Would you like to switch to the accessible version of this site?

Go to accessible site Close modal window

Don't need the accessible version of this site?

Hide the accessibility button Close modal window
Accessibility View Close toolbar
Acadian Animal Hospital

1009 Highway 20

Thibodaux, LA 70301 US

985-633-8387

Open mobile navigation
  • Home
    • Current Events
    • Cat Friendly Practice
    • Canine Influenza (Dog Flu)
  • COVID-19
  • AAHA
  • About Us
    • Meet Our Doctors
    • Meet Our Team
    • Hospital Policies
    • Virtual Office Tour
  • Wellness Visits
    • Puppies & Kittens 6 weeks - 5 months
    • Adults 6 months - 6 years
    • Seniors 7+ years
  • Services
    • Anesthesia
    • Bathing and Grooming
    • Behavioral Counseling
    • Boarding
    • Dentistry
    • Diagnostic and Laboratory Services
    • Dietary Counseling
    • Heartworm & Flea Control
    • Heartworm Treatment
    • Internal Medicine Consults
    • Permanent Identification
    • Pharmacy
    • Radiology (X-Rays) Services
    • Surgical Services
    • Vaccinations
  • New Patient Center
    • Client Handouts
    • Behavioral Handouts
    • What to Expect
    • Payment Options
  • Contact Us
    • Hospital Hours
    • Emergency Care
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Pretty Pups Grooming Salon
    • Online Forms
  • Prescription Refill Request
  • Pet Disaster/Emergency Preparedness
  • Client Survey
  • Blog
  • Veterinary Topics
    • Pet Health
      • Chronic Conditions
      • Digestive and Oral Health
      • Diseases and Viruses
      • Pests and Parasites
      • Orthopedics
    • Today's Veterinarian
    • Choosing Your Pet
      • Finding Your Pet
      • Cats
      • Dogs
      • Exotics
        • Amphibians
        • Birds
        • Reptiles
          • Lizards
          • Turtles
      • Small Mammals
        • Ferrets
        • Rabbits
        • Domesticated Animals
          • Prairie Dogs
        • Pocket Pets
          • Chinchillas
          • Guinea Pigs
          • Hamsters
          • Hedgehogs
          • Rats
      • Livestock
        • Cows
        • Donkeys, Horses & Mules
        • Goats
        • Pigs
        • Poultry
        • Sheep
    • Living With Your Pet
      • Bringing Your Pet Home
      • Children and Pets
      • Providing Care
      • Travel
      • Saying Goodbye
    • Newsletter Library
      • Tips for Pet Owners
      • Behavior & Training
      • Fleas & Parasites
      • Keeping Pets Healthy
      • Cats
      • Recognizing Illness
      • Nutrition & Food
      • Pet Dangers
      • Seasonal Topics
      • Visiting the Vet
      • Equine
      • Newsletter Archive
        • Fun with Pets
        • Unbelievable Pets
    • Video Newsroom
      • Health Topics
      • Technology and Science
      • Other Interests
    • Client Survey
    • Pets4Kids
  • Home >
  • Articles >
  • Choosing Your Pet >
  • Livestock >
  • Pigs

Pigs

  • Created in Choosing Your Pet, Livestock, Choosing Your Pet, Livestock, Pigs

choosing a pig

Did you know that pigs are a lot cleaner than the reputation they have? While they do roll around in the mud, this keeps them cool. They're actually one of the cleanest animals. They, however, require care, just like any animal. Before you take on more than you can handle, you should educate yourself about the proper care for pigs.

Housing

Their housing can be indoors or outdoors. If you choose outdoors, your pigs will need a house to protect them from the snow, rain, sun, and other elements. Keep in mind that pigs need to keep cool. If they overheat, they can have a heat stroke.

As a general rule, you should give each pig at least eight square feet of space in their outdoor house to nest. You may want it to have a latching door to ensure they stay in their house at night. When you're constructing their outdoor space, you should fence it in. Make sure the fence is at least 40 inches high to ensure they remain inside.

Make sure you clean their house and fenced-in area regularly. By creating a sanitary area for them, you can prevent health issues.

Feeding and Water

Make sure your pigs always have fresh water. Pigs dehydrate easily, and it can lead to a serious complication known as salt toxicity.

You should avoid plastic or rubber bowls. They can become play toys, and your pigs won't be using them to eat from much. If you do use them, you should feed your pigs at designated times and remove the bowls when they're finished. You could also install a trough, so they can't knock it over and can eat as they please.

