How to Deworm a Hog

Intestinal worms in hogs damage internal organs and rob the animal of vital nutrients. They make the hog sick, and can ultimately cause you to lose money when the animal cannot be slaughtered or sold. They also infect other hogs when they are excreted from the pig in its feces. When raising hogs, it's important to create an effective deworming program for them, administer it correctly and follow it regularly.

Things You'll Need

  • Deworming agent
  • Syringe or bucket
  • Soap and water
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Instructions

    • 1

      Diagnose which type or types of internal parasite the hog is carrying. There are various types of worms that can infect a hog, and each worm type is usually treated with a particular deworming agent. Correct diagnosis can be achieved by clinical signs such as weight loss or diarrhea, or examining the feces for eggs.

    • 2

      Clean the hog's enclosure with soap and water after you remove him for deworming. Worm eggs can survive for years in an enclosure, protected by mud or hay, so you don't want to deworm your hog and then put him back in an enclosure that is still contaminated with intestinal parasites.

    • 3

      Choose a broad spectrum dewormer. Most hogs carry several types of intestinal parasite, and no individual deworming agent kills every type of worm. A broad spectrum dewormer, however, will kill many species. Some dewormers are given to the pig in its feed or as an injection. Read the manufacturer's recommendations carefully for dosage instructions.

    • 4

      Deworm your hog by either adding the deworming agent to its feed or by administering an injection. Some dewormers are a one-time agent while others require a repeat of the treatment several days later.

    • 5

      Repeat deworming in 2 to 4 weeks and continue to deworm the animal at least monthly. Some worm eggs can survive for up to 5 years, so ensuring the hog is not reinfected is vital in maintaining your hog's long-term health.

    • 6

      Monitor your hog regularly, via feces examination or clinical signs. Keeping an eye on him can help make sure he does not become reinfected. If he does, quick treatment can lessen any health problems he may develop.