Things You'll Need
Baby shampoo
Stiff-bristled equine grooming brush
Soft, rubber equine curry comb
Spray bottle with glycerin/water mixture
Water-resistant sunblock
Warnings
Many potbellied pigs develop skin tumors including malignant melanomas, say Cynthia Kahn and veterinarian Scott Line in “The Merck/Merial Manual for Pet Health.” They recommend pet owners watch for skin bumps and see a veterinarian immediately if they suspect their pig has a tumor.
Potbellies can suffer from a bacterial infection of the skin called erysipelas. Preventable by yearly vaccinations, the infection causes red spots on the skin and the death of skin cells. Complications of the disease include arthritis, heart problems and death. Veterinary treatment revolves around the administration of antibiotics and isolating the sick animal from other family members; erysipelas is zoonotic, meaning the disease can spread to humans.
Tips
Provide your pet pig with a wading pool and a shady place to rest when outside in a temperature over 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Because pigs do not sweat, this protects your pig from hyperthermia as well as sunburn.
Cleaning and brushing your pet regularly provides you the opportunity to train and bond with your pig. As you habitually touch your pig’s feet, ears, mouth and belly, the animal learns not to be afraid of being examined by the vet and becomes accustomed to being handled.
Often referred to as yuppie house pets, potbellied pigs came to the United States in 1985 from breeds originating in China and Vietnam, according to veterinarian Arlen Wilbers of Belly Draggers Ranch. With their sway backs, straight tails, perky ears and short, wrinkled noses, these pets can grow to 18 inches tall and 120 to 150 pounds. Potbellies live for approximately 15 years with good care, and are known for their bright, inquisitive minds and desire for cleanliness. Because the skin of a potbelly is particularly sensitive and prone to sunburn, learning how to regularly care for your pet’s coat keeps your pig healthy and happy.
Bathe your pig using a mild baby shampoo. Potbellies naturally shed their outer layer of skin leaving them with a dry, flaky appearance. Veterinarians at Hilltop Animal Hospital in Palatine, Illinois recommend using mild shampoos and/or moisturizers to alleviate this condition.
Brush the potbellied pig daily with an equine, stiff-bristled grooming brush or a soft, rubber curry comb. Grooming on a regular basis rids the skin of any dirt, stimulates circulation and allows you the opportunity to check the skin for any sores or injuries.
Spray your pig daily with a 10 per cent glycerin to 90 per cent water mixture. This hypoallergenic blend prevents skin dryness by pulling moisture through the skin layers and inhibiting evaporation of water.
Protect the pig from sunburn by applying water-resistant sunblock to the pink areas of its body, including the ears, nose, feet and any large areas of white or pink skin. Ensure the sunblock has an SPF of 50 or higher.
Watch for parasites on your pig’s skin. Only younger pigs get fleas, typically a transient flea from other animals in the household, but some potbellies come down with mites and lice. Without veterinary treatment, your pig’s skin becomes thickened and pruritic – extremely itchy – particularly around the ears and the legs.
References
- Belly Draggers Ranch: Owning Potbelly Pigs
- Hilltop Animal Hospital: Care of Miniature Pot-Bellied Pigs
- "The Complete Home Veterinary Guide"; Chris Pinney, DVM; 2004
- Fred.net: The Basics of Potbellied Pig Care
- "The Merck/Merial Manual for Pet Health"; Cynthia M. Kahn, BA, MA; Scott Line, DVM; 2007
Resources
Tips
- Provide your pet pig with a wading pool and a shady place to rest when outside in a temperature over 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Because pigs do not sweat, this protects your pig from hyperthermia as well as sunburn.
- Cleaning and brushing your pet regularly provides you the opportunity to train and bond with your pig. As you habitually touch your pig’s feet, ears, mouth and belly, the animal learns not to be afraid of being examined by the vet and becomes accustomed to being handled.
Warnings
- Many potbellied pigs develop skin tumors including malignant melanomas, say Cynthia Kahn and veterinarian Scott Line in “The Merck/Merial Manual for Pet Health.” They recommend pet owners watch for skin bumps and see a veterinarian immediately if they suspect their pig has a tumor.
- Potbellies can suffer from a bacterial infection of the skin called erysipelas. Preventable by yearly vaccinations, the infection causes red spots on the skin and the death of skin cells. Complications of the disease include arthritis, heart problems and death. Veterinary treatment revolves around the administration of antibiotics and isolating the sick animal from other family members; erysipelas is zoonotic, meaning the disease can spread to humans.
Photo Credits
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pot bellied pig image by michael luckett from Fotolia.com
