In the following guide, I will explain all you need to know about Pitbulls and cold weather. It includes tips on how you can keep your Pitbull warm in the winter months, plus advice on safety to keep them healthy and comfortable.

Why Pitbulls don’t tolerate cold weather

You might wonder; do Pitbulls get cold? The answer would be yes, Pitbulls do get cold in winter. It’s said that a temperature below 40-45F is too low  for Pitbull. At low temperatures like this, their bodies lose heat quickly.

Their short coats don’t help either, as this means they feel the cold more with not as much winter protection as a longer-haired dog would have.

In simple terms, Pitbulls have not been bred to be outdoor dogs. Being sensitive to cold, they can become dehydrated and suffer with hypothermia in dangerously low temperatures. Like other dogs this size, they are breed that you really need to take special care of in cold winter temperatures.

Signs your Pitbull is cold

There are some common symptoms that hint your dog is suffering in cold weather. If you see your Pitbull suffering with any of these, you should make them warmer and in some cases seek professional advice.

• Your dog refuses to go outside.
• Your dog starts to make a nest, for example pulling at blankets or burrowing in bed.
• Your dog has the shivers.
• Your dog appears to be lethargic.
• Your dog lifts their paws off the ground when outside.
• Your dog is barking or whining.

During very cold weather, Pitbulls can even get frostbite and hypothermia. The latter is a deadly condition that results in blood no longer circulating round the dog’s body, weakness, stiff muscles, and eventual slowed heartbeat and kidney failure.

Signs of hypothermia include:

• Shivering and trembling.
• Slowing down, lack of movement, and trouble walking.
• Cold skin and fur.
• Slowed down heart rate.
• Dilated pupils.
• Blue or pale gums and inner eyelids.
• Breathing problems.

That all sounds very serious, but providing you look after your Pitbull properly in the cold winter months, you should have nothing to worry about.

However, even when you do take special care, your Pitbull might develop some of the less serious symptoms. For example, your Pitbull could actually catch a cold. I have described canine cold symptoms lower down the page, so you know what to look out for.

Handy Hint: Ever wondered why dogs love rolling in snow so much? I put a guide together which explains dogs love affair with snow.

How cold is too cold for a Pitbull?

There will be a point when the winter gets too cold for a Pitbull. The temperature that is too cold for Pitbulls is around 4 degrees Celsius (40 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit). This can be too cold, and if combined with wet weather, or with older dogs or puppies, the danger is increased.

If your Pitbull is lifting their paws off the ground, then it’s obviously way too cold for them. At this point, it’s too late, so check out the infographic below which shows what temperature your Pitbull should be comfortable at.

Once the temperatures creep into the green and blue numbers, it’s too cold for your Pitbull, and means their health could be in danger.

Handy Hint: It’s not possible for dogs to catch a cold or flu from a human owner so don’t be too worried when you have a runny nose.

How to keep your Pitbull warm in cold weather

Here’s what you need to do when temperatures start to drop, and how you can keep your Pitbull warm in cold weather. It also includes suggestions for walking in the cold, snow, and ice, and what items you should buy to help keep your Pitbull warm.

1. Winter health check

Older dogs are far more prone to suffering in the cold weather, as are young puppies. Low temperatures can bring on illnesses quicker and affect an existing medical condition.

When the temperatures start to drop before winter, make sure you take your Pitbull to the vets to get a health check. They will be able to identify anything that could get worse as it gets colder.

2. Move their bed and supply more bedding

Temperatures drop lower during the night, and this is when your Pitbull could be at their coldest. Think about where their bed is and whether it could be moved into a warmer position; for example, is it next to a door or near a draft? Is he scratching the bedding to make a warmer spot?

You should also consider giving them some more bedding and blankets to keep them warmer. Your Pitbull will be able to make a warm nest at night and get all cosy… but don’t let them get too warm as this can also have a negative effect.

3. Don’t overfeed your Pitbull in winter

Most people tend to walk their dogs less during the winter. The combination of the lower temperatures and dampness are enough to put most people off.

Of course, that means your Pitbull won’t be getting as much exercise as before, so you might want to consider how much you feed them to avoid weight issues.

Keep your Pitbull’s weight at a sensible weight. Whilst “feeding a cold” does have some validity to it, with more food keeping their energy levels up, it’s a fine balance.

Handy Hint: If you aren’t sure whether your Pitbull is too fat, read this to how much exercise they need each day.

4. Make sure their drinking water isn’t too cold

Keep an eye on how cold your dog’s water is. Water that is too cold can make dogs ill, including exacerbating exiting cold symptoms and giving them a sore throat.

Make sure their drinking water isn’t freezing over if left outside and leave their bowl near a warmer place inside of the house. If you do leave water outdoors for them, here’ s how to stop it freezing over in winter.

Also think about the water coming through your tap. If the pipes are near frozen, cold water will be too cold, so run tepid water instead into their bowl.

5. Don’t go for walks when it’s too cold

Your Pitbull might be begging to go outside, but exercise a commonsense approach. If it’s too cold outside, use up some of their energy indoors.

With our dog, we play with him using a laser pen which he chases up and down the kitchen until he’s puffed out. It keeps his fitness levels and weight in check, and means we don’t have to go outside when it’s too cold for him.

6. Use potty training pads indoors

When it’s too cold for your Pitbull to even go outdoors and pee, you need a solution. I’d recommend puppy pad – you might have used this when potty training your Pitbull puppy. They work just as well with adult dogs.

You can buy a large packet of them on Amazon. Your dog is bound to remember how to use them, so should be ideal in cold winter weather.

7. Always use a collar and chip

Wintertime is one of the riskier times of year for dogs to get lost. With those dark evenings, possible snow, and their reaction to the unusual environments, dogs will often wander.

If you are taking your Pitbull for a walk, and it’s not too cold, make sure they have a collar and chip on so they can be easily identified.

8. Buy a winter jacket for your Pitbull

In recent years there has been an explosion of Pitbull accessories and clothing lines. Most are a bit gimmicky, but in cold weather, they are essential for winter walking and paw protection. Here are a couple I recommend.

Kuoser Dog Winter Coat (on Amazon)

This one has luxurious Sherpa lining to keep your Pitbull warm this winter. You could buy a different coat to this with cargo pockets in it, although not sure what your dog will want to carry? Perhaps some small treats?

Pajamas for your Pitbull (view on Amazon)

This will keep your Pitbull warm during cold winter months when indoors, and offers a snug fit.

Before you buy, make sure you measure your dog up properly. There is information and prices on the Amazon page (click the photo below).

Didog reflective winter coat

My third recommendation is the Didog winter jacket. What I like most about it is the reflective material. This should help you see your dog on a dark winter’s night and also ensure cars see them before it’s too late.

It’s just as warm as the Gooby, it’s all down to personal preference on what you buy. Keep your Pitbull warm this winter just like others have done.

9. Don’t forget winter paw protection

You should be looking at your Pitbull’s paw during the winter months to check for cracks and wounds. Paws are very susceptible to cold weather and ice, and can deteriorate very quickly, becoming painful – with even the possibility of frostbite!

You can buy winter boots for Pitbulls on Amazon. Here’s a quick Amazon recommendation to check out.

10. Trim nails to stop skidding and injury

If you don’t think it’s cold enough to buy winter boots, you should still maintain your Pitbull’s paws in winter, and in particular their nails.

Longer nails and claws won’t have the right traction on ice and compacted snow, and if not trimmed down could lead to slipping and injuries.

11. Avoid street salt and chemicals such as anti-freeze

During icy weather, humans tend to put salt and chemicals on the roads and pavements to stop vehicles and people slipping. Whilst this is ok for us, on doggy paws that are not protective, it can be painful – the same goes for chemicals like anti-freeze which could be split.

This is a risk with Pitbulls that are not wearing adequate have paw protection in the winter.

12. Don’t let them eat snow

Your Pitbull is almost guaranteed to love seeing snow for the first time. It’s an unusual feeling for them, so they will probably want to roll about in it.

Dogs being dogs, they will often want to eat snow too. It might seem cute, but it could make them ill if it has urine, poop, or chemical traces in it. Don’t let your Pitbull eat snow, it could make them ill in the cold weather season.

13. Don’t let them get wet

The biggest risk to your Pitbull’s health in cold weather is when the cold combines with damp. It can cause hypothermia or in less serious cases, cold symptoms.

After a walk or play in the snow, make sure you towel them down properly, even using a hair dryer if they will let you.

Check for snow stuck into their fur and paws as this will quickly turn to cold water once you get back indoors, making their bedding damp too.

14. Don’t leave them in your car

Everyone knows how fatal cars can be when it’s hot, but it’s equally true in winter too. A cold car can be a killer so don’t leave your beloved Pitbull in your car or truck.

15. How to keep a Pitbull warm at night

I’ve already touched on a few ideas on how to keep your Pitbull warm in winter, some of which can be used at night too. I wanted to offer a few more tips here as well, as once night falls, the temperature will drop.

• Place their bed away from doors, drafts and out of cold rooms.
• Use a (not too) hot water bottle.
• Use a bed that is raised off the floor to avoid the cold floor.
• Perhaps let them sleep with you in your bed.
• Put more blankets than usual in their bed
• Position their bedding in doughnut shaped ring for them to get warmer in.
• Don’t let them sleep too close to a radiator or heat source.

Handy Hint: Here are some tips you can use to keep your dog warm at night when sleeping inside or outside the house.

Pitbull cold symptoms

As you will now know, Pitbulls can get colds. If you think your Pitbull is ill during cold winter weather and low temperatures, it could be a slight cold.

Like humans, the first sign might be a little sniffle and sneeze here and there.

But, just like us again, the symptoms can soon develop into a more serious illness if not treated appropriately.

Once that happens, your Pitbull could get a more serious winter illness such as dehydration, hypothermia, or even pneumonia. With that in mind, it’s important to recognise the cold and flu symptoms in your Pitbull before it gets too serious.

Here’s what you should always be on the lookout for:

• Runny nose and nasal discharge.
• Runny or watery eyes.
• Sneezing.
• Wheezing or wet-sounding cough.
• Lack of appetite.
• Shivering.
• Warm ears.
• Trouble breathing normally.
• General lethargy.

Handy Hint: Here are some tips you can use to keep your dog warm at night when sleeping inside or outside the house.

Should you worry about slight sniffles?

Almost every Pitbull will have a cold symptom once in their lifetime, with the winter being the prime season for it. In the main, some sniffles here and there, or wetter nose than usual isn’t something to worry too much about.

When you should be concerned would be if your Pitbull starts to cough in winter. This will need immediate vet support, as it could lead to a chest infection in the cold weather.

You can do your own check; put your ear to your Pitbull’s chest. It should sound clear but rattling and gurgling is a sign of possible cold and mucus on the chest area.

