Welcome to “Ask Dr. Carr Anything”!  In this section, we invite you to submit your most pressing health questions about your beloved pot belly or miniature pig.  Pot- belly and miniature pigs are unique pets that require specific care and attention to maintain their health and well-being.  Understanding their needs is crucial for any pig owner, and we’re here to help!

Common Health Questions

1. What Should I Feed my Pig?

Feeding your pot-belly or miniature pig a balanced diet is essential for their health.  Many owners wonder what type of food are best.  Here are some common concerns:

·         What should be the main component of their diet?

Pot-bellied and miniature pigs thrive on high-quality pig pellets formulated for their nutritional needs and made specifically for pot-belly pigs.  These pellets should be the primary food source, supplemented with fresh vegetables and fruit in moderation.

·         Can they eat human food?

While some human foods are safe for pigs, others can be harmful.  For example, table scraps are not to be given to pigs as well as pork products and processed foods all are harmful and could cause deadly diseases.  Fruits like apples and carrots are great treats, but avoid anything high in sugar.

 2. How Can I tell if my Pig is Overweight?

 Obesity is a significant concern for pot -bellied and miniature pigs, as it can lead to various health issues.  Here are signs to watch for:

·         Body Condition Scores (BCS):

A proper BCS helps access whether your pig is at a healthy weight.  Ideally, you should be able to feel their ribs without excessive pressure, and they should have a defined waist when viewed from above.

·         Behavioral Changes:

If your pig is less active, has trouble walking, or seems to tire easily, these might be signs of excessive weight.

3. What Vaccinations or Health Check-Ups does my Pig Need?

Regular veterinary care is vital for keeping your pig healthy.  You might ask:

·         What vaccinations are necessary?

Pot –belly and miniature pigs should be vaccinated against common diseases, such as erysipelas and leptospirosis. Your veterinarian can guide you to the appropriate vaccination schedule.

·         How often should I schedule check-ups?

Annual check-ups are recommended to monitor your pig’s health, weight, and vaccinations.

4. What are Common Health Issues in Pot-bellied or Miniature Pigs?

Understanding common health issues can help you recognize problems early.  Here are a few to consider:

·         Skin Problems:

Pot-belly and miniature pigs are prone to skin conditions such as dermatitis.  If you notice excessive itching, consult your vet for diagnosis and treatment.

·         Digestive Issues:

Pigs can suffer from constipation or diarrhea. If you notice changes in their stool or eating habits, it could indicate a dietary imbalance or health issue.

5. How can I ensure my Pig gets enough Exercise?

Exercise is crucial for maintaining a healthy weight and overall well-being.  Here’s how to encourage physical activity:

·         Daily Walks:

Taking your pig for daily walks can help burn off calories and stay engaged.  Use a harness and leash designed for pot-belly pigs.

·         Interactive Play:

Provide toys that stimulate their mind and encourage physical activity.  Pigs enjoy puzzle feeders and activities that challenges them.

Conclusion

Caring for a pot-belly or miniature pig comes with unique challenges, but understanding their health needs can make a significant difference in their quality of life.  By addressing common health questions, you can ensure your pet thrives for years to come.  Don’t hesitate to reach out with your questions – Dr. Carr is here to help!

Please submit your question(s) to [email protected] . 

This is a space for all pig owners and potential owners of the community to ask questions, share knowledge, and connect over our love for these wonderful companions.  Whether you’re a pig owner or considering adding a pig to your family, we’re here to help!

Frequently asked Questions

1. What is a pot belly pig?

Potbelly pigs are a domesticated breed originally from Vietnam.  They are known for their distinctive round bellies, short legs, and friendly personalities.  They can live for 12-20 + years with proper care.

2. What should I feed my pot belly pig/ miniature pig?

A balanced diet is crucial for your pig’s health.  They should primarily eat high-quality pig pellets made for pot belly pigs, fresh vegetables and lettuce.  Avoid feeding them junk food, as it can lead to obesity and health issues, also important to avoid feeding them pork products as it can cause African swine fever (ASF).

3. How can I train my pot belly pig/ miniature pig?

Pot belly pigs & miniature pigs are intelligent and can be trained using positive reinforcement techniques.  Start with basic commands like “sit” and “come” and use treats as rewards.  Consistency and patience are key!

4. Do pot belly pigs and miniature pigs need special housing?

Yes! Pot belly pigs & miniature pigs require a safe, secure outdoor space with shelter from the elements.  Make sure they have enough room to roam, play, and root around.  Indoor pigs also need a designated area free of hazards.

