alapaha blue blood bulldog puppies

This may vary depending on availability, payment method, location and other factors beyond our control. Close Additional shipping costs may apply. Product description Dry food for adult German Shepherd dogs and Belgian Shepherd dogs, with a breed-specific recipe enriched with L-carnitine, glucosamine and chondroitin to support joints, muscles and overall health. The German Shepherd is one of the world's best-known dog breeds and is popular as a working dog or service dog as well as making a loyal family companion. This Eukanuba German Shepherd Adult is a great choice for a complete dry food, tailored to the unique nutritional needs of the breed. This dry food is intended as daily complete nutrition from the age of 1 year old and is also suitable for Belgian Shepherd dogs. Eukanuba German Shepherd Adult provides your pet with all the essential nutrients it needs for good health, such as plenty of animal protein to help build and maintain strong muscles. This kibble is also enriched with prebiotics and beet pulp to ensure good digestive function, and contains beneficial ingredients such as glucosamine, chondroitin and L-carnitine. Additives per kg: Nutritional physiological additives: Vitamin A 44, IU , vitamin C 56mg , vitamin D3 IU , vitamin E mg , beta carotene 5mg , L-carnitine 50mg , copper sulfate pentahydrate 14mg , potassium iodide 2. Flavourings: Organic rosemary extract 17mg , tea extract 8. Contents contained at the time of manufacture. Analytical constituents. German Shepherd Information. The German Shepherd Dog is well proportioned and very strong. The GSD has a sturdy, muscular, slightly elongated body with a light, solid bone structure. The head should be in proportion to its body, and the forehead a little rounded. The nose is most often black, however, blue or liver still do sometimes occur, but are considered a fault and cannot be shown. The teeth meet in a strong scissors bite. The dark eyes are almond-shaped, and never protruding. The ears are wide at the base, pointed, upright and turned forward. The ears of puppies under six months may droop slightly. The bushy tail reaches below the hocks and hangs down when the dog is at rest. The front legs and shoulders are muscular and the thighs are thick and sturdy. The round feet have very hard soles. There are three varieties of the German Shepherd: double coat, plush coat and longhaired coat. The coat most often comes in black with tan, sable or all black, but also can come in white, blue and liver, but those colors are considered a fault according to most standards. A piebald color has also occurred in a single GSD bloodline that is now being called a Panda Shepherd. Additional Information.

What you need to know! Step 1 Reserving your puppy Once you get in touch we can discuss your requirements and how the puppy will fit into your lifestyle. When do you want a puppy? If we have a current litter and there are available puppies, you can arrange a visit. I can also put your name onto a waiting list at this stage you pay your non-refundable deposit. Step 2 Choosing your puppy Once the litter has arrived I will contact you to let you know how many are male and female. At 6 weeks old, you will be invited to visit and select your puppy. This is done in the order that the puppies were reserved. Please note that you will be required to take a LFT and all visits will be inline with the government guidelines. I will send you photographs and weekly updates of your puppy. Step 3 Paying for your puppy Once the collection day has arrived we can discuss how you would like to pay the balance of the puppy fee. I can accept bank transfers, cash or paypal payments. We know our stuff Partners and Certification Do you have what it takes to be a guardian? In an effort for us to expand our breeding programme, we offer a Guardian Home programme. Your puppy will be born and raised in our busy household. Our passion is to produce wonderful family pets with gentle loving temperaments that will bring a lifetime of happiness. We are extremely proud that the foundation of our lines have been trained as canine partner dogs and many of our puppies are therapy dogs and visit schools regularly. We have been breeding for a number of years and over these years we have seen many clubs come and go and we have been a member of some of them. We breed authentic Australian Labradoodles with lines that have been verified. We are content to follow our own path with strong ethics. We have an excellent reputation and we adopt the highest standards so you can be assured your puppy is an authentic Australian Labradoodle with bloodlines and health testing that has been verified. We follow a socialisation programme and temperament test all of our puppies