Does My Pit Bull Look Fat To You?: Dog Health Information

Let’s face it, we love our pets. Sometimes that love can lead pet owners to pamper their pets just a little too much when it comes to food and treats. This over indulgence has the same effects on our pets as it does on us when we over eat or snack a little too often, we get fat. If you add in not getting enough exercise, then it is a problem compounded.
Yes, pets too can suffer from being obese. Statistics show that one in four pets weigh in the overweight or obese category. It is a problem which carries a lot of health risks to our four legged loved ones, and it is a problem that we as owners must handle.
As a Pit Bull owner, I know first hand how good it makes your pet feel to get those special treats, and how hard it is to not give them when it results in getting the loving look that only your Pit Bull can give. I also know as a Pit Bull owner that this particular breed needs a lot of regular exercise. Pit Bulls are very athletic and energetic by their very nature, and if they do not get enough exercise they are not happy. The dog also runs the risk of being overweight, which puts him at risk.
I realize that some Pit Bull owners would ask, “What’s the worst that a little weight could do?” Well the answer is that a little weight would do no harm, but if left unchecked the weight gain could quickly put your Pit Bull into the obese category. Some of the common ailments brought on by canine obesity are heart problems, arthritis and even diabetes. An overweight pet is also more susceptible to a hip condition known as dysplasia, as well as problems with the back and joints.
By now you’re probably glancing over to your Pit Bull trying to quickly gauge if your pet is within acceptable weight limits. Glancing isn’t going to give you an accurate answer, but if you’d like to do a quick home pet obesity test, then here’s how to do it.
First, get your Pit Bull to stand in front of you, and look at him from above. Your Pit Bull should have the shape more of an hour glass than say, an ocean liner. A dog with rounded out sides is certainly getting into the obese range. You should also be able to feel your dog’s ribs easily. Don’t press hard on your beloved pet; we don’t want to hurt him.
Keep regular vet appointments for your Pit Bull, as your veterinarian will also be checking your pet’s weight. Your veterinarian can also advise you on how you can get your pet back into optimum shape should he weigh in a bit too much.
By: Tim Amherst -
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To learn all about finding a pitbull for sale and training a Pit Bull, visit www.pitbullsrevealed.com/ today.

Dog Dental Heath Care For Your American Pit Bull Terrier

One of the most often overlooked areas in care of Pit Bulls involves dental health. It is important not only in caring for his teeth, but in also protecting his overall well being. Being able to chew food properly affects digestion, which can lead to all kinds of health problems for your Pit Bull. Learning how to care for your Pit Bull’s dental health needs at home can save you a lot of out of pocket expense over your Pit Bull’s lifetime. Believe it or not, you should try to brush your dog’s teeth at least once everyday. Just like you, your Pit Bull will have plaque and tartar that can destroy his teeth or lead to gum disease. It could result in your Pit Bull losing his teeth, or developing an infection.
If you haven’t already developed a dental hygiene routine for your Pit Bull, you may need to take it slow and easy to get him used to the idea. Begin by getting him used to you holding him and looking inside his mouth. If you have an older Pit Bull, just holding the dog long enough to look in his mouth may be a challenge at first. Once you get him comfortable with you holding him and looking inside his mouth, start lifting up his lips and moving his tongue around so you can actually see his teeth. These first couple steps may take your Pit Bull some time to get used to, so be patient.
Once he is comfortable with you messing with his mouth, see your veterinarian to get a toothpaste recommended for him. Start by using the toothpaste on your finger for a few days, to get him used to the taste and feeling of you rubbing his teeth. Your Pit Bull will probably enjoy this, especially if he gets flavored toothpaste. He will definitely love the extra attention. Eventually, your Pit Bull will let you brush his teeth, which will help protect his teeth and health. Dental problems in Pit Bulls can be very painful for them, and can often be hard to treat successfully.
If by some chance you have a Pit Bull that absolutely will not let you near his mouth, let alone brush his teeth, there are some alternative ways to ensure his dental health. Your veterinarian can recommend a good dental rinse that can be added to your Pit Bull’s water bowl to help rid the teeth of debris. Chew toys will also help clean the teeth and keep his bones strong and healthy. Be careful when buying chew toys for your Pit Bull to make certain the toy isn’t hard enough to damage his teeth, and is large enough so he can’t get choked on it.
There are some dog foods now available that are supposed to provide dental care, which actually means that the food sticks to plaque and tartar as the dog chews, therefore getting it off the teeth.
Remember, that to provide proper care for your Pit Bull, you cannot omit his dental health. By taking the time to provide dental care when your Pit Bull is a puppy, you can start ensuring his dental health in the beginning, which will save you a lot of costly vet bills as time goes by.
By: Tim Amherst -
Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com
To learn all about American Pit Bull Terriers and how to train a Pit Bull puppy, visit www.pitbullsrevealed.com/ today.