5. What are common health issues in pot belly pigs and miniature pigs?

Pot belly pigs & miniature pigs can be prone to obesity, skin problems, and dental issues.  Regular veterinary check-ups and vaccinations are essential for maintain their health.

As proud pot belly pig & miniature pig owners, we all want the best for our companions.  Proper nutrition is vital to ensuring their health, happiness, and longevity.  That’s why it’s important to feed Mazuri Mini Pig Feed- a top choice for nourishing our miniature friends!

Why Choose Mazuri Mini Pig Feed?

Mazuri Mini Pig Feed is specially formulated to meet the unique needs of mini pigs. Here are some key benefits:

• Balanced Nutrition: This feed provides a complete and balanced diet, ensuring your pig gets all the essential vitamins and minerals they need for optimal health.
• Digestive Health: Mazuri is designed with fiber and prebiotics to support a healthy digestive system, helping to prevent common gastrointestinal issues.
• Weight Management: With controlled fat levels, this feed supports healthy weight management, which is crucial for the overall well-being of mini pigs.
• Palatable Formula: Pig can be picky eaters, but the tasty formulation of Mazuri is sure to please even the fussiest of eaters!
• Research-Backed: Developed by animal nutrition experts, Mazuri Mini Pig Feed is based on extensive research to ensure it meets the needs of your pig throughout their life stages.

Feeding Guidelines

When introduced Mazuri Mini Pig Feed, start with small amounts and gradually increase to the recommended serving size based on your pig’s age, weight, and activity level.  Always ensure fresh water is available and consult your veterinarian for personalized feeding advice.

New pet pig shopping checklist

• leash, harness
• potbellied pig food & treats
• food & water bowls
• crate
• baby gates
• toys
• dog bed, blankets
• brush- equine type
• shampoo
• sunscreen
• ramp *

Pig proofing your home checklist

• electrical cords & phone charger
• trash cans kitchen, bathroom, office
• houseplants
• people food
• medicine bottles
• cleaning supplies
• backyard fences
• plants, lawn chemicals
• garage chemicals

How to teach your pet pig to use a ramp*

Put a harness and leash and take them to your car door with ramp. Place one treat on the bottom of the ramp.  Tell your pet pig to “get treat”. Place another treat a little further up the ramp.  As soon as they walk up the ramp to eat the treat praise them for each step walking up the ramp.  Continue until your pet pig climbs to the top of the ramp. 

Teaching your pet pig to walk down the ramp by using the same direction as they walked up the ramp.

Bringing your adopted pet pig home.  The first thing most people want to do is show off their new pig.  But NAPPA encourages you to take it slow, your pet pig has been through a lot and it’s very stressful.  Give your new pet pig time to decompress.

The common milestone your pet pig will be the first 3 days after bringing them home from the rescue.

Keep your pig in a crate for all car rides.

Keep existing pets separated from your new pet pig.

Create a routine from day one.

Stay calm, be patient and read about the 3-3-3 rule.

The 3 day, 3 weeks, 3 months Rule

In the first 3 days, your new pet pig will be overwhelmed with their new surroundings.  Let them walk up to you as they may be scared and unsure what is going on.

After 3 weeks, your new pet pig will be settling in, feeling more comfortable, and realizing this will be their forever home.  They have figured out their environment and have an established routine that you have set. Behavior issues may start showing, this is your time to be a strong leader and show them what is right and wrong.

After 3 months, your pet pig is now completely comfortable in their home.  You have built trust and a true bond with your pet pig, which gives them a complete sense of security with you

The 3-3-3 rule is a general guideline, every pet pig is unique and will adjust differently.  Give your pet pig space and allow them to go on their own pace.

Not feeding potbellied pigs or miniature pigs from a traditional bowl can indeed assist with weight control.  Potbellied pigs and miniature pigs have a natural tendency to overeat, and their metabolism is efficient at converting food into fat. By implementing alternative feeding methods, you can help regulate their food intake and maintain a healthy weight.  Here’s an explanation of why not using a bowl can be beneficial:

1.  Slow and controlled feeding: Feeding potbellied pigs or miniature pigs from a bowl allows them to consume their food quickly and easily, often leading to overeating.  When they eat rapidly, it can be challenging for them to recognize when they are full, resulting in excessive calorie intake.  By using alternative feeding methods, such as scatter feeding or food puzzles, you encourage slower, more controlled eating, giving them time to register their satiety cues and prevent overconsumption.