before puppy pick day so we can help you make your choice. Temperament and health is always our first priority. We purchased our first Australian Labradoodle in and have been hooked ever since. Our dogs are our much loved family pets or live with their guardian families. Please contact us via email for more information. Access to our private puppy family area. A WhatsApp group for your litter. Both parents have been fully health tested with certificates available to view. Been bred in our family home by a 5 star council licensed breeder. Temperament tested and advice provided at puppy viewing. Call us today on Health Guaranteed All our puppies leave us with a full vet health check and a 2 year genetic health guarantee. Health Tested All our breeding Australian Labradoodles are fully health tested. We give our puppies the best start by following a tried and tested programme. Ethical Breeding We have the highest welfare standards which is why we hold a 5 star council licence. We believe every dog deserves a good life and this starts with the breeder. What our customers say.We travelled far to find her, and her knowledge, expertise and love for all things ALD is exceptional. After only a few days, Willow is already a huge part of our lives and so we are very glad that we chose Judy and RIpley's. Our dogs are very much our family pets. We are not a kennel, all our Australian Labradoodles have wonderful fulfilling lives either with us or our guardian families. Our dogs are for life and not just for breeding. The health and temperament of Australian Labradoodles is our number one priority, of course we breed exceptionally lovely puppies but our puppies health and temperament will always be our first priority. The Australian Labradoodle breed originated in Australia in the 's. The focus has always been on temperament, coat and quality through good health testing and planned matings. Our Australian Labradoodles are multigenerational, meaning both parents are Australian Labradoodles. Australian Labradoodles are very people focussed, they have a strong desire to please. Australian Labradoodles come in 3 sizes, miniature, medium and standard. Within my breeding programme I concentrate on miniature and mediums. Our Australian Labradoodles are extremely clever, sociable , comical and joyful. They are energetic when free and quiet in the home. We test their hips, elbows, eyes and genetics. When you purchase a Ripley's Australian Labradoodle you can be assured we have tested everything possible. We provide a 2 year health guarantee but we ask that our puppy families not give ingestible flea and worming treatments. Home of the Pampered Pooch! Keeping our website current is a challenge, so the applications and email handle all availability. Email us We do our best to return all our emails daily. Make sure you have read over our website to answer your questions, there are lots of great information about us and our pupsters. .If you are interested in a puppy, please make sure you fill out our application for us to review. Please note, we do have options not listed on our website. Thank you for your interest in our Australian Labradoodle Puppies. Please email us for current availability. We are experiencing a tremendous amount of emails and are doing our best to get back to you as fast as we can. We DO have litters and puppies in all colors and sizes coming. To learn more about us visit our about us page. If you would like to reserve one of our beautiful Australian Labradoodle Puppies please visit our prices page. Our current litters and puppy pictures can be viewed below. If you looking to being a puppy home later, you can look at our Future Litters page for more info. Feel free to email us at haleslabradoodles gmail. All emails will be returned in the order they were received. We breed Superior Quality Miniature, Medium and Standard Australian Labradoodles throughout the year in varying colours from chocolate, black, cream, red, apricot and gold. We have imported some of the very best Australian Labradoodles in the world for our breeding program offering top quality puppies from fully health tested parents. Please enjoy browsing through our Website which will give you a good idea of the look and feel of the Genuine Australian Labradoodle. Find out about our current litters , and our planned litters here. You can also find out about the purchase and reservation process here. What our customers say We are so happy with our new puppy Huey. Davina has been so helpful and supportive all along and her step by step guides make everything so easy to follow and understand that it takes any stress away. Just been such a wonderful calm dog, super mannered and I put it down to his breeding. Henry Gittins I decided to get a dog