Some dog owners try to treat their Pitbull’s cold without the help of a vet. I don’t recommend it, but the ones who do use a canine nebulizer. More on that in a moment.

How to treat a Pitbull with a cold

Here’s how to treat a Pitbull cold. Please note though, this should not replace professional vet’s advice and is purely tips I have found after researching online, plus reading vet comments on trusted web forums.

1. Encourage fluid intake

Dehydration is a risk I winter cold weather, so your Pitbull needs to be taking on enough fluids to stave off any risk. But of course, when dogs are sick, sometimes it’s hard to get them to drink, so you could try adding chicken broth to the water bowl.

2. Add extra nutrition to their food

Your Pitbull might also have lost their appetite due to the cold and can quickly start to lose their strength. Try changing them into something like boiled chicken with brown rice for added nutrition, or a different taste to encourage them taking on more calories.

3. Feed extra dietary supplements

You can also try adding some supplements into the food to help cure the cold symptoms. These can include items such as coconut oil, cinnamon, and honey. The experts say that these supplements can help Pitbulls recover from colds as they will help to improve the immune system and can also act as a natural cough medicine.

4. Limit outdoors time and maximise rest

Limit their physical activity and don’t let them outdoors into the colder temperatures. The only reason they should go outside is for toilet breaks – but if you can, switch to puppy pads indoors.

5. Love and affection

What’s the one thing that made you feel better when you had a cold as a kid? It was cuddles and affection from your parents… and some Pitbulls can be the same. See if they want close up love or need their space – they will all react differently.

6. Hot water bottle

If they don’t want you getting close to them, you could heat up a water bottle and put it in their bed. Not too warm of course, but enough to raise their temperatures to a comfortable level.

7. Dog nebulizer

Before writing this article on Pitbulls and cold weather, I didn’t realize you could use nebulizers on dogs. However, a vet told me that some owners will manage their dog’s cold themselves using one of these.

8. Steam vaporizer

Just like us, steam vaporizers can help to clear your Pitbull’s bronchial tubes and help relieve many Pitbull cold symptoms, making them breathe so much easier. Put it close to their bed, but not so they can knock it over.

9. Apply Pitbull nose balm

Pitbulls can get cracked and dry noses in winter cold weather, or it can go the other way, with their nose starting to run. For cracked and dry skin, you should try dog nose butter or balm on Amazon. It is organic and will soothe and repair any cracks.

When you should call the vet

There are certain things to look out for which really demand a call into your vet. Your Pitbull’s cold could get worse, with the following signs:

• Your Pitbull has started to cough.
• Your Pitbull stops taking on fluids.
• Your Pitbull appears to be in constant pain.
• Your Pitbull has a rattling chest sound.

If it’s an older Pitbull or puppy, I wouldn’t even wait this long. With the slightest sign of a cold, I would call a vet for advice. They are more susceptible in these ages to develop colds in winter temperatures.

Here’s how one vet said they would treat a Pitbull with a cold:

“We often have owners bring their dogs in during wintertime. It’s peak time for sure. We treat Pitbulls with colds just like we do any other dog; with a small course of antibiotics. This works by killing bacteria and helping them build up their immune system until their cold has subsided.”

Conclusion

Pitbulls in cold weather don’t really work out too well. These guys need warmth in the winter, so please be careful at this time of year when snow, ice, and colder temperatures become the norm.

As a breed, they are one of the most at risk when it comes to cold weather intolerance.

Whilst Pitbulls can tolerate cold weather to a degree, there is a tipping point at which you should pay more attention – you can see those temperature ranges in the graphic higher up in this guide.

You might also like…

I’ve written other guides to help you look after your Pitbull, here’s a selection of the most recent.

• How to build up muscle on a Pitbull
• Why Pitbulls get the Zoomies!
• How long your Pitbull might live

Image in header via https://pixabay.com/photos/dog-pitbull-terrier-animal-3981540/

The post Pitbull Cold Weather Guide: How to Keep a Pitbull Warm in Winter appeared first on DoggySaurus.

If you read on you will find out what the early gestation signs are, what the Pitbull pregnancy stages are, and how you can make her as comfortable as possible.

The early signs of a Pitbull pregnancy

• Your Pitbull’s appetite will decrease, and she might even miss some meals altogether.
• Your Pitbull’s stomach could get bigger, sometimes as soon as 14 days after insemination.
• Your vet could feel her belly, possibly feeling movements as soon as 20 to 30 days.
• Your Pitbull may exhibit behavioral changes including lethargy.
• Your Pitbull’s nipples might have become enlarged in readiness for nursing.

None of the methods above are fool-proof checks to tell whether your Pitbull is pregnant and expecting a litter of puppies though. Instead, vets and breeders rely on more scientific methods to test for pregnancy, including Pitbull ultrasounds, all of which you can see below.

How to tell if a Pitbull is pregnant

To check for certain if your Pitbull is pregnant, there are two methods which will offer 100% proof of pregnancy.

1. Pitbull ultrasound 25 days after mating

The fastest method for finding if your Pitbull has conceived is to get your vet to perform a Pitbull ultrasound. This scan can be first done 3 weeks after mating, but at this early stage it won’t always be 100% accurate – the best results come with an ultrasound at least 25 days after conception.

Ultrasounds are pain-free, but it can be a stressful occasion if your Pitbull doesn’t like the vets as their belly hair will be shaved off.

The costs of an ultrasound pregnancy check tend to range between the $300 to $500-dollar bracket (£230 to £380 GBP). It’s not a cheap method, and many people will simply wait until their Pitbull is showing more obvious signs of pregnancy rather than paying for a scan.

2. Blood sample at 5 weeks after mating

The second option for a pregnancy test is using a blood test. This can be performed after 5 weeks post mating and will help to detect a pregnancy hormone in your Pitbull.

It doesn’t cost as much as an ultrasound but isn’t always accurate when done too early on. For example, if your Pitbull has been pregnant for less than 35 days, it might flag up as being negative, even if she is pregnant.

What is the most reliable Pitbull pregnancy test then?

The most accurate way to know if your Pitbull is pregnant is the first option; the Pitbull ultrasound. However, it should only be done after 25 days post mating, otherwise it might throw up an inaccurate result.

One the best things about this type of pregnancy test is how you can see the developing puppies on the scan images. You might also be able to tell at this point how many puppies your Pitbull is expecting, although it might not always be an exact count due to their size and overlapping in the womb.

If you wait another 20 days, but day 45 you can also get an X-ray of the pregnant Pitbull. This will let the vet count the skulls in the womb, giving a 100% accuracy count on how many puppies are in the litter.

Pitbull pregnancy stages

Once you know your Pitbull is pregnant, the excitement can really start. But what can you expect from the Pitbull pregnancy stages? Here’s a quick overview of each stage.

Month 1

The first month of your Pitbull’s pregnancy isn’t actually that interesting, and a lot of the time you might not even notice anything at all. Some owners won’t even know their Pitbull is pregnant without the aid of an ultrasound.

By day 7 of the pregnancy, Pitbull puppy embryos will get to the uterine horns. By 14 to 16 days the Pitbull embryos will have attached themselves into the lining of the mother’s uterus.

The 22^nd day will typically see the Pitbull fetuses starting to form, and around the 29^th day, vets are able to detect heart beats using an ultrasound scan.

Your Pitbull will now 3 weeks pregnant and should start showing some of the pregnancy signs I spoke of earlier. At this point those signs may even change a little to be:

• Your Pitbull might now be eating more than usual after the loss of appetite earlier in the pregnancy.
• Your Pitbull’s nipples should now be larger than they were before.
• Your Pitbull might change behavior, looking for comfort and cuddles with her owner.
• Your Pitbull might have a clear discharge during the 4^th
• Your Pitbull will start to slow down and reduce her activity levels.
• Your Pitbull could even start showing signs of canine morning sickness.

Whilst these are typical signs of Pitbull pregnancy, not all Pitbulls will exhibit these. It’s still very early on in the pregnancy and can be hard to detect properly.

Handy Hint: Pitbulls can actually have false pregnancies. I wrote a guide which includes information on what to look for and how long a dog’s phantom pregnancy can last.

Month 2

The second month is where the pregnancy signs start to accelerate with the eyelids and toes appearing on the fetuses between the 32^nd and 35^th day.

The development is very rapid, as by day 40, the Pitbull fetuses will have grown claws, and by day 45 have a skeletal form and even a coat.

You could ask your vet to perform an X-ray on the 50^th day as it will be possible to use this to check how many puppies your Pitbull is expecting. It’s very exciting, as you can now plan for the litter size!

By the 58^th day, your Pitbull will start her nesting behavior. This is where she starts looking for a safe and comfortable place in the house to give birth. Owners can help their dogs with added bedding and creating a more secure environment for them.

It should now be outwardly obvious that your Pitbull is pregnant, as she will certainly now be showing a rounder belly.

More signs of Pitbull pregnancy at this stage include:

• Your Pitbull will be eating a lot more than usual.
• Your Pitbull will then start to eat less again around the 45^th
• Your Pitbull will gain significant weight.
• Your Pitbull will need to urinate more than usual.
• Your Pitbull will have a clear vaginal discharge.
• Your Pitbull’s belly will become firmer between the 45th and 50^th
• Your Pitbull’s belly might show signs of movement by day 50.

Month 3

The third month is when you can ratchet up the excitement. You will definitely now know that your Pitbull is pregnant, as there’s no mistaking it in this stage.

Yep, you guessed it, during this Pitbull pregnancy stage she will be giving birth. The puppies will start to move into position to arrive as by the 58^th day they are almost completely formed – they will move into the birth canal for the last few days of pregnancy.

The signs during this stage you will start to see include:

• Her waist will get slimmer as the puppies move into position.
• She will not want to eat much around days 61 and 62.
• Her temperature will drop around 1 and 2 days before birth.
• She will start to get agitated and restless.
• She could even increase the nesting actions such as digging, pacing, panting, and shivers.

Pitbull pregnancy tips

Your Pitbull will be pregnant for between 58 and 68 days. The average length of a Pitbull pregnancy is about 63 days from the mating date to delivery – you can read more about that here.

There will be plenty of behavioral changes in your Pitbull too, not just physical ones. For example, as she enters the last 14 days of pregnancy you might see the following signs:

• Your Pitbull will want to cuddle you more.
• Your Pitbull won’t want to socialize with other dogs.
• Your Pitbull will be calmer and less excitable.
• Your Pitbull might appear to be uncomfortable.
• Your Pitbull might want to sleep more and even in different places.

How to prepare for a Pitbull pregnancy

As a breeder or owner, there are things you can also do to make sure your Pitbull is ready to have a comfortable pregnancy and then give birth safely. These preparation tips include:

• Change her diet after month 1 by adding puppy kibble. This is smaller and more nutritious for growing puppies.
• Don’t over-exert her and she will be more tired and have a lot less energy. Her breathing might also become strained.
• Help her with the nesting process, making up her crate as comfortable as possible and not at the last minute. She needs to feel safe and secure, and know that she has a place to give birth safely and securely.

