Do you own or are you thinking of becoming the proud owner of a pit bull?
Then one of the things you will be concerned about is how to take care of your furry friend so they live a long and healthy life.
And if you are wondering, a pitbull can live up to 8-15 years
As a result, you might be wondering what certain health issues a pit bull can have.
And
What can you do to prevent them so that your pit bull lives to attend to the normal pit bull lifespan?
Then this article is written for you.
To understand some of the pit bull common health ideas, we ran a reddit survey and asked our pitbull owners, what common or popular diseases were observed in their pit bulls.
What Is A Pit Bull Breed
Pit bulls are descended from bulldogs and bull terriers. They were originally bred in England in the 19th century for bull-baiting and dog fighting.
Although these activities are now illegal, the breeding of pit bulls to be strong and athletic continues today.
As a result, pit bulls have a muscular body structure and a wide head with a short muzzle. They are also known for their loyalty and strong sense of protection.
Pit bulls are generally friendly and affectionate dogs and are great family pet dogs with proper training and socialization. Lack of property training and socialization can also lead to increased aggressiveness as in many dogs and this is not peculiar to pit bulls as a dog breed.
Pit Bulls are also very intelligent and can be trained to do a variety of tasks. That is why today, they are used as therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, and service dogs.
The Pitbull Terrier breeds include the American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Staffordshire Bull Terriers, and other unrecognized breeds.
It is important to note that not all pitbull breeds are registered by the United Kennel Club.
Top 5 Common Health Conditions in Pit Bulls
- Skin Allergies
- Hip Dysplasia
- Demodectic Mange
- Heartworm Disease
- Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome
1: Skin Allergies:
Skin Infections are one of the many pitbull health issues.
Skin infections are common in pit bulls and dog breeds.
They can be caused by a number of factors, such as flea or food allergies, contact allergies, or atopic dermatitis.
Symptoms of skin infections include itching, scratching, and redness of the skin.
Prevention:
To prevent skin allergies, make sure to keep your pit bull clean and groomed, and avoid using harsh chemicals or soaps that could irritate their skin. Regular flea and tick prevention is also important to prevent flea allergies.
How to Treat Skin Allergies:
If your pit bull does develop skin diseases, treatment may involve identifying and removing the allergen.
Medication such as antihistamines or corticosteroids to relieve symptoms, and topical treatments such as shampoos or creams to soothe the skin may also be recommended to prevent other skin diseases. Learn more about skin allergies in pitbulls and how to cure them.
2: Hip Dysplasia ( Hip and Hind Leg Problems)
As a muscular breed, pit bulls are prone to hip dysplasia.
Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition that affects the hip joint of pit bulls, especially the hind legs, causing the ball and socket joint to not fit together properly. This can cause pain and inflammation, and can eventually lead to arthritis and mobility issues plus a whole lot of other knee problems in pit bulls.
Prevention:
To prevent hip dysplasia, it is important to only breed pitbulls with healthy hips and to avoid overfeeding them to prevent excessive weight gain, which can put extra stress on the hip joints.
How to Treat Hip Dysplasia:
If your pitbull does develop hip dysplasia, treatment may involve arthritis medication, pain management, exercise modification, and possibly hip surgery in severe cases. Check out this article on what hip dysplasia is in pitbulls and how to manage it
3: Demodectic Mange
Demodectic mange is a skin condition caused by mites that live in the hair follicles and oil glands of the skin.
Common signs of pit bull’s skin include hair loss, itching, and redness.
Prevention:
To prevent demodectic mange, it is important to keep your pitbull clean and groomed and to avoid exposing them to other dogs who may have the condition. Regular vet check-ups can also help to catch the condition early.
How to Treat Demodectic Mange:
If your pit bull does develop demodectic mange, treatment may involve medication such as antiparasitics or antibiotics to eliminate the mites and reduce inflammation, as well as topical treatments to soothe the skin.
Check out this article to learn everything you need to know about Deodectic Mange in pit bulls.
4: Heartworm Disease
Another common health problem, a pit bull may experience is heatworm disease. Heartworm disease is caused by a parasitic worm that is spread by mosquitoes. The worm lives in the heart and lungs, causing damage and potentially leading to heart failure and death if left untreated.
Prevention:
To prevent heartworm disease, it is important to administer a monthly heartworm preventive medication, which can be prescribed by your veterinarian.
Click to learn more about heartworm diseases in pit bulls.
Treatment for Heartworm Disease:
If your pit bull does develop heartworm disease, treatment may involve medication to kill the worms, as well as management of any associated symptoms and damage to the heart and lungs. Prevention is much easier and less expensive than treatment, so it is important to be vigilant about administering heartworm preventative.
5: Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome
Brachycephalic airway syndrome is a condition that affects dogs with short snouts, such as pitbulls. It can cause difficulty breathing, especially during exercise or in hot weather, and can lead to respiratory distress.
Prevention:
To prevent brachycephalic airway syndrome, it is important to avoid breeding dogs with extreme brachycephalic features and to avoid excessive exercise or exposure to hot weather.
How to Treat Brachycephalic Airway:
If your pit bull does develop brachycephalic airway syndrome, treatment may involve lifestyle modifications such as weight loss and exercise restriction, as well as medication to manage symptoms. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct structural abnormalities in the airway.
