American pocket bullies are a breed of dog that is becoming increasingly popular for their good looks, small size and friendly disposition. They make great family pets and often form strong bonds with their owners. They are highly devoted and loyal dogs that can be quite protective of their loved ones. Their ‘nanny’ instincts also make them very gentle and playful with children. They are also very suspicious of people and strangers, and may bark when they see something that doesn’t seem right.
Like many other breeds of dogs, pocket bullies can have health problems. Some of these include glaucoma, skin fold dermatitis and hypothyroidism. To help prevent these diseases, it’s important to feed your dog a healthy diet and provide regular exercise. You can also give your pet a water additive that helps reduce plaque and tartar on their teeth and gums. To use this, simply pour a capful of the additive into your dog’s water bottle once a day.
Glaucoma is a condition where fluid builds up in your pocket bully’s eyes and causes pressure that can destroy the eye’s retina. Symptoms of this condition include blindness and loss of vision. Treatment for glaucoma includes a mix of medicine and surgery. Medicine will lower your dog’s blood pressure to minimize the swelling and remove any fluid buildup. Surgery is usually necessary to restore your dog’s vision if they have lost any.
Skin fold dermatitis is a common problem in dogs with wrinkly skin, including the Pocket Bully. This is caused by the pockets that collect dirt and moisture in their wrinkles. These pockets can become moist and develop an infection. Treatment for this condition includes cleaning the affected area and administering anti-microbial shampoo. Severe cases of this condition can lead to a painful abscess.
Hypothyroidism is a medical condition where a dog’s thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroxine. Symptoms of this condition include hair loss, weakness, weight gain and a lack of energy. A vet can diagnose this condition by running a series of tests. If your dog has hypothyroidism, your vet will prescribe L-thyroxine to treat the disease.
When selecting a puppy, make sure to choose one from a reputable breeder. Ensure that the breeder has clean kennels and asks you plenty of questions about your lifestyle and experience with dogs. Ensure that the breeder can show you pictures of the mother and other puppies in the litter before you decide to purchase it. You should also be able to visit the kennel to see how well-cared for the puppies are.
The average lifespan of a pocket bully is between 11 and 13 years. This is a long time for such an active and affectionate dog. However, if you give your pet a proper diet and sufficient exercise, they can live even longer than this.