How Pitbulls give birth

The most common way that a Pitbull will give birth is naturally. Some might require a c-section though. Here’s an overview of both aspects.

1. Natural birth

With a natural delivery you should look out for the warning signs that your Pitbull is ready to give birth to her litter.

If it’s time for your Pitbull to give birth, then make sure her nest is completely ready. You will notice that she will start to visit her nest several times, returning back and forth to the area, scraping the towels several times, and then finally settling down and panting like she’s just had a lot of exercise.

This is not a calm time for her at all, and you will notice heavy breathing and an increased heart rate. It can take up to 12 hours for the first of the puppies to appear.

After a puppy has been delivered, the Pitbull mother will bite at the sack and lick the excess away from the puppy. This lets the newborn start to breath in oxygen. Some owners might have to help with this if the mother struggles to do so.

You might even see the Pitbull mother eating the sack and umbilical cords. Don’t be alarmed, as they actually contain nutritional elements and it’s entirely instinctive.

Once the Pitbull puppy is out and moving, you can help my placing it onto the mother’s nipples to let them start feeding.

2. C-section

This technique is used in a small proportion of Pitbull pregnancies.

Your vet can help you to decide if this is the best option by using an X-ray to check how large the skulls are, and how many puppies are expected.

Pitbull c-sections can cost between $640 and $1,300 dollars (£500 and £1,000 GBP). There are some risks to this surgery as it will be performed under an anaesthetic.

When to worry

Whilst most births should go without a hitch (if recommended by a vet), there are warning signs that the delivery isn’t going to plan.

For example, if 10 hours have passed since she nested and sat down and you still haven’t seen a puppy, it could mean a blockage in the birth canal. This will then require an emergency c-section.

Conclusion

Knowing when your Pitbull is pregnant is absolutely essential. If you don’t know she’s expecting, you can’t prepare her for the birth, and could put her and the litter at risk of miscarriage.

When it comes to the birth itself, most breeders I have spoken recommend natural births.

If you do have a pregnant Pitbull, then I wish you and her all the best and would love to see some photos of the pups!

You might also like…

Here are some more guides for owners of this breed.

• The amount of exercise that Pitbulls need
• Food that you should never give a Pitbull

Image in header via https://unsplash.com/photos/gxyfJQg7Lno

The post How Do I Know If My Pitbull is Pregnant? + Signs & Stages appeared first on DoggySaurus.

These are not my ideas, simply information I have curated from online forums.

Building muscle on pitbulls

The range of terriers that collectively make up the pitbull type of dog are specifically bred to be strong dogs. For a pitbull with good genes, all that is required to build muscle is a well-balanced diet and an exercise regime that includes cardiovascular as well as strength training.

A diet that builds muscle on pitbulls

Whereas exercise is necessary to keep a pitbull toned, the correct diet is fundamental for building muscles. Eighty percent of the success of a well-built pitbull is determined by its diet. It is advisable to speak to your vet about the correct proportions of proteins, carbohydrates and fats in the diet.

Protein is a source of energy and should make up at least 25% of the diet. A high protein diet would stretch that to 40%.

Proteins are necessary for the manufacture of the body’s building blocks, such as tendons, ligaments, cartilage and muscle. The enzymes that drive the vital organs of the body also rely on a steady supply of protein.

Fat is a high energy source, containing around double the calorie content of the same weight of lean meat. Care must be taken not to feed your dog too much fat and thereby cause it to gain weight.

Its most important function is to enable the body to absorb certain minerals and vitamins that are only soluble in fat. It also helps keep the brain, nervous system, and the body’s cell walls healthy.

Fats and oils help to prevent dry skin and itchiness. The best oils to include in your dog’s diet would be fatty fish oil and coconut oil. Fats and oils should not make up more than 20% of your dog’s diet.

Carbohydrates are easily broken down into the sugars that the body needs to produce energy. They also provide vital trace elements that are needed for maintaining your pet’s health and building immunity. Unrefined carbohydrates have the added benefit of containing fibre which aids digestion.

Dogs do not need carbohydrates in order to survive. However, if they do not get these in their diet, their bodies will break down muscles to obtain energy.

Strong muscles need strong bones in order to be effective. Calcium is essential and can be introduced in the diet in the form of bones, bonemeal and even crushed egg shells.

Raw Diet

The philosophy behind a raw diet is that canine species in the wild, such as wolves, would be predators. Their diet would be carnivorous and consist almost entirely of raw proteins and fats.

Feeding animals a raw diet is not for the faint-hearted. My dogs consider any prey they catch as a trophy and it is difficult to watch my otherwise pampered pooches consume odd bits of raw rodent.

A raw diet includes:

• lean muscle meat, possibly still attached to the bone
• crushed or minced bonemeal
• meat from the vital organs such as heart, liver and kidneys
• raw eggs
• dairy products, such as milk, whey or yoghurt
• leafy green vegetables, carrots
• apples

Although dogs don’t appear to mind how old their meat is, there is the potential for inadvertently introducing bacteria and other pathogens, when working with a raw diet. Salmonella, e.coli and parasites, such as tapeworm, are examples of the health hazards, both for humans and their pets.

Supplements

Much like in humans, supplements should be dispensed judiciously. Check with your vet that the supplement will not harm your dog, especially if you are using a combination of different products.

A vitamin and mineral supplement will benefit the overall health of most dogs. However, supplements targeted at building muscle aid in the metabolising of proteins in order to form muscle. They could aid the dog’s digestive system to break down plant-based and dairy proteins optimally.

Discipline and socialisation

With the correct muscle building training, your pitbull is going to be a strong, healthy animal, and it will look the part. It will be extremely difficult to control if it is not taught discipline from a very early age.

Hopefully, your pup has spent sufficient time with its mother and litter mates to have some inkling of its standing in the world. The period from 6-9 weeks of age helps to establish the concept of a hierarchy or pecking order in the pup’s mind.

You, as the owner, need to reinforce that by establishing yourself as the pack leader. The first and most important lessons should be in obedience training.

Your dog should know how to walk on a lead and to obey immediately when you call it to heel. A range of other basic commands, such as ‘sit’, ‘stay’, etc. will also prove useful.

Muscle building exercises for pitbulls

In the beginning

Once again, lessons can be learnt from human exercise programs when building up your dog’s strength and physique.

Up until the age of two years old, a dog’s bones do not have the strength for endurance or weight bearing training. Your pup will have boundless energy and won’t know when to stop. You will need to set the boundaries.

From the age of a year, your pitbull may look big, strong and healthy but its body is not mature enough to cope with marathon runs and pulling or carrying excess weight. It will need sufficient rest and recovery time.

As with humans, it is necessary to build up fitness in stages. For example, increase your dog’s stamina by lengthening your walk by ten percent each week. You can also walk the same distance but increase the frequency or speed.

It is vital before embarking on any vigorous exercise, to warm up your muscles and those of your dog, in order to prevent injury. During exercise, make sure that your dog remains hydrated and does not overheat.

Also bear in mind, that if your aim is to build up the muscle on your dog, it will be easier to do so with a male.

A female that has had pups needs a number of months to recover after weaning them, before embarking on any vigorous exercise and training. This is in order to regain her strength and to get her internal organs back in alignment.

Cardiovascular exercises

These exercises are the basic building blocks of fitness and help to keep your dog lean. They include walking, running and swimming and generally don’t need any specialised equipment.

Unless you have won triathlon trophies, your adult pitbull is soon going to be able to exercise longer and harder than you can. Strategies need to be developed to harness that excess energy.

Long walks, especially in places where the dog can be let off the lead, will build stamina and will give the dog mental stimulation. To add interest for the dog, set up a treasure hunt, for a stick or any other object that has your scent on it, and train it to look for it. Tell your dog to ‘stay’ while you hide the object, and then wait patiently while it searches.

Swimming is a low impact exercise that uses most of the dog’s muscles and is great for hot days. It also helps to strengthen the ligaments and tendons in the dog’s joints.

Your dog will enjoy jogging with you but this is a more jarring form of exercise, especially for heavier pitbulls. You may find that leaner dogs can easily outpace you.

Your dog can also be trained to run next to you as you cycle. The dog will then be able to maintain speed for longer periods than it would if it were running with you.

A flirt stick or pole has a lure at the end of it, and can be used for high intensity training in a relatively small space. Jumping and sprinting after the ‘prey’ builds muscles and engenders ‘gameness’, a character trait much prized in pitbulls.

Strength training

Strength training will build muscles faster than cardiovascular exercise and usually requires the use of specialised equipment.

Spring poles are a bit of a misnomer. Essentially they comprise a spring, a rope and a toy or lure. The contraption is best attached overhead, to a strong branch, an overhead pole or a bracket on a wall.

The dog needs to jump to reach the lure. While wrestling with the lure in mid-air, the dog will be building up its core muscles. This activity will encourage ‘gameness’ and occupy the dog for ages while you need only look on. Care needs to be taken that the dog does not overdo it.

Weighted vests can be strapped to the dog in order to build strength. Additional weight can be added incrementally to pockets in the vest in order to increase the dog’s capability.

Small parachutes, attached to a dog’s harness, are used to create resistance when a dog runs and simulates the effects of pulling weights.

Some types of pitbull terriers are ideal candidates for participating in weight pulling competitions. These are strictly controlled events overseen by kennel associations, and the dogs have to meet certain criteria.

The dog pulls a wheeled cart containing a measured weight across a distance of 16 feet within one minute. The record of 5400 pounds is held by an Alaskan Malamute.

Clearly, the dog needs to be put through a managed exercise program in order to ensure that it is fit enough to participate and is not injured by doing so.

Conclusion

Pitbull puppies will build muscle eventually, so no need to rush them at a young age. Once they have stopped developing and are adult Pitbulls, then it’s something you might want to consider.

You might also like…

• Here’s why your dog sounds like a pig!
• What the pitbull zoomies mean?
• Signs that your pitbull could be pregnant

Image in header via https://unsplash.com/photos/ocZ-_Y7-Ptg

The post How to Build Muscle on a Pitbull Terrier (+ Puppy Tips) appeared first on DoggySaurus.

How much exercise does a pitbull need daily? A pitbull has more stamina than most other dogs. This means their daily need for physical activity is high and pitbulls should have at least one hour of vigorous exercise every day. Preferably, two walks a day of 30 to 45 minutes is recommended.

I’ve heard pitbull owners saying their dogs could play and run all day long! If you’re thinking of bringing a pitbull into your home, you’ll need to consider their high demand for exercise and attention.

Read on to find out more about these energetic doggies and what you can do to keep them well-exercised and out of trouble.

Why does a pitbull need so much exercise?

