LindainTexas

LOVE Pitt Bulldogs!  I fosted three for local shelters.  One was probably Lab/Pitt mix.  All were extremely gentle with people, not well-socialized with other dogs.  Since they were rescues, I cannot speak for their early years, but they were all successfully adopted out and lived their lives as family pets.

Bull dogs get a VERY bad rap.  If Poodles were reported for all the toe-bites they inflict, they'd be considered much more problematic, in my humble opinion.  They problem with a badly socialized bulldog is that it can inflict great harm because they are such powerful dogs.

My daughter has a Boxer/Pitt mix adopted as a five year old.  It took us a couple of years to socialize him to other dogs, and we don't leave him unsupervised.  However, he is playful, gentle, and responds to commands to calm down if my year-old Labs get him worked up. 

I agree with all comments here...Your dog needs to meet as many people and other animals as possible in an environment where he can feel safe.   Don't be surprised if you get grief from other, less-educated dog owners about the dangerous animal you are harboring.  Be prepared to have him on a leash ALWAYS in public.  You may not be allowed to turn him out at dog parks, etc.

But you will be rewarded with one of the sweetest, most loyal family friends you can imagine.   There are some excellent books about the Bully Breeds...their history and natural instincts.   Though this is not the forum for that, I'm really glad to see the support you have here from Lab owners!

Helen Keller's dog was a Pitt Bull....So was the RCA Victor Dog used in their victrola ads.  The breeds was at one time, the most popular family dog in the US.

Teeth cleaning requires anesthesia, which is more dangerous as your dog ages.  I feed my dogs 99% kibble diets, and give them a lot of "Nyla-type" toys that help clean teeth and exercise gums.  I have tooth brushes and canine tooth paste, but am not as faithful as I would like to be on brushing.  My goal is to at least brush weekly.  Under supervision, twisted string toys and knotted rags do a super job of flossing.

As my dogs have gotten older (past age 10 for big dogs), I do not have their teeth cleaned.  I've never had one dog in 40 years who needed more than cleaning.  However, I would let your veterinarian advise you, since they are better assessors of the risk/reward of anesthesia/tartar removal.

Your dog's breath will tell you a lot.  If you dog has seriously bad breath, you should let your veterinarian check him out.  Dental/gum problems could be the cause.  A broken tooth or gum disease could be a serious problem.

Sounds like a normal puppy.  Congratulations!  So glad he recovered so very well!

I once adopted a dog that had an advanced case of heartworms.  HeartGuard protects your dog from heartworms and other internal paracittes.  I second Kurt's advice.  Here in Texas, getting the blood test from a vet and a year's supply of heartworm medication cost about $120/dog.  About $95 was the worming medicine, and HeartGard has a $12 coupon on their site for a years' RX if given by a veterinarian.   You may also want to check for a low-cost-clinic that may sell the medicine at a discount.

Hope your pup is better soon.

We lived on a lake when we had our first Lab.  We exercised him by throwing a stick out into the lake until he would begin to tire.  He was REALLY buff, and never tired of the activity.