What kind of paper bedding it is?
If you're talking about a recycled paper bedding, those are often very dusty. They also shouldn't be used as a total bedding, just in the litter pan if at all; ingesting can cause internal impaction which can be fatal, so close monitoring of any recycled paper beddings is crucial. I would recommend switching to liners because I don't feel that the possibility of it being eaten is worth it.
Cedar bedding should not be used. The only kinds of wood beddings that are appropriate are kiln dried pine (not "natural" pine) and aspen. I know you said you aren't using it, but I get the impression that you thought cedar was a type to be used, so I thought I'd mention it.
There are a number of reasons he could be scratching.
How long have you had him, and has he always been on that bedding? If he hasn't been on it long, it could be a reaction from the bedding. If the bedding is dusty, that could definitely be causing it.
It could also be mites; has he had any quill loss, or orange crust on his skin?
It could also just be dry skin. Does he have a lot of flaky white stuff on his back?
If the bedding is dusty, I would definitely recommend a switch to a different bedding and a bath to get the dust off his skin. If he's losing quills or you see an orange crust, you need to get some Revolution and treat him for mites.
Any moisturizing shampoo will work; avoid most baby shampoos, however. Aveeno unscented oatmeal wash is a favorite, and most cat shampoos will work. You can put a few drops of vitamin E or flax seed oil into the rinse water to help with dry skin.
Most people only bath when the hedgie really needs it, once or twice a month. Too much can cause more dry skin.
Congratulations on your new little one, by the way. Hope he stops itching soon!
If you're talking about a recycled paper bedding, those are often very dusty. They also shouldn't be used as a total bedding, just in the litter pan if at all; ingesting can cause internal impaction which can be fatal, so close monitoring of any recycled paper beddings is crucial. I would recommend switching to liners because I don't feel that the possibility of it being eaten is worth it.
Cedar bedding should not be used. The only kinds of wood beddings that are appropriate are kiln dried pine (not "natural" pine) and aspen. I know you said you aren't using it, but I get the impression that you thought cedar was a type to be used, so I thought I'd mention it.
There are a number of reasons he could be scratching.
How long have you had him, and has he always been on that bedding? If he hasn't been on it long, it could be a reaction from the bedding. If the bedding is dusty, that could definitely be causing it.
It could also be mites; has he had any quill loss, or orange crust on his skin?
It could also just be dry skin. Does he have a lot of flaky white stuff on his back?
If the bedding is dusty, I would definitely recommend a switch to a different bedding and a bath to get the dust off his skin. If he's losing quills or you see an orange crust, you need to get some Revolution and treat him for mites.
Any moisturizing shampoo will work; avoid most baby shampoos, however. Aveeno unscented oatmeal wash is a favorite, and most cat shampoos will work. You can put a few drops of vitamin E or flax seed oil into the rinse water to help with dry skin.
Most people only bath when the hedgie really needs it, once or twice a month. Too much can cause more dry skin.
Congratulations on your new little one, by the way. Hope he stops itching soon!