If you take a good look at the pitbull’s build you’ll notice they have a strong, muscular body and short legs. These features make them natural sprinters with the ability to run short distances at a high speed.

Most pitbulls have terrier in them which means they have some of the characteristics typical of this dog breed. These include persistence and a tendency for all types of activities such as running, jumping and playing.

Pitbulls are known for having excess levels of energy and twice-daily walks of up to 45 minutes long will help to burn off this physical energy. Pitbulls are strong dogs so to avoid having an over-energetic dog on a walk, play a game beforehand to use up some of his energy.

Exercise keeps a dog mentally stimulated and keeps them physically healthy. With the terrier streak in pitbulls, intense activity is essential for their overall mental and physical wellbeing.

What exercise is best for a pitbull?

A pitbull should get at least one hour of vigorous activity every day. Even better, if you can take them walking twice a day for up to 30 to 45 minutes each time. If walking is not an option, then you can use other activities to keep them happy.

To make sure they’re getting their full quota of exercise every day, you can consider doing the following:

• Go jogging: This will benefit both you and your dog. Pitbulls love to run so get out on the road and start running with your dog. Of course, you’ll need to make sure they’re well-trained so you’re not dragged down the road.
• Play a game of tug-of-war: Pitbulls love to pull and tug, so play a vigorous game of tug-of-war to tire them out. This is a great alternative if you miss taking your dog for a walk. Bring out the rope and start tugging.
• Throw the ball or frisbee: A game of fetch goes down well with any pitbull. He can spend hours chasing a ball or frisbee and this will help get rid of any excess physical energy when walking in a park.
• Playing with other dogs: Make sure your pitbull is well-socialized from puppyhood. Then, you can let him play with other dogs and save you from having to walk him long distances. Dogs burn off a lot of energy when playing with each other.
• Get him scenting: This is a great activity to play with your dog in the house on a rainy day. Hide treats around the house and then set him free. Make sure it’s challenging so he doesn’t find all the treats first time round. This game can also be played in the garden.
• Sign up for canine agility classes: Pitbulls are naturally agile creatures and will thrive taking part in an obstacle course. Agility classes are designed to get your dog moving and using different parts of their body – and will help tire out your puppy before bedtime.

While these exercises will keep a pitbull physically fit, what about their need for mental stimulation?

Handy Hint: Does your pitbull run around like crazy and up and down the room or in circles? This is called the pitbull zoomies, and here’s what you need to know.

What are the best exercises to keep pitbulls mentally stimulated?

Pitbulls are known to be curious about just about everything and you can almost see them thinking deeply at times. All the exercises mentioned above will help to keep them mentally stimulated but you could also include some other games and activities.

1. Teach them new tricks

Pitbulls catch on very quickly so to stop them from getting bored teach them new tricks. You could show them how to touch a target with their nose or paw. Teach them how to switch a light off and on (how cool would this be when you don’t want to get out of bed?).

Train them to find a target, pick it up and bring it to you on command. Use different toys and get them to recognize the names such as ball, Kong or rope. A great trick to teach your pitbull is to balance treats on his nose without him wolfing it down until you give him permission.

2. Include other dogs and humans on walks

Dogs are naturally pack animals. Your pitbull would benefit from going on walks with other dogs and humans in the mix. The more the merrier. Not only will this give your dog mental stimulation being around other dogs but they’ll also be better at socialization.

But, always make sure your dog is well-socialized before introducing them to larger groups of dogs. It’s essential you train your pitbull from puppy if you want him to mix well with both humans and other dogs.

3. Introduce the Kong

A pitbull can be kept well-occupied for a long time with a Kong full of tasty tidbits. He’ll be mentally challenged to find his way to the delicious treats inside while also being physically stimulated. Make sure the Kong (view on Amazon) or any other similar toy is durable and designed specifically for this kind of activity.

To make the game last longer and more challenging, fill the Kong with food that can be frozen. Your pitbull’s level of determination will be seriously tested as he tries to get the frozen food out.

Handy Hint: Pitbulls are very hectic, particularly when they are younger. Here’s when you can expect yours to finally calm down.

Why is an exercise routine important for pitbulls?

Pitbulls thrive on structure. Introducing an exercise routine that he’s familiar with will help you maintain his physical and mental demands while keeping your dog happy and well-disciplined.

A regular exercise routine will also keep your dog from developing bad habits or desperate for attention. If you notice any of the following issues then you need to give your pitbull more regular exercise:

• He’s chewing everything in sight including your shoes, the table legs and more.
• He’s getting anxious
• He’s whining all the time
• He’s become over-active
• He’s become disobedient

A regular exercise routine also allows for you to bond closer with your pitbull. All dogs enjoy having their human owner’s attention. Exercise is one way of ensuring your pitbull gets adequate, healthy attention.

How can I get my pitbull to exercise?

If your pitbull is not showing any interest in exercise, it would be a good idea to get him checked up by your vet. Pitbulls are naturally energetic dogs so it would be highly unusual for them to not want to exercise.

Keeping them busy while you’re not around can be a challenge so giving them a Kong full of treats is a good way to keep them occupied for a while. You could also hire a dog walker to walk them during the day.

If you’re stuck indoors with your pitbull, play games such as hide and seek or get them running up and down the stairs with you. Teach your dog to use the treadmill. This is a great way to get your pitbull exercising when indoors.

Pitbulls need very little encouragement to take part in an activity. With a bit of nudging from you and implementing some of the ideas mentioned in this article, it won’t take long before your pitbull is exercising at full speed!

Conclusion

If you aren’t prepared to exercise your pitbull daily, then please do not get one. This dog needs daily exercises in order to stay healthy and mentally active too.

You might also like…

• Tips to get control of a pitbull puppy that likes to bite
• What are the chances of a pitbull dog surviving in the wild?
• How to get a pitbull to build up muscle definition

Image in header via https://unsplash.com/photos/KHRGXMwfWrQ

The post How Much Exercise Does a Pitbull Need Daily? appeared first on DoggySaurus.

I recommend you print this list off and stick it your refrigerator… some of the foods I list that your dog should avoid, aren’t just bad for your Pitbull, they could even be fatal. Some could even poison your dog and are are foods that are toxic to not just to Pitbull Terriers, but all breeds.

Because of this, I’ve put the most poisonous foods to Pitbulls first on the list. It explains why they are toxic and even how much they might eat before you call a vet.

Bottom line though; if your Pitbull Terrier eats anything they shouldn’t, don’t wait to read notes like this on the Internet – call your vet!

So, if you want to find out what bad foods Pitbulls can’t eat, plus some plants that are poisonous to them too – read on.

Poisonous foods for Pitbulls

Like most dogs, Pitbulls will eat whatever you put in front of them. If you happen to drop something on the floor and they gobble it up, in most cases, they should be fine with eating things in moderation.

However, there are some foods that are extremely toxic and not safe for Pitbulls to eat, even in small amounts. Knowing what Pitbulls cannot eat is really important in keeping your dog safe.

Here’s the most dangerous foods for Pitbulls, followed by things that they eat that are not poisonous as such, but are still bad.

1. Chocolate

This is most commonly misunderstood food that Pitbulls cannot eat, and the one that leads to most people having to call a vet.

It’s all due to the toxic theobromine substance in chocolate. Just small amounts can make your Pitbull sick, so if chocolate drops on the floor, pick it up immediately. In large quanties your dog will vomit, and in more serious cases develop an abnormal heartbeat, tremors, seizure, and even death.

Dark chocolate is the most dangerous and poisonous to Pitbulls as it contains more of the theobromine. Be careful to not even leave it on the side in your kitchen as Pitbull Terriers are able to counter surf very easily compared to smaller breeds.

2. Onions, garlic, leeks and chives

All of these foods are in the Allium family. Anything in this bracket is a poisonous food for Pitbulls, whether it’s been boiled, cooked, or whatever – it’s not something your Pitbull should eat ever.

These foods are said to makes dogs feel poorly and in larger amounts can lead to red blood cell damage. You won’t always see symptoms of poisoning straight away as it can take a few days for the toxic effects to take effect.

3. Artificial sweetener (xylitol) in gum and mints

Xylitol is one of the most toxic things a Pitbull can eat, and is commonly found in some mints and sugar-free gums.

According to research (see research published on MSU.edu), xylitol is 100 times more toxic than chocolate is for dogs. If they just eat one stick of gum with xylitol, a small dog could see their blood sugar levels dip considerably.

If the small dog went onto to eat a whole pack of gum with 10 sticks containing toxic xylitol, it could damage their liver irreparably and possibly even kill them.

Other foods and household items that can contain xylitol include:

• Toothpaste
• Mouthwash
• Peanut butter
• Sugar-free candy
• Sugar free breath mints
• Fruit drinks
• Jellies and jams
• Cereals
• Baked goods
• Sugar-free puddings and Jello
• Over the counter vitamin supplements

4. Candy and sweets

It’s not just the foods above that come with toxic xylitol. Some candy brands do too, so always check the labelling.

To be frank, you shouldn’t be letting your dog eat candy anyway, even if it’s free of poisonous xylitol. Why? It’s due to the sugar levels plus there’s also the risk of choking or blockages in your Pitbull’s digestive tract or tooth fractures.

5. Certain peanut butter brands

Show me a Pitbull who does not love peanut butter. It’s renowned as being a favorite treat for all dogs, especially when we put it in a Kong Toy.

However, some peanut butter brands include xylitol. This substance is toxic to dogs and needs to be avoided at all costs due to poisoning.

6. Corn on the cob

Corn on the cob is not among the poisonous foods for Pitbulls, but it is dangerous due to the cob part. These can lodge in the throat of your dog and intestines, so should be avoided at all costs.

Sweetcorn is fine, as this will be easily digestible though.

7. Cooked bones

Dogs love to eat bones. Everyone knows dogs love bones, but there are dangers with this food type, particularly with puppies.

When bones are cooked, they become brittle and can break apart. This means that when Pitbulls eat cooked bones, small slithers can perforate their internal organs, leading to big risks to their health… with possible fatal consequences.

8. Avocado

Fruit is a great food for Pitbulls, but not all fruit! Avocado is one such, as it can be bad for Pitbulls but only when prepared in a particular way.

Avocados contain a poisonous toxin called persin which when eaten in large quantities can lead to vomiting and diarrhea. However, persin is mostly concentrated in the avocado skin and pit, rather than the fleshy part.

So, should your Pitbull eat an avocado, chances are you won’t have any problems. But, it’s still worth avoiding, especially the toxic parts – the skin and stone.

9. Grapes and raisins

Another group of fruits that can be poisonous to your Pitbull are grapes and raisins. They are a toxic food for Pitbulls and can lead to kidney failure when eaten in large quantities.

10. Macadamia nuts and walnuts

All nuts should really be avoided in a Pitbull’s diet, as they are just the right size and texture that lead to choking. However, these two nuts which are potentially toxic to dogs.

