As a pitbull breeder and owner for nearly twelve years, the most common question I often receive via email, phone call, or with a visit, is, how do I keep my pitbull healthy? With this question appearing more often as pitbull lovers and all dog owners want to prolong their pets lives, I summed up a list of a top 10 ways to keep your dog healthy.
We are constantly reminded how often we, as Americans, need to exercise to maintain healthy blood pressure, lower cholesterol and blood pressure, lose weight, and to promote healthy heart and decrease the chances of diabetes. Similarly, dogs require exercise to help promote healthy heart, prevent diabetes, and reduce chances of hip dysplasia because of healthy weight.
There are many dog food brands and styles on the market that often try to appeal to the consumer as being the healthiest. We have seen great results using Taste of the Wild. Because of the low fat content and higher protein, we have seen better metabolism producing leaner muscle, making our Pitbulls more muscular with longer agility.
Animals can become as deficient of certain vitamins and minerals just as a human can, therefore, we recommend giving your pitbull puppy a daily high quality vitamin that contains high amino acids for muscle growth and development. During the progressive stages, older dogs may require more of certain vitamins for bones and joints.
Each year, your pitbull puppy or adult pitbull requires a check up at your local veterinarian. They will provide any advice on your dogs diet, health, and necessary vaccinations. They should perform a fecal exam to determine intestinal parasites as well as a heartworm exam. If medicine is prescribed, add the medicine to the dogs normal diet.
Ok so your pitbull may not love baths. He may actually not even like water. But, with patience, you can make baths a normal and possibly even pleasant experience. Plus, bathing will not only make your pit smell better, but in fact, may eliminate ticks and wash away any bugs living on the hair or add extra sheen to the coat. Because pitbulls have short hair, not many parasites reside on their coat, however, a bath every 6 to 8 weeks will keep your pitbull clean. Provide a nice massage for the dog while giving him/her a shampoo and conditioner bath. Eventually your pit will love the bath. Remember to also clip the nails and brush the teeth regularly.
Along with exercise, provide a chew toy. Often, dogs may be stressed and may chew up furniture and shoes. If you provide a chew toy, they will eliminate furniture from the equation and focus on destroying the chew toy. If a big hearty bone is being chewed and eaten, keep an eye on your pit. Make sure that no small pieces that can choke them are ready to break off.
Raise and train your pitbull puppy with potty training, to sit and stay, not to jump, and all the necessary training required to be obedient. Many classes are being offered as obedient schools for puppies and dogs which will also help to him to learn how interact with other dogs. Remember, each dog is only as obedient and loving as the owner trains them.
Leashes are required by law to be on every dog regardless of size or breed. If your pitbull is found without a leash or tag, you may be fined. A tag must be worn at all times on each dog. If the dog is found without a leash roaming around away from your yard/house, animal control may pick up the dog and placed in an animal shelter. When walking or exercising your pitbull always use your leash, unless it is in a gated area. We also suggest Micro Chipping you Pitbull as they are one of the top desired breeds. With a microchip, you will be able to find your dog if is his unique micro-chip is scanned at any shelter or veterinarian.
Dog treats are important when rewarding your pitbull. Find which size treats your pitbull requires, as each stage requires more vitamins, or an easily chewable product. When training, use treats that don't crumble easily into little pieces. Licking up crumbs will distract your pitbull from focusing on you.
Spayed and neutered dogs tend to have fewer health problems. Cysts, uterine infections and cancer tract are less of a health concern when your pitbull is fixed. Health problems that can be associated with birthing are also eliminated with spaying. For the studs, the desire to run away is reduced, which lowers the chance of your dog running away, being hit by a car or being picked up by humane society. Having your dog neutered may also allow easier socialization skills with a calmer temperament.
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