Life expectancy of pot belly pigs

Pot bellied pigs have been gaining in popularity for several years.

Potbellied pigs have a short to medium wrinkled snout, small erect ears, large jowls in proportion to the head, a short neck, a pronounced potbelly, a swayed back, and a straight tail with a switch at the end. Most are black with occasional white on the snout, head, feet, or tail, but some are gray or completely white. Adult potbellied pigs should not exceed 18 inches at the shoulder. Newborns typically weigh from several ounces to a pound or more, and mature animals in trim condition can weigh well over lb depending on the breed. They may live from 8 to 25 years, with a life span of 10 to 15 years common in healthy pigs. Obese or unusually small pigs may have shortened life spans. Also see professional content regarding potbellied pigs Overview of Miniature Pet Pigs Potbellied pigs were one of the first types of miniature pigs to become popular in the US pet market.

Life expectancy of pot belly pigs

The Vietnamese potbellied pig is similar in many ways to a dog, including its expected life span. The potbellied pig can live more than a decade with proper care -- so be sure you are ready for the commitment before adopting one. On average, you can expect a Vietnamese potbellied pig to live around 12 to 15 years. With good nutrition and care, however, a Vietnamese potbellied pig may live to 20 or beyond. Aging potbellied pigs are particularly susceptible to respiratory illnesses and gastrointestinal disorders. Maintaining a healthy weight is important. In , the Guinness record holder for longest-lived pig was a year-old pig named Priscilla, born April 27, Milton Kazmeyer has worked in the insurance, financial and manufacturing fields and also served as a federal contractor. He began his writing career in and now works full-time as a writer and transcriptionist. His primary fields of expertise include computers, astronomy, alternative energy sources and the environment. By using the site, you agree to the uses of cookies and other technology as outlined in our Policy, and to our Terms of Use. Life Expectancy On average, you can expect a Vietnamese potbellied pig to live around 12 to 15 years.

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The average lifespan of potbellied pigs is approximately years, with some pigs living into their 20s. The quality of care a pig receives throughout its life has a great influence on longevity. Pigs can be considered seniors at 10 years of age. Senior pigs are a new phenomenon in this country since the first pot-bellied pigs were imported to the United States only about 25 years ago. Agricultural swine medicine contributes greatly to our understanding of health and disease in pet pigs. Typically, hogs raised for food only live to about 3 years of age, so geriatric swine medicine is a new field. Much of what is recommend comes from literature on geriatric people, dogs, and cats, and your veterinarian's own experienced with senior pigs.

The common lifespan of potbellied pigs is roughly years, with some pigs dwelling into their 20s. The standard of care a pig receives all through its life has an excellent affect on longevity. Pigs might be thought-about seniors at 10 years of age. Senior pigs are a brand new phenomenon on this nation because the first pot-bellied pigs have been imported to the USA solely about 25 years in the past. Agricultural swine drugs contributes drastically to our understanding of well being and illness in pet pigs. Usually, hogs raised for meals solely dwell to about Three years of age, so geriatric swine drugs is a brand new area. The medical doctors at Arizona Unique Animal Hospital have a few years of expertise caring for senior pet pigs, and serving to them dwell lengthy, wholesome lives. In consequence, dental illness is extraordinarily widespread and begins at a younger age.

Life expectancy of pot belly pigs

Pot bellied pigs have been gaining in popularity for several years. Many celebrities have owned pot bellied pigs and in vouchers for Royal Dandie Miniature pet pigs pigs that stay under 40lbs. These little piglets are becoming popular! The reasons why pot bellied pigs and other pet pigs are so popular are numerous, but one thing can't be ignored — they sure are cute! There are a few different varieties of pot bellied pigs and they are classified by their size. Breeders disagree on names for sizes, the appropriate weight of said sizes, and whether or not you can achieve a healthy " teacup " or "mini" pig so there are many varieties. The height of different kinds of pigs also plays a role in determining what title they are assigned. The kinds of pot bellied pigs below may be called different things depending on the breeder, rescue, or organization.

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Shepherd adds that adopting a pet pig must be taken seriously, and that potential owners should do their research and visit reputable breeders or rescues to get a better sense of the environment and where the pig is coming from. The Vietnamese potbellied pig is similar in many ways to a dog, including its expected life span. Help us make PetMD better Was this article helpful? You will need a measuring tape similar to those used by tailors. Do not give human pain medications to your pig as some may cause serious harm! Laws on keeping pigs as pets. Maintaining a healthy weight is important. Email Address. Use this basic guideline of what to feed your adult pot bellied pig:. More from The Spruce Pets. Needless to say, there is much debate in the pig world on this topic. For example, if a fat roll covers your pig's eyes then he is overweight. Small Pets. NSAIDs such as carprofen and meloxicam are prescription-only products you will need to get from your veterinarian.

Potbellied pigs are often classified more as livestock than as pets, but they can be charming, intelligent, and affectionate companions. There's no doubt that, when given the proper care and training, a potbellied pig can make a much-loved addition to a home.

Aging pigs slow down and this may lead to overgrown hooves. Keeping pigs as pets. Over time, teeth often become abscessed. The average full-grown pot bellied pig is anywhere from inches tall at their shoulders. We're concerned about the welfare of pigs when they're kept as pets, as it can be challenging to look after them properly due to the difficulties of meeting their very specific needs. Keep in mind that the potbellied pig has only been in this country since , so this pig evidently was one of the originals. Pig hooves need to be inspected regularly throughout life to make sure they are not overgrown. The truth is that the potbellied pig is only a good pet for those who take commitment and responsible pet ownership very seriously. Older pigs may be prone to developing tumors or cancer so any concerns should be reported to your veterinarian in a timely manner. It is important to have your veterinarian perform blood testing before starting your pig on prescription pain medications. You can help your pig maintain a healthy weight by encouraging exercise and feeding the right diet. The Health of a Potbellied Pig Potbellied pigs have an average life expectancy of around 15 years, and are generally very healthy animals. Adrienne Kruzer. Gums in and around the teeth may need cleaning.