Boxer dog allergy symptoms

How to Treat Boxer Dog Allergies

Boxer dog allergies usually affect the skin, and the first symptom is severe itching. This can lead to excessive grooming and even hair loss. Other symptoms include ear infections and puffy, irritated eyes. Food allergies can also cause gastrointestinal upset and malnutrition. Weight loss and dehydration are also symptoms of intense allergies.

Boxer Dog Allergies: Symptoms to Watch For

Boxer Dog allergies can cause severe itching, hot spots, and even excessive scratching. They can affect either gender, but female Boxers tend to suffer more from these symptoms than male Boxers. Affected dogs can also develop irritated, puffy eyes and swollen gums.

The best way to treat Boxer Dog allergy symptoms is to limit your dog’s exposure to certain triggers. Boxers are sensitive to certain types of environmental allergens, and they are particularly susceptible to pollen. These allergens are usually seasonal, but they can also be present year-round. If you suspect your dog has an allergy, you should take him to the veterinarian right away.

The primary area of the body where Boxer allergies can be found is the skin. Symptoms may also include ear infections and irritated eyes.

Aside from skin symptoms, Boxer allergies can also cause gastrointestinal upset and malnutrition. They may also paw on their faces, sneeze, and have watery eyes.

Boxer Dog Allergies

Causes

If you think your Boxer may be allergic to certain foods, you should take him to the veterinarian. The vet will be able to help you identify what foods your dog is sensitive to and help you eliminate them from your pet’s diet. He or she will also help you transition your Boxer onto a new diet gradually, so your dog does not develop an allergy to new foods too quickly. The veterinarian may also suggest giving your Boxer probiotics to strengthen their immune system and digestive system and reduce the severity of their allergies.

Allergies can also be caused by insects, bacteria, pollen, dust, chemicals or other agents present in your dog’s environment. It’s important to watch if your Boxer is exposed to any of these elements that may be causing an allergic reaction.

Treatments

Boxer dog allergies are a common problem for many owners, but the good news is there are several effective and safe treatments. Many people think that only professional veterinarians can prescribe the right medicines for allergies, but the truth is that you can treat Boxer allergies at home.

The first step in Boxer allergy treatment is to identify the underlying cause of your dog’s allergies. The best way to determine whether your dog is allergic to a particular substance is through an allergy test.

Allergies in Boxers are caused by an overactive immune system. This overreaction causes the dog to experience a wide range of symptoms. In some cases, your dog may even shed fur, which is an indication of an allergic reaction.

As an example, if your dog has an allergy to fleas, they can be treated with a topical treatment that helps heal the sore.

If your dog is suffering from atopic dermatitis, you can consider cyclosporine, a medication that helps reduce the inflammation associated with atopic dermatitis. This medicine is expensive, but it works by calming the immune system of the affected dog.

Of course, a consultation with your vet is always the best option.

Boxer Dog Allergies: Prevention is the Name of the Game!

One of the best ways to avoid allergies in your Boxer Dog is to avoid introducing it to certain allergens in the first place. There are a variety of different treatments available to control your dog’s allergies, including topical treatments and hypoallergenic pet shampoo. However, both types of treatment have their own risks and side effects.

It’s important to identify what causes your Boxer’s allergies. Certain allergens can trigger a rash, so it’s vital to keep an eye out for these signs. One way to detect allergies in your Boxer is to notice if and where your Boxer chews or scratches on a specific area of his body.

Another way to detect allergic symptoms in your Boxer is to monitor its diet and make sure it is a good fit for your dog. A poorly prepared diet can lead to allergies and other health disorders. As a general rule, in addition to premium quality kibble, Boxers should be fed a natural canine diet with raw meaty bones.

boxer dog health issues

A review of Boxer dog health issues

German boxers are loved for their cheerful character, intelligence and dedication. However, Boxer dog health issues are a factor to consider if you are looking at owning this dog breed.

Despite their belligerent appearance, Boxers are the kindest and affectionate dogs that take every opportunity to be close to their owner. Boxers are good at performing their duties, but they can also be just pleasant companions. Before diving into potential health problems of the breed let’s take a brief look at its origin.

The origin of the breed

It is believed that the progenitors of German boxers were Bullenbeisers living in Central and Western Europe. Having a relatively small size, they were characterized by extraordinary mobility and fearlessness. These qualities made it possible to use them for hunting large game and baiting bulls. Dogs similar to modern German boxers are found in 17th century history.

boxer dog health problems

The first dogs were bred in 1850 in Munich. The breeding involved dogs with by rare courage and excellent fighting qualities such as mastiffs, bullenbeisers and bulldogs. The final creation period of German boxers dates back to 1896, when the breeders managed to get a breed that combines strength and power, developed intelligence and healthy aggressive behavior.

In the same year, the first German boxers’ club was created and the breed standard approved. The representatives of the breed received the name because of their unusual manner of playing, fingering in the air with their paws, as if they were engaged in a boxing match in the ring.