The ideal diet for a pig is pellets specially made for pigs. These have enough nutrients to keep your pig healthy. In addition to the pellets, you can also feed your pigs table scraps. They like bread, vegetables, and fruits.

Make sure when you feed them vegetables and fruits that you vary what you give them. This ensures they receive a variety of nutrients. They're prone to health issues, so a proper diet can help reduce their risks.

Grooming

You'll need to trim your pigs' nails, especially once they get older. You should routinely bathe your pig because they're happiest when they're clean.

Pigs have a bad reputation for being dirty, but they're not. They're highly intelligent, which adds to their appeal. If you follow these tips and get them routine vet care, your pigs can have long, healthy lives.

  • Pet Health
    • Chronic Conditions
    • Digestive and Oral Health
    • Diseases and Viruses
    • Pests and Parasites
    • Orthopedics
  • Today's Veterinarian
  • Choosing Your Pet
    • Finding Your Pet
    • Cats
    • Dogs
    • Exotics
      • Amphibians
      • Birds
      • Reptiles
        • Lizards
        • Turtles
    • Small Mammals
      • Ferrets
      • Rabbits
      • Domesticated Animals
        • Prairie Dogs
      • Pocket Pets
        • Chinchillas
        • Guinea Pigs
        • Hamsters
        • Hedgehogs
        • Rats
    • Livestock
      • Cows
      • Donkeys, Horses & Mules
      • Goats
      • Pigs
      • Poultry
      • Sheep
  • Living With Your Pet
    • Bringing Your Pet Home
    • Children and Pets
    • Providing Care
    • Travel
    • Saying Goodbye
  • Newsletter Library
    • Tips for Pet Owners
    • Behavior & Training
    • Fleas & Parasites
    • Keeping Pets Healthy
    • Cats
    • Recognizing Illness
    • Nutrition & Food
    • Pet Dangers
    • Seasonal Topics
    • Visiting the Vet
    • Equine
    • Newsletter Archive
      • Fun with Pets
      • Unbelievable Pets
  • Video Newsroom
    • Health Topics
    • Technology and Science
    • Other Interests
  • Client Survey
  • Pets4Kids

New clients receive $20 OFF their first visit

Featured Services

  • Contact Us

    We really look forward to hearing from you.

  • Services

    We strive to provide complete care for our patients. Learn more about all the services we provide.
  • Meet The Team

    Acadian Animal Hospital is proud to serve the Thibodaux and surrounding communities for everything pet related...

Office Hours

Monday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Tuesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Wednesday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Thursday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Friday:

8:00 am-5:00 pm

Saturday:

8:00 am-12:00 pm

Sunday:

Closed

Location

Find us on the map

Testimonial

  • "Absolutely love the doctor and staff!!! They are so friendly and go above and beyond to make pets and their owners feel comfortable. I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a vet!!"
    Jamie Blanchard A. / Thibodaux, LA

Featured Articles

Read about interesting topics

  • February Newsletter: Where to Start When Training Your Puppy

    Is your puppy ready to be trained? ...

    Read More
  • February Newsletter: Weird Things Your Cat Does and What They Mean

    Looking for an explanation for your cat's strange behaviors? ...

    Read More
  • January Newsletter: National Bird Day

    Got any plans for National Bird Day? ...

    Read More
  • January Newsletter: Don't Forget to Vaccinate Your Pets this Year

    Is pet vaccinated? ...

    Read More
  • December Newsletter: Cold Weather Tips for Your Pets

    Are your pets ready for winter weather? ...

    Read More
  • December Newsletter: Pets and the Holidays: What to Know before Feeding Your Pet Table Scraps

    Could holiday table scraps cause health woes for your pets? ...

    Read More
  • November Newsletter: How arthritis can affect your pet

    Could your pet have arthritis? ...

    Read More
  • November Newsletter: National animal shelter appreciation week

    Looking for ways to support your local animal shelter? ...

    Read More
  • Three Reasons to Always Microchip Your Pets

    Wondering if microchipping is right for your pet? ...

    Read More
  • Bad Breath Can Indicate Your Pet Needs Dental Care

    Could bad breath mean that your pet has a dental issue? ...

    Read More

Newsletter Sign Up

Connect With Us

  • Copyright © 2023 MH Sub I, LLC dba iMatrix.
  • Admin Log In
  • Site Map