🚩Disclaimer🚩For educational purposes only. Always consult a licensed veterinarian regarding your mini pig’s care and treatment.
Mini pigs can occasionally experience skin irritation, dry skin, and external parasites such as mites. While skin conditions are common in pigs, proper diagnosis is important because many different issues can look similar.
This guide is designed to help pig owners better understand common skin concerns while encouraging safe, veterinarian-guided care.
Mites are microscopic parasites that can irritate a pig’s skin. Some pigs may carry mites without severe symptoms, while others can develop itching, dryness, crusting, or hair loss.
Mite flare-ups are sometimes more noticeable during:
Not every pig will experience severe symptoms, and not all dry skin is caused by mites.
Signs that may indicate mites or another skin condition include:
Because these symptoms may also be caused by allergies, fungal infections, nutritional deficiencies, or dry skin, veterinary evaluation is recommended.
Some owners refer to dark, flaky debris on the skin as “pig rust.” In some cases this may simply be dry skin or natural debris buildup, while in others it may indicate irritation caused by mites or inflammation.
Only a veterinarian can properly diagnose the cause.
We prefer Revolution. We have had great results!
Some veterinarians may prescribe selamectin (Revolution®) off-label for mini pigs. “Off-label” means a medication is used in a species not specifically listed on the packaging.
While some pig owners report positive experiences, treatment decisions should always be made with a licensed veterinarian familiar with swine care.
If you need assistance ordering/obtaining Revolution, reach out at: 812-267-9349
Ivermectin is commonly used by veterinarians to help treat mites in pigs. Depending on the situation, treatment may require:
Medication type and dosage should always be determined by a veterinarian.
Keeping your pig’s environment clean is extremely important during treatment.
Helpful steps may include:
Some veterinarians may also recommend environmental sprays specifically labeled for parasite control around animal bedding areas.
Seek veterinary care if your pig experiences:
⚠️ Never use medications without veterinary guidance.
Different animals process medications differently, and incorrect dosing can be dangerous.
⚠️ Mini pigs are considered a specialty species in many veterinary practices.
Whenever possible, seek care from a veterinarian experienced with pigs or exotic livestock.
⚠️ Skin conditions can have many causes.
Not all itchy or flaky skin is caused by mites.
To support healthy skin:
This information is intended for educational purposes only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult a licensed veterinarian before beginning any medication or treatment for your mini pig. Individual pigs may respond differently based on age, weight, pregnancy status, and overall health.
When Frankie arrived to us at just 10 months old, he was in heartbreaking condition. His skin was severely inflamed from a significant mite infestation, and much of his hair had been lost due to constant irritation and scratching. His previous family had worked closely with their veterinarian and tried the treatments that had been recommended to them at the time, but Frankie continued to decline. Eventually, the family was told that his condition may be “incurable” and that euthanasia was being considered due to the severity of his skin damage and discomfort. Wanting to give Frankie every possible chance, they reached out to us as a final effort to help him recover. From the moment Frankie arrived, his progress was carefully documented from day one through the completion of his recovery journey and eventual rehoming. Under veterinary guidance, Frankie was started on an appropriate parasite treatment plan using Revolution® (selamectin), along with supportive nutritional care and a clean, low-stress environment to help his skin heal properly. Over the following weeks and months, Frankie slowly began improving. His inflammation decreased, healthy skin returned, and his hair gradually regrew. As his physical condition improved, so did his personality and overall quality of life. Frankie’s story serves as an important reminder that severe skin conditions in mini pigs are not always hopeless, and that persistence, proper veterinary care, nutrition, environmental management, and supportive treatment can make a tremendous difference in recovery outcomes. Every pig is different, and treatment plans should always be developed with a licensed veterinarian familiar with swine care.