Every dog is susceptible to health problems, and the Boxer breed is no different. Despite being bred as a guard dog, this playful breed will quickly become part of the family. They are, unfortunately, prone to a number of health conditions from a young age. So, what health issues should you be aware of?
Boxer owners ought to know this beforehand and know what to look out for in affected dogs. More so than many other dogs, the modern Boxer often requires lifelong medication and a dedicated, attentive pet parent to keep each dog happy. So read on to learn everything you need to know about the health issues that affect the Boxer breed.
More often than many breeds, this big dog is prone to a number of health problems. Many are types of genetic diseases, so if you adopt Boxer puppies from a registered breeder, you should know if either parent is a carrier of a potentially insidious gene.
Before adopting an adorable Boxer puppy or Boxer rescue dog, ask a veterinarian about some of the major health concerns that affect this breed. And also inquire about common ailments which afflict other breeds as well.
The Boxer dog can suffer from any number of common canine ailments, such as hip dysplasia or sudden weight gain, leading to hip joint weakness and other joint problems. As a popular breed of purebred dogs, Boxers are less hardy than diverse crossbreeds.
Boxer dogs are a working breed with an average immune system, leaving them susceptible to bacterial and viral infections, the same as other dogs. This dog breed is also prone to many additional ailments less common in most dogs, including:
Boxer cardiomyopathy is a devastating heart disease in which the heart becomes so large, thin, and weak that it is no longer able to direct blood supply around the body. Look for rapid breathing or an irregular heartbeat. Severe cases are unfortunately common and often result in sudden heart failure.
This breed’s tendency toward heart disease means a veterinarian will begin screening your Boxer annually from about 12 months old. As soon as there is any indication of Boxer cardiomyopathy, a high-quality diet and medication can be prescribed to help manage it.
Bloat, or gastric dilatation volvulus, is a condition that causes the stomach to expand with air. The inflated stomach twists in on itself, severing blood flow. This can strike at any age and affects Boxers more than many other dogs. Sadly, this condition often leads to sudden death.
If you notice your dog pacing or licking its lips, hear retching from your dog’s throat, or spot it lying with its front paws flat and its hind legs straight, take your dog to the vet immediately. A surgical procedure called stomach tacking can be performed as treatment and as a preventative measure.
Boxers are at a higher risk for degenerative myelopathy, which inhibits nerve function and leads to drastic weakness in the hind legs. These naturally active dogs will begin to demonstrate signs of exercise intolerance, ultimately leading to the total paralysis of their hindquarters and eventually incontinence.
Physical therapy, regular exercise, controlled weight loss, and some dietary supplements can reduce or slow the effects, but ultimately, there is no cure.
The Boxer Club breed standard recognises that this is a genetic disease, and a test is available to determine whether your pooch is at risk.
Yes. Paying into pet insurance now will enable you to provide the surgery or medication your Boxer may need in the future.
Veterinary bills are expensive, and in Australia, an astonishing number of saveable animals are put to sleep every year as their owners did not invest in pet insurance and could not front the cost of treatment.
Ask a trusted veterinarian for advice, but comparing pet insurance quotes online can also help you find the best price for you.
The average lifespan of a Boxer dog is 8-12 years, provided it receives regular veterinary check-ups and is fed a healthy, nutritious diet.
Despite a common misconception, rarer white boxers share the same lifespan.
Losing any beloved pet is heartbreaking, but animal lovers and pet parents know that going in. If you are considering adding a Boxer to your family, make sure you understand the potential health risks faced by the Boxer dog breed.
More importantly, they know what to look for as many of their ailments can be prevented or at least managed with a healthy diet and lifestyle and regular veterinary check-ups.
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