When eaten at volume, both can result in diarrhea, sickness, and the possibility of canine pancreatitis.

The side effects of Macadamia nuts are very nasty and rank high on the list of poisonous foods for Pitbulls… the poisoning can result in hyperthermia, tremors, vomiting, and lethargy.

11. Cherry, peach, and plum pits

Due to the size of pips and seeds like this, they can become lodged in the intestines of dogs. Blockages are a very real risk, so don’t let things like this anywhere near your dog’s mouth.

There are also trace elements of cyanide in the pits of some fruits like peach and plum. It would take a heck of a lot to poison your Pitbull, but it’s a bad food either way.

12. Mustard seeds

Mustard is so vomit-inducing to Pitbulls that vets sometimes use it to make dogs sick up for medical purposes. The seeds in particular are very toxic as they contain poisonous elements to dogs.

13. Coconuts and coconut oil

A little bit of coconut is unlikely to harm your Pitbull, but the milk and white flesh of a coconut is known to cause stomach upsets in dogs.

The reasons coconut water should be avoided is due to the potassium in it, at high levels too.

14. Yeast dough

When ingested, yeast dough will heat up and then start to rise and create gas. This is very problematic in a Pitbull’s digestive system, leading to extreme pain, bloating, and possibly the twisting of their gut.

It’s potentially fatal, so if your Pitbull eats yeast dough, visit a vet immediately… the yeast can also change into ethanol, a highly potent alcohol.

15. Alcohol

This is good time to talk about alcohol dangers and how dangerous this drink can be for dogs.

Alcohol consumption can make your Pitbull have diarrhea, vomit, difficulty in breathing, tremors, a lack of coordination, abnormal blood acidity, central nervous system depression, and even a possible coma or death.

Giving your dog alcohol isn’t funny and can kill them.

16. Hops

On a similar topic, the hops that are used in home brewing kits are also a dangerous ingredient for Pitbulls to eat. There are compounds in the hops that lead to malignant hyperthermia.

That means your Pitbull’s temperature can rise rapidly, possibly causing permanent damage to the organs and brain or even death.

17. Coffee, caffeine, and tea

Drinks with in are bad for Pitbulls. It’s all down to the methylxanthines in the caffeine which causes similar bad reactions in dogs to chocolate.

If your Pitbull has licked up a couple of coffee granules, chances are he will be fine. But in large amounts such as loose tea and coffee beans, it could be very harmful and require vet’s help.

18. Nutmeg

Myristicin us a toxic substance with trace amounts found in nutmeg. When dogs eat it in large amounts it can lead to various problems including abdominal pain, increased heart rate, seizures, and even the possibility of hallucinations.

19. Moldy food

If your dog has access to trash, be very careful. Moldy food is bad for Pitbulls as it can contain mycotoxins. Mycotoxins grow on moldy food and make it poisonous when ingested.

Bad food for Pitbulls

In addition to the foods that are bad for Pitbulls, there are others. Whilst they are not strictly considered poisonous and toxic, you should avoid them due to the potential negative side effects. For example, weight gain.

20. Milk and dairy products

Many Pitbulls will be lactose intolerant, meaning dairy products can make them sick. Dogs don’t have the same digestive system as us and can find it hard to break down lactose in milk, meaning runny diarrhea issues!

21. Blue cheese

Given that you know dairy is bad option for dogs, it should come as no surprise that some cheeses can be dangerous. Avoid the blue cheeses, Roquefort, and Stilton. They have roquefortine C which is known to cause very bad reactions in dogs.

This can include symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting. In more extreme cases your Pitbull could develop seizures and tremors if they eat a lot of blue cheese.

22. Meat and eggs that have not been cooked properly

Many owners now feed their Pitbull a raw diet, and there’s nothing wrong with that providing they get all the nutrients and goodness required.

However, there is some research to suggest that bacterial infections such as Salmonella and E. coli can be contracted by dogs eating raw meat.

23. Food and drinks with high sugar content

Sugary food and snacks aren’t good for us, so they certainly aren’t for your dog. In fact, this is one of the worst foods for Pitbulls, and can result in a range of health problems.

Dogs that have too many snacks with sugar content are at risk of developing diabetes, weight gain, and even decayed teeth and gums. Sugar can also upset delicate Pitbull tummies too, so something to avoid at all costs.

24. Food high in salt and sodium content

Just like lots of sugar, the same applies to salt content. Food that is high in sodium can potentially poison your Pitbull… but is most likely to lead to them getting extreme thirst and increased urination in the volume it would be in dropped food. This is why you need to be very careful when your dog eats things from the McDonalds’ menu like this…

If your Pitbull does eat lots of salt, the warning signs are very severe and include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, high body temperature, and seizures.

25. Fatty foods

Fatty foods such sausage, bacon, burgers, and fried food can result in upset stomachs. If your Pitbull gets to eat these tasty snacks over a prolonged period of time, it could even result in pancreatitis.

Yes, it’s hard to say no to those pleading eyes when they beg for your food, but often the tastiest food is the worst for Pitbulls.

What plants are poisonous to Pitbulls?

There are also things your Pitbull should not eat outdoors including the following toxic plants.

• Aconitum
• Amaryllis bulbs
• Asparagus fern
• Azalea
• Citrus
• Cyclamen
• Daffodil bulbs
• Day lilies
• Delphiniums
• Dog’s Mercury (Mercurialis perennis)
• Foxgloves
• Hemlock
• Hibiscus
• Hostas
• Hyacinth
• Hydrangea
• Ivy
• Laburnum
• Lily of the valley
• Lupins
• Morning glory
• Mushroom plants
• Nightshade
• Oleander
• Rhododendron
• Rhubarb leaves
• Sweet pea
• Tomato leaves and stems
• Tulip bulbs
• Umbrella plant
• Wisteria
• Yew

This list contains just the most common plants that are poisonous to Pitbulls. For a more comprehensive list, please download this print out from the Dogs Trust.

Conclusion

The reality is, most of the time if your Pitbull has just eaten a very small amount of any of the bad foods listed here, they “should” be ok.

But, please never leave anything to chance and also consult with a professional veterinarian for advice.

I am not a vet, just a dog owner so all I have written here today is what I have personally learned and research myself. It should not replace veterinarian advice.

You might also like…

In addition to this list of foods toxic to Pitbulls, I also write individual guides about other things they can eat, and the health implications. Here’s a small sample of recent content.

• Why you should not bathe your Pitbull as often as this
• What it means when your Pitbull Terrier runs in circles like crazy
• The daily exercise requirements of a Pitbull

Image in header via https://unsplash.com/photos/3MxNS893RmI

The post What Foods Are Bad, Poisonous, & Toxic to Pitbulls? 25 Bad Foods! appeared first on DoggySaurus.

With that in mind, how often is too often when it comes to bathing your Pitbull? I spoke to our vet about this to get a professional opinion, and here’s what he said about washing regularity and how often Pitbulls need a bath.

How often should you bathe a Pitbull? You should only bathe a Pitbull every 2 to 6 months in order to maintain a balance between their skin health and hygiene. However, the reality is this probably isn’t practical, as Pitbulls love to run in mud and get dirty so will need more regular baths and showers.

If you’re a dog owner, you know that bathing any dog every couple of months is almost impossible, especially if you live in a wetter climate where mud is common.

So, in practical terms, if your Pitbull gets his coat muddy, and he starts to stink, you need to give them a bath outside of the regular bathing schedule.

There are a few things you ought to know in order for their grooming and bathing regime to be happy, healthy and effective.

How to bathe your Pitbull in 5 simple steps

Most Pitbulls can be bathed in a standard bathtub with a shower, but if you have a small Pitbull puppy, you can bathe them in a sink with a sink sprayer.

I would not bother filling up the tub. I would instead recommend you use the shower or sink sprayer, but if you want to fill up the tub, I would advise only filling it insofar as your dog’s ankles. This means they can still have their feet touching the floor and they’re paddling, not swimming.

This is especially important if your Pitbull is young, anxious or not a very confident around water.

1. Gently wet your Pitbull’s coat

The first step is to gently wet your dog’s fur with the shower orsink sprayer. When doing this, you need to keep an eye on two things: the water’s heat and intensity.

The water should be lukewarm: not too hot and not too cold, and if you’re using the shower, you don’t want to scare them off with the jets! I would only turn on the shower/sink sprayer halfway, so what you have is a gentle trickle rather than an intense spray.

It is incredibly important to get the temperature and the consistency of the water right, because not only do you risk harming your Pitbull with burns, but you also risk scaring them and making them associate baths with unpleasant memories, feelings and sensations (like this) – making it incredibly difficult for you to give them baths in the future – expect a case of the Pitbull zoomies once they get out.

2. Use a specialist dog shampoo

Then, get a gentle, soap-free dog shampoo and use your fingers to lather and work the shampoo into the coat.

As mentioned, your Pitbull might have extra sensitive skin, which is why a soap-free shampoo is the best option.

What is the best shampoo for a Pitbull smell?

If you’re wondering which shampoo Pitbull owners most often recommend, particularly to help get rid of the smell, it’s Wahl’s 4-in-1 doggy shampoo and conditioner on Amazon. You don’t need to buy a separate conditioner. It also helps to moisturise their skin, and smells great too.

3. Rinse the shampoo away

Rinse the shampoo out and repeat the process as many times as necessary to get all of the dirt out.

4. Use a specialist dog conditioner

Once you’re done with shampooing, get your conditioner specially formulated for dogs (scent-free again to avoid skin issues and allergic reactions for your Pitbull) and apply it evenly to the coat, brushing it through with a wide-tooth comb.

Give the conditioner no more than two minutes to set and then rinse again thoroughly.

5. Dry your Pitbull thoroughly

To avoid that nasty wet dog smell, you need to dry your Pitbull completely. Dry your dog with either a towel or a hairdryer on the lowest setting. Without a proper dry, your dog might smell worse than it did before the bath.

Additional Pitbull bathing and washing tips

Now you know how to bathe a Pitbull, I wanted to get into a little bit more detail about how you wash some specific parts of their body in the bath or shower.

Cleaning a Pitbull’s face

When you’re bathing your Pitbull, it is important to take steps to ensure they don’t get any water or shampoo in their eyes. The dog friendly shampoos are designed not to sting, but I don’t think it’s entirely comfortable.

One way of doing this is by applying protective ophthalmic ointment to your dog’s face before bath time.

To clean your Pitbull’s face, use a flannel soaked with lukewarm water (no soap!) and gently wipe every nook and cranny of the face. This includes the outside ear flaps and the corners of the eyes to get rid of any stubborn tear stains.

I would do this instead of pouring water on their face – not many dogs like this!

Cleaning a Pitbull’s ears

Pitbull ears can get a lot of dirt in them, which unfortunately makes them more prone to infections. To avoid this, a Pitbull’s ears should be cleaned weekly.