after much encouragement ,following the loss of my eldest daughter. I got in touch with Davina and she had 2 puppies I could choose from. I liked the fact that we had a good conversation about why I wanted a dog, whether I worked and how the pup would live. Thankfully Davina thought a was a suitable owner and I brought Poppy home. I remember so clearly, hearing myself laugh properly, for the 1st time in 5 years. Poppy taught, teaches me, to enjoy simple pleasures. So much so that 9 months later I brought home Poppy's half sister, Truffle. Total joy and Courtlands, Davina, is amazing. I would recommend to everyone and thank you from Poppy and Truffle. Liz Bauer Brought our puppy to Belgium. Davina made the whole process very easy and our fur baby is so calm and loving Brought our puppy to Belgium Hamish is fourteen months old now and is an absolute joy! Really happy with all the support Davina gave us in making the right choices and her advice has been absolutely spot on. I look forward to finding a brother or sister for Hamish very soon?? Matt Beard Welcomed our handsome, bundle of fluff, in May, into our family. Constantly complimented on his appearance. He is the most perfect little bundle of joy you could ever ask for! Marley-Blue comes to school work with me every day to support children as a therapy dog. He has a perfectly calm temperament with a cheeky mix of playfulness. Courtlands were great, we picked our puppy from a beautiful litter, we were sent regular updates until he was ready to live with us. We got lots of information to take away and digest too. On his first visit to the vets for immunisation, the staff were vey impressed by the paperwork I had from the breeders. Shareen Bailey We picked up our new puppy on Saturday from Courtlands. We were recommended Davina by friends who had one of her beautiful puppies 6 years ago. Ours is called Digby and is 10 weeks old. The whole buying process was made easy by Davina. She kept us informed and my endless questions did not phase her at all! Digby is gorgeous we all adore him already. Communication was really fast and Devina was very professional throughout the process. Our puppy is absolutely stunning, healthy and very happy! What a Fantastic dog he has turned into. Our pup, lotti, is just such a delight and so easy to train. She is great with our children, other children and just anyone she meets! Thank you so so much Davina! Many people keep asking where we got Lotti from so I think you can expect some Northumbrian customers in the future? Geno Arthur Pessers We collected Dougal 10 days ago. He is a fluffy little bundle of joy and great with our children. Davina knew he had a long drive home to Scotland and had good advice to give us. He was great and not bothered at all. Collection was easy and all paperwork was in order and gone through with us. A delightful addition to our family. Thank you! Suzanne Thom Our puppy came to live with us at the end of July. Davina had clearly done an excellent job with early socialisation. Obi is a delight every day. He is such an easy puppy and such a joy to have around. Behind us in this picture are loads of people flying kites. She is perfect!!! Possibly the cutest fur babies I've seen Zana Marie Jones Gaia has been with us for 8 years and she is a fantastic girl. Thank you Davina for allowing this beautiful meeting. She illuminates our life and I hope for a very long time yet Fabrice Poirot We have now had Cooper home with us in Scotland for a week. Davina made the process of buy Cooper very simple and was happy to answer all our questions. Both our vet and ourselves were very impressed with the pack of documents and advice sheets Cooper came with. This has helped us a lot in the first few days. No shedding, super calm, good with everyone and patient!!! Michelle Burgos Wow. What a fabulous experience. The knowledge we left with when we picked our Freddie up at 9weeks old was superb. Totally professional with the best interest of our puppy paramount. We have a healthy happy puppy. Thank you Davina. Xx Pamela Dawne Holt.

