Domestic Pigs

pet pig

Pigs are great for families who want a relatively exotic but easy to care for a pet. Whether miniature, like a pot-bellied pig, or a full-sized animal, caring for a pig is similar to caring for a cat or dog.

Health

Domestic pigs need to see a veterinarian regularly for vaccinations and checkups. We recommend starting vaccinations between four and six weeks of age.

Pigs are very sensitive to temperatures. They can suffer from heatstroke without proper shade and ventilation. If your pet spends most of its time outdoors, make sure it has a piggy box, a three-sided box with a low roof. During colder months, add straw or blankets where your pig can nestle.

Pigs must have an adequate supply of freshwater as they can develop salt toxicity very quickly. If you find the pig without water, give your pet small amounts to drink every 30 minutes over a four-to-six-hour period.

Training

Pigs are intelligent and learn quickly. Once they learn something, they rarely forget it. So, if you chose to keep your pig inside, it can be house trained in the same manner as a dog or cat. If you choose to use a litter box, make sure it is easily accessible to the animal. We recommend using treats and praise to encourage preferred behavior. It may also help to know that pigs prefer to use the same location all the time.

Care

Believe it or not, pigs don't need to be bathed as often as dogs. They don't shed like a dog or cat, but they lose their hair once a year. This usually occurs in the spring and is usually over in a week's time. You will need to trim your pig’s hooves several times a year or allow your veterinary team to handle the task.

If you choose to keep pigs in a pen, make sure there's enough space. Each animal should have at least eight feet of square footage. You may want to increase the space during hot weather. A friendly reminder from your veterinary team: pigs don't reach their full size until they're around 4 years old.

Feeding

Contrary to popular opinion, you can't feed a pig table scraps. Pigs need a nutritious diet of commercially produced pig pellets. Avoid sugar or processed foods; instead, give your pig high-fiber fresh fruits and veggies as a treat. If your pig grazes a lot outdoors, you may want to reduce the amount of feed he or she receives.

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Office Hours

Our Regular Schedule

Monday:

7:30 am-6:00 pm

Tuesday:

7:30 am-7:00 pm

Wednesday:

7:30 am-6:00 pm

Thursday:

7:30 am-7:00 pm

Friday:

7:30 am-6:00 pm

Saturday:

8:00 am-2:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Testimonials

Read What Our Clients Say

  • "Dr. Diamond,

    Your compassion and kindness to our "Star" was greatly appreciated."
    Sincerely, Rose Kush
  • "Dr. Diamond,

    I know that I always tell you how wonderful you are to "Nala" and I. But just by the amount of patients you have tells me that other clients feel the same way! You never make us feel like you are rushed. You make sure that we know you care for each and every pet. I have raised many dogs and went to many vets in my lifetime. But never had such a wonderful vet as you. It is very hard to compare any vet to you, because you my friend, are in a class of your own! God bless you, Dr. Diamond. Thank you soooo much for caring about us."
    Sincerely, Michelle & "Nala"
  • "Dear Dr. Diamond and all of your wonderful pet angels,

    I was touched to receive your beautiful card and you all wrote messages! That is incredibly special.As you all are. I am so grateful for your loving expertise with caring for all our dogs, but especially Spike. He lived longer and better thanks to your care. May 28th was a shockingly sad day but I just kept focusing then and now on your kindness and gentleness."
    Rosemari and all the family
  • "Dr Diamond,

    Glen and I are so thankful to you and your wonderful staff for taking such good care of our sweet lil' Brin. Your kindness and gentle treatment of her while she was feeling poorly and trying so hard to recover means more to us than you could imagine. Thank you so much.

    Thank you, your thoughtfulness is appreciated,"
    The Cotten Family