Specially made dog ear-cleaning solution contains ingredients that helps to break down and remove wax, as well as anti-bacterial agents that soothes inflammation and prevents infection.

You should apply this solution to a damp cotton ball and gentle wipe the inside of the ear (use a different cotton ball for each ear in order to prevent spreading infection) and check for any injuries, infection, inflammation or scrapes.

If you notice something unusual, apply antibiotic ointment and go to your vet in order to seek further advice.

Taking care of your Pitbull’s toenails

If your Pitbull’s nails get in the way of their movement, this is a good time to get them cut. You can either do them yourself or take them to a vet or a groomer if you don’t feel confident.

It is important to be careful when you are cutting your Pitbull’s nails, as inside each nail is what is called the ‘quick’ – which is extremely sensitive pink flesh that holds the blood vessels and the nerves that go into the nails.

If you cut into the quick, this will cause bleeding and extreme pain for your dog. It will also make it incredibly difficult to cut their nails in the future.

To cut your Pitbull’s nails, use a sterile pair of scissors to avoid infection and gently trim the very ends of the nails off – this might take longer, but it is better to cut off too little than too much.

After cutting the nails, give your Pitbull a treat so that they have positive associations with the experience.

Handy Hint: Here’s my guide to keeping your Pitbull happy and warm in winter.

Caring for a Pitbull’s coat

Pitbulls have what is called a ‘single coat’. As Pitbulls have relatively short-hair, their coat is reasonably easy to take care of and clean.

• Brushing: Brush out dirt, prevent shedding and distribute natural oils throughout your Pitbull by brushing them at least once a week with a bristle brush, a hound grooming glove or or a finer brush if you want to remove excess dirt or hair. Brush your Pitbull more frequently – up to three times a week – during shedding season.
• Trimming: If you choose to trim excess hair, it is advisable to lightly trim them with electric clippers. You should also pay attention to any fur around the feet or on the pads of the feet that you might want to trim for tidiness.
• Freshening up: To keep your Pitbull clean between baths, doggy dry shampoo is quick and easy to use – you just need to sprinkle it on your dog and then distribute it with a brush. You can also use a spray-on dog conditioner in order to keep the coat looking shiny.

Conclusion

Although you should always keep in mind the allergies and skin issues that come with owning a Pitbull, bathing them can be a rewarding bonding experience that helps to keep them squeaky clean, happy, and free from infection!

With any dog, it is important to strike that balance between not enough grooming and too-much grooming. Whilst it is important to ensure your dog is clean, tidy and healthy, over-bathing can cause its own issues, making it ultimately more counterproductive.

You might also like…

Here are some more guides to help you care for your Pitbull.

• Why Pitbulls are so manic – but yours still might calm down
• It might kill your Pitbull if you let him eat these bad foods
• Here’s how much exercise your Pitbull should be getting each day

Image in header via https://unsplash.com/photos/cjWmmMUCRhY

The post How Often Should I Bathe a Pitbull? + How to Bath & Shower appeared first on DoggySaurus.

This means there’s big demand for Pitbull puppies, and many owners looking to breed them. One of the first questions those new to this will want to understand better is what a Pitbull pregnancy, week by week, is like. Here’s all you need to know, starting with how many days the Pitbull pregnancy will be.

How long is a Pitbull pregnant for? Pitbulls have the same gestation period as other dog breeds. Your Pitbull will be pregnant for 58 to 68 days, with the average pregnancy length usually being around day 63 from the point of conceiving to the delivery.

If you do have a pregnant Pitbull and don’t know to expect, please check out the following Pitbull pregnancy calendar. It’s a step by step guide through the days of your Pitbull’s pregnancy.

Pitbull pregnancy calendar

Week 1 (days 0 to 7)

Once the female Pitbull has conceived (here’s how to tell), and the owner or breeder should continue as normal in regard to things like feeding and walks. There’s no need at this point to change her routine.

You might see a little sickness though related to motion sickness. There could also be a small pinky-colored discharge coming from the Pitbull, which is entirely normal and not a miscarriage.

Week 2 (days 7 to 14)

At this point in your Pitbull’s pregnancy calendar, there’s so much more going on. The cells are developing, and the puppy embryos will transfer into the Pitbull’s uterus.

This is the time during the French Bulldog pregnancy calendar when the cells will start to grow, and the embryos move into the uterus area.

Just like the first 7 days of your Pitbull’s pregnancy, there’s no need to make any changes to her routine. You can keep her exercise and diet as it normally is.

Week 3 (days 14 to 21)

Little Pitbull foetuses are now developing into shapes. They are very tiny still, possibly being about 1 centimetre long!

There is still no need to change your pregnant Pitbull’s diet and exercise routines yet at this point in the pregnancy calendar. However, you might find that she’s hungrier than usual and wants to take more calories on.

Week 4 (days 21 to 28)

Things are now starting to take shape. Your vet may even be able to feel the puppies in your Pitbull’s belly with some soft, manual manipulation on the outsides of the stomach.

The tiny foetuses now look like little doggies. If scanned, it would be possible to see spinal and facial areas developing despite the fact the puppies are only 1.5 centimetres in length!

This is considered to be the most important times during the Pitbull pregnancy calendar as it’s when the developing puppies are most at risk from miscarriage.

It’s essential to start changing her routine now, making sure to limit any over-exertion and intense activities. Your vet might also recommend a change in diet, with possible nutritional supplements added.

Pregnancy signs to look out for include swelling of the nipples and clear discharge; neither are unusual or a reason to be concerned.

Week 5 (days 28 to 35)

The Pitbull foetuses do really look like little puppies now with paws, claws, and whiskers starting to grow through. Scans could also reveal what genders the Pitbull puppies are too, as their genital areas can sometimes be seen.

Your pregnant Pitbull will start to put weight on and will demand more and more food to feed the growing pups. You will need to increase her calorie intake to help the foetuses develop healthily.

If you do pay for a scan, your vet will also be able to tell you how many puppies your Pitbull is expecting. On average, Pitbulls will have litters of 6 puppies.

Handy Hint: By week 5 in the Pitbull pregnancy calendar you might be able to start feeling the puppies yourself. Here’s how you can do it.

Week 6 (days 35 to 42)

At this point during your Pitbull’s pregnancy she will be starting to show, and it will be obvious that she’s expecting! In fact, many breeders report that the female Pitbull visibly gets bigger with each day that passes in the pregnancy calendar.

Other things to look out for include the color of the nipples getting darker. Inside the womb there will also be changes afoot, as the Pitbull puppies start to develop their own unique markings and patterns.

Her nipples will also become darker, and there will also be color changes to the growing puppies too as they start to develop their unique markings.

As for mum, she will be getting hungrier as each day of the pregnancy passes. Some breeders will start to add puppy food into her diet, and nutritional supplements if not already.

I also recommend you help your Pitbull start with her nesting. This is where she finds a warm, quiet, safe, and comfortable place to give birth. It’s something that you can help her prepare for, so she is as calm as possible.

Week 7 (days 42 to 49)

Your Pitbull will now have been pregnant for 42 days and could be experiencing hair loss. This is entirely natural, as is fur coming away from her belly in order to prepare for birth and feeding puppies.

You will also need to increase the mother’s food intake again as the puppies are now almost developed into the classic Pitbull shape known the world over.

Calcium is very important in her diet now, as it will help to strengthen and develop the growing Pitbull puppies before birth.

Week 8 (days 49 to 57)

Some Pitbulls will give birth prematurely, despite the length of pregnancy typically being around 63 days – so this week is critical as it’s when it could happen. Be prepared just in case you get an early surprise.

The best thing you can do for your Pitbull is to keep them relaxed and calm, with almost zero physical activity. If she does over-exert herself and starts running around with the zoomies, she could give birth earlier than expected.

She will be showing nesting behavior, and you could even see signs of the puppies moving around under the surface of her belly. They will be more active than usual during this 8^th week.

Week 9 (days 57 to 65)

Now is the time most Pitbulls will give birth. A sign she is ready will be a slowing down, quietness, and a loss of appetite.

And then the Pitbull puppies will arrive!

And that’s that… and there’s going to be so much more for you to now do to help the mother. I will save that all for another blog post though; but here are some related questions.

How many puppies do Pitbulls have?

Pitbulls have 5 puppies on average, here’s what Wikipedia also says:

“The average size of a Pitbull litter is 5 puppies. When mother Pitbulls give birth to litters of puppies, the little pups weigh just a few ounces each.”

Here are some common dog breeds, and how many puppies they have on average compared to Pitbulls.

• Basset Hound – 5 puppies
• Bernese Mountain Dog – 8 puppies
• Boston Terrier – 4 puppies
• British Bulldog – 4 puppies
• Chihuahua – 3 puppies
• Corgi – 7 puppies
• Dachshund – 3 puppies
• French Bulldog – 3 puppies
• German Shepherd Dog – 8 puppies
• Golden Retriever – 8 puppies
• Great Dane – 8 puppies
• Labrador – 7 puppies
• Miniature Schnauzer – 4 puppies
• Poodle – 5 puppies
• Pitbull – 5 puppies
• Rottweiler – 8 puppies
• Shih Tzu – 3 puppies
• Springer Spaniel – 7 puppies
• Yorkshire Terrier – 3 puppies

Conclusion

Pitbulls are notoriously popular which accounts for how expensive they can be. If you are thinking about breeding your own Pitbull, please do reconsider if it’s a pure money-making exercise.

Many owners will breed and breed their Pitbulls which can take a terrible toll on their bodies and mental health.

Whilst you might think that the length of time a Pitbull is pregnant for makes this look like a great way to make some regular cash on the side, do think again.

If you are on the other side of the fence and want to buy a Pitbull puppy, please do your research and make sure you are buying from a reputable breeder.

You might also like…

If you enjoyed this guide to how many days a Pitbull will be pregnant for, you might also like these related Pitbull guides:

• Will your Pitbull live as long as this?
• You might be surprised to hear when this breed typically calms down
• How often it’s safe to give your Pitbull a bath

Image in header via https://unsplash.com/photos/gxyfJQg7Lno

The post How Long Are Pitbulls Pregnant For? + Pitbull Pregnancy Calendar appeared first on DoggySaurus.

Your Pitbull terrier might get the zoomies after a bath, towards the end of the day, at night, when playing outdoors, after they have done a poop, or perhaps for no obvious reason at all.

It’s almost as if an invisible switch has been flicked, and your Pitbull is suddenly running back and forth and around in circles all over the place. These occasional absurd bursts of energy are often referred to as the zoomies… and for good reason too.

Why do Pitbulls get the zoomies? Pitbulls get the zoomies and will run around like crazy in circles often to get rid of any excess energy. Pitbulls also get zoomies to relieve stress. It’s normal canine behavior knowns as frenetic random activity periods (FRAPS).

Why do Pitbulls run around like crazy?

