How to Groom a Pig

People raise pigs for a number of reasons, including 4-H projects, market sale and companionship. Contrary to myth and expressions about pigsties, pigs are actually very clean animals. Whether you are raising your pig as for show, for market or as a pet, you need to groom it properly. Grooming should begin as soon as you buy the animal and is as important to good care as feeding.

Things You'll Need

  • Scrub brush
  • Mild liquid detergent
  • Scissors or nail clippers (optional)
  • Hair dressing or oils (optional for show pigs only)
  • Talcum powder (optional)
  • Wash cloth
  • Fly sprayer
  • Water hose
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Brush the pig daily, even on days you do not bathe it.

    • 2

      Wash the pig regularly, at least once a week, and as often as every other day if approaching a fair or show. Wet the pig completely with a hose, then apply a gentle soap or detergent. Be very careful not to get the soap into the pig's eyes or ears. Scrub the pig, including its feet, with detergent and a wash cloth, gently but vigorously rubbing. Finally, rinse all of the detergent.

    • 3

      Brush the pig after each washing. Brush the hair to lie in its natural direction.

    • 4

      Clip and trim some of a show pig's hair. Clip long hairs from the pig's underline, jowl and crotch. Trim the ears and tail from the root to the switch.

    • 5

      Oil black, red and spotted show pigs. Oil only the colored portions, not the white spots. Apply mineral oil mixed with rubbing alcohol, or a commercially available oil with a plastic sprayer. Remove any extra oil with a soft cloth.

    • 6

      Use talcum powder on white show breeds. Apply a thin layer of powder then brush it into the pig.