05.19.10
Posted in Boxer Information at 3:15 am by Administrator
As we approach the official start of summer and the weather warms, many dog owners (and their four-legged friends) venture outside. Longer walks or runs may begin and end your day. Or perhaps its hiking the nearest trail or visiting the local dog park for some fresh air. The summer welcomes many of canines to come and play in the sun.
One danger that can be overlooked, especially in those breeds that are brachycephalic. Many of these animals, due to the shape of their skulls, have a difficult time breathing. This can be aggravated during hotter (or humid) weather. Boxer owners are urged to use caution when jogging/walking with their dogs in the spring and summer months. However, some Boxers do not have very tipped muzzles–always ensure you know your Boxer’s limits and ensure they are safe. This breed will work until they fall over, literally, so ensure your best friend is safe during the hot summer months!
Here are a few tips to ensure your boxer’s health during the summer months:
(1) Limit outdoor activity, such as exercise, in the peak summers hours or during very humid days
(2) Ensure your animal(s) have access to water and shade
(3) Know the signs/symptoms of heat exhaustion in your dog
(4) Have contact information handy for your vet and also an emergency vet hospital
(5) Use room temperature water to cool off your dog, if necessary–apply water/washcloths to the stomach, under armpits, etc. Do not submerge your dog in cold water (this actually causes body temperature to raise)
(6) Provide a cool surface to lay on such as a hardwood floor or basement concrete
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02.11.10
Posted in Boxer Information at 3:11 am by Administrator
The recent Arctic air brings to light a very important topic — Cold Weather Care for your dog. Just like people, many dogs (including Boxers) may need to “bundle up” and take precautions against the harsh elements. The following tips are from the ASPCA.
1. Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm—dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure yours always wears ID tags.
2. Thoroughly wipe off your dog’s legs and stomach when they come out of the sleet, snow or ice. They may ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemicals while licking their paws, and paw pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice.
3. Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter, as a longer coat will provide more warmth. When you bathe your dog in the colder months, be sure to completely dry them before taking your dog out for a walk. Own a short-haired breed? Consider getting a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly. For many dogs, this is regulation winter wear.
4. Never leave your dog (or cat) alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing the animal to freeze to death.
5. Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs, and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. If your puppy appears to be sensitive to the weather, you may opt to paper-train inside. If your dog is sensitive to the cold due to age, illness or breed type, take them outdoors only to relieve themselves.
6. Feeding — Does your dog spend a lot of time engaged in outdoor activities? Increase his supply of food, particularly protein, to keep him—and his fur—in tip-top shape.
7. Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol. Visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center more information.
8. Make sure your companion animal has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog or cat bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.
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02.07.10
Posted in Boxer Information at 10:16 pm by Administrator
Selecting the appropriate food for Boxer (or any dog for that matter) can be a challenge. What is the best one? What should I be looking for in a quality dog food? Which gives the most nutrition for the lowest cost? All of these are valid questions and you’ll probably get different answers depending on who you ask.
Step one — Identify your dogs nutritional needs. Larger dogs have different needs than toy or small dogs. Some breeds even need specific supplements. So be sure you do your research and talk with your vet about what your dog needs. Your neighbor’s Husky isn’t going to require the same food regiment as your toy poodle. Don’t forget active dogs require more calories!
Step two — read the label. Just because a food says it’s “healthy” doesn’t mean its right for your dog. Boxers must have a high-quality food. If you feed the lower grade food, many of which has fillers, you may notice some side effects — gas and your dog having to “go potty” more. Think of it this way, cheaper/lower quality food has a harder time being digested by the body, thus resulting in more “output” by your dog. So bottom line, read the label and go for foods that list a meat (chicken, lamb, bison, beef) as the first ingredient.
Step Three — if your switching foods, ease your dog into it. Be sure to mix the food and slowly switch the food over. Just switching can cause your dog’s digestive tract to become upset.
Know what your putting into your dog. You look at food labels when you buy food for your family, why not ensure you’re getting the best for the furry, four-legged members of the family too?
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01.30.10
Posted in BHBR, Boxer Information at 7:37 pm by Administrator
BHBR has a number of young dogs about to come into rescue. The dogs range from 12-weeks-old to two-years-old. BHBR has never had so many pups before, but puppis do require a lot of work! Puppies need someone dedicated to socializing, potty training and other basic obedience training.
You think fostering is for you? If you are interested, BHBR would really appreciate the help. It can be a very rewarding experience. BHBR foster homes have the first chance at adopting their foster dog too, if they have all that the dog needs. BHBR tries not to put more than one foster dog in a foster home, that way they get a lot of attention and training.
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