Pocket Pitbull Health
Health Concerns Miniature Pitbull?
If you have been wondering if you are getting a healthy puppy, then there are some things you can do. The first thing you can do is to choose a reputable and trustworthy breeder. Do your homework! Ask your friends, family members, veterinarians and other professionals for recommendations. Then do your research online and find out what they have to say about themselves as well as any reviews that past customers have left.
The next thing you should do is to spend some quality time with the puppy’s parents. Use your judgment when it comes to their physical health conditions and their living situations. Do the parents seem to be a healthy weight? Are they skinny? Overweight? Are they dirty? Do they have injuries? Ask yourself these questions and take note of anything that seems to be a “red flag.” Finally, request to see the parent’s papers.
These documents should list and explain any health conditions the parents have as well as their shot records and other beneficial information. After spending some time with the breeders, the parents and looking over the papers, if there aren’t any “red flags”, then you should feel confident about seeing the puppies. Evaluate the conditions that the pups are in as well as their apparent state of health. If everything seems to be green flags, then it is time to choose a puppy, and the fun can begin.
The Miniature Pitbull could potentially be prone to certain health conditions if their parents were diagnosed with any. This is particularly the case if the health conditions are genetic. A good breeder will not breed an animal with a genetic disorder. However, there are various irresponsible breeders out there.
Potential Genetic Conditions of the Pocket Pitbull:
- Hypothyroidism:
An impaired or decreased production and secretion of hormones from the Thyroid Gland. This reduction will result in a lower metabolism leading to weight gain and other dangerous health problems.
- Heart Disease:
A condition that refers to the animal’s heart having difficulty or an inability to properly pump blood and oxygen throughout the body. This often leads to severe organ problems as well as death.
- Joint Dysplasia:
This condition is also referred to as Elbow Dysplasia as the condition often develops in an animal’s elbow joints. This condition involves incorrect growth development of the elbow joint. The three bones involved should fit together in such a way that it is smooth and allows them to glide.
- Allergies:
Dogs with allergies will usually demonstrate excessive itching near their ear, face, feet, belly, and sometimes in the armpit area. They may also lick these areas excessively. Allergies may be easily treated, see your veterinarian for more information and testing.
- Eye Problems:
This category could include cataracts, injuries, Cherry Eye, a corneal ulcer, irritations, inflammation, and much more. The treatment options will vary depending on the final diagnosis done by the veterinarian.
*It is important that you do not diagnose your dog yourself or treat any condition without consulting a veterinarian first.*
If your Miniature Pitbull or Pocket Pit is up to date on his shots as the veterinarian recommends, if he is fed and exercised properly, and does not develop an illness, injury, or disease that could be life-threatening then he could potentially live for 11 to 13 years