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Online Wellness Care Guide for Boxers

Useful tips and information that can help you keep your Boxer happy and at his best for years to come. Routine veterinarian visits are paramount as is proper animal nutrition, diet and exercise.

Boxer Shorts ---- A Brief History of the Boxer
Powerful, intelligent and alert, Boxers are instinctive guardians and love being around people, a trait that helped them gain popularity as couriers during times of war and as a guide dog for the blind. The breed originated in Germany in the late 19th century and was used for dog fighting and hunting. They are known for standing up on their hind legs when fighting and almost appear to "box" with their front paws. However, there are several alternative theories as to the origin of the breed name. Imported to America after World War I, Boxers grew in popularity in the late 1930's.
The Use of Supplements: In Support of Healthier Boxers
Supplements are no longer an afterthought but an important element to your Boxer's nutrition and care. Consult your veterinarian regarding the types of supplements that could benefit your Boxer's physical health and mental well-being.

Some of the benefits supplements may provide for your Boxer include:
  • Relieves chronic joint pain and inflammation, enhancing joint mobility.
  • Helps immune system function and modulation.
  • Helps alleviate certain types of cancers, in addition to heart disease, diabetes, and cataracts caused by diabetes.
  • Gives new-found energy to both active and older dogs.
  • Helps support brain function in older animals.
  • Helps control obesity.

Fun Facts about Boxers
Boxers are descended from the Bulldog and Mastiffs, which were also used for hunting.
The Boxer was one of the first breeds selected in Germany for police training.
The Boxer comes in shades of tan, brindle and white.
The tail of a Boxer was originally docked and the ears cropped so that wild animals could not grasp them when hunting.
Health Issues Boxer Owners Should Know About
Cancer:

Boxers have been called "cancer factories" and cancer is the #1 health concern in Boxers. They are very prone to various types of cancers, such as brain cancer, mast cell tumors, hemangiosarcoma and other soft tissue sarcomas, lymphoma, bone cancer (osteosarcoma), and mammary (breast) cancer. Potential signs of cancer to watch for: rapid weight loss; bumps/lumps; decreased energy; swelling at base of tooth; and neurological signs (seizures, difficulty walking, head tilt, brain "fog" confusion, and/or blindness).

Bone, Spine, Joint and Muscle Disorders:

Degenerative myelopathy (DM) in dogs is a slowly progressive destruction of the white matter of the spinal cord, similar to Lou Gehrig's Disease in people (a.k.a. ALS). It is a genetic mutation in Boxers, striking primarily older dogs and leading to the loss of many bodily functions. A DNA test for DM is available. Another disease common to Boxers is inflammatory myopathy, in which skeletal muscle cells are attacked by the immune system, or become inflamed due to infection or unknown causes. Boxers are also prone to developing spondylosis, which is a condition where bone spurs develop across the bottom of the vertebrate; while these often cause no clinical signs, sometimes they cause severe back pain and/or loss of both flexibility and range of motion. Joint disease (hip and elbow dysplasia) is also common in Boxers.

Bloat and Colitis:

Boxers are also more likely than many breeds to bloat (gastric dilation and volvulus), a condition in which the stomach twists on itself, cutting off blood flow to the stomach and other abdominal organs such as the spleen; this requires immediate medical and, often, surgical care. It strikes very suddenly and a dog that is fine one minute can be dead a few hours later from toxic shock. Another condition common in Boxers is histiocytic ulcerative colitis (HUC), which is an inflammatory bowel disease of the colon (large intestine) of young Boxers. It is suspected to be caused by a defect in the immune system defense linked to bacterial invasion and inflammation of the colon. It is a chronic/lifetime disease for many Boxers, but colitis can be controlled with specific antibiotic therapy, proper diet and nutrition.

Heart Disease:

Boxer Cardiomyopathy (BC) is a complex of diseases of the heart characterized by an irregular heartbeat that can cause fainting or even sudden death due to heart failure. One type of BC is caused by a nutritional deficiency of carnitine. Another type is genetic, and a third type has an unknown cause. Male Boxers are most prone to BC. Another heart defect that occurs in this breed is aortic or sub-aortic stenosis, a narrowing of the aortic valve that causes the left ventricle of the heart to work harder to pump blood to other organs. The heart muscle thickens, leading to more pressure on the heart and aorta.

General Information for Your Boxer's Well-Being

Providing the foundation for good health and nutrition that has lasting benefits is vital for the health and well-being of your Boxer. This starts with regular veterinarian examinations but it does not stop there! Being proactive about your Boxer's health helps identify diseases and illnesses early, which can help keep your Boxer healthier over her lifetime.

