Micro pig

Classical swine fever (CSF)

SignsHigh fever, complete loss of appetite, lethargy, purple blotches on ears or belly, diarrhea, seizures

PreventionNo contact with wild boars. Ask about vaccination following prefectural government guidance

Obesity

SignsEyes buried in fat, short stride, labored breathing, painful joints

PreventionWeigh out mini-pig feed. Treats no more than 10% of the daily ration

Arthritis / lameness

SignsReluctant to stand up, drags a leg, walks on its knees

PreventionWeight control and non-slip flooring. Do not let it gain weight rapidly when young

Dry skin / sarcoptic mange

SignsDandruff, intense itching, cracked skin, scabs, black debris in the ears

PreventionMoisturize and check the skin regularly. If itching is severe, have the vet run tests

Urinary stones (males)

SignsStraining to urinate, little urine, bloody urine, restlessness, abdominal pain

PreventionEnsure plenty of water. Avoid mineral-heavy diets. Watch urination frequency daily

Uterine disease (females)

SignsBleeding or pus from the vulva, swollen abdomen, poor appetite, irregular heat cycles

PreventionIf not breeding, discuss early spaying with a vet experienced with pigs

Falls / fractures

PreventionLay mats on hard floors. Install ramps on stairs and steps

First aidDo not force it to stand; lay it on its side. Carry on a blanket with several people and see the vet the same day

Sunburn

PreventionSparse hair leaves the skin exposed to direct sun. Provide shade and a mud wallow outdoors in summer

First aidIf reddened, cool with a cold towel and move to shade. See the vet if there are blisters

Cracked or overgrown hooves

PreventionWalk on concrete or other hard ground for natural wear. Trim hooves regularly

First aidApply pressure to stop bleeding. If favoring the foot or swollen, see the vet within a few days

Poisoning from eating something

PreventionIt opens cupboards and trash cans looking for food. Use locked storage

First aidIdentify what and how much was eaten. For chocolate, medicine or houseplants, do not induce vomiting; see the vet immediately

Salmonellosis

RouteOral infection from hands that touched feces

PreventionWash hands after handling. Collect feces daily and disinfect the floor

Hepatitis E

RouteIngestion of feces/urine or raw meat

PreventionWear gloves when handling waste. Never eat with hands soiled by feces or urine

Swine erysipelas

RouteContact infection through broken skin

PreventionWear gloves if you have cuts on your hands. Take skin lesions on the pig to the vet

Sarcoptic mange (scabies mites)

RouteDirect skin contact

PreventionGet it tested if there is intense itching or dandruff. Limit contact during treatment

Food

• Weigh out mini-pig feed by body weight, twice a day
• Leafy greens as a side dish. Fruit is high in sugar; only small amounts
• Rest for 30 minutes after meals. Sudden diet changes cause diarrhea

Water

• Fresh water at all times in a heavy bowl. It drinks several liters a day
• In summer place water in several spots, in bowls that cannot be tipped over

Toys & play

• Balls to push with the snout; a sandbox or soil to dig in
• Put feed in puzzle toys for it to search out
• Boxes to push with the snout; treasure hunts in blankets

Nest, bed & hideout

• Indoors: thick blankets and a large dog bed
• Outdoors: a shelter that keeps out wind and rain, with straw

Bedding & litter

• Indoors: non-slip mats and blankets
• Outdoors: a thick layer of straw or sawdust
• It learns a fixed toilet spot. Pet sheets or litter

Cage / housing material

Indoors: section off an area with fencing. Outdoors: a sturdy wooden shelter with wire-mesh fencing

Size & space

Once grown, at least 5 m² (3 tatami mats) with room to turn over and walk around

Layout

• Keep bed, toilet and feeding area apart
• Non-slip floor. Provide a place to root with the snout
• Outdoors: shade, a mud wallow and rain cover

Placement notes

• Be considerate of neighbors about noise and odor. Check whether your apartment allows pigs
• In areas with wild boars, fence to prevent contact and keep biosecurity

Exercise, free-roam & walks

• 30–60 minutes a day on a harness and leash
• Avoid contact with other livestock and wild boars
• Check asphalt heat and hoof wear

Temperature & humidity

Temperature18–25°C. It cannot sweat, so above 28°C is dangerous

Humidity50–60%. Dry air causes cracked skin

Summer & winter

• Summer: mud wallow, water bathing, fan and air conditioning
• Winter: thick blankets and a heater. Moisturize the skin

Nail trimming

Trim hooves every few months. Get it used to handling; if difficult, go to the vet

Brushing, skin & coat care

Soft brush a few times a week. For dry skin, use animal moisturizer or oil

Other care

Tusks (canines) keep growing in males. Clean ear wax. Check the teeth

Protection from predators

• Dogs may attack it. Keep your distance on walks
• Outdoors, no contact with stray dogs or wild boars
• In summer protect against mosquitoes, horseflies and ticks. Use insect screens for outdoor housing

Foreign-body ingestion

It eats anything. Lock trash cans and cupboards. If it eats medicine, chocolate or plastic, do not induce vomiting; see the vet immediately

Being stepped on

People being knocked over by the pig is the more common accident. Stop when it comes to your feet; never let children interact with it unsupervised

Getting pinched

It opens doors with its snout, so fingers and snouts get pinched. Fix doors with doorstops and use gates the snout cannot fit into

Falls

Fractures from falls getting in and out of cars or off steps. Use a ramp; do not let it climb stairs. If it cannot stand after a fall, see the vet the same day

Escape

It lifts fences with its snout and escapes. Anchor the bottom of the fence. If it escapes, lure it with food and report to the municipal office and police

Safe release procedure

1. Stop moving and speak low in a calm voice
2. Slide a board or cushion between the biting mouth and your body
3. Show food to distract it and gain distance
4. Once it lets go, move it to another room and wait until it calms down

After the release

Rinse under running water for 5 minutes and disinfect. Pig bites are deep and prone to infection. If it swells, see a doctor

What to tell the vet & what to bring

Weight, diet, vaccination history, registration details, photos of stool and urine. Call ahead to confirm they can take a pig

Checking consciousness, breathing & heartbeat

• Breathing: chest movement. Normal is 15–25 per minute
• Heartbeat: hand on the left chest. 70–110 per minute
• Consciousness: response to calling its name and stimulating the ears or toes

Stopping bleeding

• Press firmly with a clean towel for 5 minutes
• For limb bleeding, apply pressure with a bandage on the heart side
• If it does not stop, keep pressing while transporting

Transport

• Carry on a blanket with several people. Large-dog crate
• Call ahead to a vet that can take a pig, then transport