Keeping your mini pig outside especially in the summer months, can cause concern for pig parents.
I know those of you with lighter colored pigs wonder if they will get a sunburn?
After raising my first mini pig in the house and adopting two more who now live outside, I’m here to share with you the best tips for keeping your mini pig comfortable and safe.
New to Mini Pigs? Check out the Mini Pig Care Tips Here.
Shade
The first thing your mini pig needs in summer is shade
If your mini pig is only going out for a a few minutes this is different. Let’s say you keep your mini pig in the house majority of the time, and you let the pig out for a few hours a day.
This is when you will need some type of shelter to keep the sun off your pig. We love having the igloos for our pigs. They used these all the time before we built our barn.
When it’s super hot and humid I find our pigs don’t hang out in the igloos. They go in the barn where they can catch a breeze. If you don’t want to go with the igloo, use a tarp to give your pig shade.
We use pallets for our pig pen and can easily hang up a tarp to the wood.
We got our second igloo from the animal shelter we adopted Olive from for $20 donation. It’s worth looking into at your local animal shelter or even places like craigslist and Facebook marketplace.
Water- No Sunscreen
The second thing your mini pig is going to need is plenty of water. I like to use this for our pigs because they don’t root it up. Get a water bowl that is big enough to supply your pig with enough water for a few hours.
More Mini Pig Tips:
- Why I Sold My Kune Kune Pig – Our Experience & Lessons Learned
- How Much Do Potbelly Pigs Cost- Your Guide to Owning Pigs
- The Best Fencing for Your Pigs You Need Now
Many wonder if mini pigs need sunscreen? Is there a certain kind to use?
Your pig doesn’t need any type of sunscreen. It is important to help keep your pig cool and you can do that with a little kiddie pool or dig a deep hole or trench and fill it up with water every day or so and let the pigs lay in it.
The mud helps the pigs keep cool and prevent sunburn. Plus they love water!
Try to put the pool in a shady spot. My pigs refuse to go in the water if its too hot. When it’s really hot out I dump their pool out at least once a day to refill with fresh cold water. They love it.
I find great deals on kiddie pools at places like Dollar General, Big Lots and Aldi.
Feed frozen treats
I love throwing around the pig pen frozen blueberries. Its best to do this in the morning or evening if they aren’t in a lot of shade.
I find the best deal to is at BJs or Costco to get a big bag for around $6.
Watermelon is a fun way to keep the pigs entertained in the summer.
If you think your pig may be overheated- take the pig to a cool shady spot immediately. If your pig lives in the house bring to an air conditioned room.
We’ve sprayed our pigs with the hose lightly before- they don’t like it but it does cool them down.
The Association for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals advises owners to soak towels in cool water and place them over the animal’s back, or soak the pet in a tub filled with cool water.
Never put the pig in icy cold water or use ice packs as this can lead to shock.
If your pig isn’t improving visit the vet immediately. It’s always a good idea to call the vet if your pig isn’t normal.
What to look for in an overheated pig:
- lethargy
- extreme panting
- disorientation
- profuse salivation
- vomiting
- seizures
- unconsciousness
More tips for keeping your mini pig healthy and happy during the summer months
- If possible avoid taking your mini pig outside during the hottest part of the day-usually mid afternoon.
- Check your piggy daily for bug bites that may cause an allergic reaction.
- If your tempertaure changes quickly and you notice your pig walking funny, check here to see if they have dippity.
- Don’t leave your pig in a hot car.
- Fresh water daily