What Should I Do If My Dog Finds a Baby Bird or Hedgehog?
If your dog finds a baby bird or hedgehog, stay calm and gently move your dog away from the animal as quickly as possible. Most young wildlife should be left where it is unless it is clearly injured or in immediate danger. The priority is keeping both your dog and the wild animal safe while deciding whether help is actually needed.
Below is practical guidance our pet care team often share with customers who encounter wildlife in their garden. 🐾
How can I tell if a baby bird actually needs help?
Many people rescue baby birds unnecessarily.
Signs the bird is a fledgling (and should be left alone)
Fledglings often leave the nest before they can fully fly.
You may notice:
Feathers mostly developed
Hopping or fluttering on the ground
Parent birds nearby watching or feeding it
If this is the case, the parents are likely still caring for it.
What you should do instead:
Keep your dog away from the area
Move the bird to a nearby bush or low branch if it’s in danger
Leave the area so the parents can return
When a baby bird does need help
Intervention may be needed if:
The bird is featherless or very young
It has visible injuries
The nest has clearly fallen
Your dog has picked it up
In these situations, contact a local wildlife rescue or vet for advice.
What should I do immediately if my dog finds a baby bird or hedgehog?
The first few moments matter most.
Follow these simple steps:
Call your dog away immediately and secure them indoors or on a lead.
Check the animal from a distance without touching it at first.
Keep other pets and children away from the area.
Look for obvious injuries such as bleeding, limping, or difficulty moving.
Avoid handling the animal unless necessary.
Wild animals become extremely stressed when handled, so minimal contact is always best.
Guidance from organisations such as the RSPCA and PDSA recommends leaving young wildlife alone unless it is injured, abandoned, or in immediate danger
What should I do if my dog finds a baby hedgehog?
Baby hedgehogs (called hoglets) can sometimes be found alone in gardens, but that doesn’t always mean they are abandoned.
First, observe the hoglet carefully.
A hedgehog may need help if it:
Is very small (under ~200g)
Is out during the daytime
Appears weak, injured, or cold
Has been carried or bitten by a dog
If any of these apply, it’s best to seek advice from a wildlife rescue.
Organisations such as the Blue Cross advise placing the hoglet in a ventilated box lined with a towel and keeping it warm while waiting for help
How can I prevent my dog disturbing wildlife in the garden?
Spring and early summer are peak seasons for young wildlife.
Some simple precautions can reduce the chances of your dog encountering vulnerable animals:
Check the garden before letting your dog out, especially near hedges
Keep dogs supervised during dawn and dusk, when wildlife is active
Leave wild corners in the garden undisturbed
Train a reliable recall command
Avoid letting dogs investigate dense hedges or nesting areas
These small habits protect wildlife and help prevent injuries to your pet.
Is it dangerous if my dog picked up the animal?
It can be risky for both animals.
Even gentle dogs can accidentally cause injury, and wildlife can carry parasites or infections.
If your dog picked up, mouthed, or injured the animal, you should:
Safely contain the wild animal
Contact a wildlife rescue
Monitor your dog for scratches or bites
If your dog was bitten, a quick vet check is advisable.
When should I contact a vet?
Contact a vet if:
Your dog has been bitten or scratched
Your dog picked up the animal in its mouth
The wildlife animal is injured or bleeding
The animal appears weak, cold, or unresponsive
Your vet may treat your dog or advise contacting a wildlife rehabilitation centre
Should I touch a baby bird my dog found?
Only if necessary. If the bird is in immediate danger (for example on a path or lawn), gently move it to nearby cover. Otherwise leave it alone.
Will the parents abandon a baby bird if humans touch it?
No. Most birds have a limited sense of smell and will still care for their young.
Can dogs harm hedgehogs easily?
Yes. Even playful dogs can seriously injure hedgehogs, especially young ones. It’s best to keep dogs away and contact wildlife experts if there has been contact
At Smith’s Pets, we always recommend a balanced approach — support local wildlife thoughtfully, supervise outdoor time, and choose products that protect every animal in your garden.
