Fat Pitbull Dog Obesity and Health Risks

Pitbulls are prone to obesity, which can lead to a range of health problems, including joint issues and diabetes.

A Pitbull's ideal weight is typically between 35-60 pounds, but many owners unknowingly overfeed their pets, leading to excessive weight gain.

Obesity in Pitbulls can cause arthritis, which can make everyday activities like walking and playing painful.

According to the article, Pitbulls are more likely to develop arthritis due to their genetic predisposition and excessive weight.

If this caught your attention, see: Can Pitbulls Be outside Dogs?

Your pitbull's weight is a crucial factor in determining their overall health. A pitbull's weight can range from 16-27kg (35-60 pounds) for a male and 14-23kg (30-50 pounds) for a female.

You can expect your pitbull to gain 5-10 pounds per month for the first year of their life. By 18 months, they will have stopped growing, and by 2 years, they will have finished filling out.

To check if your pitbull is overweight, you should be able to feel their ribs when you press their sides. A pitbull that's overweight may weigh more than their healthy range, which is between 35 and 60 pounds for a male and 30-50 pounds for a female.

Related reading: Female Pitbull Dog Names

At 2 months, your pitbull should weigh between 15 and 20 pounds to be healthy. By 6 months old, they should weigh between 40 and 60 pounds. If your pitbull weighs 80 pounds, it could be just right or overweight, depending on the breed.

It's essential to keep an eye on your pitbull's weight to ensure they stay healthy. Overweight pitbulls can be prone to various health issues, so regular check-ups with your vet are a must.

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Feeding your pitbull is crucial to their overall health and well-being. You shouldn't feed a fat pitbull less than any other dog, it's better to adjust their portion size or cut down on extra food.

Many vets recommend feeding your adult dogs at least twice a day on a set schedule, as this provides security and predictability of a routine. Dr. Llera, a veterinarian with nearly two decades of experience, suggests that feeding an adult dog at regular times lets you see when they aren't feeling well enough to eat.

Free feeding is a bad idea, as some dogs may binge or snack throughout the day, robbing you of the ability to monitor and control their diet. An overweight dog should never be allowed to free feed.

An adult pitbull should be getting around 2 to 3 cups of food a day, or around 30-40 calories per pound of bodyweight. This means that if your pitbull is 40 pounds, they would need around 1400 calories per day.

A fifty-pound pitbull should only get about 2 2/3 cups of food daily, split between two or three meals, including treats. A more active pitbull can eat up to three cups of food per day.

If your dog weighs seventy pounds, feed them between 2 2/3 to 3 1/3 food daily, including treats and table scraps. Sedentary dogs should eat on the lower end, while active dogs on the higher end.

Feed your dog a mix of wet food and kibble for optimum health, and a sixty-pound dog needs about 2-2/3 to 3-1/3 cups of food per day. More active dogs may need more, especially if they are working on high-intensity exercise or weight training.

The amount of food to feed your pitbull depends on their age, weight, health, conditions, and gender. On average, Pitbulls will need 2-2/3 to 4-1/4 cups daily.

For your interest: What Dog Food Is Best for a Pitbull

Exercise is crucial for a healthy pitbull, and they need around 1-2 hours of regular exercise every day. This can be a single long walk or split into shorter sessions.

Pitbulls are social dogs and enjoy exercising with their owners, making walks and hikes a great way to bond and get some exercise. However, be cautious when exercising a sedentary pitbull for the first time, as they may be prone to injury.

Dr. Jacqueline Davidson recommends setting a structured "date" with your pitbull and doing something fun together, like playing with a ball or agility training. For dogs, the choices are easy - they enjoy almost anything you enjoy doing!

Pit bulls need a lot of exercise, around 1-2 hours every day, which can be combined into one large stretch or split up.

Exercise with your pit bull is social, and they generally do better with owners, such as on walks or hikes.

Be careful when exercising a sedentary, fat pit bull for the first time, as they may be prone to injury if not physically conditioned for the sport or activity.

Dr. Jacqueline Davidson recommends setting a structured "date" with your dog and doing something fun with them, like walking, running, playing with a ball or Frisbee, agility training, or even canicross and bikejoring.

Pit bulls enjoy almost anything you enjoy doing, so find an activity you both love and make it a regular part of your routine.

If you're not already exercising your pit bull regularly, it's a good idea to start right away. Regular exercise can help prevent a range of obesity-related health problems.

Exercise can help prevent type 2 diabetes, a condition that's increasingly common in dogs.

Osteoarthritis, especially in the hip, is another health problem that can arise from obesity. If you notice your pit bull limping or having trouble getting up from a nap, it may be a sign that they're developing this condition.

Additional reading: Pit Bull Terrier Health Problems

High blood pressure is also a risk for obese dogs, which can lead to a range of other health issues.

Obesity can also lead to orthopedic problems, including cranial cruciate ligament injuries.

Skin disease is another health problem that can arise from obesity.

Heart and Respiratory Disease are also potential risks for obese dogs.

A decrease in life expectancy is a sad reality for many obese dogs, with some studies suggesting a reduction of up to 2.5 years.

Here are some of the health problems caused by dog obesity:

Having a furry friend by your side can have a significant impact on your physical and mental health. Studies have shown that dog owners are more likely to engage in regular exercise.

Exercise is a great way to reduce stress and anxiety, and dogs can be a wonderful motivator to get you moving. The story of a man who rescued a pair of pit bulls is a great example of this - they repaid him by saving his life.

Regular exercise can also boost your mood and energy levels, making it easier to tackle daily tasks. This is especially true for those who have a job that involves sitting for long periods of time.

Dogs need regular exercise too, so it's a win-win for both you and your furry friend. A short walk or playtime can make a big difference in their happiness and health.

Having a pet can also encourage you to try new activities and explore new places, which can be a great way to meet new people and make friends.

Lipomas are a common occurrence in middle-aged and senior dogs, including Pitbulls, and are typically found on the abdomen and chest, but can develop anywhere on the body.

These fatty tumors are painless, soft, and mobile, and are often found in breeds like Weimaraners, Labs, Cocker Spaniels, and Dobermans.

Some dogs are more prone to developing lipomas, including female dogs that are overweight.

Simple lipomas develop in the fatty tissue layer under the skin and tend to grow slowly.

They can be moved and will not create any pain or discomfort for your dog.

If you discover a lump or bump on your dog, it's best to have it examined by the vet to determine if it's a harmless lipoma or something more serious.

Your vet will perform a fine needle aspiration to suction out a sample of cells, which will be examined under a microscope by a veterinary pathologist.

Lipomas are characterized as small, hemispherical lumps that can be felt just under your dog's skin and are often soft and movable.

However, firmer, stationary lipomas are also fairly common.

While lipomas are not malignant and won't metastasize, they may continue to grow and start to cause discomfort depending on their location.

Each dog is unique, and lipomas can grow at varying rates, with some growing very slowly and others growing rapidly.

If your dog's lipoma is in an uncomfortable location, such as near a joint, your vet may recommend having the lump surgically removed.

In some cases, infiltrative lipomas can be firm and fixed in place, or soft and mobile, and may spread to surrounding tissues, leading to discomfort for your pup.