Breed standard

German Boxers are medium sized dogs. They are characterized by a stocky physique, dry muscles with a relief clearly protruding under the coat. Males weigh from 27 to 32 kilograms, height at the withers of up to 63 centimeters. Bitches are more miniature with typical weight in the 25-29 kg range and height at 53-60 cm.

health profile of a boxer dog

According to the standard, German boxers have two colors, brindle and red. Gray, black, and others are considered cross breed dogs. White markings on the coat are acceptable and give the exterior a more aesthetic appearance.

Typical boxer dog health problems

German boxers cannot be counted among the centenarians, as they rarely reach the age of 10 years. The immune system of the breed is generally not very strong, therefore they are often hypothermic, prone to colds, allergies, and demodicosis.

A common disease in boxers is hip dysplasia, characterized by pain and lameness. In more serious cases, it leads to complete paralysis. Pathology is difficult to treat and most often surgery is required.

Boxers are often diagnosed with brachiocephalic syndrome, which is characterized by hoarse breathing, shortness of breath, and severe snoring during sleep. This is caused by the structure of the muzzle. Breathing problems and suffocation episodes are worse during intense exercise and in hot weather. Quick and immediate treatment is required.

black and white puppy boxer

Like other large dogs, Boxers are inclined to overeat, so food intake must be controlled. Gluttony leads to volvulus and other pathologies that can only be eliminated through surgery.

One of the most often Boxer dog health problems observed is hypothyroidism. Thyroid dysfunction significantly reduces the quality of life, contributes to a deterioration in appearance, and leads to infertility and obesity. To eliminate the disease, substitution therapy is prescribed.

Boxers’ congenital diseases include eversion (volvulus) of the eyelid, which can be corrected through surgery. In some puppies with a predominate white coat, complete or partial deafness is often diagnosed (up to 40% of the population).

German boxers are prone to cardiac diseases, the most common of which are arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy, aortic stenosis.

In older boxers, they often develop cancer and this is also due to a weak immune system. According to veterinarians, this is one of the breed that is most susceptible to the development of malignant neoplasms.

boxer playing with a ball

Boxer dog health issues: prevention and care is really important

providing the necessary care for german Boxers is generally easy and even inexperienced dog owners can appropriately attend to the needs of their dog to keep him healthy and happy.

Particular attention should be paid to the skin of the facial area. The folds and the nose should be cleaned on a regular basis to remove food debris and moisture.

The coat should be combed 1 to 2 times a week using a silicone or rubber brush. Brushing has a relaxing effect, improves blood circulation, and removes dirt and dead hair. The dog should be trained to put up with the grooming at an early age.

You do not really need to bathe boxers often, once every six months will suffice. Unscheduled bathing is organized only in exception cases where the boxer was heavily exposed dust, mud, dirty water or other substances. If you wash your boxer, set the water temperature at a maximum of 32 degrees celsius. For hair care, it is advisable to use special shampoos with a lower pH level.

boxer need for physical activity

After walks, the boxer’s paws should be wiped with a damp cloth, examined for scratches, abrasions, and cuts. Their pads are quite strong, but, nevertheless, they are often injured.

Regular clipping of the nails (once a week) will relieve the pet from discomfort when walking and prevent the curvature of the nail plate.

When walking in cold weather, it is advisable to put warm clothing, such as a vest, on the boxer. Dogs are prone to colds, and the short coat does not protect from the cold unless they are very active.

Pros and cons of the breed: there’s more than just Boxer dog health issues

Like any other breed, German Boxers have advantages and disadvantages that must be considered in order to avoid unwanted consequences.

Pros:

  • Perfect companions.
  • They have an unusually charming appearance.
  • Ease of maintenance.
  • They lose very little hair
  • They are sociable, good-natured, like to play and play pranks.
  • Show rare loyalty and devotion to the owner.
  • They love children and will never harm them.
  • They have good makings of a security guard.
  • Easy to train. With competently conducted regular classes, they learn new things on the fly.
  • They can be kept both in a big house or smaller apartment.

The disadvantages include:

  • Poor health, susceptibility to hypothermia and colds.
  • Little sociability with other dogs and a tendency to fight.
  • Much higher need than average for walks and physical training.

Dog handlers do not recommend getting a German boxer if you have a busy life. In the absence of the owner, this kind and loyal breed will get bored, which can lead to depression. If you have a lot of free time and are ready to provide enough attention to your boxer, you can be sure that this charming and affectionate breed will become your loyal friend and will reliably guard your home!

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how to train a boxer puppy not to bite

How to train a boxer puppy not to bite

Are you wondering how to train a Boxer puppy not to bite? How do you turn your puppy into a well behaved, sociable dog, and keep those Chompers off your skin?

Bite Inhibition Training

‘Soft mouth’ training is a great way to train a boxer puppy not to bite!

Bite inhibition is the phrase that is used for a dog’s ability to control his or her bite pressure. Bite inhibition training, or soft mouth training, is a fantastic way to get any puppy to avoid human skin, or not bite down when they do hit it.