Nutrition
Unlike some other breeds, the Boxer typically has more self-control when it comes to eating and will not typically eat just for the sake of it. Please keep in mind, however, that gluttonous behavior can exist in any breed! Boxers need a quality, high protein diet, rich in vitamins and minerals to support their size, activity and to help prevent illnesses common to the breed. They are prone to gastrointestinal disease and may benefit from therapeutic diets and supplements. Consult with your veterinarian about any concerns you may have about your dog's nutrition.
Shelter
Boxers are lovable housedogs, but they also often drool more than other dogs and may snore loudly. Their short noses and short coats make them unsuited to living outdoors, although they will enjoy a fenced yard to play in. Happy and excitable, boxers are also a bit mischievous. They play willingly with family and friends and are patient and gentle with children. Boxers are loyal and will respond courageously to anything that threatens their home and loved ones.
Exercise
Boxers are very muscular and athletic and need daily exercise and mental stimulation. Taking them on long walks and playing with them should be routine (but if they act weak or actually faint, stop immediately and seek emergency medical care). They excel at ball-playing or Frisbee games. Giving a Boxer plenty of daily exercise is also the best way to ensure good behavior. Boxers are so big and strong they can accidentally hurt people, especially children, by knocking them over. Training is essential for them to learn to control their actions.
Grooming
The Boxer is not high maintenance. Their short, smooth coat benefits from weekly brushing to keep it shiny and healthy. Frequent baths are not necessary unless the coat gets dirty. If you bathe your Boxer on a regular basis, use a mild dog shampoo to avoid any harmful effects to its skin and coat. Clean the ears as needed with a solution recommended by your veterinarian. Also, it is important to trim the nails every few weeks or as needed.
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What People Are Saying About Supplements and Their Pets
Pet owners just like you are incorporating supplements into their animal's care more than ever before, and with exciting results.
  • "Buddy, our male Newfoundland suffers from PRA and cataracts. We have been using Ocu-GLO Rx™ for over six months and despite his eye conditions, Buddy's eyes are healthier. Our vet doesn't understand how, but Buddy can see even though he has the big bright green glow from the PRA and the fog from the cataracts. He doesn't get eye infections anymore and there is less brown crud in his eyes. Although both of these conditions cannot be reversed, we are hopeful that Ocu-GLO Rx™ is slowing the progression and at least allowing Buddy to enjoy the world with his sight preserved."
    - Tracie S. & Buddy
  • "We are very pleased with Joint Guard Vet™ as we are seeing improvement in the healing of our dog's cruciate ligament tear every day. I think all the natural anti-inflammatory ingredients in Joint Guard Vet™ might be really helping him. He has been off all NSAIDs for almost 2 weeks, only taking Joint Guard Vet™ daily, and doesn't appear to be in pain or want to limit his walking as much as before. He is walking a little better, putting more pressure on the leg and not limping as much."
    - Lisa B.
  • "My wonderful and sweet dog, Cocoa, was in a terrible accident and lost all of her vision in her right eye forever. Steroid pills were not really helping, so Cocoa was put on the Ocu-GLO Rx™ supplement in the hopes of saving the 10 percent vision she had left. The results were amazing! Cocoa has regained 50 percent vision in her left eye and she can now catch treats! One thing is for sure: Cocoa will be on Ocu-GLO Rx™ for the rest of her life."
    - Mike and Cocoa
  • "We have had Taffy, our 10-year-old Queensland Heeler, on Ocu-GLO Rx™ for about two years. We were told when her PRA was diagnosed that she would lose her sight completely within a year. It's been two years now and, although she can't see at night, she still sees during the day and you would never know she has a problem with sight. Thanks to Ocu-GLO Rx™, we truly believe that it has slowed down her PRA and, even if it only helps her see for a few extra months, it's worth it to her and us."
    - Linda T. and Taffy
  • "At the age of 5, Destiny was diagnosed with a retinal eye disease (progressive retinal atrophy). I was told she would be blind within 5 months. She is now 7-1/2 years old and can still see, thanks to Ocu-GLO Rx™. I am so thankful she was able to receive this supplement. I still give her one Ocu-GLO Rx™ GelCap each day and will continue to do so. Thank you so much!"
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  • "Amos, my lively and lovable 8-year-old Vizsla, was diagnosed with diabetes and small cataracts already forming in both eyes. I was prescribed Ocu-GLO Rx™, which is rich in antioxidants like grapeseed extract, lutein and other nutrients that have demonstrated some success in reducing the formation of cataracts. Almost two years after his initial diagnosis - there has been no further development of his cataracts. Ocu-GLO Rx™ is an eye treat/vitamin that deserves wide exposure. I'm grateful to be among those who can speak personally for its benefits."
    - Jeanie B. and Amos