Harold's been cleaning his mouth while eating lately

Pohtaytur · Jan 10, 2023

Since yesterday he would do a motion with his jaw like he's cleaning his mouth like a cat would when eating his pellets. Henry doesn't do this though, she's just eating as per usual. It's only occasional, so I'm wondering if it's because it's the bottom of the bag and it's kinda dusty with all the crumbs.

Does anyone else's pig do this? I looked it up in case it was something unusual, and all I saw was about malocclusion. Otherwise, his weight has been fine and he's been eating and grinding his teeth as per usual.

Bill & Ted · Jan 11, 2023

I would weigh Harold at the same time everyday if you can and make a note of his weight. A difference of +/- 30g is fine, any weight loss over 50g or a gradual weight loss over a week or so is a cause for concern. GP’s that have problems with their teeth usually stop eating hay and have a noticeable weight loss, along with gagging, pawing at the mouth and eventually stop eating veggies and pellets.
It may well be dust from pellets that is causing him to clean his mouth but as long as he is eating plenty of hay then it’s unlikely he has any problems with his teeth.
I would try and sieve out the dust from the pellets, it can also get up their noses too. No more than one tablespoon a day should be given

Pohtaytur · Jan 12, 2023

Bill & Ted said:
I would weigh Harold at the same time everyday if you can and make a note of his weight. A difference of +/- 30g is fine, any weight loss over 50g or a gradual weight loss over a week or so is a cause for concern. GP’s that have problems with their teeth usually stop eating hay and have a noticeable weight loss, along with gagging, pawing at the mouth and eventually stop eating veggies and pellets.
It may well be dust from pellets that is causing him to clean his mouth but as long as he is eating plenty of hay then it’s unlikely he has any problems with his teeth.
I would try and sieve out the dust from the pellets, it can also get up their noses too. No more than one tablespoon a day should be given

Thanks for the tips! His weight has been pretty stable so far, with the 30g allowance. My parents say I might be overthinking it. I honestly might just be worrying about them too much, but I can't seem to stop worrying about their health haha!

Bill & Ted · Jan 12, 2023

Pohtaytur said:
Thanks for the tips! His weight has been pretty stable so far, with the 30g allowance. My parents say I might be overthinking it. I honestly might just be worrying about them too much, but I can't seem to stop worrying about their health haha!

Weigh him daily for a few weeks and see if there is any downward trend on his weight, if not then just enjoy your piggies and try not to overthink and worry about them.

It is always good to weigh them once a week normally (keep a note or spreadsheet), as weight loss is one of the big indicators that something isn’t right, but baring that if they eating lots of hay, pooping lots and acting as normal then try not to worry too much x