Procedure for Trimming Hog Hoofs

Your hog's foot is collectively called a hoof. It consists of two primary toes that are surrounded with a hard nail. Properly caring for your hog includes hoof trimming. Your hog can develop serious leg problems if you allow the hooves to grow too long. Your hog's legs must support its weight. Hooves that grow too long shift the weight, which can damage the hoof and ankle.

Things You'll Need

  • Stainless steel hoof clippers
  • Stainless steel hoof nail file
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Instructions

    • 1

      Get your hog used to having its hooves handled before attempting to trim them. Have your hog lie down while you handle its hooves in different ways. Grab each hoof in your hand and hold it for several seconds. Practice applying pressure with your hands to desensitize your hog's hooves. Rub them gently and then press them moderately. Rub your hog's stomach while holding its hoof in your hand. It will be easier to trim your hog's hooves once it is comfortable having its hooves handled.

    • 2

      Lie your pig on its side and look at the bottom of its hoof. Identify the dried flaky buildup first and use a hoof file to remove it. This buildup can cause your hog to stand incorrectly. Removing it first helps you determine where to begin trimming the hoof.

    • 3

      Trim the underside of the hoof using hoof trimmers or nonpinching nail clippers. Continue to trim until the underside becomes smooth. Aim to get the underside of the nail flat and even. The nail should be slightly higher than the pad of your hoof's foot. Pay attention to your hog's reactions to assure that you are not hitting nerves or blood vessels, which can cause pain.

    • 4

      Clip your hog's dewclaws with clippers and then file them using the nail filer. The dewclaws are on the side of your hog's foot and are similar to a thumb on a human. Smooth the dewclaws with the filer, making sure not to leave sharp edges.