Boxer Dogs – Exercise Needs and Health

Exercise is crucial to your Boxer dog’s health and well-being. Regular walking and routine stimulates both the mind and body of the dog. Exercise plays a vital role in the maintaining the skeleton and muscles and this is of paramount importance in Boxer dogs.

As well as the dogs bones density and muscle strength benefiting, you will also get fitter and healthier taking your dog for a walk.

Any large dog breed should be taken for at least one good walk a day and if possible a second shorter walk. The dog should be able to spend some time off the lead to run and investigate smells. Walking at regular times is also advised as it gives the dog some routine and it will look forward its walk time. If you are unable to walk your dog regularly, there are many people who will be happy to do the job for you. Often a friend or family member will be happy to do it for you, or you may choose from one of the many paid dog walkers.

Fitting a dogs walking around our busy lives can be a problem for some. If you are unable to stick to a routine, you must ensure that your dog is walked every day still. Dogs that are not walked can become bored and will look for other ways to pass their time. This can be in the form of chewing, barking and even uncontrollable and aggressive behaviour.

As your boxer gets older its walking needs will become less of a task, but no less important. Your Boxer’s needs change, but regular exercise becomes more important than ever. It is also very important that you do not over exercise a mature dog. The dogs walks should be frequent, but gentle.

If you have a Boxer dog puppy you will need to introduce it to the lead prior to taking it for walks. Putting the lead on the dog in the house for short periods will get your puppy confident with it. Before taking your puppy anywhere busy you should teach it how to behave on the lead to ensure he she comes to no harm while out walking.

Getting your puppy vaccinated before taking it out is also a must. Dogs can easily pick up diseases as they are likely to sniff areas where other dogs have left their mark.

With a common sense approach walking your dog should be fun and beneficial to both the dog and the owner. If you stick to the rule of regular realistic routine you will not go to far wrong.

-By: Kay Hippel

If you are thinking of getting a family dog, a Boxer Dog can be a great choice. Boxers are however prone to a number of health problems. Visit http://boxerdog4u.com/2009/12/07/boxer-dog-health-and-feeding/ to see if a boxer is the right choice of dog for you.

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Why I Love Boxer Dogs

Boxer dogs are undoubtedly famous. Proof of that fame is their standing on the 2007 American Kennel Statistics (AKC) in which they placed sixth as the most popular breed of dog in the United States.

A lot of people opt for Boxer dogs because of the many remarkable characteristics they possess. I particularly love the breed because of its versatility – a friendly yet brave breed ideal for most families. This breed is guaranteed to show you great love and loyalty and will definitely protect you from what he perceive as danger. You do not have to worry much about the safety of the kids for these dogs are playful, friendly even to strangers and can tolerate the innocent deeds of young ones. Though they may tend to be strong-willed at times, that doesn’t change what I feel for them. They just have to be trained properly in order to keep their intelligent minds working and make use of their oozing energy.

Good temperament is not the only factor that made this breed champion in my heart. In addition to being really brave and good, the appearance somehow tells more about this breed. The body is strong and muscular with short coat that shed and needs grooming. Grooming boxer dogs is not a big fuss for they naturally enjoy being clean and besides, grooming is an ideal time for you and your pet to bond. Your dog will feel your love and care when you touch or rub him during grooming.

The most distinctive feature of boxer dogs is the head, with the muzzle which is proportioned to the skull has folds from the root of the nose running downwards on both sides. A boxer with cropped ears is not different from a boxer with natural ears in terms of bravery, strength or friendliness. If you prefer the natural ears, you can leave it that way.

There are lots of beautiful things this breed possess. I may have failed to know all those beautiful things but what I discovered and experienced is enough to make me love this breed, not just as an ordinary pet but more like a member of my happy family. Some may know more than I know boxer dogs but that will never stop me from sharing to others how great these dogs are.

-By: Richard Cussons

Richard Cussons has written various articles about Boxer dogs. Find out why others love Boxer dogs too!

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Discover The Best Of Boxer Dog

It was in 1895 when the Boxer dog was first exhibited and a year after when the first Boxer club was being founded. As the years go by, people are becoming interested in this breed that it became the sixth most popular breed of dog in the United States based on the 2007 American Kennel Club statistics.

