About Amy Parker Expertise I can answer questions regarding basic grooming and care of the American Pit Bull Terrier, as well as questions regarding several different training methods. I can answer some basic medical questions, however, I am not a veterinarian. If the questions asked of me are beyond my realm of knowledge, I will gladly redirect to you to another source that may be more helpful or more appropriate.
Experience I am the proud owner of three wonderful American Pit Bull Terriers. In addition to working with my dogs daily, I am around other "bully breeds" on a regular basis. I am also a member/supporter of several pro-pit bull, anti-Breed Specific Legislation groups.
Education/Credentials My area of study in college is not related to animal health and behavior in any way. All of the experience or education I have in regards to the American Pit Bull Terrier comes from direct contact with the breed, my veterinarian, and handlers/trainers that I am acquainted with.
Question My 9 month old male apbt is 66.7 lbs. Is that a good weight for him? I ask this because I place a weight (5 lbs. of ankle weights which works marvelous and he can definetly handle it) but although his head,neck,buttocks and everything else on him is a brick house, I see ribs. Its like he has a washboard but seeing those ribs even very slight has me truly bothered. I feed him a raw diet. He gets a chicken quarter in the morning, a chicken quarter in the evening mainly with snacks of course. I feed him vegetables (the barf diet) to give him his vegetables. I give him salmon, and other fish as well. He looks great but seeing those ribs just has me a bit paranoid. He's my son and I want to make sure I am doing everything I can to give him the best life. I run him daily. I even take him to work with me (I'm a college administrator and the students and faculty love him--or perhaps they have to love him (chuckling). Is there anything wrong? Should I build him with Bil Jac? Advise please.
Answer First off, let me say that I envy you- it must be wonderful to be able to take your dog with you to work. Places that allow bully breeds on the premises are getting fewer by the day it seems.
Breed descriptions/standards for APBTs typically give weight in ranges, just like they give ideal heights and lengths in ranges. Whether or not your dog's weight is a "good weight" for him depends mainly on how tall and long he is. I would say that, as long as his measurements fall within those ranges, and as long as his body is proportioned well, he is probably fine (as far as standards).
As far as his ribs sticking out...That is another question that is tough to answer without seeing your dog. When you say that they stick out, do you mean that you can kind of see them on the sides of his body...or do you mean that they are very noticeable? It is common for APBTs (especially healthy ones that get a lot of exercise) to have a small amount of definition around their ribs. However, it is not normal for the ribs to be extremely noticeable or for the spine or hips to protrude. If he falls into that second category, he really should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
While I see absolutely nothing wrong with the BARF diet, I have to ask...are you sure that you are feeding him the proper foods in the proper amounts? If you are sure that he is getting what he needs nutritionally, great. If you question what he is being fed at all, it would benefit you to speak with a nutritionist. They can help you figure out which foods are best for him and help you devise a feeding schedule and menu that will suit his needs. I personally don't know much about the BARF diet, so I am not going to be much help on that one.
I am also a fairly paranoid person when it comes to my dogs, so don't feel bad. You are not alone! Ha! Honestly, I would rather see people be overly concerned with their animal's well-being than not care at all. That isn't to say that the paranoia won't drive you crazy sometimes...but it isn't necessarily a bad thing, in my opinion. With that said, if it really concerns you that much, there is absolutely nothing wrong with calling your veterinarian and asking them to give your dog a once-over. If they find a problem, they can treat the dog. If they give him a clean bill of health, it will put your mind at ease a little. It's win-win either way.
I wish there was something more I could tell you. Unfortunately, that is all I have for you. Let me know if there are any other questions I could help you with.
