Care Guide
A Boxer may not be the right choice for every family. Living with a boxer can be very rewarding, but you must be committed to meeting the boxer's particular needs.........
Many puppies are acquired by their new owners at six weeks, which is the usual weaning age. Up until this time, the pups should have been dewormed every two weeks, starting at two weeks of age. At six weeks of age the pups start their well-puppy examination/vaccinations series. This series is an ideal time to establish a relationship with your pet’s veterinarian. Owner, puppy, and veterinarian should get to know each other.
The well-puppy series is a schedule of examinations and vaccinations that is performed at approximately six, nine, twelve, and sixteen weeks of age. Even though most puppies remain healthy throughout their well-puppy series,
it is recommended that a physical examination be very subtle initially. Also a fecal examination should be performed each
time to check for worms and other intestinal parasites.
The basic well puppy procedure is as follows: A physical examination and fecal check are performed at each visit. A standard distemper, parvo, hepatitis, etc. combination vaccine is administered at each scheduled date. Rabies vaccination is given at twelve or sixteen weeks of age. Additional vaccines such as Lyme, bordetella (kennel cough), etc. are given based on the possible exposure of these diseases to your dog. Check with your veterinarian on these additional vaccinations. More frequent or earlier age vaccination is not recommended. Heartworm prevention is started at eight to nine weeks of age and maintained throughout the dog’s life. Deworming is performed regularly until heartworm prevention is started, as most approved heartworm preventatives today also treat for some of the most common intestinal worms.
Diet and dental health are important in your dog’s overall health. Puppies should be fed a premium brand puppy food in measured amounts until they are one to two years old. They are then switched to a premium adult dog food. Measured amounts of food help prevent obesity and other health problems. Good quality dog food helps maintain healthy teeth, but regular teeth brushing and preventative dental cleanings are most important for good dental health. Most pups can be easily trained to accept daily teeth brushing. Use toothpaste developed for your pet and not human toothpaste which may cause stomach upset if swallowed.
Once a puppy has completed its puppy health series, regular checkups and vaccinations are recommended to help maintain your dog’s health. Physical examination, fecal exam, heartworm test, and dental exam are recommended yearly. Dental cleaning by your veterinarian is performed as needed. Booster vaccination traditionally have been given yearly based on initial vaccine manufacturer recommendations. However, vaccination protocols are evolving as new research is being done on length of vaccination protection. Last, but not least, spay or neuter your dog unless it is a valuable working or breeding animal. Regular preventative medicine, good diet, regular exercise and routine veterinarian examinations will help your dog live a long and healthy life.
Your Boxer will require relatively little grooming, but ownership of any dog is a definite responsibility. HE MUST NOT BE ALLOWED TO RUN LOOSE. Exercise within a fenced area or on a leash will be adequate. Death from automobiles, poisons, or other hazards await the Boxer who is allowed to roam. While he is learning to be a responsible member of the household, especially while still a puppy, a crate is very advisable. It will protect him from household temptations and dangers while you are away. In addition, it is a great aid in housebreaking - your Boxer will rarely soil his crate. Be sure to use a collar with care. They can and do snag on the most unlikely objects with tragic consequences. Your Boxer should not be left alone with a collar around his neck - or while playing with canine friends. The Boxer has a natural tendency to keep himself clean, but it is the owner's responsibility to keep his nails trimmed to a reasonable length, and to keep his teeth clean as he ages. An occasional bath and/or currycombing should be all that he requires. Beauty and Brains The Boxer is a hearing guard dog, ever alert to protect his family but tolerant of any stranger once he knows there is no danger. He is a happy, exuberant dog who delights in children and is eager to play long after he has left puppyhood behind. The mood-mirroring quality of his expression and his overall sweet nature have endeared him to generations of Boxer owners. He is a natural show-off, and many Boxers excel at Conformation, Agility, and Obedience events held in conjunction with AKC shows. The well trained Boxer is a glorious sight to behold.
You should feed your Boxer a good quality (usually kibbled) dog food. These are often found at feed or specialty stores. We recommend soaking the food in warm water as opposed to feeding it dry. Mixing it with a small amount of canned food is always enjoyable to your dog. Remember that the Boxer is a relatively fast-growing dog, and should not need supplementation with vitamins or calcium as he grows. Over supplementation can cause bone and joint problems. Always speak to your veterinarian if in doubt. Especially as he ages, some Boxers may fall victim to cancers in various forms, as well as to heart disease. The Boxer who faints or seems unsteady on his feet should see a competent veterinarian immediately, as these symptom are often warnings of cardiac arrhythmias. Hopefully, with competent veterinary care and regular immunizations, your loving, devoted Boxer will live a rich and full life.
SNIP #7 They need love. Can you give your boxer the love it needs?
This goes for any breed and is a must. One of the most amazing things about dogs is that they are capable of giving unconditional love to their owners no matter what happens. You must be willing to give the same back in return, as this is what a dog really wants. |
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