There are definitely very good reasons why the Boxer dog breed gained its popularity spot in the AKC standard. The role as working dog is probably one of the reasons for this popularity. They are widely used as guard dogs because of their suspicion to strangers, alertness, agility and of course, strength. Apart from that, they have also been used as service dogs, guide dogs for those with physical impairment (more particularly seeing eye dogs for the blind), therapy dogs, police dogs and sometimes in herding cattle or sheep. The usefulness of Boxer dog doesn’t just end being working dogs. Their friendly and lively nature makes them popular pets to a lot of dog lovers. They are very good with children and patient with smaller dogs and puppies. But, take note that this active breed should not be left alone doing nothing for they become extremely destructive when bored. They will most likely dig and chew furniture, household items and plants to ease the boredom they are feeling. Better provide them with lots of toys to play as well as games to keep their intelligent minds and energetic bodies working. This breed earned the reputation of being headstrong, thus obedience training is necessary to deal with it. Boxer responds better to positive reinforcement techniques rather than training based on corrections.

This breed can live for 10 to 12 years provided there is proper exercise, conditioning and care necessary to continue the health and longevity. They may be prone to some illnesses such as cancer, hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia, bloat, intestinal problems and allergies, but these can be easily prevented with proper care, proper diet and more importantly, careful breeding. Before breeding, breeders should make sure that the breeding stock does not carry various diseases in its genes. This is to decrease the spread and occurrence of various diseases in future generations.

When it comes to looks, one cannot truly say that this one has the least beautiful appearance. The head, the most distinctive feature of this breed, must be in perfect proportion to the body. The ears are cropped and erect and the tails are docked, however, these traditions have been prohibited in some countries now because of veterinary associations and animal rights groups, seeing the process as being inhumane or cruel to animals. An adult female boxer dog typically weighs between 50 to 65 pounds and stands 21 to 24 inches at the withers. The male can be taller and heavier than the female.

Whether a family dog or a working dog, this breed really deserves to be one of the most popular dogs, not just in the AKC standard, but perhaps in the world.

-By: Richard Cussons

Richard Cussons has written various articles on dogs. For information about Boxer dog and Boxer dog training, check out boxersavvy.com.

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Tips In Choosing A Boxer Dog

You learned that the Boxer dog is one of the most popular breeds today. Upon research, you discovered that this breed possesses characteristics you want for a pet. Well, who wouldn’t be enthralled with the idea of having a strong working dog as a pet? There are many options as to how are you going to acquire this strong-willed Boxer dog. You can look in the newspaper and choose from lots of puppies for sale. You can even have one without leaving the comforts of your home. All you have to do is go online and let your hands and the search engines do the work. The list of available dogs will be right in front of you. What should you do? Are you going to take home a new pup immediately?

Wait! Don’t do anything yet! Or least, don’t rush into taking home that pup who stole your heart. Deciding to get a puppy is one of the most important decisions you will ever make concerning a dog’s life, deciding what breed and which among those adorable dogs is perhaps another. Prior to making your decision of getting a puppy, you must identify your reason or reasons why you should get one. Is it your deep love for animals that motivated you to finally decide to have a pet? Do you need one for companionship? Your reason for getting a new pet greatly affects your decision as to what breed you are going to choose.

If you have a family and have kids, then Boxer dog is definitely safe for you. Boxer dogs are known for their faithfulness to their masters and have good temperament with children. But beware for this breed distrusts strangers, especially those he perceived as threat to his family. A Boxer dog will devote his life to protect his master in times of danger. They are sensitive to extreme elements of weather, so you must take that into consideration. Learn the personality of an individual dog. Notice signs of hyperactivity, aggression or shyness.

When you are planning to buy a Boxer dog, buy one from a reputable breeder. Background check the breeders carefully. Better ask about his education or experiences and ask if they are members of breed club or obedience club. Ask if the breeding stocks are carefully screened before breeding. Ask other dog owners or anybody that can testify the reputation of your potential breeder. A good and reputable breeder will ask questions about you and your family. Don’t be surprised if they do because it is their way to ensure that the one they are selling their dogs is responsible and can provide proper care this breed needs.

