Laxatives For Pigs: Safe Or Not?

Yes, you can give pigs laxatives, but it is important to be cautious and consult a veterinarian for advice. Constipation in pigs is a common issue, especially in sows after farrowing, and there are several ways to address it. One method is to increase water consumption, which helps to moisten the stool and stimulate bowel movement. Additionally, providing high-fibre feed or supplements can alter gut passage speed and retain water, preventing constipation. In acute cases, administering specific salts or oils in recommended doses can be effective. However, it is crucial to monitor the pig's water intake and overall health, as dehydration is a significant concern.

Causes of constipation in pigs

Constipation in pigs can be caused by a variety of factors, and it is a condition that has been on the rise in recent years. Here are some of the most common causes of constipation in pigs:

Low Fibre Content in Diet

A diet that is low in fibre can lead to constipation in pigs. Increasing the amount of fibre in the pig's diet can help to soften the stool and promote regular bowel movements. High-fibre feed, such as beet pellets or fibre supplements, can be added to the pig's diet to alleviate constipation.

Dehydration

Dehydration is another common cause of constipation in pigs. It is important to ensure that pigs have access to plenty of water to help keep their bowels moving and their stool soft. Water can also be mixed into their food to increase their fluid intake.

Inactivity

A sudden change from an active to an inactive lifestyle can negatively affect gut contraction, resulting in constipation. This is often seen in sows that are loose during the gestation period and then confined in the farrowing section. Exercise can help to stimulate defecation and relieve constipation.

Stress

Stress can also contribute to constipation in pigs. Playing music in the farrowing area can help to relieve stress and promote normal bowel function.

Dietary Changes

Sudden dietary changes or feeding regimes can disrupt the normal bowel function and lead to constipation. It is important to introduce any dietary changes gradually and to ensure that the pig's diet is balanced and includes enough fibre and water.

Medical Conditions

In some cases, constipation in pigs may be caused by underlying medical conditions or recent surgeries. If the pig is straining to defecate with little to no results, it is important to consult a veterinarian to rule out any serious medical issues.

Signs of constipation in pigs

Constipation in pigs can be a serious condition, particularly in gilts and sows post-farrowing. It is important to observe sows daily and record normal defecation, as a constipated pig may not pass any faeces for up to five days.

• A humped or hunched-up back
• Straining to defecate with little or no results
• Little hard, knobbly, or pellet-like faecal balls
• Groaning or moaning while trying to defecate
• A bloated or distended belly
• Behavioural changes
• Overall whininess or signs that the pig doesn't feel well

If your pig is younger than three months old and seems constipated, or if it is not eating or is vomiting, you should take it to see a vet.

Preventing constipation in pigs

Constipation in pigs can be prevented by making a few simple changes to their diet and lifestyle. Here are some tips to help keep your pig regular and comfortable:

• Increase water consumption: Water is essential to help the bowel move and create softer stools. Ensure your pig has constant access to fresh, clean water and encourage them to drink throughout the day.
• Mix water with dry food: If your pig tends to eat dry food, mix in some water to add moisture and prevent dehydration, which can lead to constipation.
• Increase dietary fibre: Feed your pig high-fibre foods such as beet pellets, fibre supplements, or high-fibre feed to alter the passage speed through the gut and retain water.
• Fruits and vegetables: Include more dietary greens and high-fibre cereals like shredded wheat (without frosting or bran). Also, add fibre-rich fruits and berries such as prunes, blueberries, and raspberries.
• Pumpkin: Feed small pigs 1/4 can of pumpkin three times a day, and larger pigs (over 40 pounds) 1/2 can three times a day. Continue feeding pumpkin for two weeks after constipation resolves, and then gradually decrease the amount over the next two weeks.
• Lubricate the digestive tract: Use dietary fats like animal fat (lard or Crisco) once or twice a day to lubricate the digestive tract and make it easier for stools to pass.
• Mineral oil: Mineral oil is tasteless and can help lubricate the digestive tract. However, it should be mixed with pumpkin, yogurt, or pudding to avoid aspiration if given in liquid form.
• Stool softeners: Give your pig stool softeners like Colace or docusate sodium (available at most drug stores) with food twice a day.
• Limit laxatives: While laxatives can be effective, they can also cause diarrhoea, so use them sparingly. If needed, give your pig Miralax (2 teaspoons twice a day) mixed with their drinking water.
• Keep your pig active: Increase your pig's mobility to keep their digestive tract moving. Spread their feed on the ground so they have to search for it, or take them on regular walks.
• Monitor water valves: If you have sows, check the water valves before transferring them to the farrowing section to ensure they have enough water.

Remember, if your pig is younger than three months old and seems constipated, or if they are not eating or vomiting, consult your veterinarian.

