Summer Safety Tips for Your Piggies!

“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Summer Safety Information:

• Pigs cannot sweat.  So in order to prevent heat stroke they need to have plenty of water to drink and either a pool to cool themselves in or mud in which to wallow.

• Mud is natures sunscreen.  So if your pig does not have mud at their disposal, you will need to make sure you apply sunscreen when they are going to be in direct sunlight.

• Don't forget, just because your pig is indoors, they can still get sunburned if they lay in the sun streaming into the house (just like we get sunburned arms when we drive in our cars in the summer).

• If your pig will be outside for long periods of time, make sure they have a shaded area and an insulated house, so they can get out of the elements.

What to do in case of sunburn or heat stroke:

• Mild sunburn can be treated with Aloe Vera or Calamine lotion.  If your pig has sunburn, keep him or her inside to heal and stay cool.

• Signs of heat stroke

            *Distress
            *Increased Respiration
            *Trembling
            *Vomiting & Diarrhea
            *Increased Body Temperature

• To cool off your pig if you suspect heat stroke, do it slowly and with tepid water.  Do not pour cold water on your pig or you could cause a heart attack.  Try to get them to wallow in the mud and mist with cool water.

• Seek assistance from your vet with a severe case of sunburn or heat stroke as your pig can go into shock.

Mini Pig Summer Safety to Prevent Sunburn & Heat Stroke