Plan carefully and be ready for whatever consequences that may arise. Choosing the right breed, the right dog will prevent you from being stuck in a situation both you and your dog won’t like.

-By: Richard Cussons

Richard Cussons has written various articles on dogs. For information about Boxer dog and Boxer dog training, check out boxersavvy.com.

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A Simple, Three Step Plan to Treat Bladder Infections in Boxer Dogs

If you suspect that your boxer dog has some urinary issues and do not know what to do, you have come to the right place. In this article, we are going to take a look at a detailed, step-by-step plan to treat a bladder infection in boxer dog.

Step one – Look for the symptoms

When it comes to bacterial infections, the importance of timely medical attention cannot be stressed enough. If left untreated for a long time, a bladder infection could spread quickly and affect vital organs like the kidneys. So, if you suspect that your dog is suffering from a bladder infection, you need to take it to a qualified vet without delay.

A boxer dog with bladder problem tends to show the following symptoms.

* Frequent urination

* Painful urination

* Fatigue

* Foul smelling urine with traces of blood

* Fever

Step two – Diagnosis

The vet will be able to tell you if your dog has a urinary problem or not by doing a urine test. If the test shows the presence of bacteria, the vet will begin the treatment immediately.

Step three – Treatment

When it comes to treating a bladder infection in boxer dog, you have two choices – conventional treatment and natural treatment. Conventional treatment for canine bladder infection usually involves antibiotic drugs. It can last for a few days or a few weeks, depending on the severity of the infection. While conventional treatment for canine urinary problems is reasonably effective, it has two major disadvantages.

Prescription drugs usually have side effects. Some dogs might find it difficult to cope with these side effects.

These drugs usually do not cure the infection completely. In most cases, they just suppress the symptoms. So, there is always a risk of recurring infections.

Natural treatment for canine urinary problems involves dietary modifications and natural remedies. These remedies can not only cure a bacterial infection, but can also improve the overall health of a boxer dog with bladder problem. Unlike prescription drugs, they do not cause any side effects.

If you decide to treat your dog’s urinary problem naturally, you should first change its diet. You should avoid giving processed pet food and start giving organic food that is free of artificial preservatives and additives. You should also give unprocessed food in the form of raw meat and vegetables. You should avoid tap water and give your dog clean, filtered water to drink. These dietary modifications can go a long way in treating a bladder infection in boxer dog.

Herbs like berberis vulg, uva ursi, and cantharis are very effective at treating urinary problems in animals. So, you should give a small dose of these herbs to your dog in the form of a natural remedy. These herbs strengthen your dog’s urogenital system, correct pH imbalances in the bladder, and improve your dog’s immune system. They sustain urinary bladder health and reduce the risks of recurring infections to a great extent.

There you have it people – a simple, step by step plan to treat a boxer dog with bladder problem. Follow this plan and take good care of your dog.

-By: Lois A. Lane

Lois Lane is a passionate health researcher, always searching for natural ways to treat various ailments for herself and her pets. She has created a special resource called http://www.animalbladderinfectiontreatment.weebly.com, covering the natural ways to treat UTIs and promote bladder health in dogs and cats.

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How to Treat and Prevent a Bladder Infection in a Boxer Dog

When it comes to treating a bladder infection in boxer dog, people have a lot of doubts. They wonder if it should be treated with antibiotic drugs or natural remedies. They do not know if dietary modifications are necessary. If you have these doubts as well, make sure you read this article fully to know what you need to do to treat and prevent bladder infection, or any other urinary problem for that matter, in boxer dogs.

Treating with prescription drugs

Vets usually prescribe antibiotics to treat a boxer dog with bladder problem. There are, however, three major problems with prescription drugs.

1. While they treat the cause of the infection, such as bacteria, they do not prevent the underlying problem that allowed the bacteria to take hold in your dog’s urinary tract. There is always a risk of recurring infections. Said another way, it is a short term solution that should be accompanied by other changes designed to prevent infection.

