17 Common Health Problems Seen in Pit Bulls

Every breed is prone to health problems based on their genetics. Common health problems seen in American Pit Bull Terriers include skin conditions, anxiety, certain musculoskeletal and developmental disorders, and more.

However, they are relatively healthy dogs with average lifespans of 8-15 years.

In this article, we’ll discuss 17 common health problems in American Pit Bull Terriers and what to expect from each. Please keep in mind that, although Pit Bulls are more likely to develop these conditions, that doesn’t mean yours will! If you have questions regarding your dog’s health, please consult with your veterinarian.

#1: Allergies

American Pit Bull Terriers are prone to allergies and other skin conditions due to their short fur, which leaves their skin more exposed than longer-haired breeds. Dogs can be allergic to just about anything, but the most common allergens are food allergies, such as to certain proteins, and environmental allergies to things found outdoors such as pollen.

The most common symptoms of dog allergies are vomiting, diarrhea, and itchiness. Your Pit Bull may itch in one central location, or all over their body. You may notice redness or even wounds where they’ve scratched the skin open.

Pitties with several environmental allergens are more likely to suffer from atopic dermatitis, or atrophy, which is a skin condition related to allergies that causes inflammation and itchiness.

Veterinarians can help Pit Bulls with allergies by prescribing medications, dietary changes, and completing allergy testing to figure out their specific allergens.

#2: Ear Infections

Their predisposition to allergies also makes Pit Bulls more likely to get ear infections. Most ear infections are easily treatable, but they can become severe especially if left untreated. It’s important to get your dog to the vet if they exhibit symptoms such as:

• Redness or swelling in the ear
• A sweet or yeasty ear odor
• Head shaking
• Itching
• Ear discharge

Ear infections must be treated by a veterinarian–home remedies won’t work and can make the problem worse. Waiting to treat an ear infection can make your vet bill more expensive if the infection worsens or spreads, so it’s best to get to the vet as soon as possible after noticing symptoms.

Most ear infections can be treated by keeping the ear clean and giving them oral antibiotics or ear ointments.

#3: Skin Infections

As we discussed above, American Pit Bull Terriers are more prone to skin conditions than some other breeds.

Pit Bulls with allergies are more likely to scratch themselves open, and these wounds can become infected.

They’re also more prone to a specific skin infection called zinc-responsive dermatosis, which is caused by a dog either not getting enough zinc in their diet or their bodies not absorbing zinc as they should.

Symptoms of zinc-responsive dermatosis include:

• Redness
• Crusty, scaly, or oozing skin 
• Fur loss
• Lesions on the paw pads or nose

The symptoms tend to be focused around the face, particularly the eyes, ears, mouth, and chin. Once zinc-responsive dermatosis is diagnosed, your veterinarian will suggest dietary changes or supplements to ensure your Pit Bull gets enough zinc in their daily diet.

#4: Ichthyosis

Ichthyosis is another skin condition that causes dry, flaky skin. Most Pitties with ichthyosis are affected from birth. They’ll have thickened skin and paw pads, increased skin pigment, and large flakes of skin that resemble fish scales.

Reputable breeders will complete full health testing, including tests for ichthyosis in both parents. For puppies born with ichthyosis due to poor breeding, there is no cure–only treatment that can sometimes help the symptoms. These include frequent baths with medicated shampoos, topical sprays, oral medications, and supplements such as fish oil.

Some dogs’ symptoms worsen as they age, sometimes impacting their quality of life to the point where euthanasia is required.

#5: Skin Cancer

Pit Bulls’ skin is more exposed to the sun than most dogs, and as a result, they’re more prone to skin cancer. Pitties are also more likely to sunburn, so be sure to limit your dog’s sun exposure by keeping them in the shade on sunny days and using doggy sunscreen–especially if they have light-colored coats.

Watch for any lumps, bumps, sores, or warts on your dog’s skin, and bring them to the veterinarian if you notice any of these. Skin cancer can also cause pain and related symptoms, such as limping or aggression when you touch the affected area.

Treatment for skin cancer varies depending on the type of cancer a dog has and how far it has progressed. Your veterinarian may recommend surgery, chemotherapy, or other treatments.

#6: Anxiety

Anxiety can be more common in Pit Bulls than in other breeds, especially if they’re not cared for properly. Pitties are high-energy dogs who need plenty of physical and mental stimulation throughout the day.

Without this, you might notice problem behaviors such as destroying objects or barking excessively. 

Your Pit Bull may become antsy, clingy, shaky, or whiney. They may drool excessively, display fearful body language, or even urinate from fear. Anxiety can also cause aggression in some contexts.

Of course, Pit Bulls can also have more serious clinical anxiety or reactivity that isn’t due to their activity levels. They may need professional treatment either by a force-free dog behaviorist or a veterinarian.

#7: Separation Anxiety

Pit Bulls do best in homes where someone is with them most of the day. They can be quite clingy dogs, and don’t do well when left alone for long periods.