They were used for bull-baiting and to chase wild game. This history means they are excellent runners and playful jumpers. The Boxer is used today by the police and military. The Boxer dog breed is deep-chested and is usually well-muscled under its smooth coat. They are considered a medium-sized dog breed—weighing in around pounds with an average height of inches. Caring for a Boxer Dog In the past, many Boxers had their ears cropped, but this trend has grown less popular in recent years. They have a prominent lower jaw and a short nose, which makes them sensitive to overheating. Their high energy and spirited nature typically make Boxers good pets for the active household. Boxers are prone to health issues, so it is important to talk with your veterinarian and have a strong preventative health routine in place. Boxer Dog Health Issues Boxers are predisposed to a few health conditions including cancer, heart disease, and joint problems. Cancers Cancers are some of the most common health conditions seen in Boxers. These include: Brain tumors Mast cell tumors which can be on the skin or internal organs Canine lymphoma a cancer of the lymph nodes and lymph system Osteosarcoma cancer of the bone Mammary cancer breast cancer Spaying prior to the first heat cycle substantially decreases the risk of developing mammary cancer in adulthood. Talk with your vet to learn the risks and benefits of early spaying for your dog. Depending on the type of cancer that a Boxer develops, treatments may vary. Surgery is often used to remove the affected tissue. Referral for consultation with a boarded veterinary oncologist is recommended. It is important to recognize that treatment is generally only recommended by veterinary oncologists for as long as quality of life can be maintained. Dilated Cardiomyopathy DCM Dilated cardiomyopathy DCM is degeneration of the heart that causes the muscle of the left ventricle to become very thin and pump weakly. The symptoms of the disease may occur suddenly or progress gradually as the disease worsens over time. DCM can eventually lead to congestive heart failure. DCM is a very serious condition that requires intensive treatment and not all dogs will return to normal. Treatments include medications like: Antiarrhythmics: to control arrhythmias Pimobendan: to lower vascular pressure and increase muscle strength Diuretics: to remove excess fluid from the body ACE inhibitors: to lower blood pressure and resistance Cardiac glycosides: to slow the heart rate Vasodilators: to dilate the blood vessels A correlation between DCM and grain-free diets has been found but is not fully understood. The normal heart muscle is replaced by fatty and fibrous tissue which causes abnormal electrical activity and therefore irregular heart rhythm. ARVC varies in severity. ARVC is treated using medications that control the abnormal heart rhythm antiarrhythmics. This occurs when the stomach fills up with food or gas, causing expansion and increased pressure. The stomach can then rotate, which causes inadequate blood supply to the spleen and stomach. If not treated quickly, shock, tissue damage, and even death can occur. Increased risk is seen in older dogs that have a deep chest like the Boxer , are fed from elevated bowls, and are fed only once per day. Immediate veterinary intervention is needed to stabilize and treat GDV. The longer a dog has this condition without intervention, the greater the risk of death. Initially, fluid therapy, oxygen therapy, and decompression of the stomach may be performed. To repair this condition, surgery is required to return the stomach to the right location and secure it in place gastropexy. To prevent GDV, a prophylactic gastropexy can be performed. In other words, surgery can be performed to secure the stomach in the right position to prevent GDV from occurring. Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism is a condition that causes the thyroid gland to be underactive. The thyroid gland controls the metabolism. In hypothyroidism, the body either attacks its own glands or the gland is replaced with fat. Hypothyroidism is diagnosed using bloodwork. It is treatable with a thyroid hormone replacement medication called levothyroxine , which will be a lifelong medication. In humans, this is known as the anterior cruciate ligament ACL. When this ligament breaks down, it is at risk of tearing, which destabilizes the joint. Surgery is typically required to stabilize the knee. Maintaining a lean body condition helps to prevent CCL disease, as the excess weight adds to the breakdown of the ligament. They need quality protein for healthy muscles, including the heart. There is a correlation between grain-free diets and dilated cardiomyopathy, to which the Boxer is predisposed. How to Feed a Boxer The Boxer breed can thrive on being fed one meal a day—or every 12 hours. Older dogs with deep chests should be fed smaller meals twice a day to help decrease the risk of bloat. It is not recommended to use raised food bowls; this can actually increase the risk of bloat. How Much Should You Feed a Boxer Just like humans, the recommended caloric intake required varies between individuals due to different physical size, metabolism, and activity level. The best way to determine how much to feed your Boxer is to talk with your veterinarian and consult the feeding guide labels on your chosen dog food. Omega-3 fatty acids can be found in skin and joint supplements , fish oil , and even in some specially formulated dog foods. These fatty acids will act as natural anti-inflammatories that help to support the skin, coat, kidneys, joints, and heart. They are known to jump and paw when they play—training to teach them to stay down is beneficial. Additionally, Boxers can be protective of the home and family and may not interact well with other dogs unless socialized early. The Boxer may not be the best breed for young children or frail adults due to their jumping behavior. Boxer Dog Behavior This happy, playful breed is known for jumping up. They also can be reactive to other dogs and may be protective of the home and family. Many Boxers like digging in the yard and may even tunnel under a fence. While every individual is different, most Boxers are not excessive barkers. Early leash training can help to prevent pulling on the leash while walking, which is common in Boxers. Boxer Dog Training Boxers are very intelligent and trainable but requires patience due to their high energy. They will learn if given clear and consistent commands. Socializing Boxers with other dogs at an early age may help prevent aggressive or fearful interactions with other dogs in adulthood. Fun Activities for Boxers. These include congenital anomalies as well as acquired disease later in life. Boxer heart disease usually falls into two important categories: aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy. Aortic Stenosis This is a congenital condition, a narrowing or constriction of the outflow tract from the left ventricle to the aorta. It can be detected as a systolic murmur by your veterinarian in young puppies and older dogs. Sometimes the murmur will not show up until the dog reaches enough physical size for the constriction to become evident. This murmur must be distinguished from other types of murmurs, often so-called innocent flow murmurs that disappear as the puppy grows. There is no practical surgical treatment, and if the condition results in arrhythmias, antiarrhythmic therapy is usually instituted. Mild forms of the anomaly may go undetected and are not incompatible with a normal life span. Cardiomyopathy Cardiomyopathy is an electrical-conduction disturbance sometimes referred to as ARVC -- Arrhythmogenic Right Ventricular Cardiomyopathy , an adult onset disease of the heart muscle itself causing abnormal electrical impulses to disrupt the heart's normal rhythm. This arrhythmia may lead to sudden death or heart failure. Arrhythmias can be brought on by certain poisons, infections notably parvovirus , severe uremia, diabetes, and heatstroke. However, in the Boxer they are most often hereditary in nature. A simple blood test is available to determine whether or not your dog is carrying the genes that may make him most susceptible to this disease. A 24 hour Holter monitor, recording the heart's activity for this period of time, may be needed to diagnose potentially life threatening arrhythmias. It is advised to begin Holters in the young adult and repeat annually thereafter. Struggling in hot weather Collapsing Your vet will discuss weight control and the possibility of surgery to help your dog feel more comfortable with the condition. Epilepsy This common cause of seizures in boxers is often inherited from a parent and usually surfaces between six months and six years of age. Perfectly healthy canines can have one or two unexplained seizures during their lifetime. Turn off any lights and make the room quiet. Note how long the seizure lasts and film it if you can. Phone your vet — if you have coverage with one of our Purely Pets dog insurance plans, you can call the hour vet video service for quick and professional advice. Caring for your boxer dog With the knowledge of the possible health concerns your boxer may experience and the symptoms to look for, you can get your animal help when it needs it. Dog insurance plans cover your pet in case it needs urgent care, but there are complementary measures you need to take at home to make sure it enjoys the life it deserves. What does a boxer dog eat? This breed grows to a medium or large size, and they need a well-balanced, complete diet to keep them fit and healthy. So feeding them the right foods is essential to their quality of life. Discuss with your vet how much your pet should be eating. They can weigh your boxer and measure their height to determine an ideal diet. Feed your four-legged friend at a similar time each day and let their meal go down before taking them out to exercise. How to train a boxer dog This breed is clever, but they can also be boisterous and clown around during training. Use these tips to raise an obedient and well-trained pup: Implement a positive, reward-based training programme from an early age. Maintain a firm