Do I need a shot if bitten by my own pet pig?

Generally, it is recommended to receive injections after being bitten by a household-raised pig. Only when the wound is extremely superficial and the pig's health status is clearly confirmed with regular quarantine checks may vaccination be temporarily postponed. If in doubt, it is advisable to seek medical advice promptly. The detailed analysis is as follows:

If the wound is deep or involves significant bleeding, or if the pig has not undergone regular health inspections and vaccinations, immediate medical attention and injections are required. A pig's mouth carries various bacteria that can easily cause wound infection, and there is also a risk of transmitting diseases such as rabies. Timely administration of tetanus vaccine and rabies vaccine (depending on circumstances) can effectively reduce the risks of infection and disease progression, preventing worsening of the condition.

If the injury is only a minor superficial scratch without obvious bleeding, and the pig has been routinely inspected and vaccinated by professional agencies with a confirmed good health status, initial self-care—including thorough cleaning and disinfection of the wound—may be acceptable, along with close monitoring of both the wound and overall health. However, caution is still necessary; if signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or increased pain develop later, prompt medical care and catch-up injections should be sought immediately.

Immediately after the bite, the wound should be flushed with soapy water for at least 15 minutes, followed by disinfection with iodine tincture. When seeking medical care, inform the doctor about the pig’s quarantine and vaccination history. During wound recovery, keep the area clean and dry, avoid contact with contaminated water, and prevent worsening infection.