2. They can cause a lot of side effects. Be sure to strictly follow the instructions of your veterinarian.

3. In some cases, the bacteria that cause urinary bladder infection in boxer dog could be resistant to antibiotic drugs. In such cases, you will not see any improvement in your dog’s condition despite giving antibiotics. The only solution is to increase the dose or give stronger drugs. In both cases, the risk of side effects cannot be ruled out.

All of these risks aside, it is the specific treatment of choice for a canine urinary tract infection. The condition needs to be treated to avoid the onset of problems such as canine bladder stones.

Supporting a Dog with Natural Remedies

Natural remedies are what is known as a supportive treatment, not a specific treatment. What this means, is that they work by helping to improve the overall health status of your dog. They seek to improve the ability of the dog’s immune system to ward off infection, reduce the impact of any symptoms, and restore the health of the urinary tract – including the required PH of the urine itself – the a dog’s main defense against the colonization of bacteria.

Herbs like berberis vulg, uva ursi, cantharis, and staphysagris are very effective at supporting a dog with urinary problems like bacterial infections and bladder stones. So, giving a small dose of these herbal remedies every day can be the best way to improve your dog’s urogenital health and prevent urinary problems.

The need for dietary modifications

Diets that specifically target the urinary health are usually directed at preventing stone formation and improving overall urinary health. The first step is to make sure that your dog drinks adequate amounts of water in order to dilute the urine. This is usually accomplished by providing a wet or canned dog food, or wetting dry food before you give it to your dog. You can also buy a food with increased salt content (3.2g/1000). This level of salt has not been shown to raise the blood pressure of dogs like is seen in humans.

Beyond water intake, some dogs require some level of protein restriction (not usually Boxers), although, they then need supplement such as Taurine and Lcarnitine.

The Bottom Line

A boxer dog with bladder problem needs to be given healthy food, plenty of clean water, and a regular dose of natural remedies. The combination of a well balanced diet and natural remedies can not only treat your dog’s urinary problems, but can also improve its overall health in the long run. So, follow the tips mentioned in the article and take good care of your dog.

-By: Jeffrey Grill

Jeff Grill is an editor of the Pet Health Guide, which has many tips on Boxer bladder infection problems.

For information on natural remedies, treatment and prevention tips the author also recommends the Pet Health Guide.

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Healing a Bladder Infection in a Boxer Dog Quickly, Painlessly and Completely

Bladder infection in a boxer dog? If you suspect that your dog is suffering from an infection (or if your pet seems to have recurring issues), read this article for 3 simple, inexpensive ways to stop your dog’s suffering and eliminate the problem completely.

Before we get into the three-step method for healing a box dog with bladder problem, let’s look at the mostly commonly prescribed treatment for this condition: prescription drugs. Although antibiotics do work sometimes to clear up infections, they can also set the stage for recurring problems. This can be dangerous since a persistent infection can cause the kidneys to shut down.

The reason that antibiotics are not as effective as most people think is that 1) they do not cure the cause of the condition, but merely suppress the symptoms in the hope that the body will heal itself and 2) the bacteria the cause a bladder infection in boxer dog may be resistant to the antibiotic designed to treat it. As you know, this happens all the time which is why drug manufacturers are always coming out with stronger antibiotics.

Rather than suppress the symptoms, treat your dog with a natural medicine that fixes the cause of the problem. While a natural remedy will soothe inflamed tissues and heal pain, it also balances the pH of the bladder. When the pH is at its proper range, bacteria cannot survive, so the infection is eliminated completely. Since an improper pH is what allows bacteria to grow in the first place, fixing this means healing the infection.

Of course there are a lot of natural remedies on the market and some are more effective than others. Here’s what to look for in a quality supplement. The supplement should be made with natural herbs such as Berberis, Staphysagris and Uva Ursi which have proven to be effective and is the most effective formulation for treating a bladder infection in boxer dog. This supplement is strong enough to wipe out an infection, but gentle enough to use daily for dogs that tend to have bladder problems, such as aging dogs.