6 Summer Safety Tips For Dog Owners With Gun Shy Dogs

Most people have heard of gun shy dogs. It's really a misnomer, because they aren't afraid of guns as such. They're afraid of any loud noises that resemble a gun being shot. This includes vehicles backfiring, fireworks, thunderstorms and, of course, gunfire.
Many gun shy dogs have been seriously injured and even killed when fireworks displays have scared them. Their first instinct is to run and, unfortunately, that often means running into the path of an oncoming vehicle.
Dog owners with gun shy dogs have to be watchful, especially in summer, when there often are loud noises that come out of the blue. Apart from running into harms way, gun shy dogs can be extremely destructive.
They climb on and destroy furniture, they scratch in corners, at walls and doors. They dig under fences in a desperate attempt to escape. Some dogs have severely injured themselves jumping through glass windows in fear.
Dog owners who inadvertently leave a door or gate open will soon discover that their beloved dogs have disappeared. If you're lucky, your dog will return when the fear and the perceived danger has stopped.
Here are six safety tips you can use to protect your gun shy dog.
Dog Safety Tip #1. Travel safety
If your gun shy dog travels with you, be aware of areas where there might be loud noises, such as while driving past road construction. The workers often use dynamite and heavy machinery that can scare your dog. Keep your car windows rolled up.
Dog Safety Tip #2. Keep an ID on your dog
A gun shy dog should always wear a secure collar with an ID tag attached that contains the dog's name and dog owner's phone number, and a current rabies tag.
Be sure to include any special information that finders might need to know. For instance, if he requires medication (ie: diabetes, thyroid, epilepsy), just in case you don't get him back before his next dose. If he does go into a health situation, the finder won't have to worry that he might have rabies or other dangerous disease. Besides, the person will know to get treatment for your dog.
Dog Safety Tip #3. Find a safe place for your gun shy dog
Dogs will seek shelter where they can hide, often somewhere tight and dark such as under a table or in a cave. You can ease his distress by making a spot for him in a closet or under the bed where he can head when he becomes afraid. Get him used to that area prior to such an emergency. Put a familiar blanket on the floor and include a favorite toy to help distract him from the noise. A radio will help.
Dog Safety Tip #4. Seek medical advice
Some gun shy dogs are absolutely terrified and anxious during fireworks displays and thunder storms. Ask your vet if he can prescribe a sedative you can keep on hand for such events.
Dog Safety Tip #5.
Get training for your gun shy dog. Dog trainers can advise you on how to desensitize your pet to those alarming loud noises. It will take some time, but it can be done.
Dog Safety Tip #6: Watch your own reaction
The first instinct of many dog owners is to hold their trembling dog and talk sweetly to try to calm him. This is one of the worst things you can do because it confirms his beliefs that something is wrong.
The best approach is to talk normally to your dog, reassure him by telling him "it's okay, relax", and pet him normally. Don't make a big fuss. Laughing is a good response because it's the opposite of what he's experiencing and sends the message that there really is nothing to fear.
Distraction is extremely effective. Call his name when he's listening intently to the noise. Offer his squeaky toy. Play with him while constantly talking to keep his ears busy.
With these six dog safety tips, dog owners can alleviate their pet's fears and keep them safe from harm.
Preparation is important. Have a leash handy for when things get too noisy. Have sedatives on hand. Make sure all the doors, windows and gates are secured. Close your car windows. Get your dog used to a safe hideout in your home where he can feel protected.
Dog safety is of prime importance for any dog owner with a gun shy dog.
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Want more dog tips? Get Sylvia's free dog guide, "Unveiling the Myths & Mysteries of Owning a Puppy" and discover Healthy Dog Secrets. Read her Dog Training Product Reviews and recommendations.