Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. Though it’s tempting to give your pal food when she looks at you with those soulful eyes, you can “love her to death” with leftover people food and doggie treats.
It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain and heart disease. Obesity can be a significant health problem in American Pit Bull Terriers. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination, which we will recommend based on the diseases we see in our area, her age, and other factors. InfectionsĪmerican Pit Bull Terriers are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections - the same ones that all dogs can get - such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. In fact, your American Pit Bull Terrier's lifespan may be cut short by one to three years! We’ll clean your dog’s teeth regularly and let you know what you can do at home to keep those pearly whites clean. If we don’t prevent or treat dental disease, your buddy will lose her teeth and be in danger of damaging her kidneys, liver, heart, and joints. It starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. And unfortunately, your American Pit Bull Terrier is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. General Health Information for your American Pit Bull Terrier Dental Diseaseĭental disease is the most common chronic problem in pets, affecting 80% of all dogs by age two. You will know what to watch for, and we will all feel better knowing that we’re taking the best possible care of your pal. At the end of the article, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Pit looking and feeling her best. This information helps you and us together plan for your pet’s unique medical needs. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for American Pit Bull Terriers. Of course, we can’t cover every possibility here, so always check with us if you notice any unusual signs or symptoms. Your Georgia Veterinary Associates medical team will describe the most common issues seen in American Pit Bull Terriers to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. That does not mean your dog will have these problems it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. There is a general consensus among canine genetic researchers and veterinary practitioners that the conditions described herein have a significant rate of incidence and/or impact in this breed. Many diseases and health conditions are genetic, meaning they are related to your pet’s breed.
By knowing about health concerns specific to American Pit Bull Terriers, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Pit Bull. We know that because you care so much about your dog, you want to take good care of her. Early diagnosis is the key to a long and happy life so be sure to schedule routine checkups. They can suffer from some common conditions like hip dysplasia and allergies. The Pit Bull is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of 12-14 years. Originally bred for bull baiting and as a farm dog, the APBT has become a popular companion. In America, selective breeding increased their weight and enlarged their jaws, giving them a more powerful-looking head. The American Pit Bull Terrier was brought to the United States by immigrants from England, Ireland, and Scotland during the 19th century. She is friendly and can adapt to almost any living situation, as long as she is well socialized and gets daily exercise and attention.
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