Pitbulls run around in circles like crazy with the frenetic random activity periods (FRAPs) frequently. Also known as the zoomies, they are frantic, repetitive behavioral episodes caused by excess buildup of energy.

Handy Hint: Running around like crazy can get less as the Pitbull grows older. Here’s when you can expect most Pitbulls to start calming down.

The zoomies or FRAPS most commonly occur in Pitbull puppies and younger dogs, but it can also happen in Pitbulls of all ages.

High-energy, active dogs such as Pitbull Terriers may have more zoomies than less active breeds. Senior dogs that still get the zoomies will likely live very long lives—zoomies are actually sign of very good health and nothing to be overly concerned about… providing your dog isn’t hurting themself.

Unfortunately, there is no scientific explanation about why zoomies occur. Still, it’s an accepted fact that it’s all down to excess energy that’s been building up in your dog over several hours. Every dog reacts differently to this energy buildup, so it’s difficult to predict how and when he will get the zoomies.

Pitbull zoomies can be triggered at certain times of the day or after a specific activity. Anecdotally, many Pitbulls get zoomies after they’ve had to stay still for a bath or after spending many hours in a crate.

Pitbull zoomies can also be triggered by stressful situations like a vet visit, too. Sometimes a dog meeting another dog can trigger a bout of excess energy release.

Pitbulls who get the zoomies usually seem like they’re having the time of their lives. It’s completely natural, normal, happy dog behavior that shouldn’t be a cause of alarm.

Just give your Pitbull the room to run around without running into furniture or other dangerous objects.

However, suppose you notice that your Pitbull has been getting the zoomies much more often than he used to. In that case, it’s a good idea to keep a closer eye on him and determine precisely what he’s reacting to.

Frequent zoomies can be a sign that your Pitbull is not getting enough exercise. This can be resolved by going on longer or more frequent walks.

When Pitbull zoomies happen most

Owners can often tell when their Pitbull is just about to get the zoomies. He or she will get a glint in their eyes, they might assume the play-bow position, and they start jumping around in small bursts before full-on running around in big circles or running up and down corridors in your home like crazy.

Pitbull zoomies hit at seemingly any point of the day, and for one reason or another. There are a few occasions where they you are more likely toyou’re your Pitbull get the zoomies though.

• After your dog has had a poop.
• When there’s high winds whistling around him outdoors.
• When you have “wound” him up with play in doors.
• After a bath and you are trying to dry him.
• Before bedtime or late at night.

My Pitbull zoomies after a bath

Your Pitbull gets the bath time zoomies happen due of the pent-up adrenaline from having to sit still for so long, or because running around will dry their fur faster.

You will have seen this behavior I am sure; once he thinks he has the all-clear, he will jump out of the bath, start shaking the water off, then make a break for it.

If your dog is anything like ours, it pays to shut the bathroom door, so he doesn’t get the chance to soak the corridors in your home.

My Pitbull zoomies before bed or late at night

Some Pitbull puppies get the zoomies right before bedtime as a final energy release before settling in for the night.

Perhaps he didn’t get as much exercise he needed, and also knows he needs to get rid of that energy so he can sleep better.

Other reasons why Pitbulls get the zoomies

Some Pitbulls get the zoomies right after an extended training session, once they’re free to take out their built-up nervous energy. Sometimes even a good poop can send a Pitbull into running like crazy in ever more excited circles.

Zoomies are especially common in winter when it’s too cold to do more than do their dog business when out for a walk. There’s no other way to release pent-up energy but to run around in tight circles like crazy for a few minutes at a time.

Some Pitbulls get so excited that their zoomies include nipping or biting behavior. If this happens, redirect his energy by engaging him in a game of tug of war, fetch, or by presenting his favorite toy.

How do you calm a Pitbull with the zoomies?

When your Pitbull runs around like crazy, expect the zoomies to normally last around five minutes or less. If so, there’s nothing to worry about as long as your Pitbull is zooming in a safe place.

Instead of trying to control the zoomies (almost impossible to do), you can control the environment wherein he zooms.

The best zoomie locations are in any wide-open spaces you may have in your home: a fenced yard, an expansive garden, on a carpet away from breakable items and small children.

Avoid letting your Pitbull zoom on slick surfaces or your hardwood floors.

Don’t ever chase after a Pitbull with the zoomies. A chase will likely be misinterpreted as an attempt to play and will only excite him further. If you need to catch your zooming dog, go the opposite way and try to make him chase you. Encourage him to follow you into a safer area, and give him a toy or a treat when he does. Teaching your dog and regularly practicing the “come” command can help get your Pitbull to follow you.

If your Pitbull is zooming a bit more wildly than can be contained, you can try to redirect their energy by throwing them a toy. If your dog has good recall, he will come to you once the worst of the zooms calm down.

Handy Hint: Pitbull Terriers are one of those breeds that do have a reputation for getting clingy. Here’s why Pitbulls get clingy and what you can do about it.

Are Pitbull zoomies dangerous?

As long as their environment is safe, it’s alright to just let your Pitbull’s zoomies run their course. Zoomies won’t give your dog seizures or cause emotional or physical problems.

Even if they seem very clumsy as they zoom, dogs usually don’t hurt themselves. Zoomies are only dangerous because unpredictable energy bursts can increase the chances of a physical accident or breaking china.

However, if your Pitbull has a long history of being very low-key and calm, and he suddenly starts to run around like crazy in wide circles every day, a trip to the vet may be necessary.

This behavior change could signify a health problem, especially if nothing in your family routine has changed to cause so much excess energy.

Any significant change in your dog’s zooming behavior may mean he’s not getting enough physical or mental stimulation.

Compulsive behavior like chasing shadows or continuous tail chasing may be concerning enough to consult an animal behaviorist to better understand the reasons behind this behavior.

I would also like to draw your attention to the comments of Dr Marc Bekoff from the University of Colorado. Here’s what he says about the dangers of the FRAPS and zoomies on the on the Psychology Today website, and whether you should let your dog do it.

“My answer is always something like, yep, as long as you’re sure that she or he won’t harm themselves or others and it’s done in a safe area. And, it’s essential for a human to know their dog and to remain alert when either the dog or other individuals are in the path of a frapper fugue and potentially can be harmed.”

How to stop your dog’s zoomies

When it comes to zoomies, prevention is the best medicine. You may be able to reduce the frequency of your Pitbull’s zoomies by challenging your dog physically.

Your dog may need much more stimulation than he’s currently receiving. Release that pent-up energy with a long hike instead of a short neighborhood walk.

If your Pitbull gets the bath time zoomies, perhaps a vigorous game of tug of war or a long walk before his bath will lead to a nap instead?

Your dog may need more mental stimulation, too. Bored Pitbulls are more prone to the zoomies. A short training session every day will develop good habits and be great exercise for your dog’s mind.

Conclusion

Whilst there is no absolute scientific evidence to explain why Pitbulls get the zoomies and run around like crazy, we can make assumptions as described above.

The zoomies are unlikely to harm your Pitbull, but if you do want to reduce them, make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.

You might also like…

• The Pitbull pregnancy calendar
• How long you can expect your Pitbull Terrier to live
• How you can teach your Pitbull puppy to stop biting

Image in header via https://unsplash.com/photos/7rriIaBH6JY

The post Why Do Pitbulls Get the Zoomies & Run Around Like Crazy? appeared first on DoggySaurus.

But how much attention will a Pitbull need, and why exactly are Pitbulls so clingy? Let’s take a closer look…

Why is my Pitbull so clingy? Pitbulls are renowned as having a clingy nature due to how they have been bred; as dogs designed for human companionship in more modern times. Because of this, Pitbull Terriers will follow their owners everywhere and are prone to suffering with separation anxiety.

If you don’t think you can handle this neediness, a Pitbull Terrier really isn’t the dog for you. They will constantly need you to be in close attention, so won’t suit someone with a busy lifestyle you cannot give the Pitbull the attention it needs.

They are also high in energy and need to be active a lot of the time… it can take some time until they calm down from being puppies.

If this is going to annoy you, look at different smaller dog breeds that are known to be more independent such as Beagles, Cairn Terriers, Jack Russells, Miniature Pinschers, and Scottish Terriers.

Do Pitbulls require a lot of attention?

Because of their clingy nature, Pitbulls are rather manic dogs and are also rather susceptible to separation anxiety, meaning that they dislike being left at home for even short periods of time. Here’s a list of things you might not be able to do due to how much attention Pitbulls need:

• You might not be able to leave the house.
• You might not be able to shut them in a room when the doorbell goes.
• You might not be able to cuddle your partner or kids.
• You might not be able to go to the toilet without them barking and scratching at the door.
• You might not be able to go to work from 9 to 5 without doggy daycare help.
• You might not be able to leave them in the car for a few minutes when you run in a store.

However, because of their medium size they are also easy to take with you. Leaving your Pitbull at home on its own for a long period of time can lead to destructive behaviour, either from anxiety or boredom.

If you have things like work commitments, or a life so busy that you can’t give the Pitbull the attention it needs then don’t get one. The other alternative is to possibly think about getting more than one Pitbull… many owners say Pitbulls are better in pairs.

The bottom line is this; Pitbulls require a lot of attention and if you can’t give them that it could not only impact on their mental health, but also cause you untold problems around your home.

Do Pitbulls get attached to one person?

In many cases, Pitbulls do become attached to just the one person. Their chief care giver will become the focus on their world and can result in clingy behavior, and sometimes even aggression towards others.

However, this isn’t a blanket rule by any stretch, but compared to other dog breeds, Pitbulls do tend to be very clingy towards just one person.

My Pitbull has just started getting more clingy than usual

Whilst the majority of Pitbulls have a large degree of clinginess, sometimes the clingy behaviour can accelerate and become more intense than usual.

There are some common reasons for this including:

1. A change in your behavior: for example, if you have started a new job or have changed the times you come in and out of the house.
2. A new person in the house: Pitbulls have known to become clingier when a new arrival comes into the house. That could be a baby, a visitor, or a new partner who takes the attention away from them.
3. A change to their environment: if you move to a new house, or even move their bed into a new room, this could trigger your Pitbull’s anxiety, making them even more needy than before.
4. A change in their health: other aspects that make your Pitbull more clingy than usual can be their own health. For example, if their eyesight or hearing has started to reduce, and they get scared.
5. A sudden noise or act of aggression: classic Pitbull neediness can be triggered by the stress of fireworks or an aggressive interaction they have had with another dog.
6. A lack of mental stimulation: all dogs like to play, and if your Pitbull doesn’t have enough toys, he could become more needy and clingy around you.
7. A case of separation anxiety: Pitbulls cannot be left alone for longer than an hour or two. Any more than that and they could develop separation anxiety, but more about that in a moment.

What does Pitbull separation anxiety look like?

These factors above all come into play with separation anxiety. Pitbulls should not be left alone for hours, as they simply won’t be able to cope with the stress.

