Antifreeze
Cold weather brings many pet health hazards to be avoided. The most common of these is antifreeze. Antifreeze is a sweet tasting liquid and many animals die each year because they lapped up a puddle they found on the ground. As little as 2 ounces may be fatal to a medium-size dog. Less than one tablespoon may kill a cat. Antifreeze is toxic to pigs, as well. If your pig is inside most of the time, you may not have to worry about this, but be attentive if you take your pigs on walks. As fast as a pig can sniff something out, it would not take them long to find a puddle and slurp up enough antifreeze to fatally poison them.

If you know that a pig has ingested antifreeze, give him hydrogen peroxide immediately until he begins to vomit. Then contact your veterinarian. Early signs of antifreeze toxicity may be subtle and it takes about 12-24 hours for more obvious signs, such as vomiting, anorexia and depression, to appear. Early diagnosis is imperative if treatment is to be successful. If you even suspect that your pig may have ingested antifreeze, call your veterinarian immediately!

Plants
Many plants are toxic to your pigs but in the wintertime, mistletoe and poinsettia are added to the list. Mistletoe is probably the greatest threat. All parts of the plant are poisonous, especially the berries. Pets that eat mistletoe will vomit and have diarrhea. If you catch your pig eating mistletoe berries, take him to the veterinarian immediately. Poinsettias, though not as toxic, still pose a problem if eaten or if the sap contacts your pig's skin. Again, call your veterinarian if this occurs.

Chocolate
Many people believe in sharing their own special holiday treats with their pigs, but some of these can also be toxic. Just 10 ounces of chocolate can kill a 12-pound dog. It would take much more to kill a pig but a small amount can still make them very ill. Symptoms of chocolate toxicosis may include restlessness, vomiting, increased heart rate, seizures or coma. Again, if you know your pig has just eaten something that can be toxic, you can try to make him vomit in order to get rid of the offending substance. This can usually be safely accomplished with hydrogen peroxide given by mouth. The amount of hydrogen peroxide varies with the individual. A few tablespoons may be enough for some pigs and others may require a pint. Give the hydrogen peroxide until the pig empties its stomach. Using a syringe will be helpful.

WARNING: If your pig has consumed some household product, read the label carefully to be sure that it does not warn against inducing vomiting. If it does, call your veterinarian or the Poison Control Hotline immediately. (800-548-2423 $30.00)

Decorations
Christmas trees and holiday decorations are very interesting to pigs but tinsel, popcorn or cranberry strings and glass ornaments can cause severe intestinal damage if ingested. To be on the safe side, consider confining your pig to a separate room, away from the tree when you are not at home. Remember, one of the most common surgeries we perform on pigs is done to remove something they ate that is blocking their intestines.

Weather
Freezing weather may not be common in your area, but that makes it even more dangerous to our pigs who are not used to it. Pigs especially do not like cold or wet weather. If you must leave your pig outside during cold weather, they need shelter, preferably with some sort of heat source, such as a heat lamp. Be careful that the light bulb is where the pig cannot touch it and keep any cords out of reach.

The water bowls should also be checked daily to be sure that the water does not freeze, preventing the pig from getting a drink. Pigs always need fresh water available, even in the winter! Monitor your pig's water intake carefully. Pigs seem to lose interest in their water during cold weather and I have seen some very severe cases of constipation in pigs because they are not drinking enough water. You can add fruit juice to your pig's water bowl or even some powdered Jell-O mix to make it sweet and more palatable to them. You may have to experiment a little to see which flavors your pigs likes best.

With a little extra care and good common sense, you can assure a safe and happy holiday season for the whole family, including four-legged members.

Reprinted from The Rooter, the official Metroplex Association of Potbellied Pig Enthusiasts newsletter.