2. Mental stimulation: Potbellied pigs and miniature pigs are intelligent animals that benefit from mental stimulation.  When they eat from a bowl, there is minimal mental engagement involved.  However, by introducing interactive feeding methods, such as hiding food in various locations or using puzzle toys, you provide mental enrichment.  This not only slows down their eating, but also keeps them mentally engaged and satisfied for longer periods.

3. Increased physical activity: Using alternative feeding methods can encourage potbellied pigs and miniature pigs to engage in physical activity as they search for their food.  This additional movement helps burn calories and promotes overall fitness.  For instance, scattering their food in different areas of their yard or creating food trails can stimulate their natural foraging instincts, making them work for their meals and increasing their daily exercise.

4. Portion control:  Feeding from a bowl often makes it difficult to control portion sizes precisely. By using alternative feeding methods, you have more control over the amount of food they receive.  This allows you to monitor and adjust their portion sizes to their specific dietary needs, helping to prevent overfeeding and weight gain.

Implementing these alternative feeding methods should be done gradually, allowing the pigs to adjust to the new routine.  It’s important to consult a veterinarian or Dr. John Carr to develop a suitable feeding plan that promotes weight control while ensuring proper nutrition for your potbellied pig or miniature pig.

Dr. John Carr email is [email protected] subject line: alternative feeding for my pet pig.

Developed with and approved by a qualified veterinarian- Dr. John Carr BVSc PhD DPM Dip ECPHM MRCVS

Diet

A well balance potbelly pig diet consists of:

• High –quality potbellied food such as Dr. Coles mini pig feed is the best for dry skin/hooves and male urinary tracks, Mazuri mini pig food for male urinary tracks.
• Washed vegetables such as cucumbers, tomatoes, zucchini, grapes, apples, and broccoli.
• Limited amounts of fruits.
• Clean, fresh water, changed daily
• Avoid snacks and foods with salt added
• Chewable kids vitamin without iron for ages 1- 8 years of age
• Men’s adult vitamin for pet pigs 8 years of age and older including female pigs
• When over 6 months of age feed about 1% of your pigs bodyweight

If you are in doubt, call your vet.  Always follow their advice

Housing

The living conditions of the pet pig are left up to the pet owner to determine on their family needs.  The vast majority of miniature pigs spend at least part of their day as inside house pets.  Some are let outside to go to the bathroom, to spend some time grazing and lie in the sun.  Some pigs live outside all the time and a few pigs are kept exclusively in the house with little to no outside time.  Pigs are adaptable, but they do much better if they have the same routine every day. 

• Indoor environment for your pig is one in which they are kept away from drafts and given blankets.
• Outdoor environment for your pig living in the backyard needs fencing strong enough and high enough to make sure the pig does not wander off. Providing your pig with shelter to protect them from the elements and from the sun and cold
• Pigs acclimate well to average temperatures, not to exceed 80 degrees F, be cautious of extreme temperature changes.  Pigs should never be in direct sunlight without sunscreen or in drafty area.

If you are in doubt, call your vet.  Always follow their advice

Normal Behavior and Characteristics

Always balance consistency and variety in your relationship with your miniature pig.

• For consistency, you need to tell your pig “the how and where” you expect a behavior to be done.
• Use rewards that your pig likes
• For variety, you will need to vary when you ask for and behavior and when you will reward your pig.
• Your pig will look forward to working with you and you will create an interest in learning
• Your attitude must be consistent
• To gain your pig’s respect and attention you must focus your positive attention on them with the same consistency during every training session.
• You cannot praise your pig for doing a behavior correctly and also snuggle them when they have done it poorly.
• Do not ask for the same behavior in a row all the time. You become boring and your pig will challenge your expectations.
• You are the leader so you must be one step ahead of your pig in keeping your training interesting.
• Teaching your pig tricks is an excellent way to build a good relationship and at the same time maintain your dominant position in your pig’s herd.

Characteristics of the pet pig

Vietnamese pot belly pigs have become a popular pet due to their gentle nature, amazing intelligence and appearance. In addition to the well-known pot belly pig, other breeds such as Juliana pigs and kunekune pigs have also become popular choices among owners as household pets. The general physical characteristics of a pet pig are an exaggerated round stomach, short legs, swayed back, and continuously wagging straight tail.  On their small heads are short, erect ears and a short to medium length nose. 

If you are in doubt, call your vet.  Always follow their advice.

Grooming

All pigs love to be brushed and rubbed, and they also like water.

