Pig Fever: What To Do, What To Watch For. Danger Signs

Fever Makes Your Pig Throw Up After Meals 

If your pig’s skin appears dull with a slight reddish shade, this can indicate a fever (high body temperature). A fever can be one of your pig’s first signs of a viral or bacterial infection. Fevers can also be brought on by inflammation caused by allergies or the ingestion of toxins.

A pig’s baseline temperature should be between 98 – 101℉. Not all fevers are bad, as it’s the body’s way of fighting off infection. However, if the temperature goes over 104℉, you need to call the vet urgently.

A few diseases or conditions that can cause fevers in pigs are:

• Classical Swine fever (otherwise known as hog fever)
• Aujeszky’s disease or pseudorabies
• Heat stroke
• Flu
• Cystitis
• Eclampsia (convulsions)

Here are a few symptoms of fevers in pigs: 

• Rapid breathing
• Skin is warm to the touch
• Lethargy
• Loss of appetite
• Your pig may seem unstable on their feet
• Vomiting
• Yellow-colored diarrhea 

Steps to take if your pig has a fever:

These steps will help reduce the symptoms of fever:

1. Your vet should administer a broad-spectrum antibiotic to treat any infection that could be causing the fever.
2. Check your pig’s temperature regularly.
3. Increase your pig’s fluid intake and offer them ice cubes to help cool them down. You can also mix ¼ cup of apple juice with a ¾ cup of water and freeze it in a popsicle mold before giving it to the pig to lick. 
4. Use a cool, wet cloth to dampen your pig’s coat. Focus on the ears and feet, which generate the most heat.
5. You can wrap ice packs in towels and place them where your pig lies down, to try and cool down the area and their body.