Pet Pig Guide
Pet pigs can be wonderful companions but do require specialized care to keep them healthy and happy. If you are a pet pig owner or are thinking of becoming one, this guide will help you understand the most important aspects of their care.
DIET & HOUSING
What Food & How Much
Pet pigs typically live between 12-20 years, but obesity and complications associated with being overweight can greatly reduce the longevity and quality of their life.
Mazuri Mini Pig Food
Available at most pet and livestock supply stores
It is important to remember that pet pigs are genetically still pigs, designed to gain weight quickly and effectively, so they can gain weight relatively easily with very little food. They require much less food than you would feed a dog or other animal of similar size.
There are many complete commercial diets available for pet pigs that have all their required nutritional needs (including vitamins and trace minerals). We recommend feeding a complete feed (such as Mazuri Mini Pig Mature Maintenance or similar), following the feeding instructions on the label for the ideal weight of your pig (not the weight they currently are if they are overweight). You can soak their pellets in warm water for 30 minutes before serving. This increases their water intake (read the importance of adequate water below) as well as creates bulk in their diet making them feel fuller with less food.
Please consult your veterinarian if you have any further questions regarding the amount and type of food to feed your pet pig.
Treats
Treats are important for the human-animal bond as well as a training aid; however, like many things, moderation is best. If you must give treats, avoid high-processed people food, most fruits (too much sugar), and starchy vegetables (again too much sugar). Watermelon and fresh, leafy greens make great treats.
Monitoring Body Condition
Regularly assessing your pig’s body condition is a great way to make sure they are not becoming overweight. It is much easier to keep them at a healthy weight than try to get them to lose once they are already obese. If your pig is at an ideal body condition you will be able to see their hips and just slightly see their ribs. You want to be able to see a “waist” when looking from above (tapers inward from the ribs to hips).
It is very difficult to convince your pig to step on a scale so pictures can help to see changes in their condition over time – it is best to take a top view and side view to capture their body condition.
Overweight Potbelly Pig
Image courtesy of The Boston Globe
Signs your pig is overweight:
Their stomach skims the floor
They have fat rolls, mainly around their face, eyes, and neck
They are reluctant to stand or walk
They have excessive discharge around their eyes or have issues opening their eyes or seem blind – this is called “fat blindness” which is caused by excessive fat around the eyes from obesity
Exercise & Enrichment
Your pig must get regular exercise to keep their joints healthy and their weight managed. Providing a large space to roam and explore (such as a fenced backyard) and encouraging natural behavior like rooting helps limit behavior issues like aggression. You can encourage rooting and play with toys such as treat balls and food puzzles. Use a few pieces of their kibble as the treat to keep it low calorie. Pigs are very smart (one of the top five most intelligent animals) so working their body and mind helps keep them happy and content.
Mud Baths & Sun Protection
Pigs don’t sweat so they are at high risk of over-heating. They need shade and mud to help beat the heat. Not only does mud provide a place for them to play and cool off but it can also prevent health issues with their skin. Pigs are at a high risk of getting sunburned (especially pink-skinned pigs) and they coat their skin in mud as a natural sunscreen. Mud also helps moisten the skin and prevent flaking.
Pigs can become overheated easily, so it is also important to always have a shady, well-ventilated spot for them to lounge out of the heat and sun.
Keeping Clean
Pigs are very clean animals and will often pick a specific corner of their pen as their designated bathroom and some can even be litter box trained! It is important to always keep their pen clean (removing feces and spoiled food) to prevent infections and other health risks.
Provide Water Always (Inside and Outside)
It is important to always provide your pig with fresh water especially when outside and in hot weather. Use heavy bowels or containers to avoid tipping. Automatic waterers can also be a good option.
If ever you suspect your pig has not had access to water for a long period and appears to be acting dull they could be at risk of a life-threatening condition called “Salt Toxicity” (see below for more information).
FOOT & TUSK CARE
Hoof Care
Pet pigs need regular hoof care to prevent overgrowth, cracking, and infections. Their hooves grow continuously and usually need to be trimmed every 6-12 months (or sooner if there are issues).
Overgrown Toes
Image courtesy of the American Mini Pig Association
Some pigs are docile enough to allow trimming by their owners; however, if you are not familiar with proper trimming or your pig is not keen on the idea, it is best to have your veterinarian trim them.
Signs your pig needs a hoof trim:
Limping
Reluctance to get up or walk
Cracking of hooves
Curling of toes upward or to the side
Tusk Care
Male pigs’ tusks grow continuously and can lead to injury or difficulty eating. If tusks are excessively long or sharp they should be trimmed by your vet. Do not cut their tusks because this can lead to tusk root abscesses – a serious and difficult-to-treat complication.
Indication your pig needs a tusk trim:
Excessively long (growing past gum line) or sharp
Growing upwards into gums or face
Injury to other pigs, animals, or humans
Difficulty eating or chewing
Malodor of breath
HEALTH MANAGEMENT
Spay & Neutering
Male pet pigs should be neutered around puberty (age 3-6 months) or at about 15 pounds of body weight. Waiting longer ensures their urethra grows to its maximum diameter, reducing the risk of urethral stones (see more information below); however, certain traits associated with hormones can develop (such as aggression and foul odor) so some owners may wish to have their male pigs neutered sooner.
