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De -Worming your pig
Mini pigs should be dewormed on a regular basis for internal and external parasites. These parasites are common in the pigs environment, especially those that root and graze or spend time outdoors. They can contract parasites from soil, grazing, other pets, other pigs, eating bugs (including earthworms or mealworms), contact with hay, even if pig parents have horses or work in a barn they can bring parasites to their indoor pigs. Most of these parasites will show no symptoms until after they have taken a toll on your pig's health. Some of the parasites will not show up on a fecal exam.
A good schedule is Ivermectin twice yearly. A regular schedule of two broad-spectrum dewormers will kill the internal and external parasites your pigs are prone to. Dewormers can be found over the counter at local feed stores, Tractor Supply, or online at Amazon, Jeffers, KV Vet Supply, ect. This can be given orally (no need for stressful injections) at home.
Ivermectin
Good for many internal parasites. Also good for mites and lice.
-Use 1% injectable form for horses, cows, or swine (Do not use paste wormers – they are too hard to dose)
-ORAL DOSE: 0.2 cc per 10 pounds of body weight.
-FREQUENCY: Repeat the 1 dose every 6 months if your pig grazes or lives outside. *If you think your pig has mange, do a second dose (same amount) 14 days later.
The injectable formula tastes bitter given orally so mix with food to cover the taste. This will ensure a stress free deworming, the pigs think they're getting a special treat. Mix with yogurt, canned pumpkin, apple sauce or squirt into a piece of bread, into a strawberry or grape... whatever their favorite food is.
We use an ivermectin generic made for swine 1% solution. You can get it online here. This is generic with the same main ingredient. You will need an insulin size syringe (1cc or 1ml) to measure up the tiny amount needed.
Mini Pig hoof trimming
A pig's hooves continue to grow throughout its life. In the wild, hooves are worn down by exposure to rough surfaces. If your pig does not have access to rough surfaces such as concrete, then their hooves need routine annual trimming. Untrimmed hooves can cause damage to leg bones and encourage cracks. Cracks in hooves become infected easily and may require antiseptic cleaning and antibiotic medication to prevent more serious conditions.Get your piglet use to touching its feet by rubbing them when they are young and in your lap. Take a course Emory board the kind for artificial fingernails and file their hoof while they are sleeping in your lap. If you give belly rubs take advantage on rubbing their hooves and pulling on their legs at this time. It is so much better for you and your pig if you start young with their hoof care. If you don’t then as they get older you may have to take them to the vet and have them sedated for their hoof trim. That is rough on both of you.
Mini Pig Skin & Hair
Pigs have naturally dry skin. It is not necessary to give your pig a bath. In fact it should not be done as it will take the natural oils off their skin. Our pigs have only had a handful of baths. They do get hosed down or brushed off when they get muddy. If you choose to put a lotion or oil on your pig please do so sparingly as they can clog pores and make the skin greasy or worse. We have found using Organic coconut oil works best topically. Try treating from the inside out as well, with Extra Virgin Olive Oil, or Organic Coconut Oil.
We love Vetericyn Wound & Skin Care! it works really well, and being a spray is super easy to apply to your pig.
Pigs have hair and not fur. It is very tough and hard, but it is hair.
Your mini pig will most likely shed or "blow its coat" at least once a year. Some will do this twice a year. They may lose their hair all at once or in stages. Once this shedding starts you can easily pull the hair out by the handfuls to help your pig along. This usually happens sometime in the Spring when the weather starts turning warm.
When your pig is loosing its hair it will itch terribly. You may notice him running around trying to itch on trees, walls, furniture, your leg, other pets, whatever is around!! Just help your pig along by pulling any loose hair. It will come out very easily. Also, good scratching and/or brushing a few times a day will be appreciated. I would do this outside if I were you unless you have your vacuum cleaner handy.
Mini Pig Eyes & Ears
Mini pigs have very poor eyesight. In fact, many new pig parents believe something is wrong because they do not seem to be able to see very well. Well, this is true.
Most pigs will have runny eyes that produce sticky, brownish tears. A little of this is normal. You can wipe away the goo with a warm damp cloth. You may even find their blankets, sheets, or whatever you give them to sleep in with wet spots from their eyes. Again, this is pretty much normal and pigs in very dusty areas are more prone to this.
Some pigs are prone to eye problems such as entropion. This is when the eyelashes lay on the eye. This condition is correctable by minor surgery.
Pigs ears sometimes will get a little wax build-up. This is normal!
DO NOT try to clean deep inside your pig's ear. When the build-up gets bad on my pigs' ears I just use my finger under a baby wipe to scrape it out, being careful not to let any of the gunk fall back into the ear. But, I do not use any type of foreign object or ear cleaner. It is not necessary.
That 'stuff' that builds up is their natural defense against dust, particles and tiny insects getting too far into their ears.
DO NOT put any liquids in your pig's ear EVER! This can get in their inner ear and cause them to have a head tilt, putting them off balance. If liquid gets into your pig's ears, it can cause serious problems.
NOTE: If you are going to hose your pig down to cool them off during hot days, make sure you do not allow the stream of water near their ears or face
Bathing your mini pig
We suggest only washing your piggy if they need it. However, if you are supplementing with a spoon of wheat germ oil per day to keep their skin and coat healthy and soft, then you may bathe more often. Since a pigs body temp is normally 102 they like their water pretty warm!!
A good way to start your piggy off with baths is just placing him or her in a the empty tub so he/she can get comfortable. Then start off with just a tiny amount of shallow water in the bottom of the tub. Only enough to wet their hooves. Put Cheerios in the bath with your pig and peanut butter smeared on the wall of the tub side they are facing. The cheerios will float on top of the water and keep your pig's attention occupied while you bathe him and same goes for the peanut butter. Put a non-slip bath mat under your pig when bathing so he doesn't loose his footing. Apply oil to your pig's dry skin AFTER the bath, we like to use organic coconut oil... and the piggies LOVE the taste! Don't bathe him or her too much. Too many baths can lead to or worsen a dry skin condition with your pig. Use a gentle shampoo like Johnson's Baby Shampoo, diluted with water and scrub with a soft grooming brush.
