Wild Animals

Wild Hedgehog Drinking Water

Hedgehogs require fresh water, particularly during dry summers and while nursing, and provision of garden water alongside food significantly improves their welfare in urban environments.

Key Facts

Hedgehogs can become severely dehydrated in hot dry summers as natural water sources disappear
Nursing female hedgehogs have particularly high water requirements
Milk causes diarrhoea in hedgehogs as they are lactose intolerant
A shallow dish of fresh water changed daily is the single most beneficial provision for garden hedgehogs

Welfare Considerations

Dehydrated hedgehogs lose condition rapidly, show increased susceptibility to disease and face higher mortality during drought conditions. Urban hedgehogs in areas of hard landscaping may travel significant distances for water. Provision of fresh water alongside wet food in garden feeding stations directly prevents dehydration-related suffering and supports healthy female hedgehogs during lactation.

What You Can Do

Place a shallow dish of fresh water in the garden year-round, particularly in summer
Never provide cow milk to hedgehogs; water or kitten milk is appropriate
Place water and food near hedgehog highway access points in fencing
Report injured or dehydrated hedgehogs to local wildlife rescue organisations