Bama’s DNA Breakdown – Part 2

The Wait is over…

Bama’s age has finally been revealed! Thanks to dog age testing, Bama was estimated to be 2 years and 8 months old, with an estimated birthdate of September 24th 2023.

For rescue owners, this kind of testing can be incredibly valuable because age estimation from shelters or veterinarians is often difficult once adult teeth have fully developed. At just under 3 years old, Bama is currently in early adulthood, an ideal time to build strong preventative health habits before age-related degeneration begins. 

Knowing Bama’s approximate age helps guide long-term planning for:

• Joint health

• Nutrition

• Exercise intensity

• Preventative care

• Supplement timing

• Long-term mobility strategies

According to Bama’s DNA profile, the second-largest contributorto his genetics is American Pit Bull Terrier (25.1%). Combined with his Labrador genetics, this what likely contributes to Bama’s muscular build, endurance, athleticism, and high activity drive.

Early adulthood is an important stage for building long-term joint health, maintaining lean muscle mass, and establishing preventative health routines before age-related degeneration begins.

Pit Bull type dogs are known for their strength, loyalty, intelligence, and athletic performance. However, they also carry several breed-associated health predispositions that owners should proactively manage through nutrition, exercise, and preventative care.

Fortunately, Bama’s current routine already aligns with many evidence-supported strategies for long-term health and longevity.

Health Concerns in American Pit Bull Terrier

Hip Dysplasia and Degenerative Joint Disease (DJD)

Although American Pit Bull Terriers are naturally muscular and resilient dogs, they can still be predisposed to hip dysplasia and degenerative joint disease (DJD).

Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint develops improperly, leading to instability between the femoral head and socket. Pit Bull Terriers generate significant force through their joints during running and play, maintaining strong supporting muscles and lean body composition is critical.

Over time this can cause:

• Cartilage degeneration

• Inflammation

• Arthritis

• Chronic mobility issues

Signs may include:

• Stiffness after exercise

• Reluctance to jump or climb

• Limping

• Reduced endurance during activity

Skin Allergies and Chronic Inflammation

Pit Bull Terriers are commonly affected by allergic skin disease, including environmental and dietary sensitivities.

Common symptoms to keep an eye out for:

• Itchy skin

• Excessive licking or chewing paws

• Ear infections

• Red or inflamed skin

• Hot spots or hair loss

Many dogs benefit from reducing highly processed ingredients and incorporating nutrient-dense whole foods that support skin barrier function and reduce inflammatory burden.

Bama’s homemade cooked diet supports many of these goals. (Food Nutrition section more details)

Cranial Cruciate Ligament (CCL) Injuries

With this breed being highly athletic and powerful, there becomes an increasing stress on the knees and surrounding stabilizing structures. This contributes to risk for cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries, similar to an ACL tear in humans.

Strong musculature, controlled body weight, and consistent conditioning are among the best preventative strategies.

Signs may include:

·       Sudden limping

·       Difficulty weight-bearing

·       Sitting with one leg extended

·       Reduced athletic performance

Strategies to Help Your Terrier Live Longer

While genetics influence predisposition, daily lifestyle habits have the greatest impact on long-term health outcomes. Bama’s routine incorporates many preventative measures supported by veterinary literature.

Fresh Whole-Food Nutrition

Bama follows a fresh homemade cooked diet with minimal to no kibble, allowing careful control over ingredient quality and nutrient density. Maintaining nutrient density while limiting ultra-processed foods may help reduce chronic inflammatory burden, which is extremely important as Terriers are prone to skin inflammation and obesity-related orthopedic stress.

His meal rotation commonly includes:

Proteins

• Beef/Chicken

• Steak

• Duck/Chicken Hearts

• Beef/Bison/Deer Organ meats

Carbohydrate/Base Rotation

• Rice

• Oatmeal

• Sweet potato

Additional Nutritional Components/Supplementation

• Cottage cheese

• Probiotic cheese

• Brutus Beef Broth used to cook rice and oatmeal

• Dog-safe herbs, seasonings, and spices

·       Supplementation for deficits

This diet supports Pit Bull Terrier genetics by providing:

• High-quality protein for lean muscle maintenance

• Natural sources of iron, zinc, and B vitamins from organ meats

• Joint-supportive amino acids from beef and broth

• Digestive support from probiotic dairy sources

• Controlled caloric intake to maintain athletic body condition

Consistent Exercise and Athletic Conditioning

Bama remains an extremely active dog with:

• 2–3 walks daily

• Frequent adventures on hiking trails

• Miles of outdoor activity across varied terrain

• Active play and exploration

This type of consistent conditioning supports:

• Joint stability

• Healthy metabolism

• Muscle preservation

• Cardiovascular endurance

• Mental stimulation

Varied hiking terrain is particularly beneficial because it strengthens stabilizing muscles around the hips and knees, helping reduce orthopedic stress.

Joint Support and Preventative Care

Both Labrador and Pit Bull Terrier genetics may increase orthopedic stress, Bama receives proactive joint support early in life.

Bama currently receives a veterinary joint supplement containing ingredients commonly used to support:

• Cartilage integrity

• Joint lubrication

• Long-term mobility

• Healthy inflammatory response

Combined with:

• Lean body composition

• Consistent exercise

• High-quality protein intake

• Omega-rich animal proteins

• Hiking and muscular conditioning

This preventative approach along with frequent adjustment from his Chiropractor it may help delay arthritis progression and support long-term mobility as Bama ages.

Thank You for Following Bama's Journey

As we continue exploring each piece of Bama's genetic puzzle, I want to thank you for taking the time to follow along on this journey. Whether you're here because you have a Labrador mix, a Chow-Chow mix, a rescue whose history is a mystery, or simply a love for dogs, I hope these posts help you better understand how genetics, nutrition, exercise, and preventative care all work together to support a longer, healthier life.

One of the most rewarding parts of Bama's story has been learning more about who he is from discovering his breed makeup through DNA testing, to finally uncovering his estimated age, with a birthdate of September 24th 2023. Every new piece of information helps me make more informed decisions about his care and gives me an opportunity to share that knowledge with other dog owners.

Bama's story is still being written. As we continue through each breed represented in his DNA profile, we'll explore the unique strengths, challenges, and health considerations that make him the incredible “Super Mutt” he is today.

Thank you for your continued support, for following Bama's & Blue’s adventures, and for being part of this community of dog lovers. Your encouragement means more than you know. Until next time, give your pups an extra scratch behind the ears, get outside for an adventure, and remember that the small things we do today can make a big difference in our dogs' lives tomorrow.

– Bama & Family 🐾