However, it’s important for them to learn how to be alone for short periods at a young age. This can help them to learn that their people will return and that being alone is safe.

If you think your Pit Bull has separation anxiety, talk to your veterinarian or a dog behaviorist about training and treatment options.

#8: Hip Dysplasia

American Pit Bull Terriers and other large dog breeds are predisposed to hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is a hip deformity caused by the ball and socket of the hip growing at different rates. The hip becomes loose, causing symptoms such as:

• Pain
• Limping or wobbling in the back legs
• Not wanting to stand or climb stairs
• Degenerative joint disease
• Arthritis

Although the hip socket forms incorrectly when the dog is a puppy, symptoms don’t usually begin until around one to two years of age or older.

Feeding the proper diet and amount of food can help decrease your Pit Bull’s chance of developing hip dysplasia, as can spaying or neutering them at the right age.

#9: Luxating Patella

Luxating patella is a kneecap that dislocates, or pops in and out of place. Your dog might limp momentarily, then go back to normal afterward.

The condition ranges in severity, with some dogs only having a mild case for their entire lives and others needing surgery.

#10: Cerebellar Ataxia

Cerebellar ataxia is a neurological problem that causes a dog to walk irregularly. Lesions in the dog’s cerebellum (a part of the brain) cause symptoms such as incoordination, stumbling, and walking as if they’re climbing stairs despite walking on a flat surface.

Cerebellar ataxia can also be caused by malformation of the cerebellum, degenerative changes, brain tumors, brain infections, inflammation, and poisoning from medications.

Treatment will vary depending on the cause of the ataxia.

#11: Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis

Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinosis is actually a group of diseases that impact a dog’s nervous system. Symptoms include:

• Anxiety
• Circling
• Aggression
• Compulsions
• Inability to do things they could previously
• Tremors
• Incoordination
• Seizures
• Poor vision or blindness

Symptoms begin when a dog is one to two years old, and most dogs are euthanized by the age of three due to poor quality of life.

#12: Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) Injury

Pit Bulls may be prone to partial or full tears of their CCL. This typically happens slowly, rather than being caused by an acute injury. Signs of a CCL injury include:

• Lameness
• Pain 
• Sitting with legs out to the side
• Difficulty standing or jumping
• Decreased activity level
• Difficulty moving the affected leg
• Decreased muscle mass in the leg
• Not putting weight on the leg
• Swollen shin
• Popping noise

If a dog tears one CCL, they’re more likely to tear the other as well. It requires surgery to fix.

#13: Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid doesn’t produce enough hormones. This can lead to:

• Weight gain
• Slowed metabolism
• Lethargy
• Sensitivity to cold temperatures
• Hair loss
• Dry, dull coat
• Darkened skin
• Skin infections
• Ear infections
• Slow hair growth

And other less common symptoms such as stomach problems or abnormal heart rhythm. Hypothyroidism can be treated with lifelong medication and most dogs go on to live normal lives.

#14: Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Progressive retinal atrophy typically begins with decreased nighttime vision and progresses to complete blindness. It’s not painful for the dog, but symptoms may include dilated pupils, increased light reflection in the eyes, cataracts, and bumping into things, especially in new spaces. Your Pit Bull may hesitate to enter dark spaces or walk down stairs.

Treatment doesn’t focus on preventing blindness, but making the dog more comfortable as their vision worsens. This can include using night lights, keeping your home layout the same so that it can be memorized, extra guidance in new spaces, and blocking off unsafe areas such as stairs.

#15: Dental Disease

American Pit Bull Terriers are more prone to dental disease than many other dog breeds. This means that oral hygiene is especially important for them.

Ideally, you should brush your dog’s teeth daily. However, there are alternatives if this isn’t an option for you, including dental chews, food or water additives, and more.

Your veterinarian should check your Pit Bull’s teeth at their annual check-up and may suggest professional cleanings when necessary. This is the equivalent of a person getting a cleaning at the dentist.

If your Pit Bull develops dental disease, they’ll need dental work done by their veterinarian. Treatments may include medication, pulling teeth, and keeping the mouth clean to prevent future problems.

#16: Hyperuricosuria

Hyperuricosuria occurs when a dog’s urine contains too much uric acid. American Pit Bull Terriers and other bully breeds can be prone to this condition, which makes kidney and bladder stones more likely to occur.

This can cause pain, discomfort, and trouble urinating. They may also pee more frequently, in strange places, or have bloody urine.

If stones develop in affected dogs, they need to be removed surgically. Otherwise, they can become life-threatening.

#17: Cleft Palate

A cleft palate, or cleft lip, happens due to abnormal development while a puppy is in their mother’s womb. The roof of the mouth doesn’t close, causing an open gap between the mouth and nose.

Surgery is often necessary so that the dog can eat normally and doesn’t develop infections.

Summary of Pit Bull Health Problems