Did you just become a new pet parent to a Pitbull puppy?
Chances are you are wondering how you are going to take care of this adorable little creature.
Your dog is going to depend on you for all of his needs throughout his entire life from a puppy to an adult.
This means you will be completely responsible to provide a happy healthy lifestyle that is safe and loving for many years to come.
First-time pet parents often get overwhelmed and concerned if they are meeting their dog’s needs to live a healthy life.
If you are one of these pet parents, the following information will help you become the ultimate dog owner.
Bringing Puppy Home
Welcoming a puppy into your home and family is generally a joyous occasion.
You need to be prepared to bring your Pitbull puppy home by collecting a variety of items such as the ones listed below.
- Dog Bed
- Food and water bowls
- Shampoo & Conditioner
- Nail clippers for dogs
- Toys
- Grooming brush
- Dog Crate
These items need to be set up in a specific area around your house.
The dog bowls most likely will be best placed in the kitchen and the dog bed in a secluded area of the house that can be designated specifically for your dog to call his own.
Dogs are den animals so they enjoy being in a crate since it makes them feel safe and calm.
If you plan to be away from the house during the day or night, a dog crate will keep your dog safe and cozy.
Daily Responsibilities
Clean food and water bowls – This needs to be done to prevent bacteria from building up.
Food and water bowls that don’t get cleaned on a daily basis can cause your dog to consume hidden bacteria every time they eat or drink.
Feed your dog – Your Pitbull requires food and water every day.
He needs to have access to fresh water throughout the day as well as regular feeding time.
Medication – If your dog requires medication or any other type of treatment needed on a daily basis, you need to add it to your daily routine.
Exercise – Take your dog for a walk to provide him with exercise as well as bonding time with you.
Playing fetch and with other toys will also strengthen your bond.
Weekly Responsibilities
Clean your dog’s bedding, toys, and blankets – Your dog can be a bit messy and his belongings can too.
Wash his dog bed every week to assure a clean environment for your dog to rest and sleep.
Dog beds that don’t get washed on a regular basis contain germs and bacteria brought indoors on his paws and spread on his bedding and toys.
Give his bed and toys a good washing.
Usually, a quick wash in the gentle cycle of a washing machine and a tumble dry will do.
However, you should always read the instructions on the bedding for proper care.
Monthly Responsibilities
Clip nails – Dogs nails grow fast and long.
It’s essential that you cut them on a monthly basis to prevent discomfort and damage to your dog’s paws.
If a dog’s nails are allowed to grow long for an extended period of time, the vein inside also grows along with it, which can cause the nail to never be cut short again.
Always clip the nails.
Most Pitbull pet parents like to clip the nails themselves with a pair of high-quality dog nail clippers.
Others tend to go to the groomer but often find it’s a waste of money since a Pitbull’s coat is easy to care for at home.
At-home dog nail kits often come with a nail clipper and file that help pet parents provide excellent nail care for their dogs.
Clean ears – Pitbull’s have the cutest ears, but they need to be cleaned once per month.
It’s wise to start cleaning your dog’s ears when he is a puppy to get him used to the process.
Gently clean the ears with a soft cotton ball soaked in doggie ear cleaner specially formulated to clean ears safely.
Heartworm and flea treatment – One little bite from an infected mosquito can give your dog heartworms.
You can easily prevent this by providing your dog with monthly heartworm treatments prescribed by a licensed veterinarian.
Also, fleas and ticks are a common issue among dogs of all breeds.
A monthly flea and tick prevention regimen is recommended.
Remember some ticks can carry Lyme disease and pass the disease on to your dog.
Take measures to protect your dog from fleas, ticks, and mosquitos.
Six Month Requirements
Every six months you will need to do the following:
Clean outdoor dog houses.
Clean and disinfect outdoor bedding.
Check fences to assure your dog doesn’t have the opportunity to escape.
Check the yard for toxic plants, weeds, bushes, and trees. Remove them immediately.
Clean or replace collars and leashes – Collars often get dirty and worn out since dogs wear them all day and night for long periods of time.
Collars can carry bacteria that continuously rubs against your dog’s skin and coat.
Always provide a clean collar for your dog to prevent exposure to bacteria.
In addition, keep the identification tag up to date with current contact information such as address and telephone number.
Yearly Requirements
Update vaccinations – Keep your dog updated on vaccinations and other health requirements.
Rabbies and other important vaccinations are required by law in some cities.
Even if they aren’t required by law it’s important you keep your dog healthy safe with necessary vaccinations that will help him live a long healthy life.
Keep a Health Journal
Your pup is going to grow up quickly and you need to be informed of every stage.
As your pup grows you need to take notes about veterinarian office visits, the discussions, and any ailments your dog might experience throughout his lifetime.
This includes possible allergies or reactions to food or the environment.
Even if it’s something as simple as writing down that your dog sneezes during the spring season can help determine issues in the future.
Bring this informative journal along with you to every veterinarian office visit.
The doctor can also use it to diagnose issues and treat them promptly.
Create a Schedule
Dog’s thrive when living on a scheduled daily routine.
They enjoy knowing at certain times of the day they eat, drink, play, take a walk, and sleep.
Create a routine that easily coordinates with your own schedule to assure the tasks are completed every day.
Some pet parents report their Pitbull reminds them to feed them by barking near their food dish if they are running a little late on the daily schedule.
Pitbulls are highly intelligent and successful learners.
Obedience and agility training are two areas Pitbulls succeed in.
You can choose to train your dog at home or hire a professional trainer.
Some pet stores and veterinarian offices offer lessons by licensed dog trainers.
You also can find a professional dog trainer that is willing to come to your home for training sessions.
Overall, caring for your Pitbull is easy and requires a routine.
Once you create the perfect schedule, you will become an excellent pet parent.
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