Trimming Toenails
Your APBT's toenails are too long if they make clicking noises on the floor when he walks on a hard surface. Dogs with very long nails tend to walk on the backs of their feet, leading to splayed toes and an unattractive gait. Not only is this uncomfortable for the dog, but it can lead to foot problems. Long nails are also more apt to break or tear during exercise or play. To clip your APBT's nails, sit on the floor and invite him to lie down in front of you, between your legs, with his head in...
The APBT
Archaeologists agree that dogs were the first animals domesticated by humans, before even cattle, goats, or horses. Cave drawings from the Paleolithic era, 50,000 years ago, show men and dogs hunting together. Dogs also gave warning of trespassers or enemies. Over time, humans found additional uses for dogs herding domesticated livestock, pulling travois, wagons, or sleds, and carrying burdens. The earliest known ancestors of the American Pit Bull Terrier served as guards and draft animals, but...
Loss of Appetite
By itself with no other symptoms, a brief lack of interest in food is seldom serious. For example, many dogs need less food during the heat of summer and may occasionally leave some, or even all, of their dinner untouched. If your APBT misses one meal, don't worry. But if she refuses all food for two days in a row, she should be checked by your veterinarian. Visit your veterinarian right away if loss of appetite is accompanied by other symptoms, such as diarrhea, obvious pain, lack of interest...
Vomiting
If your APBT has no other symptoms of sickness but vomits once or twice, simply keep a close watch on her. She may have eaten some grass or something else that disagreed with her, and after throwing it up, she may be back to normal in no time. A dry, unseasoned cracker, such as a plain Saltine, may help settle her stomach. If your APBT vomits three or more times, lacks interest in household activities, and appears lethargic, or has symptoms such as frequent diarrhea in addition to vomiting, see...
Mild Lameness
If your APBT is lame for no apparent reason check her pads for cuts or brush burns and has no other symptoms that is, she still eats well and interacts with the family , wait a day or two before calling the veterinarian. Dogs get bruises, strains, and sprains just as people do, and often heal quickly. Also, use common sense. Before walking your APBT in the heat of summer, check the temperature of the sidewalk. It may be unbearable. In the winter, dogs often act as if they were lame when snow or...
Severe Lameness
If you suspect that lameness is due to a fracture, take your APBT to your veterinarian immediately. Signs of a broken bone are holding the injured leg up off the ground, pain, swelling, a dangling or severely swollen leg, no use of the hind leg, or the dog's inability to move the injured leg. To transport your dog, first put a muzzle on her, then move her carefully, trying not to aggravate the injured limb. To do this, place a blanket or other strong piece of material on the ground beside your...
Clogged Anal Glands
If your APBT is scooting along the floor on her haunches, she probably has clogged anal glands. Anal glands are located on each side of the anus, and they secrete a substance that enables your dog to pass her stool. When they become clogged, they are extremely uncomfortable, smell bad, and could get infected. Your veterinarian can quickly unclog the anal glands. Blood or pus in the secretion is a sign of infection, so if either one is present, take your APBT to the veterinarian. Only a healthy...
Cleaning Ears
Compared to trimming toenails and cleaning teeth, cleaning the ears is easy. Several commercial ear-cleaning solutions are available just ask your veterinarian which one they recommend. Then dip a cotton ball in the solution, squeeze out the excess, and gently wipe the inside of your APBT's ears. If your APBT is dirty, you may have to use a couple of cotton balls per ear. Clean only the inside part of the ears that can be easily reached with the cotton ball never force the cotton ball down...