Sweating like a pig?
Myth busting - do pigs sweat?
The phrase 'sweating like a pig' is one we've all heard but if it means anything at all it means not sweating as pigs don't sweat!
Although many animals sweat a little, only horses and humans produce a large amount of sweat to cool the body.
How do pigs stay cool?
When pigs get too hot they like to cool off in clean water. If that isn't available they will wallow in mud. The mud has two benefits, it helps to cool the pig and it acts as a sunscreen.
Can pigs really swim?
They certainly can and they love it! You can see in the video below and there are lots of videos online too.
They are natural swimmers and if you fill an inflatable pool for your backyard pigs they'll love you forever 😀 Of course they may also trash the pool... Maybe instead you can use the hosepipe as an outdoor shower for them?
Here's an article from the Northern Advocate with a video of a pig swimming at Ninety-Mile Beach.