Imagine two small boxer puppy littermates, about 5 weeks old. During play, one might bite down a little too hard, causing the other little pup to yelp “eeeee” and briefly scurry away.

That hurt, and he doesn’t want to play anymore! At least for the next few minutes, that is, until all is forgotten and play resumes.

The other puppy didn’t mean to hurt his ‘victim’ at all, and he certainly doesn’t want the play to stop! He realizes he bit just a little too hard, and that is why play stopped for him. In order to make the play last longer, he doesn’t bite so hard in the future.

The Boxer pup has learned to control his bite pressure (at least with other puppies)!

How to Use Bite Inhibition Training with Your Puppy

Imagine you and your puppy are playing a game of ‘tug’ with a rope toy. Your pup gets a little too excited, miss the toy, and clamps down on your hand!

Ouch! What are you going to do?

Your solution here is a simple one. Mimic dog, or rather puppy, behavior! How would one puppy respond if the other bit him a bit too hard?

The puppy would yelp and refuse to play for a brief time, which is exactly what you’re going to do. Utter a high pitched “eeeee” just like you might if you were actually injured or rather as a puppy would. You want your boxer puppy to think he hurt you, even if it didn’t hurt in the least.

Immediately stop playing your game! Drop the rope toy and walk away. The last thing your pup wants right now is for the game to stop.

Your goal is very simple. You don’t want your puppy touching your skin with his mouth! If he thinks even the slightest tough hurts your skin and causes the fun game to stop, he’s going to do his best to avoid your skin!

teach a puppy boxer not to nibble

Puppy Biting and Teething

Your puppy will undergo two teething stages as the little one grows two different sets of teeth. The first stage happens at about three weeks, and there is no reason you should ever have to deal with it unless you bred your puppy.

At about 12 weeks (three months), the second teething process will begin and your boxer puppy will begin growing his permanent teeth! This could last for three more months, and by that time all of your pup’s adult teeth have erupted.

The eruption process itself doesn’t feel good! Your puppy will want to bite and chew. He probably won’t be trying to hurt you and may not even be trying to play at all.

Human skin is just…. Chewy! 

If your puppy does this, offer a chew toy instead. Puppy sized rubber Kongs make wonderful chew toys and tend to be very durable! Kongs in general are extremely durable and won’t break apart unless you have an extremely powerful or tenacious dog. Very few young puppies are powerful enough to break apart a Kong.

Give Your Pup Something Different to Chew

Consider keeping a chew toy on hand whenever possible. This will allow you to anticipate any puppy biting and substitute the toy you have in your pocket for, let’s say- your hand. Offer the toy if your pup starts chomping at those hands or toes during play!

Teething puppies are going to bite no matter what you do. They aren’t trying to hurt you and won’t bite hard- though those little needle teeth do hurt! They might not be trying to play but relieve the discomfort they feel from the teething process.

If they are trying to play, again- use your bite inhibition’ training technique described above. Stop play as soon as those teeth miss the toy and clamp on your skin.

boxer nibbling on ball

Never Chastise, Yell at, or Scold Your Puppy!

These are called aversives, or forms of positive punishment. Positive in this case just means addition, and not ‘good’. Aversives are used as a form of punishment reinforcement.

Most trainers today will argue these usually aren’t the most effective means of training with adult dogs. More often, a reward-based approach is recommended, or something the dog will enjoy. This is with adult dogs.

Never, ever, scold or yell at your (or any) puppy! Even mild forms of chastisement or corrections are questionable. You only ever want to use reward-based enforcement techniques.

Why are puppies so special, you ask? Why are they different from adult dogs? It isn’t just because they are smaller, or cuter.

Fear Periods

Puppies go through ‘fear periods’, which are basically learning periods that would help an animal learn what to avoid in the wild and improve chances for survival.

If you scare your puppy during one of these learning periods, through some form of punishment or chastisement, that fear could make a permanent impact on your pup’s psychological development. Your puppy could become permanently afraid!

chewing toys for puppy boxer

How to Train a Boxer Puppy Not to Bite

Bite inhibition training really isn’t complicated, and even a novice dog owner can apply this technique.

But why should you, anyway? Your puppy isn’t going to send anyone to the hospital! Why does he even need to know how to control that bite pressure anyway?

Your Boxer puppy won’t always be a tiny, adorable ball of harmless cuteness. He will soon grow to be a stronger adult capable of causing harm, even if he doesn’t mean to.

A dog’s hide is more durable than a human’s skin, and you want your dog to understand the same play he might use with other dogs could hurt a person.

Socialize Your Puppy!

This is probably more important than anything else listed in our article! Teach your puppy, while he is a puppy, that other people (both adults and children) mean only wonderful things! These humans aren’t threats at all.

Introduce your puppy to all kinds of environments and as many friendly animals as you can! Introduce your little one to dog parks (after he is vaccinated), crowds, and other public areas with strangers.

Show your puppy that nothing he might ever encounter ever means him harm! If you socialize your puppy well enough, he’ll never have any reason to be suspicious or bite with the intent to harm at all.

two boxers socializing