Archive for the ‘Boxer Dogs Care’ Category
Why You NEED a Dog First Aid Kit
Are you equipped with the proper dog first aid kit items in case your lovable boxer dog gets hurt or bitten somehow while roaming outside, or even in the backyard? My neighbor certainly learned his lesson when it came to not having the right dog care kit available.
One afternoon my neighbor’s black Labrador dog was out roaming the country side on his 5 acre property and within an hour he heard the most frightening yelping and crying noises coming from his dog. As he ran outside, he saw his poor pet come limping to the backyard with blood running all down his head as well as his paw.
With no dog care kit around the house he didn’t know what to do so he called for help. The animal hospital was closed and so without immediate assistance he had to wait hours upon hours for his dog to get help, and without any available dog care in the meanwhile.
Had he at least had a dog care first aid kit he could have helped clean the wounds up a bit. Because it was so late in getting help, his dog developed a major infection.
Moral of the story? Have a dog first aid kit available in case of emergencies.
P.S. You can learn about how to handle boxer dog emergencies on our main site
The BARF Diet for Dogs – Yucky or Yummy?
The term, “BARF Diet” actually sounds kind of gross, but BARF is an acronym for Biologically Appropriate Raw Food or Bones and Raw Food. I talk about the BARF Diet on my Boxer Dogs Food page on the main site, so I thought I should explain it in a bit more detail…
Many health-oriented veterinarians are huge advocates for this diet, which can completely replace commercially prepared dog food. One of the first proponents of the BARF diet was Dr. Ian Billinghurst who still recommends it today. He believes that it is the ultimate way to get our pets in to optimum health. Many people believe that the BARF diet simulates what your dog would eat in his natural environment.
Many people today feel that there are a lot of health advantages to feeding a raw food diet to both humans and dogs. Most owners who have dogs with problems such as allergies, skin problems, weight problems, and anal gland problems have found that the bones and raw food diet has helped to significantly remedy these issues.
Some of the advantages to feeding a biologically appropriate raw food diet include: Read the rest of this entry »
Tips for Adopting a Boxer Dog From a Shelter
Visiting an animal shelter can be an emotional experience for a boxer dog lover.
When considering the birth rates among animals, it’s not hard to understand why animal shelters are always filled with animals waiting to be adopted. But it IS difficult to see all the animals in their pens and not want to take them all home. Such feelings are understandable and commendable; however, just be sure that prior to adoption you consider all of the ramifications.
Shockingly, it has been calculated that over a seven year period, one female cat and her offspring will produce approximately 420,000 kittens. Likewise, one female dog and her offspring will produce 67,000 puppies during a six year period. Since there are more animals looking for homes than there are people who want to adopt them, some 6.5 million animals are euthanized each year.
Given the statistics cited above, adopting an animal can be a kind and loving thing to do, as long as you weigh the pros and cons carefully.
Many of the boxer dogs you’ll find awaiting adoption in shelters have had very rough beginnings. Some were abused, some abandoned and some were “turned in” because the owners didn’t have time for them. Read the rest of this entry »
Secrets to Choosing the Right Boxer Dog for You and Your Family
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.