How Do I Make The Holidays Safe For My Pig?
The Holiday Season is a time for fun for family and friends. Along with the wonderful experiences we have during this time of the year, we are sometimes put into a position of feeling extra pressure, stress and feelings of 
depression. The stress we experience not only affects the people we are around but our pig, too. As tension rises in the house, a pig senses its presence and begins to feel its own levels of stress. It can act out on its own stress and begin doing really abnormal behaviors. If your pet pig begins to display unusual behaviors you want to look at exactly what is going on in the home.
Potbellied pigs are especially gifted in acting as a barometer for the entire
household. Their actions can call to our attention the need to stop and reflect
on the atmosphere we are creating. They can point to our need to stop and reflect
on what is really important to us. It is the preparations or the people and the
animals?
The winter season brings lots of fun holiday activities, but households with pigs
must take special precautions. The holidays are not ideal for introducing a new pet
pig into your family. New piglets require extra attention and a stable environment,
which the holiday season does not always permit. Also, a piglet is not a toy or gift
that can be returned. So it is extremely wise to make sure the new pig owner is fully
aware and totally agrees with a gift of a pet pig. Giving a picture of the piglet to come with perhaps some pig toys, informational materials and supplies, which have been gaily wrapped in a gift box, is a better idea at this time of year.
Holly, mistletoe and poinsettia plants are among several poisonous plants that might tempt your pig. Mistletoe is probably the greatest threat because the entire plant is poisonous, especially the berries. Pigs that eat mistletoe will vomit and have diarrhea. If you catch your pig eating mistletoe berries, take it to the Veterinarian immediately. Poinsettias, though not as toxic, still pose a problem if eaten or if the sap contacts your pig's skin. Make sure that these plants are kept out of your pig's reach.
Never leave your pig unattended with your tree. Holiday lights may burn, frayed electrical cords may shock or electrocute, glass ornaments may break and cut, and edible ornaments may be too much of a temptation for your pig. Whether your tree is live or artificial, both kinds of needles are sharp and indigestible. Tinsel, popcorn, or cranberry strings can be dangerous too. They may obstruct circulation, and if swallowed, block or cause damage to your pig's intestines. One of the most common surgeries performed on pigs is for the removal of something they ate that is causing an intestinal blockage.
Placing bells on the bottom branches of your Christmas Tree, can act as an alarm if your pig gets too close. To be on the safe side, consider confining your pig to a separate room, away from the tree when you are not at home.
Your pig can smell right through those brightly wrapped packages. Review holiday gifts under your tree to make sure they are pig safe. Your pig will screen the boxes for gifts that smell good or that are edible. These types of gifts may be too much of a temptation for your potbelly. It is best to just put them out of your pig's reach.
Alcohol and chocolate are toxic to pigs. Keep all seasonal goodies out of your pet's reach. Do not share your holiday treats with your pig. You can provide special, pig safe holiday treats just for your pig. You should know that just 10 ounces of chocolate can kill a 12-pound dog. No doubt it would take much more chocolate to kill a pig, but even a small amount can make your pig very ill and can cause restlessness, vomiting, increased heart rate, seizures or coma. If you think your pig has just eaten something that is toxic, you can orally give it hydrogen peroxide. The amount of hydrogen peroxide varies with the individual pig. A few tablespoons may be enough for some pigs and others may require a pint.
Give the hydrogen peroxide until the pig empties its stomach. Using a syringe is
helpful. If your pig has consumed some household product, carefully read the label to be sure that the product does not warn against inducing vomiting. If it does, call your Veterinarian or the Poison Control Hotline immediately.
With all the hustle and bustle in your home, it is wise for you to try to keep a normal schedule for your pig. Regular feeding times, regular sleeping times and very important regular snuggle times will help your pig adjust to all of the holiday celebrations. When activities seem to be just too much for your pet pig a quiet room away from the celebrations is a great idea.
Copyright © 2000. Kathleen Myers, All rights reserved worldwide
This is an excerpt from The Complete Guide to the Care and Training of Pet Potbellied Pigs
By Kathleen Myers.
For Ordering Information Go To.
By Kathleen Myers.
For Ordering Information Go To.
