooms with windows. Get to an attic or onto the roof if the area has flooded severely. From there unfortunately it does become a waiting game while rescue teams are implemented. Do not attempt to swim for help. Do not enter the water. Tsunamis often knock down power cords which can stay charged, and a raised water elevation means all manners of aquatic animals may be lurking in the waters depths. If you get this stuck you have to wait for help. There is no way around it.
Earthquakes
Earthquakes often come out of nowhere. That being said they can take a lot of the population by surprise and cause mass devastation. Between buildings collapsing, ground breaking apart and human panic earthquakes can be terrifying. If you are caught out in the open you must move away from buildings, utility wires and street lights. If you are caught inside do everything in your ability to find a secure place. Move to the strongest supported areas of your building. Stay away from glass, windows, and any exterior supporting walls and doors. Never go into an elevator. Stay away from anything that could drop on your head, like light fixtures. Find a sturdy piece of furniture (desks, tables, ect) and shelter yourself beneath it until the shaking stops. If there are no sturdy pieces of furniture in the vicinity you will need to find a decent corner to cover your head in. The important thing to remember is to not attempt to evacuate until the shaking has stopped. Many earthquake related injuries come from situations where panicked people attempted to make a run for it.
5. Emergency supplies
No matter the disaster, it is always good to have an emergency kit prepared for any and all pets you own, not just hedgehogs. Below you will find a basic list of items that may come in handy in the event of a catastrophe.
For your pet
At least a week worth of hedgehog safe cat kibble (Store in freezer)
Large bottle of clean water
Dried meal worms
Hand warmers
Battery powered space heater
emergency enclosure bin that is easy to carry
Emergency generator
Extra fleece or bedding
snuggle bags
Igloos or other hides
toys
towels
For you
At least a week worth of non perishable food
Large bottle of clean water
Emergency clothing
blankets
towels
Matches & lighters
Small amount of kindling
Emergency flares
Good quality flashlight
Last edit: 12/28/16
Made by Time Lapse of Adoxgraphy.
