Boxers are prone to certain health problems more than other breeds. Below are some of the most common medical conditions found in these dogs:
Aortic Stenosis
It is a congenital heart disorder commonly seen in large breeds including the Boxer dog. Aortic stenosis is used to describe the narrowing of the heart's aortic valve.
Mild cases of this cardiovascular disease do not require treatment but need regular monitoring. In severe cases, however, the vet may advise surgery to reverse its effects.
Boxer Cardiomyopathy
This is a heart disease that is clinically known as arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy. However, its prevalence in the Boxer dog breed made it known as Boxer cardiomyopathy.
Affected Boxer dogs show symptoms such as coughing, irregular heartbeats, and fainting when they are around 2 years of age. This disease should not be left untreated as it can eventually result in heart failure.
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM)
The spinal cord is the primary organ affected by DM. It gradually weakens and degenerates, resulting in paralysis.
Affected Boxer dogs may suffer from hip dysplasia and loss of bowel and bladder control as DM continues to progress. There is no cure for this disease, but treatments that can alleviate its effects are available.
Dog Bloat
It is a fatal condition commonly seen in large breeds like the Boxer dog. It causes the stomach to twist, which disrupts the blood flow to the heart and traps gas and liquid in the digestive system.
Boxer dogs with bloat may die within a few hours if immediate treatment is not administered. As it is a recurrent issue, some dog owners opt to have their dog’s stomach tacked through surgery. This will prevent bloat from happening again.
Hip Dysplasia
It is characterised by the malformation of the hip joints. This crippling and painful health problem can cause lameness and onset arthritis if not treated properly.
Boxer dogs with mild forms of hip dysplasia are usually prescribed medications for treatment. Severe cases may need surgical correction.
Skin Cancer
Clinically known as hemangiosarcoma, this condition is a malignant tumour that forms from the cell lining of the blood vessels. The tumour can quickly grow and rupture, which results in bleeding.
The Boxer breed is one of the dog breeds that are highly vulnerable to skin conditions. Affected dogs will need surgery and chemical therapy to treat this health problem.
The Boxer breed is an active and energetic dog, so he needs plenty of exercise. This working dog needs to be mentally stimulated or he will become destructive.
The Boxer dog needs a minimum of 2 hours a day spent on walking, running, and playtime in the back garden. Consider enrolling him in dog sports. The breed excels in obedience, agility, and Schutzhund.
Mentally stimulating exercise is just as important as physical exercise. Engage your Boxer dog in various mind-challenging games and activities such as the shell game, hide-and-seek, find the treats, and dog puzzles.
What problems do Boxers have?
Boxer dogs are brachycephalic, which means they have flat faces. This trait narrows their airway and causes breathing problems.
As a result, Boxers should not be out in the sun for a long time as it can lead to heatstroke. Overexercising them must be avoided too to avoid triggering breathing difficulties.
How long do Boxer dogs live?
The Boxer dog breed has a short lifespan compared to other dogs. He can only live up to 9–10 years, and this is due to the prevalence of health issues in the breed.
When buying a Boxer puppy, look for a reputable breeder whose breeding stock and litters are health-screened. This will help you determine how likely is your chosen Boxer puppy going to develop certain health conditions.