Best products from r/pitbulls

I have a super-long email thread with my SO about exactly this for our pitt-mix because she also has sensitive feet, and I refuse to spend more than $25 on things for her. She's just going to lose/destroy it anyway! Here's what we've found that works for her:

1) RC Pet Sport Pawks + shoelaces:
I cut up some old shoelaces and wrapped them around her ankles over the sock (above the dewclaws), then folded the top of the sock over the laces, which keeps these in place. Otherwise she just walks out of them. Some other people use velcro straps for this, but I didn't have any on-hand.

Pros:

• Cheap
  
  
• Easy to fit: literally just measure their feet correctly and you're good to go
  
  
• Easy to replace
  
  
• The only thing effective at keeping deep snow out
  
  
• Lasts about a season if used daily on pavement
  
  
  Cons:
  
  
• Got annoying to put on
  
  
• NOT waterproof: if water touches the part that isn't wrapped in silicone, they soak up
  
  
• Not great for traction on ice
  
  
• Keeps snow off of the feet, but snow clings to the sock material and melts=soaks when they come in
  
  
• Machine-washable (delicate), but not dryer-friendly
  
  
• Takes about 12 hours to inside-out air-dry
  
  
  2) PetLeso Waterproof Pet Shoes:
  These are what we're using right now because we actually have four of them!
  
  Pros:
  
  
• Cheap enough
  
  
• Keeps the feet dry
  
  
• Provides some traction on ice
  
  
• Much easier to put on than socks
  
  
• Amazon Prime = she loses one, and a replacement comes quickly
  
  
• Dries up in about 2 hours (air-dry): they're not water-proof like galoshes or those disposable balloon-slipper things, but they have a dual-lining that keeps the water from soaking through
  
  
• The built-in wrap-around velcro helps keep them on...
  
  
  Cons:
  
  
• They're huge: the velcro has to be pulled very tight, which doubles over the fabric a bit, but they stay on. I'm pretty sure my dog thinks she's walking in clown-shoes because they're not dog-foot-shaped by design.
  
  
• If the snow is deep enough, it will accumulate in the ankle of the boot until it melts, but it won't go inside because of the velcro barrier.
  
  
  Haven't tried to wash these yet, and they didn't come with washing instructions/recommendations. Will probably gentle-cycle in a mesh bag, and air-dry, and I expect them to be okay.
  
  3) This random pair I got for $14ish at Ross/TJ Maxx/Marshalls/HomeGoods that I can't find anywhere on the internet:
  These are our favorite of the three, but she friggen lost one.
  
  Pros:
  
  
• Easy to put on
  
  
• Velcro strap keeps them securely on her foot, if you pull them tight enough
  
  
• Keeps her feet dry
  
  
• Dries up quickly (like 2 hours, air-dry)
  
  
• Does OK on ice
  
  
• Fits well on her feet
  
  
• Machine-washable (delicate), air-dry
  
  
  Cons:
  
  
• Also doesn't do well in deep snow: accumulates in the ankle region
  
  
• Having a really hard time replacing these since they're a seasonal item and I really can't find them online. Planning to buy out the store come next winter.
  
  Suggestions we have not tried yet:
  
  
• These if you anticipate going through deep snow a lot. We don't get a ton of snow all at once, and our dog also needs booties for contact-allergy issues, so we didn't think these were worth getting for her needs. They're out of stock right now, but keep an eye on it if you're interested. They were around $40 last I saw.
  
  
• This is next on our to-try list. They're higher and have an extra strap that we hope will better-guard against higher snow. My two concerns are: (1) is the material towards the top going to dry out quickly or take forever like the socks? (2) shipping is a month's wait, so she better not lose one.
  
  
• We also want to try these, but these would really be more for walking on fairly well-shoveled/salted sidewalks and roads because they're really short.
  
  Tips
  
  
• Booties work best when they fit the dog properly. The closer you can get to your dog's exact measurement, the better luck you will have. Measure carefully, and don't be shy about returning or exchanging if they're too big. If they're too big, they will walk right out of them or the booties will spin around on their feet. But also don't forget to accommodate if he has long nails!
  
  
• The front paws are usually bigger than the back ones, so base your order off of the FRONT paw measurements. You can measure front and back, and use that info to perfect your dog's set of booties AND get an extra set for just-in-case.
  eg) Our dog needs Mediums of the in-store-only pair from above, but since they were all out of Ms when she lost one, I got the last pair in Small and we only put the smalls on her back feet. We also did this with the Sport Pawks. You can use colored thread to sew in indicators for which-go-where if the booties are all the same-looking.
  
