Skinny pigs, or hairless pigs, are adorable but they require specialized care that many new owners don’t anticipate! Skinny pigs have a higher metabolism to keep warm and will drink, eat and poop/pee more than their hairy counterparts. Here are some other highlights:
Health
Skinny pigs tend to encounter a few more health problems than the haired variety.
Due to their history and breeding complications, immune systems can sometimes be weaker to that of a haired Guinea pig. However, a well-bred skinny pig should have the same resilience as a haired Guinea pig.
Skinny pigs need to be kept warm, due to the fact that they do not have any natural insulation in the form of hair. This means you cannot keep them outside and should be kept indoors in a snug and warm environment.
If you are considering letting your Skinny pig have a trip outside, be sure to apply a high factor sunblock to protect their skin from burning and skin cancers.
Lacking that extra protective layer of fur can also lead to an increase of bumps and scrapes. Be sure to keep your Skinny Pig in a safe environment and consider selecting bedding and substrate that is not too abrasive on their delicate skin.
Skinny Pigs and allergies
A common misconception is that pet allergies are always caused by the animal’s hair or dander. Quite often it is, in fact, the skin or saliva of the animal causing the allergy.
It is also much more common to be allergic to your pets bedding materials or foodstuff than it is your actual pet, so be sure to rule any of this out by changing the bedding type and food before you declare yourself allergic to your little buddy!
Oily skin
Some skinny pigs suffer from oily skin ,which is caused by an over production of natural oils and can cause blockages in the pores of the skin. Symptoms may include scratching and itching on the back, and around glands. Be sure to keep an eye out for this and remedy by wiping with a warm cloth to remove excess oily residue.
Dry Skin
On the other hand, skinny pigs may suffer from dry skin, caused by a lack of natural oil production. this can lead to irritation, scratching and itching. if you suspect your piggy has dry skin, use a small amount of a natural unscented moisturizer, free from chemicals to relieve the dryness. This could be a natural moisturizer such as coconut oil, or a delicate baby lotion. The key here is too use sparringly as Skinny pigs have very sensitive skin. As always, consult your local friendly vet for further skin care advice.
Skinny Pig Temperature
Because of the Skinny pigs lack of fur, it is important to keep your piggy in warm conditions and provide ample bedding and borrowing materials. Skinnes will be very happy in a room temperature environment, which is usually around 23°C or around 70°f.