Treating constipation in pigs

If your pig is younger than three months old and appears to be constipated, you should take it to the vet. The same goes if your pig is not eating or is vomiting. Signs of constipation in a pig include a humped-up back, straining to defecate with little or no results, small, hard individual faecal balls, and groaning or moaning while trying to defecate.

If your pig is older than three months, there are several things you can do at home to treat constipation. Firstly, you should increase its water consumption to help the bowel move and moisten the stool. You can do this by mixing ¼ apple, prune, or cranberry juice with ¾ water, or offering Gatorade mixed half-and-half with water. You should also mix water into any dry food.

Secondly, you can increase your pig's dietary fibre to make softer, bulkier stools. You can do this by feeding it pumpkin – for small pigs, feed ¼ of a can three times a day, and for larger pigs, feed ½ a can three times a day. You should feed pumpkin for two weeks after constipation resolves and then gradually decrease the amount over two weeks. You can also give your pig fibre laxatives (Metamucil) – 1 tablespoon twice a day. However, this should only be done if the pig is drinking plenty of water, and you should gradually decrease the amount over two weeks after constipation is resolved. You can also increase your pig's dietary greens and high-fibre cereals (such as shredded wheat) and fibre-containing fruits and berries (such as prunes, blueberries, and raspberries).

Thirdly, you can lubricate your pig's digestive tract for easier stool passage. You can do this by giving it dietary fat – animal fat (lard, Crisco) works best – 1 tablespoon once or twice a day. You can also use mineral oil, which is tasteless and slippery. However, if given in liquid form, the pig may aspirate and develop pneumonia. To avoid this, mix the mineral oil with pumpkin, yogurt, or pudding.

You can also soften your pig's stool to make it easier to pass. Stool softeners such as Colase or DSS – give one capsule with food twice a day. You can also give your pig laxatives (limit usage as they can cause diarrhoea), such as Miralax – 2 teaspoons twice a day.

In minor cases of constipation, a warm bath will stimulate defecation. If the pig does not defecate in 72 hours, take it to the vet.

Laxatives and stool softeners for pigs

Pigs can become constipated, and constipation is a common issue for sows. Constipation is a decrease in the frequency and/or amount of defecation, with manure usually formed into small, golf ball-sized portions. Signs of constipation in pigs include a humped-up back, straining to defecate with little or no results, little hard faecal balls, and groaning or moaning while trying to defecate.

If your pig is younger than three months old and seems constipated, or is not eating or vomiting, you should see your vet. If the pig does not defecate in 72 hours, you should also seek veterinary advice.

Prevention

Constipation can be prevented by ensuring your pig has a high-fibre diet and plenty of water. You can also add a fibre supplement to their feed.

Treatment

There are several ways to treat constipation in pigs:

• Increase water consumption to help the bowel move and moisten the stool.
• Increase dietary fibre to make softer, bulkier stools.
• Lubricate the digestive tract for easier stool passage.
• Soften the stool so it is easier to pass.
• Use laxatives.
• Use enemas and suppositories.

Increasing Water Consumption

You can increase a pig's water consumption by:

• Mixing ¼ apple, prune or cranberry juice with ¾ water.
• Offering Gatorade mixed half-and-half with water.
• Mixing water into any dry food.

Increasing Dietary Fibre

To increase a pig's dietary fibre, you can:

• Feed pumpkin. For small pigs, feed ¼ can three times per day. For larger pigs (over 40 pounds), feed ½ can three times per day.
• Feed fibre laxatives (Metamucil) – 1 tablespoonful twice a day. Ensure pigs are drinking plenty of water if using Metamucil.
• Increase dietary greens and high-fibre cereals (like shredded wheat or bran).
• Increase fibre-containing fruits and berries, such as prunes, blueberries, and raspberries.

Lubricating the Digestive Tract

To lubricate a pig's digestive tract, you can use:

• Dietary fat – animal fat (lard, Crisco) works best. 1 tablespoonful once or twice a day.
• Mineral oil – this oil is tasteless and slippery. Mix it with pumpkin, yogurt, or pudding to avoid aspiration.

Stool Softeners

Stool softeners such as Colace or docusate sodium can be given to pigs – 1 capsule with food twice a day. This can be purchased at most drug stores or grocery stores.

Laxatives

Laxatives such as Miralax can be given to pigs – 2 teaspoonfuls twice a day. However, limit the use of laxatives as they can cause diarrhoea.

Enemas and Suppositories

You can use paediatric suppositories (available at pharmacies) – 1 once a day, per rectum. Alternatively, a mineral oil enema can be used – up to 15ml once a day, per rectum.

Frequently asked questions