Things to have on hand, to help your pig UNTIL you get to a veterinarian:
Things to have on hand, to help your pig UNTIL you get to the veterinarian:
*Strawberry Koolaid – for pigs who do not want to drink, or have low blood sugar. Can be used to give some meds since it can mask the taste of a bitter compound
*Gatorade(regular/original) or pedialyte – balanced electrolyte solutions to replace fluid lost if vomiting or diarrhea occur.
*Low sodium chicken broth – can be used to replace fluid lost if vomiting or diarrhea occurs *Campbell’s vegetable soup – many pigs will eat this when it is warmed up when they will not eat anything else. *Canned pumpkin – high fiber to help if constipation or diarrhea occur *Applesauce – many pigs will eat this when they have poor appetite.Can also be used to hide medication
*Heating pad – for the cold pig. Set on low so piggie doesn't get burned. Also adds security for new pigs – they sleep better on those first nights home.
*Karo syrup – a sugar source to help very cold or inappetence pigs
*Sugar – 1 teaspoonful in a cup of warm water can be put on gums to raise blood sugar of cold pigs. They do not have to drink it, it can be absorbed through the mucous membranes of the lips and gums.
*Instant oatmeal – many pigs will eat warm oatmeal when they do not eat anything else
*A few syringes of different sizes or a turkey baster so that you can give liquids orally
*A digital thermometer – to be used rectally (get one for only pig use)
*A fan for cooling
*Ice packs (or frozen peas in a bag) for cooling and in case of a injury to a leg. Put a small towel between the ice pack and the skin.
*Honey – a sugar source for cold pigs – rub some on the gums. Can also be mixed in with canned pumpkin if they are reluctant to eat it
*Full spectrum light (SAD light) – can be obtained online. Provides sunlight for pigs that are indoors only - needed so that Vitamin D can be produced and used. 10 minutes per day. Especially useful for piglets
*Kwik Stop – a styptic powder to help bleeding hooves if you quick them during trimming. DO NOT USE ON SKIN because it can burn the tissue
*Super Glue – if you nick a claw during trimming, you can glue a cotton ball onto bleeding area and it will stop. Cotton will fall off or can be removed later
*Q-tips & KY jelly or Vaseline (or both) – can be used to lubricate and moisten tissue. A small amount on a q-tip can be used to clean the outside of the ear Handy bandage material (in case of a cut, scrape, etc):
*Disposable Diapers or Sanitary Napkins – clean absorbent material, easy to store and always have about.
*Masking Tape (does not stick to skin, but sticks to bandage material)
*A couple of pairs of athletic socks or some boots made for dogs – to cover feet
* 1 inch white bandage tape *Rolled gauze *Vet Wrap
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