Taking some other preventative measures will also help to promote bladder health and make the supplement even more effective. One important thing that you should do is take a moment to read the ingredients label on the kibble you feed your dog. Many commercial brands are nothing more than junk food. Make sure your dog’s kibble contains real meat (and not meat byproducts), healthy whole grains and vegetables. Do not feed your dog a brand that is full of chemicals, dyes and preservatives because these can alter the pH of the bladder, leading to infections and even bladder stones.

The final thing that you need to do to treat or prevent bladder infection in boxer dog is to make sure your dog has a big bowl of fresh water. If you are giving your dog water from the tap, the chemicals in city-treated water can also affect the bladder pH. The easiest way to prevent this from happening is to install a simple tap filter. This way, both you and your dog can enjoy water that is free of chemicals.

So there you go: three simple things that you can do to treat a boxer dog with bladder problem, so that the issue goes away completely. If you suspect that your boxer has an infection right now, take action immediately, so the problem doesn’t get worse. Taking the simple steps outlined above will resolve the problem quickly and get your beloved boxer back on the road to vibrant health.

-By: Laura Ramirez

Laura Ramirez researches natural solutions which heal disorders and keep pets vibrant and healthy. Find out more about safe, effective ways to maintain your pet’s urinary tract health at http://www.pet-ut-health.com.

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Exercise With A Boxer Dog

A lot of people wants to own a Boxer dog. Despite the fact that dog ownership means great responsibility, that doesn’t hinder thousands of dog lovers around the world from having a pet dog, especially a Boxer dog. What is in this breed that a lot of people are after? By simply looking at a Boxer dog, one will think that this breed is brave and strong and modest, which is actually true. By having one lurking around you, you can somehow feel that you are protected. This is just one of the benefits of having Boxer dogs.

Another benefit that some people may not seem to notice is the dog’s contribution to his master’s good health. Dogs need exercise right? By taking your dog for a walk, you are not just giving him his required dose of exercise, you are doing yourself a favor to stay healthy as well. The activity helps you and your dog to control weight at the same time maintain a healthy heart, lungs and muscle tissue. Plus, you will be given the opportunity to inhale fresh air or avoid the traffic rush. The result – a healthy dog and a healthy you!

If exercise is new to you and your dog, go slow at first. Consider your dog’s age and size. Remember that Boxer dogs are athletic dogs and they need proper exercise and conditioning. Start with short periods of activity at slow speeds then gradually increase the time, speed and distance. A daily 20-minute walk and some free-run in a secure place would be enough. Teach him to fetch ball or flying discs if he has more energy than you do.

Be responsible when exercising your Boxer dogs. These dogs do not do well in extreme weather conditions. Too much heat as well as too much cold makes them uncomfortable so it is better to set aside outdoor exercise and activities during those times. Keep your dog’s nails trimmed to prevent tears as it runs and you should always remember not to exercise your dog before and right after meals. Exercise or other strenuous activities with stomach my cause digestive upset and worst, killer bloat. Water should be given before and after exercise but only in small amounts. After exercise, check your dog’s coat, ears, eyes and paws for burrs, ticks and other unwanted objects that he might have picked up along the way.

Bond with your dog at the same time stay healthy through exercise.

-By: Richard Cussons

Richard Cussons writes articles about Boxer dog. Visit boxersavvy.com and learn more about Boxer dog training.

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What A Boxer Dog Needs

Despite this breed’s popularity, some people are not very much interested in keeping a Boxer dog as a pet. One reason perhaps is that, this breed is prone to a number of diseases that could eventually deteriorate the health. When your Boxer dog is sick, you need to take him to the vet of course, that is if you want him to be treated. Laboratory tests, medicines and surgeries are few of the many things needed to nurse back your dog to healthy life. These things will also cause your vet bills to rise especially in the absence of pet insurance. But, in fact, there is really no reason to hold back yourselves in taking a Boxer dog home. Be glad, for these dilemmas can be very much prevented provided you know what to get and what this breed needs.

If you are planning to take home a puppy, look for one from a responsible dog breeder. A responsible dog breeder screens the breeding stock before breeding to make sure that these animals do not carry diseases or any problem in their genes. This will prevent the passing of faulty traits from generation to generation. You can also adopt a dog from shelters. Not all abandoned dogs in shelters are problematic dogs. In fact, most of them are already housetrained and have completed their vaccinations. They were given up or abandoned by their previous owners maybe because they cannot provide these animals with the things they needed to grow. In addition, you will be helping the community by freeing one space in the shelter to accommodate another pitiful abandoned dog.

