Most boxers love the chance to romp in the yard, jump, and frolic with their friends. Keeping your boxer out of harm's way in the summer just takes a little common sense.

Always keep your boxer on a leash or under control at all times. When unattended, your boxer should be inside or in a secure, escape-proof outdoor enclosure. Never let a boxer ride in the back of a pickup truck. 

Accidents do happen, even when you have the best intentions. Whether it is your boxer or cat that is hurt or someone else's, the more you know, the better you'll be able to help.

 

1. Think about your safety first in an emergency situation. Don't turn one accident into two.

 

2. Look for cars before dashing into the street after your boxer. If he is injured in the street, have someone redirect traffic so you can move your boxer to a safe place where he can be carefully looked over.

3. Before moving an injured boxer, check the following.

    a. Is the animal conscious?

    b. Breathing? If your boxer has stopped breathing, try nose-to-mouth ventilation. Seal the lips by pinching them shut, then blow through the       nose to ventilate the lungs.

    c. Bleeding? If your boxer is bleeding profusely, use direct pressure with a clean towel or shirt.

 

But don't try any of this with a conscious animal in severe pain. Pets will not behave normally in a traumatic situation. Even friendly pets may bite when in pain. Try wrapping your boxer in a towel or blanket. Covering the boxer's head and eyes serves two purposes: calming the him and protecting you from getting bit.

As you assess the situation, think about how you will move your boxer out of harm's way and to the veterinary hospital. We've all seen how the paramedics strap human trauma patients to a backboard to prevent jarring of the spine, neck, or a fractured limb on the way to the hospital. Before moving your injured boxer, take the same precautions. The key thing is to make sure neither you nor your pet is further injured in the process of getting to the veterinarian.

If possible, call the veterinarian while you're on your way to give an idea of the time you'll arrive.