3 Health Issues To Consider When Choosing A Boxer Dog

Looking for the best dog breeds? A Boxer is an excellent choice as a warm, loyal companion that will remain by your side for years to come.

But like any other breed, Boxers have health issues you need to be aware of. Health issues such as...

--Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)

This condition can be caused by food allergy. Boxers with IBS will seem to have trouble gaining weight, act lethargic and have pale color mucus membrane in the mouth (oral mucosa) and eyes (eye scleras).

Monitor their stool for frank or occult blood and start with a blood test to check for hematocrit (abdominal bleeding), which could save their life.

One male Boxer diagnosed with IBS of the small intestine was failing to thrive and began to have syncopal episodes (fainting spells).

The owner put him on a strictly venison diet and he bounced back considerably, gained weight and is now very active. The owner said many butcher shops sell venison and it is very reasonably priced.

--Kidney problem

Preventing kidney damage is key to your Boxer’s survival. If you suspect your Boxer may have kidney trouble, take him to the veterinarian for aggressive treatment.

One concern with kidney problems is your may be Boxer getting too many grapes or raisins in their diet. This is toxic for dogs and could ruin their kidneys.

Aggressive treatment in such poisoning cases is crucial. If your Boxer had just overindulged in the grapes/raisins, the doctor will induce vomiting immediately and prescribe some activated charcoal pills.

There will be repeated blood tests to determine the status of kidney function plus hospitalization and intravenous fluid therapy if necessary.

The induced vomiting is to remove as much grapes or raisins as possible while the activated charcoal is to help prevent absorption of the toxic substance.

Two days of intravenous fluid therapy is often recommended to help prevent damage to the kidneys. A blood test is usually repeated after 48 hours and 5 to 7 days to ensure the kidneys are functioning within the normal range.

Where kidney damage has occurred, the intravenous fluid therapy shall continue until blood tests indicate the kidneys have returned to normal function again.

--Progressive axonopathy

This is a debilitating disease of the nervous system, which used to be common among Boxers but is not anymore because of the due diligence practiced by breeders.

However, make sure your vet check your Boxer for this disease if you suspect that your dog may have it.

Before choosing your Boxer, get educated on the various health issues that Boxer dogs may have in later years. But if you're looking for a great dog that will be an fun and entertainingl part of the family, a Boxer dog is one of the best dog breeds you can choose.