Currently having a pig as a pet is no longer as peculiar as it could have been a few years ago. Among the most sought-after options we find Vietnamese, dwarf or minipigs and pygmies, all of them beautiful and friendly pigs.
We must know that not everyone can have a pig as a pet and it is a decision that we must think about very well before carrying it out, below we will explain why.
Keep reading this article on our site about the pig as a pet and find out if the pig is indeed the ideal pet for you or more well you should think about other options.
Is it possible to have a pig as a domestic pet?
There are many famous people who have decided to have a pig as a pet and among them we find George Clooney or Paris Hilton. But is it really possible for the pig to behave like a pet? The answer is yes, the pig can make a wonderful house pet
Like any other animal, the pig needs specific care, education and love from its family. If all this is carried out properly, we can enjoy a wonderful and intelligent friend and companion who will undoubtedly surprise us.
The pig is an animal capable of remembering and memorizing certain commands and it is that they can learn through positive reinforcement as happens with dogs. In addition to all this, you should know that pigs do not smell bad, they can learn to walk on a leash and they are affectionate beings.
Do miniature pigs exist?
Currently in the world there are a large number of abandoned pigs because many owners are frightened by their disproportionate growth. But do you know why this happens?
There are no "teacup" pigs, that is, you will not find any pig weighing less than 25 kilograms upon arrival at your adulthood. Even so, many breeders with dubious approved denomination sell tender piglets claiming that they are "miniature" pigs, pigs that do not grow. All this is false, which causes many animals to be abandoned for being too large. The lack of information is evident.
Where can I find a pet pig?
If you consider having a pig as a pet, we recommend that you do not go to breeders or people who actively profit from selling animals, especially knowing that many breeders deceive consumers by selling common pigs and claiming that they are deals with miniature pigs.
Instead you will find pigs of all ages in shelters around the world educated or not, waiting for someone who wants to adopt them and take care of them.
If you really want to have a pig as a pet, this is the best option because, in addition to adopting a pig with a specific character (kind, affectionate, etc.), you will be sure to receive it from volunteers and non-profits who actually spend hours and get to know the animal in depth. Something that breeders do not carry out.
Some organizations that collect pigs from people who no longer want them are the home provide in Tarragona, Wings of Heart Sanctuary in Madrid or GEPDA in Mexico.
Image of a pig and a volunteer in Wings of Heart. Found at: vice.com
What care and needs does a pig require?
As happens with other domestic animals, the pig needs attention and care from its relatives, we are going to review in a general way what we must take into account:
To begin we must establish a specific area where the pig is going to live. We must offer him a comfortable and comfortable bed so that he feels comfortable and his bones rest properly: for this, a bed that could be used for a dog will suffice.
The pigs need to dig, for this reason you must have an area where they can do it, either in the garden or the field. If this is not your case and you do not have the possibility of taking him on any occasion, we recommend that you do not adopt a pig: he will be an unhappy pig.
As happens with other pets from time to time we will have to give our pig a bath, something that excites them and they are undoubtedly grateful. Having a bathing area in the garden will be essential as it is the way they regulate their body temperature.
Education is another fundamental pillar of the proper coexistence between pig and person. As we have advised you before, it is essential to apply positive reinforcement, in no case physical aggression or punishment methods.
The pig has a very powerful jaw that can do damage, don't force him to use it.
In any case, applying positive education is very simple: it consists of rewarding good behavior with treats and snacks, in this way the pig remembers in a more positive way what it "should" do.
Finally remember that the longevity of pigs can reach up to 20 years, for this reason if you are not sure you can take care of from him: don't do it.
What does a pig eat?
The pig is an omnivorous animal for this reason you can offer it all kinds of food including fruit and vegetables, cereals and so on. You will have to consult in the place of adoption what diet he followed until now so as not to create radical changes in his new life.
Avoid using farm feed: it is used to fatten pigs and can cause long-term problems such as obesity.
Veterinary Assistance
Finally we highlight the importance of going to the vet with our new pet so that it receives the necessary he alth control:
- Vaccines
- Chip
- Revision
What diseases can a pig get?
- Stomach worms
- Acariasis
- Gastrointestinal verminosis
- Bronchopneumonia
- Kidney worms
- Porcine cysticercosis
- Scabies
- Anger
- Pneumonia
- Rhinitis A
- Salmonella
- Swine pleuropneumonia
- Porcine Colibacillosis
- Dysentery
- Porcine leptospirosis
- Mastitis
This is a brief summary of some diseases that can affect pigs. Going to the vet and applying the relevant vaccines greatly reduces the risk of our pig suffering from any of these diseases.
