Boxer Dog health care recommendations

I was 1 year old, when my family rescued me. I was on a chain outside and was underfed. When my family came to get me, I did not hesitate at all to get in their car, even though I did not know them then. All I knew was it had to be a better life than I had already experienced. They took me home and boy was I happy, Tigger was there and I fell in love with him. He was an older man, but I did not care, he was so good to me.

I was always a happy-go-lucky pup, even as I got older. My family learned later that I had Hip Dysplasia, but they gave me all the love and care I needed to keep going and stay happy. The saddest day in my life was when my mate Tigger died, I really mourned for him. I did not want to play anymore, even with dad.

Mom and dad thought I was lonely, so they got me some puppies, Obie and two weeks later Chelsea. I really loved Obie, he was fun, but Chelsea was another female so I was jealous of her, we tolerated one another. I house trained them for mom and dad, and baby-sat them while they were gone. I also had to learn to be the protector of the family since Tigger died, in other words, I had to grow up and I did.

One thing before we get into health, read about getting your boxer dog microchipped......

OK. on to boxer dog health care.....

Just like people, we need proper health care. The most important part of boxer dog health care is prevention through good diet and exercise.

A proper diet is the basis of good health. Although there are many commercially available dog foods specifically for different stages of a dogs life, most of my diet consisted of food my Mom prepared for me, to help control my weight and be good for my digestion. Unlike many commercial foods, I really enjoyed it. It consisted of Ground beef, cottage cheese, green beans, and other vegetables. It did not contain any of the preservatives or dyes found in commercial food and did not cost any more than regular commercial dog food.

All of us need proper exercise to stay healthy. We need plenty of room to run and play, it keep our muscles strong and our heart healthy. A pup on a chain is like a person being in prison. We can only see what others are doing and we spend our day wishing we were free. It is not good for our physical or mental health to be tied up. Spend quality time with us and we will pay you back with nothing but love and devotion, plus you might even learn we are a lot of fun to be around!

As I was a house pup, I did not have to deal with harsh weather except when I went outside to do my business. But for those pups who do live outside, remember to provide plenty of food and water, proper shelter, regular baths with a flea and tick soap.

A dog house only needs to be big enough for your pup to enter, turn around in and lay down. If you go much bigger, the house will lose it's heat retention properties, especially in cold climates. Here is how to measure your pup and size your house.

The door height should be no more than 3/4 of the height "A" on the Boxer, This is the shoulder to ground measurement. The door should also be offset to one side of the house. This helps give your pup a place to lay away from the door. In winter the door should have a cover and in summer the cover should be tied up so air can enter.
The width and length of the doghouse should be at least the same as but no more that 25% greater than the "B" measurement on the Boxer. This is the nose to flank measurement. Do not include the tail.
The inside height of the doghouse should be at least 25% larger but no more than 50% larger than the "C" measurement on the Boxer. This is the head to toe measurement.

A removable roof makes for easy cleaning and changing the bedding, believe me, Daddy learned the hard way!
Build or buy the doghouse made of wood, it is a great insulator
The bedding should be cedar shavings or a water resistant dense foam with washable cover. Do not use blankets, towels, carpet or straw for bedding as this will attract fleas.
Do not put your doghouse on the ground. Raise or block it up as this will help with temperature control and deter flea infestation.
Put a porch or awning on the front to give extra shade in the summer and protection from the cold in winter.
Do not buy a plastic doghouse as they are cold in the winter and hot in the summer.

When it comes to boxer dog health, hip dysplasia is one of the most painful for us. I know, I have lived with it all my life. Follow the link above to find out ways to help your boxer live a happy and long life in spite of this terrible disease.

One important area of boxer dog health is our ears. All boxers ears need special care, get some recommendations here. Our section on ear care will assist you with caring for your boxers ears.

Boxer Dog Dental Care is also vitally important for your pup. In fact, poor dental care can be fatal!

You can check out our Boxer Dog Products page for various products that will help maintain your boxer's health.

Boxer Dog Health Care Introduction