Curious about bathing…

[Guineapoops2022]

Hey guys I was just wondering what your thoughts were on bathing your pigs my 4 don’t exactly enjoy the experience especially the hair dryer part is it best just to leave them be they are currently under going Zeno treatment for mites I would like to maybe wash they with something nice after they are all done but not sure it’s worth the upset just curious if anyone regularly baths thier piggy’s obviously not frequently I wouldn’t want to disturb natural oils or anything many thanks

 

[Guineapoops2022]

Gorgeous guineas has popped up a few times but not sure it’s worth bathing them as they will just sit in poops straight after anyway lol

 

[Piggies&buns]

If there isn’t a medical need to do so and if they aren’t dirty then there is no need to give them a bath.
Young piggies are perfectly able to keep themselves clean

 

[Bradshaw Piggies]

 

[rp1993]

Completely agree with the above I haven’t bathed my piggies in over a year and I have a white long haired pig. Other than cleaning one of my boys grease gland, they don’t enjoy and they don’t smell so no baths!

 

[Swissgreys]

I also agree.
I would never bathe my piggies unless it was medically necessary.
I have had pigs go for more than a year without ever needing a bath.

 

[Wiebke]

Hey guys I was just wondering what your thoughts were on bathing your pigs my 4 don’t exactly enjoy the experience especially the hair dryer part is it best just to leave them be they are currently under going Zeno treatment for mites I would like to maybe wash they with something nice after they are all done but not sure it’s worth the upset just curious if anyone regularly baths thier piggy’s obviously not frequently I wouldn’t want to disturb natural oils or anything many thanks

You usually can get away with bum baths and some judicial hair cutting around the bum end, even for long-haired piggies. Most piggies hate bathing and some can freak out badly and blind jump. Unless there is a real medical reason (ringworm) or some real messing/filthing up, we do not recommend regular bathing. Our bathing guide will show you how to bathe safely without risking injuries. Blow drying should ideally be avoided.

It is worth keeping in mind that the skin microbiome is an important defence mechanism which over-bathing can destroy. It is also worth noting that we have had to deal so much less with overactive grease glands in boars once we stopped recommending regular baths about a decade ago - the more you bathe a boar with an active grease gland, the more you actually stimulate it. It can become a vicious circle.

The majority of my own piggies never needs a full bath other than a bum bath/haircut and a regular brush in the elderly (including the short-haired ones) that can no longer piggy wash themselves due to arthritis, thankfully.

I haven't had any problems with 'dry skin' or other skin issues for a decade outside a couple of teddies with a breed-specific genetic skin issue with the exception of my 6 years plus oldies with age related arthritis (who can get away with a gentle wash around the genitalia and a wipe of the feet that doesn't soften the skin on the soles too much) ; and that includes my long-haired piggies.

Boar Care: Bits, Bums & Baths
Bathing (including cleaning grease glands)
An Illustrated Guide to Hair Cutting

 

[Freela]

I honestly never bathe my pigs unless there is a reason to. One of my pigs got regular bum baths in old age, as she had long-term bladder issues and tended to leak and irritate her skin unless we regularly cleaned her off, but I've had pigs literally go their whole lives without a bath. The one that did have bum baths regularly never enjoyed them, particularly the toweling off parts, but it was better than having her skin get irritated and break down. I personally don't want to put them through it for no particular reason.