Uterine and ovarian tumors are very common in female pigs and spaying them eliminates that risk. It is best to spay pigs early while they are small, usually 3-6 months, at about 20 pounds of body weight. Consult your veterinarian on when best to spay your pig.
Vaccines
Vaccinations are typically done annually at the time of their yearly vet health check. The three main pathogens we vaccinate for in pet pigs are erysipelas (diamond skin disease), tetanus, and rabies. Erysipelas is found in the soil, causes infections and rashes in pigs, and can also spread to humans! It is important to vaccinate your pig for this disease yearly or every 6 months if there is a known increased risk (e.g., a previous infection or immune-compromised individual).
COMMON HEALTH CONCERNS
Mobility Issues / Arthritis
Arthritis is a common concern, mainly in older pet pigs, and can greatly decrease their quality of life. Obesity and inadequate hoof care are the two main causes of arthritis in pet pigs. You can prevent the onset of arthritis by ensuring your pig stays at an appropriate weight and receives regular foot trims.
Signs your pig has arthritis:
Limping
Reluctance to stand or walk
Swollen joints
Improper wear / uneven wear of their hooves
There are a variety of medications and other treatments that can help mitigate and prevent the effects of arthritis. Please consult your veterinarian for further guidance regarding the management of arthritis in your pet pig.
Skin Issues
Pet pigs are prone to various skin issues including dry skin, rashes, and parasites.
Dry, flaking skin is a common occurrence in pet pigs. Please always provide mud for your pigs so they can keep their skin moisturized and prevent sunburn. If you are still having issues with flaky skin, you can try giving them oral vitamin E or increasing the fat in their diet (either with commercial high-fat diets, fish oil, or vegetable oil). Trace mineral imbalances can also cause flaky skin. Consult your veterinarian for further recommendations regarding treating flaky skin in pet pigs.
The number one cause of a very itchy pig is mange (sarcoptic mites). This condition can also spread to you so if your pig is excessively scratching, please seek veterinary advice immediately.
There are other various infectious and environmental causes of rashes in pigs. If you see a rash on your pig and your pig is acting off or lethargic, seek veterinary advice immediately.
Eye Issues
Pet pigs are prone to eye issues including foreign bodies (e.g. foxtails) and excessive tearing (from obesity, see above).
Signs your pig may have an eye issue:
Excessive tearing
Squinting
Redness
Rubbing the eye
Blue/cloudiness of the eye
Ear Issues
Pet pigs can also get ear infections, especially from yeast and bacteria. They need their ears cleaned and evaluated regularly, usually at the time of their yearly vet check-up.
Signs your pig may have an ear issue:
Excessive debris or drainage from the ear
Shaking head excessively
Head tilt
Malodor to ear
Gastrointestinal Issues
Pigs are susceptible to a variety of gastrointestinal issues including ulcers, foreign body obstructions, and constipation.
Signs your pig has a GI issue:
Not wanting to eat (this is an emergency!)
Decreased interest in food
Vomiting
Diarrhea
Straining to poop
Weak / Lethargic
Gastrointestinal issues are a medical emergency in pet pigs. If you see any of the above signs, please seek veterinary advice and care immediately.
Water Deprivation & Salt Toxicity
Pigs are very sensitive to water deprivation and if with-held from water can succumb to a potentially fatal disease called “Salt Toxicity.” If there is an incidence of suspected water deprivation (e.g. the water bowl was accidentally knocked over and not noticed) and your pig appears sluggish, disoriented, or having seizure-like activity, seek veterinary care immediately. Do not provide water! This can actually make matters much much worse by causing swelling in the brain. Instead, immediately seek veterinary advice for further guidance.
Urethral Stones (Urolithiasis) in Male Pigs
Pet male pigs can get a life-threatening condition called “urolithiasis” or stones that become stuck in their urethra, preventing urination and risking bladder rupture. If you see your pig straining to urinate (can sometimes look like they are straining to poop), or they seem weak or lethargic – seek veterinary advice and care immediately.
Castrating your pig later in life (around 4-6 months of age), feeding an acidifying diet (consult your veterinarian on best practices regarding this), and increasing their overall water intake (soaking their food in water before serving, always providing fresh water etc.) can help mitigate their risk of urethral stones.
When to Call the Vet
Sudden loss of appetite – this is an EMERGENCY
Vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours
Straining to urinate or defecate
Weakness or lethargic
Difficulty breathing, coughing, or nasal discharge
Incidence of water deprivation
Pain or limping
Excessively itchy
Rashes
Discharge from eyes or ears
KEY TAKEAWAYS
Pigs make great pets and are very intelligent and affectionate animals, but they do require a specialized approach to care. With the right diet, exercise, and preventative care, you can ensure your pig lives a long, healthy, and happy life!
References
Jones, M. Course 53: You, Too, Can be a Pet Pig Doctor. Large Animal Continuing Education.
UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine. (2018, February). Swine Medicine Lecture Series 7 & 8. Large Animal Medicine Track. Davis, CA.
Zimmerman, J. J. (2019). Diseases of swine. John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Related Resources
https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=5807330