• Pigs are naturally clean animals, with a tendency towards dry skin
• Bathe with a shampoo once every six weeks, because the shampoo can cause their skin to become too dry.
• Due to the nature of their dry skin, with less body oils, they normally do not have a body odor, even when wet
• Pigs have a natural love of water
• Do not bathe your pig using baby shampoo or dog or cat shampoo. It causes your pig’s skin to become too dry.
• Use a non-fragrant human shampoo, horse shampoo, or one formulated for potbellied pigs.
• Do not apply external oils to your pig; they actually defeat the good attribute your pig has of not having body odor. Oils will contribute to your pig’s skin retaining unwanted dirt and growing more bacteria that causes your pig to smell and to have the need for more frequent bathing and more dry skin problems.

Dry Skin

• If your pet pig has extraordinarily dry skin, which is constantly flaking off, check your pig’s diet. Your pet pig needs to eat a good quality and nutritious potbellied pig food.  You can add vegetables to your pig’s diet.
• Your pig needs outside grazing time
• The other contributing factor to poor skin is mange.
• Your pig has hair, not fur.

Insect Repellant and dry skin care:

• 8-oz. Avon skin so soft bath
• 1 cup white vinegar
• 2 cups of water

Mix all ingredients in a spray bottle.  Shake well and spray as needed on your pet pig

If you are in doubt, call your vet.  Always follow their advice.

Signs of a healthy animal

• Active, alert and sociable
• Eats and drinks regularly
• Healthy hair
• Walks normally
• Communicates by having a complex vocabulary they make a variety of sounds including grunting, barking, snorting, and squealing

If you are in doubt, call your vet.  Always follow their advice.

Pigs have increasingly gained popularity as household pets since the mid-1980s, primarily due to the importation of Vietnamese pot-belly pigs into the United States.  These charming animals captured the hearts of many, leading to a rise in the adoption of mini pigs, which are smaller breeds specifically bred for companionship.  However, it’s not uncommon for families to adopt a regular-sized pig often referred to as a commercial pig- into their homes as well.

In addition to the well-known pot belly pig, other breeds such as Juliana pigs and kunekune pigs have also become popular choices among owners as household pets.  Juliana pigs are known for their playful and social nature, while kunekune pigs are characterized by their friendly disposition and distinctive long, floppy ears.

It’s important to note while some sellers may market pigs as “teacup” pigs, prospective pet owners should be aware that these animals will eventually grow to their true size.  This growth can sometimes be surprising, as many mini pigs can reach weights of 100 pounds or more.  Therefore, potential pig owners must be prepared for the long-term commitment of caring for a full-sized pig, including considerations for space, diet, and social interaction.

Owning a pig can be a rewarding experience, as these intelligent and social animals often form strong bonds with their human families.  With proper care and attention, pigs can thrive as loving companions, bringing joy and unique personality traits to any household.

NAPPA suggests it is important to read labels of vitamins you give to your pet pigs.

Importance of a Balanced Diet
Miniature pigs require a balanced diet that meets their specific nutritious needs.  This includes avoiding unnecessary sugars that can contribute to weight gain and obesity.

Vitamins and supplements should be chosen carefully, ensuring they do not contain added sugars, which can lead to excessive calorie intake.

Risks of Added Sugars
Sugars, particularly those found in vitamins and treats, can significantly increase the caloric intake of miniature pigs.  This can lead to obesity, which is a common health issue in miniature pigs.

Obesity in pigs can result in various health problems, including joint issues, decreased mobility, and metabolic disorders.  It is important to monitor their weight and body condition regularly.

Recommendations for Owners
Always read the labels of vitamin supplements to check for added sugars.  For both male and female miniature pigs beginning at the age of 6, it is important to consider their nutritional needs.  While both genders require a balanced diet, both male and female pigs may benefit from specific male human vitamins to support their overall health and vitality.

Recommended Human Vitamins for Adult Male & Female Miniature Pigs.

1. Vitamin A- Essential for vision and immune function
2. Vitamin D- Important for bone health and calcium absorption
3. Vitamin E- Acts as an antioxidant
4. Vitamin B Complex- Vital for energy metabolism and overall vitality.

Consult with a veterinarian to determine the appropriate vitamins and supplements for your pet pig’s health needs, ensuring they align with a low-sugar diet.

Encourage healthy eating by providing low-calorie treats, such as vegetables, instead of sugary snacks.

Conclusions

By being vigilant about the ingredients in vitamins and supplements, miniature pig owners can help prevent obesity and promote a healthier lifestyle for their pets.  Regular veterinary check-ups and a focus on balanced nutrition are key to maintaining optimal health.

Source:
This Little Piggy Had A Healthy, Balanced Diet: Avoiding Pig Obesity