Treat a sick pig at home fast and effectively

How Do You Treat a Sick Pig at Home Fast And Effectively?

How Do You Treat a Sick Pig at Home Fast? 

If your pig is sick and you can’t get them to the vet straight away, you’ll need to treat them at home while you wait for the vet. The best way to treat a sick pig is to ensure they receive electrolytes (to avoid dehydration). You must also provide them with good nutrition (if they will eat), and provide the correct medication. 

If you are waiting for the vet, there are many natural remedies for sick pigs that you can use from your own home  Add more here. such as:

  • apple cider vinegar
  • baking soda 
  • ginger 
  • garlic 
  • salt water 
  • charcoal
  • coconut water 
  • Baking soda mixed with glucose and salt water makes an excellent electrolyte solution
  • Pumpkin seeds help relieve constipation in pigs thanks to the high fiber content
  • Pineapple assists in preventing bacteria from attaching to your pigs gut
  • Activated charcoal absorbs any toxins in your pigs’ gut and passes it safely through their system
  • Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that can assist with any swelling or inflammation
  • Coconut water is high in sodium and potassium, which will rehydrate your pig if they have diarrhea or vomiting
Treat-a-sick-pig-at-home-by-ensuring-it-receive-electrolytes-DLX2-PS

What is the best antibiotic for pigs?

A broad-spectrum and effective antibiotic for pigs is Amoxicillin. This antibiotic can be administered to your pig by mixing it into their food or adding it to their drinking water. In severe cases, you can inject your pig with the antibiotic. 

Here are some tips on how to inject a pig with antibiotics: 

1. Study the label for the antibiotics. This will indicate where the best area for administration is. For example: IM – intramuscular, SQ – subcutaneous, IP – intraperitoneal, or IV – into the vein.

2. Prepare a syringe and needle according to the label.

3. Next, you’ll need to restrain your pig. This can be done by holding them still as you would a dog.

4. Amoxicillin must be injected intravenously. The injection must be given at the spot behind the ear (close to the side of the neck). 

When injecting pigs, you must talk to your vet first and ensure the area you inject has been cleaned properly to avoid infection. Ensure you record the date and time you administered the injection, which will help if your pig throws any reactions to the medication.

What do you feed a sick pig?

Like humans, they typically lose their appetite when a pig gets sick. This is in response to whatever illness or disease they’re suffering from. Unfortunately, when your pig stops eating, it can lead to anorexia, dehydration, and further weakness, worsening the illness’s effects. 

To encourage your sick pig to eat, add water to their food to make it soft. Your pig might not have the energy to chew their food, so something softer will be more appealing. Molasses or eggs can also be mixed with the food to entice them to eat.

Try getting your pig to nibble on some food. Shelled peanuts and popcorn are usually firm favorites; at least they’ll be taking something in.

If your pig refuses to eat, you must ensure they have water. If your pig refuses the water, try offering them water that has been sweetened with Kool-Aid or honey. The sweet taste should encourage them to have a few sips. 

Consider adding an electrolyte solution to your pig’s water for added nutrients and to boost their energy levels. 

Why Does My Pig Have Diarrhea?

Diarrhea is one of the main symptoms that sick pigs may display. Finding out which pig is suffering from the runs is a process of watching the herd, noting any fouled bottoms or runny poop on the pigs. Isolate your pig to determine the extent of their diarrhea. 

Your pig can develop diarrhea for different reasons, such as:

  • Your pig may be ill
  • The hygiene in your pig’s living space is poor, causing infections
  • Your pig may have eaten something that doesn’t agree with them – food toxicity
  • A pig may be stressed
  • Poor nutrition
  • Overeating
  • Eating a high protein diet, which will affect the kidneys and liver
  • Your pig might have parasites

Surprisingly there are a number of foods that can make pigs sick such as fish, acorns, Devil’s cucumber, raw eggs, and meat. Any food that has gone moldy, slimy, or rotten should be avoided at all costs. Rotten food can cause diarrhea and vomiting in pigs. Pastries and candies should also be avoided as they are high in salt and sugar.

Pigs-can-develop-diarrhea-for-different-reasons-DLX2-PS

How can I boost my pigs immune system?

Luckily, there are a few ways you can prevent a pig from getting sick. I treasure the advice from my local pig farmer, and I’ve made some substantial changes to my pigsty and herd management. Therefore, I haven’t had further sickness among my pigs for weeks since. 

These practical suggestions should make a massive difference in your herd:

  • Make sure your pigs’ living space is clean, hygienic, and not overcrowded
  • Vaccinate your herd accordingly
  • If your pigs are in a shed, make sure there is good ventilation
  • Isolate a sick pig from the herd to prevent the mass spread of their illness
  • Deworm your pigs often
  • Provide nutritious and healthy pig feed
  • Ensure there is always clean and fresh water available
  • Monitor your pigs’ health daily and keep a record of each pig so that you can build a baseline

My Most Used Pig Supplies

This list contains affiliate products. Affiliate products do not cost more but helps to support BestFarmAnimals and our goal to provide farm animal owners with accurate and helpful information.

Purina Pig Chow will last well (or Mazuri is popular, but I haven’t tried it), and the stainless steel non-skid bowls that will help keep the mess down.

A pig blanket to keep her warm. This one also has bright colors and helps to provide rooting without the destruction.

Pig Harness for walking and handling your pig. There are a lot to choose from, but this one is pretty easy to use. If you want one that has a separate leash, this looks like a good one.

A large crate for keeping her safe in your house at night and when you leave the house. This is essential. You’ll also want a litterbox, and I like mine with a lid for nighttime. Pine shavings are best, and you may be able to find them in larger quantities locally.

When you have accidents, Odoban will help eliminate odors. When you are potty training, these floor pads work great for keeping your house clean while training her to go in certain places.

You’ll also want an outdoor house to keep her warm when she gets outside time, an essential part of her development.

Dewormer- Ivermectin is the primary dewormer I use, although I do rotate with a non-ivermect ingredient once so that the worms don’t get immune to it.

Scroll to Top