Grooming for your Potbellied Pig
Grooming can be the best way to get to know your potbellied pig. And also, to maintain a positive relationship with them. They have bristles instead of fur, but pigs still require regular brushing to remove loose hair; exfoliate dry, flaky skin; and improve circulation. Potbellied pigs are native to humid, tropical climates. Therefore, it’s common to see dry, itchy skin. Pigs can shed bristles in the summer and grow them back in the winter. To ensure that your pigs have the best possible coat, brush them regularly, and feed a healthy, balanced diet.
Ear and eye cleaning
Potbellied pigs often require ear and eye cleaning. These vulnerable areas must be kept clean to prevent infection and make the pig more comfortable. Teary eyes and waxy ears can be common for potbellied pigs, and having a positive relationship with your pigs will allow you to clean their ears and eyes without stressing them out. Use soft towels or pieces of gauze to clean these areas, because fingers or cotton swabs can cause injuries or discomfort.
Dental care for a Potbellied Pig
Your potbellied pig can get cavities and tartar, and they can even break teeth. Your veterinarian should be comfortable sedating your pigs and giving them regular dental and polish. A healthy, balanced diet with little or no processed human food can keep your pigs’ teeth healthy.
Tusk and hoof care
All pigs can grow tusks. However, only male pigs require regular trimming of their tusks. All pigs require hoof trimming from time to time, although active pigs do not need hoof trims as regularly as more sedentary pigs. Talk to your veterinarian (who should be someone experienced with caring for pigs) about how to get your potbellied pig’s tusks and hooves trimmed.
While tusk and hoof trimming can be done when pigs are awake, the procedures take patience, practice, and more time than when a pig is sedated. The downside to sedating a potbellied pig for hoof and tusk trimming is that it can be expensive.
By Stephen Orsillo
It is a good idea to periodically examine your potbellied pig’s feet while you’re grooming or giving a belly rub. In some pigs, the pads of the feet can separate from the hoof wall or become infected. It’s important to catch these problems early to prevent them from getting worse.