  
• Read through the reviews. You may notice that I suggested some low-rated stuff. A LOT of people don't measure carefully and then blame the shoe for being too big/small. It's your money, so just use your best judgment.
  
  
• Pull really tight around the ankles to keep them on. I pull on her bootie straps until I'm afraid I'm going to cut her circulation, but she's always fine, probably because the booties are pretty thick. I trust that she'll put up a fuss if she's in pain or uncomfortable, and we can just adjust accordingly. We have yet to argue about it.
  
  
• If your dog hates booties, you either didn't give him enough time to get used to walking in them before going out, or he really just hates booties and you should consider something like Musher's or Vaseline.
  
  Good luck! =]
  
  [edit1] formatting issues
  [edit2] clarification

For food - I use victor. It’s pricey but I’ve found best results with it. Mine has allergies so he’s strictly salmon and sweet potatoes, but I’ve heard good things about all of their products. Taste of the Wild and Merrick are great brands too.

For supplements, my blue is 92ish lbs and outside some allergies due to a compromised immune system as a baby, he’s overall very healthy. I give him omega-3 supplements for his coat and salmon oil (I’ve given him different ones, the most cost effective option I found to be salmon oil capsules from the vitamin aisle at target but you can buy the pump dispensers at pet stores or even online).

For a collar, to be totally honest - DONT spend good money on a good quality collar until he’s done growing. They grow so fast and so much and they play so rough as puppies you’ll be spending money hand over fist. However, I’d invest in a good harness and teach him not to pull from a young age. I’ve tried a ton of them and somehow the brick head managed to slip out or break out of most of them but this one which you can also buy at Petsmart.

Good luck and post pics of your new baby!

Amazing intro book by Ian Dunbar, DMV.

Pits can be tough first dogs because they are very high energy and need a lot of exercise and mental stimulation. But, they are also amazing and sweet and cuddly. Read that book. Find a good local trainer APDT Search and sign up for a basic manners class. Even if the dog is trained, it helps teach you and reinforces your relationship.

Good luck. Feel free to hit me up with any questions you may have!

Definitely. My baby was an itchybull.

This stuff helped a great deal. Here are reasons salmon oil (not just salmon dog food or regular fish oil) can be beneficial. What is her diet? It's pretty easy to switch to a better and grain-free food, and that can go a long way as well. I fed my pibble Wellness Core.

They get cold easily. I have one that loves to wear her coat any time the temp outside is below 40. I can recommend a coat she might like:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NAR9F1K/ref=twister_B01N5NH97X?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1

Your little girl is gorgeous, btw. :)

Hello there we have a pit as well. He shreds toys to peices in seconds, I went on amazon.com and found a ball that he plays with all the time. We've had the toy for close to a year now and its still in one peice. The good thing about the toy is that it smells like mint :D, its not too small or too big, easy to clean, cheap, and glows in the dark. The only down fall is that the rubber material that its made of is kinda sticky, meaning hair sticks to it, but other than that its perfect for pits :D

Hope this helps!!



Here is the link: http://www.amazon.com/Planet-Dog-Orbee-Tuff-Cosmos-Luna/dp/B00C0LZYO4/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1397943169&sr=8-1&keywords=luna+dog+balls

My 70# dog has been working on his BarkBone since May & it still looks pretty good. It's his favorite chew, more than his nylabone: https://www.amazon.com/Pet-Qwerks-BarkBone-Aggressive-Chewers/dp/B076HWD8LC

​

Goughnuts toys are made of thick rubber and have a lifetime guarantee. I really like the tug toy and mine still looks like new.

This one! The front clip style allows much greater control, which is a godsend for a super strong pitty prone to leash pulling.

Awww Happy Belated Birthday baby girl! LOVE THIS PIC!

Show me your pitties!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B073CS8W3Y

I currently have two pitbulls, so I know your situation. I like this Nylabone and Chuck It! Ultra Balls if your dog likes to play fetch. They easily outlast tennis balls (even the ones made for dogs). A couple of Ultra Balls will last all summer for me (or winter), as long as I only let them use it when we are playing fetch.

Sending good vibes your way, and please keep us updated with her recovery.

I have an American Bulldog that has gone through several surgeries in the last couple years, and would be more than happy to chat if you have any questions or concerns with her progress. My wife and I have learned so much regarding mass cell tumors, having a general vet, holistic dr, and oncologist for our pup, and if we can help just shoot me a PM

A book that we keep on our night stand is The Dog Cancer Survival Guide, and its helped us understand what she's going through. Highly recommend

https://smile.amazon.com/Dog-Cancer-Survival-Guide-Treatments/dp/0975263153/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1524155093&sr=8-1&keywords=dog+cancer+survival+guide+by+dr.+demian+dressler&dpID=51CGDWAFbUL&preST=_SX218_BO1,204,203,200_QL40_&dpSrc=srch

I agree with everyone on the Nylabone. I made this spring pole (you can find instructions on the same site) for my pit and she loves it. Also this frisbee has survived quite a while in her grasp.

