Taking care of a Pitbull is much like taking care of any other breed, but there are some unique considerations that come with these furry friends.
In this article, we will walk you through the essential steps for maintaining your Pitbull pup — from feeding and exercise to vets visits and training — so that you can ensure your pup is getting the best care possible throughout their life.
Tips on Maintaining Your Pitbull
1. Establishing a Good Routine
Having a routine for your pup is essential to its health and development. Start with basic needs like regular feedings, walks and potty time, and then work your way up to more fun activities together.
An easy one to start with is brushing their coat. Regular brushing helps keep their skin healthy and prevents buildup of dirt, oil and dander. It also strengthens the bond between you and your pup by creating a relaxing ritual! A soft, natural bristle brush is usually recommended for pitbulls because of their short coats.
Additionally, regular baths are important in keeping your pup looking their best—and free from any unwanted fleas or ticks. Look out for specially formulated dog shampoos that are gentle on the eyes, ears, nose and paw pads; they’ll help keep your pup’s fur clean without drying out the skin underneath.
With any luck, you’ll soon have a thriving routine with your pup that both you and they love!
2. Proper Nutrition
Proper nutrition is essential for keeping your pup healthy. Pitbulls may have higher energy levels than other breeds, making them prone to weight gain; they also have a shorter life expectancy, so feeding them good nutrition is especially important.
It’s best to feed your pup a diet of high-quality dog food made from natural and organic ingredients. Look out for foods with beef, chicken, and fish as their primary proteins. Avoid foods that contain by-products, animal “meals”, fillers, preservatives or chemicals.
Additionally, it’s important to pay attention to portion size and frequency when it comes to feeding your pup. Stick with the recommended servings from the food label and avoid overfeeding—ask your vet if you’re not sure how much food is right for your pup.
This will keep your pitbull at a healthy weight and provide him or her with the right balance of vitamins and minerals for growth and development.
3. Grooming & Hygiene
Your Pitbull pup needs regular grooming and hygiene to stay healthy and happy. Keeping up with their grooming routine can be a challenge as they get older, but it’s worth it! Here are some essential steps for maintaining the cleanliness of your pup:
1. Bathing
Bathe your Pitbull pup every four to six weeks with a mild shampoo. It’s best to use a shampoo specifically designed for dogs as human versions can be too harsh and leave your pup’s skin dry and itchy. Make sure that you rinse all of the shampoo off thoroughly, as any residue left behind could irritate their skin further.
2. Brushing
Brushing your pup should be done at least once a week to help reduce any shedding and keep their coat looking shiny. A slicker brush is great for short-haired pups like the Pitbull, but for long-haired pups you may need an extra brush such as a pin or bristle brush. The type of bristles used may also depend on the breed —make sure you get advice from your vet before buying a brush if you’re unsure what type is best suited for your pooch!
3. Clipping
Clipping your Pitbull’s nails every two to four weeks will prevent them from being too long and causing discomfort when walking or running. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this yourself, you can always take them to the groomer – they’ll know how much nail to clip without hurting them!
Taking these steps will help keep your pup looking neat and tidy, while keeping their coat in good condition too. Don’t forget that regular visits to the vet are also essential — they know what’
Read also: When Do Pitbulls Stop Growing?
4. Exercise & Playtime
Exercise & playtime are essential for your pup’s health and wellbeing. A healthy pitbull should get 1-2 hours of exercise a day, and at least one 30-minute play session. That doesn’t mean you have to take them on a long walk every day or let them run around the yard for hours— but it does mean that you need to find ways to keep them active.
a. Exercise
A great way to get them moving is with agility training and other physical activities. You can also sign up for activities, such as dog sports, or take your pup swimming, which will help tire them out while also building their muscle strength. And don’t forget that something as simple as playing fetch can also be an excellent form of exercise, even if it only lasts 20 minutes.
b. Playtime
Playtime is an important aspect in maintaining a healthy pitbull pup. Playing with your pup provides mental stimulation to help prevent boredom, while also helping build trust and strengthen the bond between you and your pup. Make sure to have plenty of toys and chews available for when playtime arises—not just for the puppy stage, but past adulthood too!
Read also: Reasons Why Pit Bull Shed and How to Handle Pit Bull Shedding
5. Vet Visits for Preventive Care
Regular care and preventive checkups are essential for your Pitbull pup, so make sure to take them to the vet regularly. That way you can catch any potential health issues early on and your pup can remain healthy and happy.
At these visits, the vet will examine your pup from head to toe, checking for overall health, checking their teeth and eyes, listening to their heart and lungs, looking for any sign of diseases or parasites such as fleas or ticks. They may also administer vaccinations and do a quick blood test to check for common diseases.
If your pup seems off in between visits, don’t be afraid to call the vet—most vets would prefer to answer your questions than have something go undetected for too long. In addition to regularly scheduled check-ups, here are some preventive care steps you should take:
- Feed them a balanced diet.
- Keep their teeth clean with regular brushing and dental chews/treats.
- Give them plenty of exercise that’s suited to their age, size and energy level.
- Make sure they get plenty of rest each night.
- Check their fur regularly for injuries or fleas/ticks.
- Keep up with basic grooming like nail trimming, ear cleaning, etcetera.
Conclusion
Pitbulls are an amazing breed with plenty of love and loyalty to give, and it’s important to give them the best care possible. Having an understanding of their specific needs and grooming requirements is essential to making sure they stay healthy and happy. With the right diet, exercise, and regular vet visits, your pup will be the best companion you can ask for.
Above all, keep in mind that a well-behaved, strong-willed pitbull does require patience and a lot of love. You’ll get plenty of that in return, but you’ll need to put in the work to keep your pup in tip-top shape. With the steps outlined above, you can be sure your pup will be as healthy and happy as can be.