It’s important to be aware of substances that are toxic to miniature pigs to ensure their safety and well-being.  Here’s a breakdown of potential toxins and resources for more information:

• Human Medications: Cardiac medications, antidepressants, and pain medications are common culprits.
• Insecticides: These are a significant concern. Permethrin is a common synthetic chemical used as an insecticide.
• Household Items: Cleaning products, paints, and expandable glues can be harmful. Laundry detergents, especially concentrated packs, can cause gastrointestinal issues and aspiration.
• Rodenticides (Rat/Mouse Poison): These can cause internal bleeding.
• Plants: Many houseplants and outdoor plants are toxic to pigs. Examples include azalea, oleander, mistletoe, sago palm, yew, bracken, hemlock, ivy, acorns, ragwort, foxglove, elder, deadly nightshade, rhododendron, and laburnum. Jimsonweed is also poisonous.
• Human Food: Certain foods that are safe for humans, can be toxic to pigs. Avoid canned fruits and vegetables (too much salt), salty foods (chips, pretzels), caffeinated items (coffee, tea).
• Alcohol: Brewing waste can also cause alcohol poisoning.
• Mycotoxins: These toxins are produced by molds and can contaminate feed.
• Coal Tar: Found in some paints and disinfectants, and can cause liver damage.

Why are pigs susceptible?

• They often seek out things that taste good, even if they are harmful.

Signs of Poisoning

• Signs can vary depending on the substances ingested.
• Common signs include: shallow or irregular breathing, elevated or weakened pulse.
• Other potential signs: blood in the eyes, tar-like stool, bloody vomit, weakness, lameness, difficulty breathing, bruising, depression, coma, seizures.

What to do if you suspect poisoning

• Contact your veterinarian or a poison control center immediately

ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: 1-888-426-4435. A fee may apply.

Pet Poison Helpline: 1-855-764-7661. A fee may apply.

• Have the following information ready:
• The substance ingested (if known)
• Amount ingested
• Time of ingested
•  
• Do not induce vomiting unless instructed by a vet or poison control expert.

Prevention

• Keep medications (prescription and over-the-counter) out of reach, preferably in locked cabinets
• Store household cleaning products and chemicals securely
• Be careful when using fertilizers, herbicides, or insecticides. Keep pigs away from treated areas until they are completely dry.
• “Pig-proof” your home and yard.
• Know the plants in your house and yard, and remove any that are toxic.
• Use rodent baits and traps in areas inaccessible to pigs.
• Keep feed bins clean to prevent mycotoxin contamination.

SPCA and Miniature Pigs

• SPCA do sometimes take in pigs
• They emphasize that pigs need specialized care.
• This includes appropriate veterinary care, adequate space, proper diet, and enrichment.
• Consider that pigs can grow to be quite large (100-200 pounds) and can live for 15 years or longer.
• Some SPCAs may have pigs available for adoption.

Please note that while some SPCA websites has information on adopting pigs, they do not have a specific list of toxic substances for miniature pigs.  However, ASPCA has a poison control center and a general list of poisonous household products that may be helpful.