How to Bathe a Hog

Hogs are naturally clean and require minimal bathing. When hogs need a bath, introduce them to the water slowly to prevent too much stress. Hogs that are unfamiliar with the water may resist a bath; however, once they become familiar with the water, they will probably enjoy the extra attention they are getting. Hogs, which typically weigh more than 120 pounds, are not easy to handle if they become frightened, so take the precautionary steps and start to prepare them for the bath in advance.

Things You'll Need

  • Shower
  • Kiddie pool
  • Hog shampoo
  • Soft bristle brush
  • Olive oil
  • Washcloth
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Instructions

    • 1

      Introduce the hog to its bathing area a few days prior to bath time. During the cooler months, the hog will need to bathe indoors. A stand-up shower will work best for bathing the hog, especially with its size, but if a walk-in shower is not available, then lifting the hog into the tub is the only other option. Warmer months are easier to accommodate a large hog. Simply fill a kiddie pool in the morning and place it in the sun to warm. The following day, pull the hog into the pool for a bath.

    • 2

      Clean the skin with a soft bristle brush and hog shampoo. Shampoo can be found at farm supply companies, various pet stores and from veterinarians. Purchase a shampoo that contains coconut oil to keep the hog's skin moisturized.

    • 3

      Use a soft bristle brush to scrub the hog. Move the brush around the hog's entire body, including its face. Avoid using the brush around the eye area and inside the ears. Rinse with clean water.

    • 4

      Rub the hog's body with olive oil or another oil-based moisturizer. The hog will enjoy the massage, and the oil will keep its body smooth and moisturized.

    • 5

      Clean the brown gunk and wax from the hog's eyes and ears with a warm washcloth. Avoid putting soap onto the washcloth to prevent irritating the hog's eyes. Build-up will continue to escalate in both the eyes and ears if not properly cleaned.

    • 6

      Trim the hog's hooves with hoof trimmers, available at farm supply stores. If the hog is finicky about its feet being touched, then request the vet to trim the hooves. In the meantime, have the hog walk along a concrete path to file the hooves naturally.