Pig 101- Know your pig
Potbellied pigs, piglet, pet pig, whatever you prefer to call them- we all love them and want to keep them healthy, but to keep them healthy is the heart of survival.
Your pig is just as likely to get dehydrated in the winter as in the summer, therefore be sure and provide them with plenty of fresh water. Snow is not a satisfactory substitute for water.
- The Importance of Hydration
Symptoms of dehydration
- Off feed for 12 to 24 hours
- Lethargic
- Lowered energy level
- Depressed
- Bloated
- Shaking (pain)
- Inability or unwillingness to stand and/or walk
- Lowered body temperature (98’or lower)
- Elevated body temperature (101’ or higher)
- Rapid, shallow breathing
- Fecal matter is a hard, dry and small pellet instead of clusters of pellets. The pig has produced less volume in the two to three days prior to the episode. Sometimes straining is observed.
- Urine output has decreased over a two to three day period. Again, sometimes straining is apparent.
Activity level has dropped, the pig has become cranky and unwilling to readily eat or drink
- What is Biosecurity? Reference: Dr. John Carr
Biosecurity is defined as a set of procedures that are executed to prevent new diseases from entering the premises where a potbellied pig or pigs are kept and/or housed. There are two basic concepts that affect the safety of pet pigs:
- Proactive measures which keep new diseases from being introduced.
- Reactive measures to take should a disease or suspected disease appear
Create a Biosecurity Plan
Potbellied pig owners should have and maintain a good working relationship with a veterinarian who is willing to provide medical care for their potbellied pig. A veterinarian can help a pig owner on what precautionary measures should be implemented to keep their potbellied pig healthy and disease-free. In the event that a pig is faced with an unforeseen medical issue or disease, a veterinarian can help. It’s important to never feed your potbellied pig meat or meat products.
Pigs cannot tell us when they are sick, so it is important to pay special attention to your pig condition during winter season.
Antifreeze, which often collects on driveways and in garages, is highly poisonous. Although it may smell and taste good to your pig, it can be lethal.
Rock salt, used to melt ice on sidewalks, may irritate foot pads. Be sure to rinse and dry your pig’s hooves after a walk.