but fair attitude with plenty of reassurance for good behaviour. Be patient and consistent to get the best results. Boxers mature at a slower rate than most dog breeds, and their energetic puppy-like ways can make it challenging to control them as they get bigger. Before you bring a boxer into your home, consider whether you have what it takes to keep it controlled. What exercise does a boxer need? As you might expect, this high energy, active breed needs plenty of exercise. Boxers love playing and it can be a rare sight to see one sitting calmly. These dogs need a minimum of two hours daily exercise, which can be split into a few walks. Give them plenty of chances to get sniffing and explore their surroundings as well as some off-lead time for a decent run around. Use every opportunity you get to let them stretch their legs. This could be taking them with you when you pop to the shop or letting them out into the garden on a nice day. Do boxers need grooming? All dogs need some form of grooming to keep them clean and maintain their coat. Boxer owners will be pleased to hear this breed is fairly low maintenance, thanks to their short hair that only needs a weekly brush. Your dog will shed throughout the year, especially in autumn and spring, but the hairs are easy to clean with a hoover. Make sure your boxer has frequent baths to keep their skin folds clean and dry. The excess flaps can cause skin fold dermatitis if not looked after properly. Many owners complement their dog insurance plans with a pet health programme. While the former takes care of your animal in case of an emergency, the latter is sometimes offered by vets to spread the cost of routine treatments and grooming. What are the best accessories for a boxer dog? Is a boxer the right dog for me? The affectionate and loyal nature of this breed might make you consider bringing one into your family home. Remember, boxers are large dogs and need lots of care to keep them healthy and happy. Before you adopt or buy one of these canines, ask yourself if you have the funds and time needed to give them the life they deserve. Cost of owning a boxer Usually, the bigger the breed, the bigger your bank balance needs to be. So, just what causes such a big expenditure? Purchase costs: Unless you adopt a boxer from a rescue centre, you can expect to pay a hefty price for these lovable dogs. Be wary of cheap puppies and check you always buy from a Kennel Club Assured breeder. Set-up costs: This includes everything you need to pay for when you first get a puppy. They need vaccinations, neutering, and lots of accessories. Ongoing costs: Throughout their lifetime you need to provide food, preventative healthcare, more accessories, and vet bills. As boxers are prone to so many health conditions, dog insurance plans are a good idea to help you save on unexpected medical bills. Additional costs: You need to budget for other miscellaneous costs like training, kennels, and a dog walker if you work all day. Time needed to look after a boxer Unless you have the budget to pay for doggy day-care and walkers every day, you need plenty of free time to give your dog the care it deserves. Your boxer needs at least 2 hours of exercise a day plus training. You also need to factor in time for feeding, bathing, and playing with your fun-loving pet. Are boxers good with kids and other pets? Yes, this breed usually makes excellent family dogs that love to play with children. Boxers take pride in protecting their owners but are very rarely aggressive. They fare best with older children due to their large size and boisterous nature. These dogs also love other pets as long as you introduce them slowly. The two most common ways to get this breed are rehoming centres and breeders. There are many rescue centres across the UK that may have boxers, and others specialise in finding new homes for the breed. Dogs from these organisations are usually older, so make sure to check their history for any health or behavioural concerns you need to look out for. When you buy from a breeder, there are a few things you need to check before you bring a puppy home. Make sure they meet the high standards required to be a Kennel Club Assured breeder. The dog should also be well socialised and have up-to-date vaccinations and health checks along with screening tests. The greatest way to reward their ever-growing loyalty is with a lifetime pet insurance policy. Dog insurance plans protect your animal in times of need and could save you thousands in vet bills. At Purely Pets, we know how important dogs are to your family and that they deserve only the best during their time with you. Choose from 15 levels of lifetime cover to fit your budget and needs and manage your policy online at a time that suits