Haven't seen anyone say this here yet and it's been a life-saver for me: Lacrosse Balls. They are a hard rubbery material that they can't destroy. Mine love theirs. She was always a tennis ball freak, but tore them apart in seconds. Also, Elk Antler is expensive but lasts a long time and is healthier for your dog than bones.


Edit: I've also had good luck with Jolly Balls for a good soccer/basketball sized toy. They are made of a real tough material, but are also kind of bouncy. I've had the same one for about 3 years now with no holes.

They are UltraPaws booties. The best trick for keeping them on is to secure one strap above the hock (the protruding point on the back of the lower leg), and the other below it.

Our older dog still managed to get one bootie off this morning, but it took it getting caught in a rock wall, and her wrenching her foot free after a few seconds.

For those asking, here’s the link to the PJs we got her. She’s in an XL, and it fits great!


LovinPet Big Dog Pajamas, Juicy Watermelon Cozy Dog Pajamas, Slim fit, Lightweight Pullover Pajamas/Full Coverage Dog pjs/Please Reese Size Chart Before Ordering https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07R4MRPXM/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_52S3Db137Z60A

Planet Dog Orbee Tuff Luna Moon Dog Chew Ball, 100% Guaranteed Tough, Glow in the Dark, Made in the USA, Medium, Glow https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C0LZYO4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_6e06AbY5HKFT8

There is an orange "Sol" ball as well. Both 4 inch in size.

Or the "Chuck it extreme" tennis size ball.

Those are the only 2 kinds of balls my girls haven't destroyed.

Antler chews are awesome too!

Our GSD Pit mix tears through everything but keeps no interest in anything "fake" (nylabones, etc). So we constantly buy her knuckles, antlers, and yak milk bones. Her favorite toys are tennis balls though because she likes to bite down and get the bounce-back from the rubber but she destroys them by cracking them in half within a week. I found these the other day and I'm gonna test them out to see if they work (a reviewer showed a video of their GSD chewing them the same way and they hadn't destroyed them in over 6 months)

Nutrisca

Wellness Core and Blue Buffalo Wilderness are also good food.

> Note: The blue buffalo rocky mountain recipe version is crap, so make sure you buy the kind I linked.

For treats I give Petco brand bone strips ($10, lasts a month), double chews, BIXBI jerky, and Dogma Biscuits.

The running theme here is grain free, and made from ingredients that a human could consume. Further, the distribution of protein, carbs and fat is evenly distributed in appropriate ratios.

or this! http://www.amazon.com/Walky-Dog-Exerciser-strength-Paracord/dp/B003OYIAW4 or http://www.ebay.com/itm/like/172108427762?lpid=82&chn=ps&ul_noapp=true

I'm still waiting to have a gnarly fall... it's worth it though :)

Planet Dog Orbee Tuff Luna Moon Dog Chew Ball, 100% Guaranteed Tough, Glow in the Dark, Made in the USA, Medium, Glow https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00C0LZYO4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_4FMWBbR7WS7B3

I've had both the Luna and Sol an they've lasted for years where nothing else will. Also the Chuck it extreme balls are great too!

I don't know what they are called but they can be found in the hardware department of any home improvement store. They look like links in a chain but have a piece that screws open and shut. They can be found in many different sizes. Here's one on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B007HRNXP8/ref=s9_acsd_topr_hd_bw_b52RMCB_c_x_w?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=merchandised-search-10&pf_rd_r=32TY6YQWD3N0FW8JWBN9&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=761b7554-590d-5cb9-afcb-e8f319d4dc08&pf_rd_i=4616737011

But note... they will not fail. So any tooth or toenail that gets caught in them will fail before the hardware does. Just something to consider.

There is a thing for this! You can buy a special leash that attaches to your bike to make it easier for both of you.

Chai's Choice Pet Products 27"-32" Best Front Range No-Pull Dog Harness, Large, Orange https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00URW5CTK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_knFYxbWT6646M

We haven't gone on a really long walk with it yet, so I can't say for certain if it would irritate his skin after a while, but I have left it on him for a whole day and he didn't get a rash. So far I give it 5 stars.

The Plaid one.


The animal print one

And I couldn't find the flower one, but the brand is Tooth and Honey, and amazon carries that brand.

High endurance Kong's (the black ones) I've found are really resilient. I also got a pair of these balls, which have stood up for a long time.