It’s a strange fact, but the truth is your skinny pig’s urine can tell you an awful lot about their health. As responsible pet owners it is always a good idea to keep an eye on your pet’s food and water intake and the amount and type of waste they produce because these are oftentimes valuable sources of health information. Being so small, when something is wrong, skinny pig’s can deteriorate quickly so it’s super important to know when something is wrong so you can get them medical help promptly.

Possible Health Issues That Could Result in Urine Changes:

Here are some common health issues associated with abnormal urine:

1. Urinary Tract Infections (UTI):

A urinary tract infection often presents with a lack of appetite, difficulty urinating and sometimes blood in the urine. Regular veterinary check-ups can catch UTI’s early using x-ray and urinalysis diagnostics and the treatment is usually antibiotics to clear up the infection.

2. Urinary Calculi (Stones):

Made of calcium carbonate, stones can cause pain, infections, and blockages.

Dietary adjustments play a role in preventing stone formation and your veterinarian will be able to guide you here. The vet will usually prescribe medication to break up smaller stones, but if they are big and cannot pass on their own, your skinny pig may need surgery to remove them.

If your skinny pig has blood in their urine, difficulty urinating or seems to be in pain when passing urine, it’s time to see your vet. A skinny pig in pain will often be hunched over while urinating and either grinding their teeth loudly or vocalizing while trying to go.

3. Kidney Disease (Renal Disease):

Gradual loss of kidney function is common in older skinny pigs and can be caused by vascular disease, autoimmune disease and infectious agents. 

If you notice your skinny pig is excessively thirsty, urinating frequently and has signs of dehydration, you should seek out prompt medical care. Skinny pigs with kidney disease often lose weight and lose their cheerful demeanor, becoming depressed and withdrawn.

Regular monitoring and veterinary care are crucial for managing kidney disease.

4. Poorly Balanced Diet:

An imbalanced diet can lead to abnormal urine and overall health issues. This can present as abnormal droppings and changes in frequency and color of urine, weight changes, appetite alterations and dehydration.

It is crucial to ensure your skinny pig eats a well-balanced diet to promote their overall well-being and stave off health issues.

In the end, being attuned to your skinny pig's bodily signals, including their urine, is a crucial aspect of responsible pet ownership. So, observe, learn, and keep your skinny pig's health in check - they'll thank you with their adorable squeaks and cheerful demeanor!

Keep giving your pets the best of natural life!

~PetCoachApril 

April Arguin A.S., C.P.N., M.P.H