The signs below are classic signals to look out for if your Pitbull is suffering separation anxiety:

• Urinating and defecating in a new place (here’s how to retrain them).
• Pacing, heavy panting, and drooling.
• Barking and howling more than usual.
• Digging your garden, chewing your stuff, and being destructive.
• Trying to escape the yard or house – like under or over fences.

You can reduce your Pitbull’s separation anxiety when you leave your home by adopting the following routines:

• Always stay calm and put them at ease.
• Don’t make a big thing of it when you leave the house.
• Build them a safe and comfortable place to sleep in.
• Only leave the house for short absences at first.
• Use positive reinforcement.
• Keep your Pitbull happy and entertained with toys.
• Keep your Pitbull well exercised to burn off excess energy.
• Employ a dog walker or doggy day care if you are away for a few hours.
• Speak with your vet for professional advice and possible medication.

Check if your Pitbull is happy (and smiling)

If you still not sure whether your Pitbull is happy or not, then you might want to check out other signs to look out for.

Conclusion

If you want a dog that doesn’t require constant attention, a Pitbull really isn’t for you. They are renowned as being clingy and needy and cannot be left alone at home.

However, if it’s a side by side companion you want who will be your life partner until the end, a Pitbull is a great choice.

But before you do jump in and buy one, please do your research first. Pitbulls are renowned for suffering with a range of health issues, some of which I’ve detailed in the blog posts below.

• Why your dog is following you and sitting outside the bathroom door
• This is how many years you can expect your Pitbull to live for
• Overcoming problems when trying to bathe a Pitbull

The post Why Are Pitbulls So Clingy? The Attention They Need Might Shock You! appeared first on DoggySaurus.

To help you I’ve laid out how long you can expect the Pitbull lifespan to be, including red nose and blue nose Pitbulls… and some tips on how you can help to extend the average lifespan of a Pitbull.

Here’s the short and generic answer first, followed by a more in-depth explanation on how long Pitbulls can live depending on various different factors.

How long do Pitbulls live for? The average lifespan of a Pitbull is around 13 years of age. Estimates of on how long Pitbulls can live for ranges from 8 to 15 years, to a tighter estimate of 12 to 14 years. It will depend on multiple factors including their health, heritage, and mix of breed.

How characteristics determine Pitbull lifespan

Smaller dogs, in general, have a longer lifespan than large dogs. As they range in size from medium to massive it has a bearing on how long Pitbulls can be expected to live for.

Like Jack Russell Terriers, Pitbull Terriers are not a recognised breed of dog but rather a type. Pitbull is the umbrella term for a range of dogs resulting from cross breeding bulldogs and terriers.

Some well-known types of offspring and their weight ranges are:

• American Bulldog: 60 to 110 lbs – average life expectancy of 10 to 15 years.
• American Pitbull Terrier: 35 to 65 lbs – average life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.
• American Staffordshire Bull Terrier: 25 to 40 lbs – average life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.
• English Bull Terrier: 50 to 80 lbs – average life expectancy of 10 to 14 years.
• Staffordshire Bull Terrier: 25 to 40 lbs – average life expectancy of 12 to 14 years.

Pitbulls are strong athletic dogs, bred for their ‘gameness’ – a combination of a fighting spirit and courage. They have large heads, strong necks and powerful jaws. They tend to have muscular front legs and low-slung hind quarters.

They are active dogs, and this in part can help inform how long your Pitbull lives for. If you keep your dog fit and active, with a healthy diet, there’s every chance that your Pitbull’s lifespan will be longer than the average.

Handy Hint: To help keep your Pitbull healthy, there are many foods which you should avoid giving them, some could even poison your dog!

Pitbulls have high levels of energy and need a structured regimen of vigorous exercise in order to channel that energy. Undisciplined dogs could easily find themselves getting into mischief and a great deal of trouble.

Dogs that don’t eat the right diet and have less exercise will naturally have a lower Pitbull life expectancy.

Then there are those owners that yearns back to the days of yore, and will go as far as cosmetically altering their dogs’ ears in order to make them appear vicious. Others have even taken it further and trained their animals for their initial intention of dogfighting, which is illegal in most countries.

Both lifestyles have an impact on the average lifespan of the Pitbull dog.

How genetics affects how long a Pitbull lives for

Unfortunately, due to their breeding, Pitbull terriers have developed a predisposition towards a number of debilitating and life-threatening conditions. These include:

• Hip dysplasia, which results in too much pressure being put on the hips and short back legs.
• Heart disease
• Thyroid problems
• Allergies
• Inflammation of the joints, such as arthritis
• Cataracts

These are potential illnesses that can affect any Pitbull at any stage in their life. Keep regular health checks arranged with your vet, and your Pitbull can live longer.

Other causes of ill health that affect life expectancy

Insufficient exercise can do the Pitbull a disservice in two ways. It can lose muscle tone, become overweight or even obese. This condition is exacerbated by a poor basic diet and too many treats.

Another outcome would be destructive behaviour resulting from a bored and frustrated dog. This is an undesirable character trait in a dog and could lead to inappropriate discipline and further behavioural problems.

Pitbulls are strong dogs and can be an uncontrollable nuisance if they are ill-disciplined. This results in many of them being abandoned or surrendered and placed in shelters.

Bad breeding can also cause health and behaviour problems when the dog gets older. A puppy should stay with its mother and siblings for at least 8 to 9 weeks. Socialisation at this stage teaches a puppy its place in the hierarchy, and how to treat others appropriately.

How to help your Pitbull live longer

Do your homework when buying a Pitbull puppy. Get to know the breeders and their philosophy. If they are interested only in making money, and want to separate the mother and litter as early as possible, you would be advised to look elsewhere.

Ask to see the parents of the puppy and enquire about their health. If they have any signs of the predisposed ailments, chances are high that they will have passed them onto their offspring.

By missing this check, there’s every chance you will get a Pitbull that won’t live as long as the average life expectancy is slated at.

Even healthy, well-bred pups can succumb to viruses against which they have no natural immunity. It is essential to get the pup vaccinated against these diseases, and to strictly follow the guidelines for booster shots.

Also keep your pup away from areas where other dogs have congregated, at least until it has had all its shots. The parvovirus pathogens, for instance, can remain viable in infected soil for up to a year.

Throughout the dog’s life have regular vaccinations and check-ups at the vet, paying particular attention to the possible hereditary conditions outlined above.

Keep worms and other parasites, such as ticks and fleas from irritating your Pitbull, causing them to lose condition and making them candidates for more serious health problems. Regular grooming will help you to identify any allergies, mites or other skin problems. It also helps you to bond with your dog.

A problem that is often overlooked by many Pitbull owners is dental hygiene. Much like humans, if plaque is allowed to build up on the gums, this gives germs a foothold. It could cause tooth decay, and even more sinisterly, sepsis, which could spread to other organs of the body.

From an early age, discipline your Pitbull so that it can be an asset to your family environment and a pleasure to any visiting friends or family members. These dogs have the strength and intelligence to become delinquents if not kept in check by a firm but loving hand.

An adjunct to this, would be regular exercise to prevent the behavioural problems that could lead to their downfall and a shorter than average lifespan. They are the kind of dog that seems to have endless energy, and gets fitter with exercise, so calculate the commitment needed to keep them out of trouble before acquiring one.

Pitbulls need a diet that will meet their high energy needs without causing them to put on excess weight. Treats, which help family members bond with a dog, need to be factored into their overall diet. Stock up with healthy, low carbohydrate treats. If you can convince them to enjoy cucumbers and cauliflower, that would be ideal.

As far as possible, create a calm environment which does not stress your dog. Teach them to socialise effectively with other dogs, animals and any people they may come into contact with.

Their looks can often get them into trouble with nervous people and aggressive animals. Be proactive in dealing with these incidents and help your dog to keep his cool.

Pitbulls have an unfortunate reputation for biting, and are on the banned list of many countries, where they cannot be imported, bred or sold. They are the type of dog most likely to end up in a dog shelter. Once there, it takes a longer period than most dogs to rehome them.

Pitbull owners bear a huge responsibility in keeping their chosen dog happy, healthy and out of trouble for the full length of its natural life.

Get this right and you will be richly rewarded with a loving and faithful canine companion. Then there’s every chance that your Pitbull could live longer than you would expect given the average lifespans of this dog type.

But what about the different types of Pitbull, and how long they live for? Well, let’s get a bit more specific below.

How long do red nose Pitbulls live?

The red nose Pitbull is a medium sized dog, being a variety of the American Pitbull Terrier. In terms of lifespan, you can expect a red nose Pitbull to live to 14 years old on average. Some have been known to live as long as 16 years old.

How long do blue nose Pitbulls live?

The blue nose Pitbull gets its name from the genetic trait that leads to the greyish blue nose. Most are variants on the American Pitbull Terrier, and you can expect a blue nose Pitbull to live to 12 years on average.

How long do Pitbull mixes live?

This is an incredibly hard question to answer, as it will depend on what dog the Pitbull has been mixed with, and what genetic predispositions that might lead to.

The best answer I can give is that the life expectancy of a Pitbull mix breed could be from 12 to 14 years old.

What do Pitbulls usually die from?

According to the Handicapped Pets blog, Pitbull can be prone to a common range of major health issues which are listed below. However, in terms of the one that Pitbulls usually die from, it’s not uncommon to consider heart disease.

Here’s that list of common health issues that Pitbull might be prone to:

• Skin problems
• Knee complications
• Hip dysplasia
• Allergies
• Thyroid disease
• Gastric dilation
• Ichthyosis
• Cataracts
• Cerebellar ataxia
• Heart disease

What is considered old for a Pitbull?

Given what we know about the average lifespans of Pitbull and how long they live for, I would say that 15 years and older would be considered old for Pitbull.

At this age, they have outlived most other Pitbulls and will have calmed down from the excesses of their youth and middles age…. If you were wondering, this is when Pitbulls calm down usually.

Conclusion

The Pitbull name is derived from the original purpose of their breeding. They were initially bred in the 16^th century for dogfighting in a pit and for bull baiting in a ring. They were also found to be reliable in battle for attacking horses and the enemy’s dogs.

They became popular as the quintessential butcher’s dog, looking the part of a fierce carnivore.

Underneath all that brawn, they are intelligent and obedient, making them easy to train. They are extremely faithful dogs, and loyal to a fault. They will not hesitate to defend their owners.

And its this loyalty that makes them such a popular pet… which makes it even more heart-breaking when they eventually succumb to the end of the average Pitbull life expectancy.

However, with regular exercise, good diet, and vet checks once a year, there’s no reason why your Pitbull should not live longer than the average lifespan.

You might also like…

• How to deal with a clingy and obsessed Pitbull Terrier
• How to house train your Pitbull puppy
• How long you can expect your Pitbull’s pregnancy to be

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