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Your decision to get an American Pit Bull Terrier (APBT) is a big decision and not one that should be taken lightly. With good care and a loving home, your APBT can live up to 12 years, possibly more with proper care. To ensure that your dog lives a good healthy and happy life it requires regular checkups with your veterinarian.
If this sounds like a lot of responsibility you are correct. The time, money and effort you will spend will be worth it having this loving faithful friend for many years to come. When you are searching for a veterinarian, try to find one that is at least familiar with the American Pit Bull Terrier breed, to get the best possible care. You will be surprised of how many vets out there have prejudices about this breed.
Unfortunately, there are many dog owners who only take their APBT to the vet when there’s a problem with the dog. Often, it turns out to be a problem that could have been prevented with regular checkups. Identifying health problems early can serve as a deterrent of bigger complications or possible fatalities down the road. Doing these preventive maintenance checkups on your APBT will not only save you money but heart aches as well.
The APBT require booster vaccinations each year against canine distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus. If you are a do it yourself type of person, you can go to your local farm supply store and purchase a dosage of Solo-Jec7® that you would administer yourself. Remember to always follow label directions. Another booster shot required is the rabies vaccine, which is done yearly and in some cases every 3 years depending on your veterinarian.
If this is your first time owning an APBT do not be discourage with the doctor visit costs, as they are not what you would expect. Some veterinarian clinics are quite reasonable in pricing and at times they are able to work with you if you ever needed. The important thing to keep in mind is your dog’s health. You can always shop around and compare cost and find one that meets your needs and best of all your pocket book.
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Parasites
Parasites can make your APBT very sick and under extreme circumstances even result in a fatality if left untreated. Puppies can get their first worm medication at 2 weeks of age. Depending on the type of worm medication, the treatment may be repeated every two weeks until the age of 8 weeks. Always follow label directions.
Some of the most common worms your APBT should be protected against include roundworm, tapeworm, hookworm and heart-worm. A test for heart-worm should be given to your dog each spring along with a flea and tick treatment. As your dog gets older, providing them with parasite treatment twice a year should suffice.
Your Pit Bull should be current on all required vaccinations. Although these may vary by state or city, your vet will be able to keep you informed on what your Pit Bull needs and how often they are needed. Follow your vet’s advice! Again if the cost is what you are afraid off don’t worry it’s not that scary, check it out!