To learn more about this common pit bull illness, read our comprehensive guide on brachycephalic airway syndrome in pitbulls
6: Heart Disease:
Heart disease can affect the heart muscle, valves, and blood vessels. Symptoms may include coughing, difficulty breathing, and lethargy in the canine.
Prevention:
Preventing heart disease involves regular check-ups, a healthy diet, exercise, and avoiding smoking.
How to Treat Heart Disease:
Treatment options depend on the specific type of heart disease and may include medication, surgery, or lifestyle changes.
7: Obesity:
Obesity in pit bulls can lead to various health problems such as back leg issues, joint issues, diabetes, and respiratory issues.
Prevention:
To prevent obesity and maintain a healthy weight in your pit bull, it is important to provide a healthy diet and regular exercise.
How to Treat Obesity:
Avoid overfeeding and giving high-calorie treats. Read this comprehensive article on obesity in pit bulls. It includes a guide on the symptoms, main causes, and treatment options if your pit bull suffers from obesity.
8: Cancer:
Certain types of cancer can affect various parts of a pit bull’s body, including the lymph nodes, organs, and even skin cancer.
Prevention:
Early diagnosis is critical, so it is important to schedule regular check-ups and report any unusual symptoms to your veterinarian.
How to Treat Cancer:
Treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Early detection and proper care are the key to successful treatment if you suspect that your pitbull has cancer.
9: Cerebellar Ataxia:
Cerebellar ataxia is a genetic neurological condition that affects a pitbull’s ability to coordinate movements. It may cause unsteadiness, lack of balance, and difficulty walking.
Prevention:
There is no cure for cerebellar ataxia in pit bulls, but physical therapy and supportive care can help manage symptoms, therefore it is important to detect it early.
10: Cataracts:
Cataracts in pit bulls are a common eye condition, and they can cause cloudiness and vision impairment.
Prevention:
To prevent cataracts, it is important to provide a healthy diet with essential vitamins and antioxidants.
How to Treat Cataracts:
Treatment may involve surgery to remove the cataracts. Read this comprehensive article to understand how cataracts may affect your pit bull and how to diagnose it and treat it.
11: Ichthyosis:
Ichthyosis is a rare skin disorder that causes dry, scaly, and thickened skin. It can lead to infections and discomfort.
Prevention:
There is no cure for ichthyosis, but it can be managed with topical treatments to moisturize and soften the skin and early diagnosis.
Learn about this ichthyosis in pit bulls including the causes and treatment options.
12: Gastric Dilatation:
Gastric dilatation, also known as bloat, is a life-threatening condition that occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself. Symptoms include abdominal pain, restlessness, and difficulty breathing.
Prevention:
To prevent gastric dilatation, it is important to feed pit bulls smaller, frequent meals and avoid vigorous exercise after eating.
How to Treat Gastric Dilatation:
Immediate veterinary attention is necessary if your pit bull shows signs of gastric dilatation.
13: Thyroid:
Hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid gland produces too little hormone, is common in pit bulls.
Symptoms may include weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems in many pit bulls.
Get full details on the symptoms, causes, and treatment of thyroid in pitbulls
14: Patella Luxation:
Patella luxation occurs when the kneecap dislocates from its normal position and is one of the common pitbull health issues. Symptoms include limping and reluctance to bear weight on the affected leg.
Prevention:
To prevent patella luxation, it is important to provide a healthy diet and avoid overfeeding to prevent obesity, which can contribute to joint problems.
Treatment may involve surgery to correct the problem.
15: Dental Disease:
Dental disease can cause pain, bad breath, and tooth loss.
Prevention:
To prevent dental disease, it is important to provide dental hygiene, such as brushing their teeth regularly and providing dental chews or toys.
How to Treat Dental Disease:
Treatment options may include professional cleaning, tooth extraction, and antibiotics. Read this comprehensive guide if your pit bull is suffering from any dental infection.
16: Ear Infections:
Frequent Ear infections are common in pit bulls due to their floppy ears. Symptoms may include head shaking, scratching at the ears, and foul odor.
Prevention:
To prevent ear infections, it is important to clean the ears regularly and keep them dry.
How to Treat Ear Infection:
Treatment may involve cleaning the ears and administering medication such as antibiotics. Here is a complete guide to understanding ear infections in your pit bull, including the common signs, symptoms, and how treatment options.
17: Cleft Lip:
A cleft lip is a congenital condition where there is a split or gap in the upper lip.
How to Treat Cleft Lip:
Treatment may involve surgery to repair the lip, but sometimes no treatment is needed if the cleft is small.
Learn more about cleft lips in pit bulls.
Strategies for Keeping Your Pit Bull Healthy
The best way to keep your pit bull healthy is to provide them with proper nutrition, regular exercise, plenty of fresh water, vaccinations, and parasite prevention medications.
Also, regular visits to the veterinarian for check-ups can help spot any disease or illness faster.
Consulting a Veterinarian
If you have any questions or concerns about your pit bull’s health or behavior, it is important to seek health information and advice from a qualified veterinarian.
Your vet will be able to provide you with information about the best strategies for keeping your pet healthy and happy.
There you have it.
A list of pit bull health problems. As a pet owner, if you have health concerns, it is recommended to visit your vet immediately.
