Although the American Staffordshire Terrier’s coat is short, this doesn’t mean it requires no maintenance whatsoever. They shed quite often, so excess hair and dirt should be removed with weekly brushing. It’s best to get them used to grooming at an early age, as they can be quite stubborn about it otherwise.
Along with this, teeth should be cleaned at least once a week, as AmStaffs tend to develop more oral bacteria than your average canine. Your vet can recommend a toothpaste that’s suitable for use on a dog.
American Staffordshire Terrier Health Risks
Over the course of the American Staffordshire Terrier lifespan, there are certain health conditions that they’re more prone to developing. To lower the risk of this happening, parents should only deal with responsible breeders who carry out screening on their animals and remove carriers of hereditary disease from their breeding pool.
Heart Conditions
The American Staffordshire Terrier is more predisposed to being diagnosed with certain heart conditions, including Pulmonic Stenosis and Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM). Minor heart problems can often be treated, but more severe instances can cut their lives cruelly short.
As many heart conditions can be hereditary, it’s important to question your breeder about the medical history of their dogs. Parents should also keep their dog’s heart active through daily exercise and avoid obesity.
Other key health issues to be aware of include:
Joint Problems
The AmStaff is a dog that loves to run around, but sadly, they’re prone to suffering from joint problems.
Elbow or Hip Dysplasia are two of the most common. These happen when the elbow or hip bone becomes misaligned with the corresponding socket, leading them to move against one another with friction. The main symptoms are limping, limited movement and pain.
As a fairly common disorder, vets have a decent choice of treatment options. For example, minor cases might be aided with weight loss or supplements, but more serious instances might require physiotherapy or surgery.
Although the American Staffordshire Terrier tends to be a medium-sized dog, it’s not unheard of for them to develop Patellar Luxation, an affliction normally suffered from by small or toy breeds.
This happens when the kneecap (or patella) frequently dislocates (or luxates), resulting in a hopping motion while dogs are moving and evident distress. Again, vets can usually successfully treat the condition with surgery.
Hypothyroidism
Vets will also be aware of an American Staffordshire Terrier’s predisposition for Hypothyroidism. This is when an underactive thyroid causes a hormone imbalance in a dog’s body. The main symptoms are quite general and can often be confused with other diseases — among them, lethargy, weight gain, dull coat and an intolerance to cold.
A vet will have to run several tests to be confident of a Hypothyroidism diagnosis. Once they’ve done so, they will usually recommend a lifelong course of hormone replacement therapy. Dogs will need to be monitored regularly after this has commenced to test blood and track symptoms.
Bladder Stones
Although you might want to give them some privacy, parents should keep an eye on their dog urinating in case of any abnormal behavior. An increased frequency, incontinence or foul-smelling urine might be the underlying signs of Bladder Stones.
These occur when there’s an excess of mineral crystals in a dog’s urine. These eventually join together and form stones, which can become stuck in the urethra and impede the flow of urine. As is the case when this happens with humans, it can be extraordinarily painful and require swift attention.
There are various treatment options available, the choice of which will depend on the severity of the condition. Smaller stones can be targeted with dietary changes or medication, but larger build-ups might need to be forcibly expelled or removed via surgery.
If you want to be vigilant about your dog’s health, a wellness plan is a good idea — these include regular tests and screenings to catch illnesses at a vitally early stage.
What To Feed An American Staffordshire Terrier
The American Staffordshire Terrier is an energetic dog and will work up a decent appetite when exercised enough. This should be satisfied with high-quality dog food that includes high protein levels for muscle repair and the replenishment of energy levels, plus lots of minerals and vitamins.
As a breed prone to Hip and Elbow Dysplasia, it’s important to avoid obesity as this can exacerbate the symptoms. Avoid dog food with lots of carbohydrates or filler ingredients.
How to pick between all of the dog food available in your local pet shop? Well, you can look to our partner Dog Food Advisor’s list of the best dog food.
