Taking your pig on outings or vacations can be a rewarding way to spend time with your pet. However, as a responsible pig owner there are certain precautions you should take. You will need to provide plenty of fresh water and shade foryour pig. Also, you may wish to carry a water mister along to cool your pig down on hot summer days.

Should your potbelly be around a swimming pool you need to take special precautions. Introduce the pig to the pool, especially the pool steps. Teaching your pig how to get out of the pool can possibly be a life saving lesson one day. If your pet gets too hot it may choose to go into the pool to cool off. Pigs are good swimmers, but they do have short legs and are very buoyant so they may have trouble climbing the steps. If this is the case for your pig, you can build up the step by place stepping-stones on the steps so that your pig can get out easily. Then, whenever the pig chooses to go for a swim or accidentally falls in, it can easily get out of the pool. As mentioned earlier pigs can sunburn. If your pig is not acclimated to the sun, apply a sunscreen to protect it. This is necessary for both black and white pigs. Also, your pig needs a shady area to retreat to on sunny days. Should your pig get sunburn, you can treat it with a topical soothing agent, just as you would treat yourself.

If your vacation includes a visit to the seashore, the cool, ocean water can be tempting to your pig. Do not allow your pet to drink the seawater. The salt in the water will make your pig sick.

Not all beaches, parks and hotels permit pets. Make sure that your pig is welcome before you begin your vacation.

It is required that all potbellied pigs have certified health papers to cross any state line. This federal law requires that your pig be blood tested for Brucellosis and Pseudorabies. Your Veterinarian will send the blood test to a qualified lab facility and will issue a certified health paper for you to take with you. If you are stopped while traveling and you do not have the health paper, it is possible that your pig will be confiscated and you will be fined.

Remember if you are unable to take your pig along on your outing or vacation, the best care you can provide for your pig, whether in your home or at a boarding facility, is by someone who is properly trained and knowledgeable in the care of potbellied pigs.