Pit Bulls have brought wonderful years of unique companionship for many owners, bringing a new Pit Bull into your family as a pet may be one of the best decisions you can make. But, how long do pit bulls live?
What Is A Pitbull?
The word “Pit Bull” often refers to a few different breeds with similarities; This might include the American Staffordshire terrier, the American Bully, the American Pit Bull Terrier, or a mix of any of those breeds.
You can identify these dogs by their short, stocky body and short snout, though you may find it difficult to distinguish one from another.
How Long Do Pit Bulls Live?
In human years, The average lifespan for a Pit Bull is 12–14 years, so they will be considered a senior dog once they reach the age of seven or so.
A pit bull won’t seem so old once he reaches that age, so there is nothing to worry about. Dogs can experience a long and healthy senior stage of their lives.
Senior dogs still love to play and explore, but they’re going to slow down a bit, especially when compared to the levels of energy they’ve shown as a pup.
Common Health Problems That Reduce Pit Bulls lifespan
An issue a lot of pure breeds today are having is their being slowly destroyed by breeders following unethical breeding practices. The lifespan of pit bulls can be reduced with tremendous health problems that affect how long pit bulls live.
Hip Dysplasia
This condition occurs when the femur’s hip socket and ball do not build a perfect fit, which causes discomfort and inflammation over time. Surgery may be necessary in extreme cases.
Heart Conditions
Pit Bulls are prone to abnormalities in the heart rhythm and congenital disabilities. While this sounds concerning, heart murmurs in dogs do not have a significant impact on the daily life of a dog. If you find your dog is tiring quickly, pants heavily, or lethargic, you should pay a visit to the Vet.
Allergies
Pit bulls can be allergic to foods, outdoor allergens, or certain chemicals. Your Pit Bull is probably most irritated by the many different plants found in your backyard.
If your dog has symptoms of excessive itching and licking, your veterinarian may recommend an antihistamine medication or a cream that contains hydrocortisone.
Tips To Help Your Pitbull Live Longer
When you bring your Pit Bull into your home, they immediately become family. These dogs are so sweet and loving; understandably, you want to give them whatever they need to be happy and healthy. For that reason, we’ll share some essential tips to help your pitbull live a long and healthy life.
Good Diet
If you feed your pitbull nutritious food, he will get a lot of energy, and his body will work efficiently. However, Junk food and extra fat will accumulate around organs, causing them to work harder to function normally.
Pit Bulls have a lot of muscle, and they should have reasonably high protein in their diet to keep their bodies in good shape. They don’t need supplemental protein amounts, though, unless recommended by a veterinarian.
If you’re concerned that your Pit Bull doesn’t get enough protein, talk to a vet about your dog’s diet. This will help you determine if your dog is healthy based on nutritional recommendations, not looks.
Weight Management
If your pit bull is overweight, you’ll probably need to reduce food intake and increase exercise according to a veterinarian’s standards. It’s also necessary to prevent an overweight dog from eating table scraps. When having guests over, make sure they won’t sneak any contraband to your pudgy puppy.
Checkups and Preventative Healthcare
When it comes to your dog’s well-being, it’s best to prevent any complications before your dog gets sick. One way of doing so is to take your pit bull to the Vet for an annual checkup. The Vet will ask if you’ve noticed any changes in your dog’s overall health, or if you have any concerns Even if your concerns turn out to be nothing, it’s still an excellent chance to ask any questions you may have.
Fleas, Ticks, and Worms
Fleas, ticks, and worms are external parasites that can easily latch on your dog if he spends time with other animals or likes to play outside.
Fortunately, due to their short coat, it is quite easy to spot the parasites and their markings on a Pit Bull. These pesky parasites suck your dog’s blood and can pass on dangerous diseases. Moreover, fleas cause excessive itchiness and are difficult to kill once the infestation begins.
To prevent your dog from bringing these pests home, choose a flea preventative that works best for your dog. Topical preventatives are liquids that can be applied to your dog’s coat once a month. There are also oral preventatives that cause fleas and ticks to die when they bite your dog.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are essential for preventive care, and some shots are even required by law. There are a significant number of infectious diseases that veterinarians can vaccinate against, starting when your dog is a little puppy.
These vaccines will keep your dog healthy and reduce the spread of devastating diseases that are easily preventable. Some fatal diseases like rabies can be transmitted to humans, in many states and countries, to take training classes or even go to dog parks, your dog has to be up to date on their recommended vaccinations.
Final Words on Pit Bull Life Expectancy
Some breeds are best suited for particular owners. Before you bring a new dog home, it’s vital to take an honest look at your personality and abilities.
Although you may have a nice match with one breed, you can face challenges with another. Therefore, it’s essential to understand what the Pit Bull requires before bringing one into your home.
With a lot of love and care, your pit bull may beat the odds and exceed the average pit bull life span of 12 to 14 years.
