With hedgehogs becoming more popular, as a lot of people are finding them in their backyards. More and more people are asking questions about how to take care of them.
We often get questions about hedgehogs and water and if hedgehogs can swim.
The answer to that question isn’t just a yes or no answer, there are a few different things to consider. In this post, we are going to look at some of the important things you should know about when it comes to hedgehogs and swimming.
We’ll also look at if swimming is an appropriate activity for hedgehogs and we’ll provide some tips on getting your hedgehog to safely swim in water. So if you want to learn more about a゚аlittle hedgehog swimming, you’ll want to keep reading.
Can Hedgehogs Swim?
Hedgehogs are incredible swimmers! They usually swim to escape predators or to cross a body of water.
They have the buoyancy of a cork, so they can float on the surface of the water and they can swim because they have a waterproof coat of spike quills that contains air chambers and allows for buoyancy.
They are capable of swimming a distance of up to 2km or hold their breath for 1 minute.
Swim ability does vary widely across hedgehog breeds. The most common swim capable hedgehog breeds are:
- Egyptian Long-Eared Hedgehog
- European Hedgehog
- African Pygmy Hedgehog
- Indian Long-Eared Hedgehog
Hedgehogs will not typically swim unless there is absolutely no other choice for survival.
A hedgehog can dehydrate quickly or suffer heat stroke, so swimming in a cooler environment helps with hydration and cooling of their body.
If you own a pet hedgehog, then you should always supervise them in water and ensure that fresh drinking water is available and accessible.
So, if your hedgehog loves swimming and has access to a large enough body of water, it is normal that they are able to swim.
But there are many stories of hedgehogs drowning in baths and pools because they were not allowed to get out of the water when they recognized they were tired!
Is It Good for Hedgehogs to Swim?
Overall, swimming is a fun and healthy activity for hedgehogs, but be sure to take the proper precautions.
The only exemption for an aquatic hedgehog is when your pet hedgehog may have ailments or health issues that could affect them swimming comfortably. In those instances, you will want to ask your vet before allowing your hedgehog to go near water.
Some awesome advantages of letting a hedgehog swim are:
Exercise:
It is a great way to exercise hedgehogs, and something they enjoy!
Health:
It is healthy for hedgehogs, swimming facilitates exercise and relaxation (yes!), and swimming may even help hedgehogs sleep better at night.
Enrichment:
Swimming may provide just enough mental stimulation/ activity for your hedgie to fend off boredom and inactivity. Swimming is also a great bonding experience with your hedgehog!
If your hedgehog is healthy and enjoys swimming, you can provide your pet with a small pool or tub for them to splash about in.
Just make sure to supervise any swimming sessions with your hedgehog and remove obvious hazards in the area of swimming that could “harm or drown” your hedgehog.
Can Hedgehogs Drown In Water?
to exhaustion because they cant get out on their own.
Just because hedgehogs are naturally good swimmers, doesn’t mean they can’t drown. In fact, drowning is a very real possibility for hedgehogs when they swim too much, or jump into deep water while playing around it.
If you have a pool or another body of water on your property (And you keep hedgehogs), it’s very important to take measures to prevent your hedgehog/s from drowning.
While hedgehogs can hold their breath for up to one minute, they are still unable to climb out of a pond or swimming pool.
If a hedgehog jumped into a deep pool of water and got tired trying to climb out, either doggy paddling or clutching onto the edge of the pool, he would eventually drown due to exhaustion.
Conclusion
Can Hedgehogs Swim? “Sure. Hedgehogs can swim and are swimmers. They can swim near the water surface, and they use their front and back legs to paddle.”
This means they are good at swimming short distances, but will be very much less efficient than other animals if they were to swim long distances.