American Pit Bull Terrier Health Problems and Raising an American Pit Bull Terrier Puppy to be Healthy

Quiz – How Long Will Your Dog Live?
How To Raise a Healthy Dog
Feeding the Best Dog Food
Feeding the 2nd Best Dog Food
Vaccinations: Needed or Not?
Are You Sure Your Vet Is Good?

The most common health problems in American Pit Bull Terriers:

Though many breeders pretend it isn't so, hip dysplasia is a serious problem in Pit Bulls. The Orthopedic Foundation of America evaluated the hip X-rays of 480 Pit Bulls and found 22% dysplastic. That's an extremely high rates for a medium-sized dog – in comparison, the hip dysplasia rate in English Bull Terriers is 7%.

Elbow dysplasia is another serious problem. Over 100 X-rays of Pit Bull elbows were examined and 14% were dysplastic – the 15th worst rate of 82 breeds. Compare it to Boxers, who have a 0% elbow dysplasia rate.

Other orthopedic diseases in the Pit Bull are luxating patella and osteochondritis.

According to the Michigan State University Thyroid Database, American Pit Bull Terriers have the 4th highest rate of hypothyroidism of 140 breeds (up to 25% of Pit Bulls are affected).

Heart disease (especially subaortic stenosis, but also cardiomyopathy) is occurring more frequently in the American Pit Bull Terrier.

Skin problems are very common, including allergies that cause itchy skin and can lead to bacterial skin infections (pyoderma). Demodectic mange in Pit Bull Terrier puppies and adolescents is very common. Tumors and cancer (especially mast cell tumors) are serious concerns.

Eye diseases include progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), cataracts, and entropion.

Inherited deafness can occur in Pit Bull puppies with a lot of white on their head.

Can you prevent health problems from happening to YOUR American Pit Bull Terrier?

Yes, often you can.

Some health problems are genetic, which means inherited from parents. Genetic health issues are common in American Pit Bull Terriers today because of unwise breeding practices. My book, Dog Quest: Find The Dog Of Your Dreams, shows you how to find an American Pit Bull Terrier puppy who is genetically healthy.
Other health problems are environmental – caused by the way you raise your dog. My best-selling dog health book, 11 Things You Must Do Right To Keep Your Dog Healthy and Happy shows you how to prevent environmental health problems by raising your American Pit Bull Terrier puppy (or adult dog) in all the right ways.

Here are my dog health tips for raising a healthy American Pit Bull Terrier puppy or adult dog:

Dog lifespan quiz How Long Will Your Dog Live? – Take This Quiz!
Based on your dog's breed and how you're raising him, this personalized quiz will help you understand how long your dog might live – and most importantly, how you can increase his life expectancy.

Obedience instructor and author Michele Welton Dog Health Care – The Sensible Way
Read my advice on daily health care so your American Pit Bull Terrier lives a long, healthy life and seldom needs to see the vet.

Real homemade dog food The Best Dog Food For Feeding Your American Pit Bull Terrier
The best diet for feeding your Pit Bull Terrier is real food. Real chicken, turkey, beef, bison, venison, fish....This is not "people food" and I'll tell you why.

Natural dog foods for your American Pit Bull Terrier. The Second-Best Dog Food For Your American Pit Bull Terrier
If you can't feed homemade dog food, here are your next-best choices.

Information on booster shots for your American Pit Bull Terrier. Vaccinations and Booster Shots: Needed or Not?
How many vaccinations does your American Pit Bull Terrier puppy really need? Does your adult Pit Bull Terrier need yearly booster shots? The vaccination guidelines have changed. Find out what many vets aren't telling you.

Information on choosing the best vet for your American Pit Bull Terrier. The Type of Veterinarian I Recommend
Is your veterinarian really the best choice for your dog? Learn about the differences between vets who practice conventional, holistic, and alternative veterinary medicine.

Information on spaying your American Pit Bull Terrier. Spaying Your Female Dog: Pros and Cons
Advantages and disadvantages of spaying your female American Pit Bull Terrier.

Information on neutering your male dog. Neutering Your Male Dog: Pros and Cons
Advantages and disadvantages of neutering your male dog.

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