you. Are you looking to protect your loyal boxer through every stage of its life? Check out the dog insurance plans at Purely Pets today. For the most part, these health issues can be treated if caught early enough. The breeders test for most of these on the parents of the puppies. There are health tests for these health issues, you should visit your veterinarian to perform yearly tests and talk over health issues of your boxer. Cancer Boxers are at risk of various cancers. They are brain, thyroid, mammary glands, testes, heart, spleen, blood, lymph system lymphoma , and other organs. Benign skin tumors usually respond to surgical removal under local anesthesia. Malignant forms of cancer need specific treatment. Being observant to any unusual worth on your boxer goes a long way to prevention and treatment on time. The aortic valve is the valve through which blood leaves the heart, traveling to the rest of the body. When this valve is narrowed, the heart and specifically the left ventricle, which is the chamber that pumps blood through the aorta must work harder to force blood out through the valve. In many cases, affected dogs do not show any signs. AS is detected on a routine physical examination, when the veterinarian notices a heart murmur. The boxers with severe AS show the following signs lethargy, exercise intolerance, shortness of breath, and fainting. The tests used to confirm a diagnosis of AS are electrocardiography ECG , and echocardiogram ultrasound of the heart. Fainting or even sudden heart failure can occur, and some patients can develop congestive heart failure. It could show up as soon as 6 months or as late as 10 years of age. Symptoms of Cardiomyopathy are an irregular heartbeat in a routine exam, fainting, coughing, rapid breathing, accumulation of fluid in the abdomen and sudden death. A 24 hours holter recording the heart's activity for this period of time, an electrocardiography ECG , and echocardiogram ultrasound of the heart. In Boxer it appears to have a predisposition for development of CKD, suggesting that kidney disease in this breed might be heritable. DM is a neurological disease that affects the spinal column and nerves that coordinate the movement of the rear legs. Eventually boxers lose their ability to walk, incontinent and are euthanized. There is now a test that detects DM. Spondylosis Spondylosis is a degenerative spinal condition that affects older dogs, but can also happen due to an injury. Some show no symptoms a boxer knows how to hide his ills, however some of the symptoms are motion issues or inflexibility, lameness or limping. Treatment for mild symptoms may be prescribed pain medication or anti inflammatory drugs. Physical therapy and an exercise program can help also monitoring weight and a weight loss program if the boxer is overweight. Hip Dysplasia HD Hip dysplasia is an abnormal development of the ball and socket joint that makes up the hip. Some of the symptoms are the dog does not want to play vigorously, pain and lameness, hip dysplasia shows in ages between 4 months to a year. Dog should be tested for hip dysplasia at 2 years of age. Symptoms will show between the ages of years old, but it can be diagnosed at any age. Some of the symptoms are: sleepiness, lethargy, weakness, increased appetite, weight gain, sensitivity to cold, the coat can become dull and dry, loss of fur, itchy skin, skin sores or infections, and ear inflammation. Diabetes Diabetes is when the pancreas fails to produce insulin properly. Treatment usually requires insulin shots for life. Some of the symptoms are frequent urination, hunger, weight loss, vomiting and weakness. For more information, browse the following links:. Boxer Dog Health Problems Overview All dog breeds are susceptible to certain illness and health conditions. While a Boxer may be susceptible to certain ailments, this does not mean that your dog is doomed to have all of them. We will go over the most common health concerns with this breed and also steps that you can take to keep your Boxer healthy. Acne It is not uncommon for a Boxer to have problems with acne. Most cases will appear when the dog is in the stage of puberty and may pimples may be a chronic issue during this time. If proper care is not taken, it can develop into a more serious health issue of infection. In addition, aside from the aesthetic element, scarring may occur. Read more about Boxer dog Acne. Aortic Stenosis - Heart Condition This is a canine issue that affects the dog's heart. The Boxer breed is more prone to this than some other dog breeds. Mild cases are sometimes not noticed and the dog will live a normal life. However, this is inherited and once passed down to Boxer puppies, those pups may have more severe cases. Therefore, the detection