Boxer Briefs

Archive for December, 2005

Thinking about choosing a veterinarian for your new boxer dog? Where do you start? Usually, when picking a veterinarian, we thumb through the phone book until we find one close to home. But just like a doctor, you might not be happy with his “bedside” manner. I’ve heard people complain that their animal’s veterinarian doesn’t handle their animal well or they just didn’t like his manner. Below are some helpful hints in choosing the best veterinarian for your animal.

If you have friends, family or neighbors with animals, ask them for a recommendation. If they do, ask questions about their experiences with the vet. How does the veterinarian handle their animal? Is he gentle? Does he thoroughly explain to the pet owner the health of the animal after being looked over? It’s good to choose a veterinarian that is informative about the animal he is checking. A veterinarian not only has to be good with animals, but he has to be people friendly as well. Don’t forget your instincts. After meeting the vet, if you don’t feel good about him, don’t go back. Even if he has a good reputation, don’t feel pressured to go back. What is good for one person, may not be good for you.

Look up the Veterinary Medical Board and see if he has been any complaints again him. This way, you can eliminate without having to go any further. You can also check with the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). These are vet hospitals that have achieved high animal care standards. These vet hospitals fill out a detailed explanation of its equipment and services they offer. Afterwards, a consultant inspects the facility to ensure it meets AAHA’s standards. The following areas are checked: medical records, dentistry, anesthesia, dentistry and surgery. Knowing this, may give some dog owners peace of mind before taking their animal for and of the above reasons. There are only around 17 percent of vet hospitals around the US and Canada that are affiliated with the AAHA. You can find them by going through the Healthypet’s Hospital Locator. Read the rest of this entry »

Getting a new boxer dog is one of the greatest joys in the world. Make this great time even better by knowing exactly what kind of dog will complement your family’s lifestyle.

Before you get a boxer dog, you will want to make sure to discuss with your family who will have the primary responsibility of taking care of and training the dog. You will want to find a good veterinarian close by, and you will want to consider the cost of keeping a boxer dog. (They’re not small dogs, and they eat a lot, for example!) You will also want to make sure to have supplies such as bowls, a bed, a crate, leash , collar, and toys prior to your new dog coming home.

Also before you get your new boxer dog, you may want to consider whether other breeds might be more compatible to your lifestyle. Large dogs are generally not for apartment dwellers or the elderly. Small dogs may not always be for people who want to be active with their dogs, although I think that really depends on the dog.

If you like boxer dogs’ looks, but you don’t want such a big dog, you might consider Boston terriers. They look a lot like a boxer, but they’re much smaller (around 15 to 25 pounds, on average, as opposed to 50 to 65 pounds). I currently own a Boston terrier, and they’re a great breed too. Read about my experiences here: www.boston-terrier-chronicles.com/blog

Temperament is another important thing to consider. You will also want to decide if you want a puppy or an older dog. Certain breeds have inherent health problems like eye problems or hip dysplasia, so you will want to take all of that into consideration before choosing a breed. Boxers are prone to cancer, sorry to say, so you’ll want to think about that, and expect a shorter life span.

If you decide to get a purebred boxer puppy, there are resources to help you find a reputable boxer dog breeder. Your local kennel club has access to area breeders that specialize in boxer dogs. If you are looking for an older boxer, this can also be a good resource as many breeders may have adult dogs available as well. Your veterinarian can be a great resource as well, as oftentimes they have assisted area breeders.

You may be interested in considering a mixed breed boxer. These dogs can be wonderful family companions, as much so as purebred dogs. The rescue organizations seem to have a lot of boxer mixes available.

Due to the large population of dogs, many people are interested in adopting a dog. Talk to your local humane society or boxer dog rescue organization for assistance with adoption.

The most important thing to do when choosing a boxer dog is to take your time and get to know different dogs. Talk to pet store personnel, groomers, breeders, and your veterinary staff for assistance. Make sure to consider all aspects of boxer dog care and you can ensure a happy time for your new dog and family.