But before deciding to finally take home a dog, you must take into consideration the things necessary to maintain good health and that they will grow up with human acceptable traits and behaviors. Since these square-jawed dogs are active and playful creatures, they need proper exercise not just for their health but also to prevent boredom-associated behaviors such as chewing and digging. This breed should not be left alone for too long with nothing to play or occupy his mind, else, he will end up feasting on your favorite shoes. Intelligence is another remarkable trait of a Boxer dog. However, because of their intelligence in addition to being a working breed, they earned a reputation of being headstrong and that requires positive reinforcement training techniques.

As for the nutrition, they should be given with a premium dog food diet and should be prohibited with spicy and rich table scraps. They should be fed about two times daily and should not be allowed to indulge in strenuous exercise right after meals. These techniques decrease the possibility of bloat as well as other intestinal problems to occur. You must know also that because of the brachycephalic head, they are sensitive to extreme temperatures. They do not do well with high heat or humidity and have difficulties in maintaining their body temperature, so it is best to let your dog stay inside the house.

Boxer dogs are strong dogs. But despite of the strength, the fact remains that a Boxer dog is still a dog that will do anything to make you happy and earn your attention. So don’t deprive him of those.

-By: Richard Cussons

Richard Cussons has written various articles on dogs. For information about Boxer dog and Boxer dog training, check out boxersavvy.com.

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What Makes Boxer Dogs Healthy

Boxer dogs come from combination of two different breeds, the now extinct bullenbeisser and the famous bulldog. Boxer dogs are strong and agile just like their bullenbeisser ancestors and extremely loyal and protective to the family just like bulldogs. These superb characteristics of their ancestors are what make this breed versatile and favored breed by most dog lovers around the world.

Apart from characteristics, health, too is inherited. Numerous diseases can be passed on from one generation to the other if the ancestors are carriers of faulty genes that may possibly cause problems such as hypothyroidism, hip dysplasia and entropion. Dog breeders should always exercise selective breeding in order to decrease the occurrence of these inherited diseases. Breeding stocks should be tested prior to breeding to ensure that only good qualities will be passed on to the next generation.

However, not all diseases that can affect boxer dogs are inherited. Some of these diseases occurred because of environment, lifestyle and nutrition. A well balanced diet should be given to boxer dogs to maintain their vigor. Their food should have meat as the first ingredient and the feedings should be in small amounts at least twice daily to lessen the incidence of a deadly disease called bloat. Spicy or rich table scraps should be avoided as well.

Regular exercise is important to keep up with this breed’s oozing energy. Dog owners should appropriate about two hours of their time daily to give their boxers time to run or walk or play to help them maintain good alignment, prevent obesity and boredom-associated behaviors such as chewing or digging. However, exercise should be controlled in younger dogs as over-exercise may damage growing bones. Any strenuous exercise shortly after meals should also be avoided to prevent bloat.

Well-groomed boxer usually means healthy boxer. Fortunately, frequent bathing is not necessary since this breed rarely gets dirty because of their short hair. A boxer needs a bath only if you think that he is dirty or if he smells really dirt. Regularly brushing with a firm bristle brush is what it takes to make this breed properly groomed. Their short hair makes grooming easy for you, however, this makes them sensitive to extreme elements of weather. They should be protected from cold during bath. Bathing should take place in a well heated area and lukewarm water should be used during winter. Hot and humid weather isn’t good for this breed thus outdoor fun should be avoided for the moment.

To keep yourself at ease that your pet is fully protected, have them immunized with vaccines against parvovirus, distemper, rabies and other vaccines required by law. You should also be responsible and wise enough to know and understand the health problems your dog more prone to. Doing the things that will make your boxer healthy will give you the peace of mind knowing that he’ll stay with you at the longest possible time.

-By: Richard Cussons

Richard Cussons has written various articles on dogs. For information about Boxer dogs and Boxer dog training, check out boxersavvy.com.

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