of this Boxer health issue is important. For dogs that do have a severe form of Aortic Stenosis, this can be very serious. More about Aortic Stenosis Arthritis Many of us have heard the words arthritis and osteoarthritis so many times that we begin to think of this as a normal and accepted part of getting older for our dogs. However, even young dogs can have this health issue. While it is true that as a dog ages, the chances of arthritis increases, your dog does not need to live in pain! There are many types of treatment for this and ways for you to make your dog more comfortable. A Boxer dog owner should be aware of the signs, diagnosis methods and treatments for this health issue, to help their Boxer dog live a happy and healthy life for as long as possible. And can be avoided in many cases. If the signs of canine bloat are not noticed and treatment is not given.Bloat can happen to a Boxer dog of any age. Thankfully, the chances of getting this are greatly reduced when an owner understands how to prevent it. While cancer strikes dogs of all breeds, an owner should take time to keep an eye out for early symptoms. As with humans, catching this early greatly increases the odds of survival. Boxers dogs are particularly prone to the development of mast cell tumors, lymphoma and brain tumors. White Boxers, and colored Boxers with white markings should be protected from the sun, as they are vulnerable to develop skin cancer if sunburns occur. And more about Boxer dog mast cell tumors and surgery Cardiomyopathy Heart Condition Boxer cardiomyopathy is a very complicated Boxer health condition. Studies are still underway to understand more about this issue. Currently it is known that cardiomyopathy causes the heart of the dog to beat too quickly or unsteadily. This can happen at random intervals and hard to detect unless you know what symptoms to look for. If the uneven beats happen in too great of a sequence, the dog may weaken to the point of unconsciousness, coma or worse. And more about Boxer dog mast cell tumors and surgery Degenerative Myelopathy While this is not common, the Boxer is among the top 3 breeds to develop this. Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive, incurable disease of the spinal cord. It is not painful. However, it is quite serious. It starts with weakness in the rear legs, resulting in paralysis. Then, unfortunately, progresses to the front legs. More about Canine Degenerative Myelopathy with the Boxer Dog Ear Mites This can be quite a problem for dogs, ears mites are extremely contagious and will quickly jump from dog to dog or cat to dog. When a Boxer has ear mites, this can cause quite a bit of discomfort for the dog and you will want recognize the symptoms so that treatment can begin as soon as possible. This can be caused by a wide variety of bacteria, allergies or foreign elements. There is help for all types. Learn about symptoms, treatment and prevention. Cherry Eye, Corneal Dystrophy and Uveitis are some of the most common eye health issues with this dog breed. More about Boxer Dog Eye Diseases and Problems Heartworms Sadly, many owners believe that Heartworms only strike unclean dogs or those that are not loved and taken care of. However, this is a widespread very serious canine disease. Worms from 6 to 14 inches cm long grow and burrow into a dog's heart. They multiply; up to worms can live in a dog's heart and arteries. It is vital for dog owners to understand prevention and treatment. The Boxer dog, among other dog breeds, is prone to this health condition. Passed on genetically, this type of canine disease is progressive — meaning that it will worsen as time goes by. It may cause loss of motor function, loss of coordination and in sadly, in some cases, paralysis. While more common among certain breeds, a dog of any breed may develop this. The Boxer and the Boston Terrier are both prone to this. Both dog breeds do have similar bone structure of their heads and it is also seen among some small breed dogs. With vomiting and bloating occurring, it is important to have this treated. There may be rapid weight loss due to the symptoms. The time span between eating and vomiting is what will distinguish 'regular' vomiting from this stomach disease. While a dog may vomit right after eating when having this health problem, he or she will also vomit up to 24 hour later…when there would usually be no food left in the stomach. With this Boxer dog stomach problem, the vomit will usually contain large pieces of undigested food. It is diagnosed by carefully documenting when the dog eats and when the dog vomits. Barium studies with X-rays may show the narrowed stomach outflow. In mild cases, the vomiting does not happen often and a dog can live a normal life without treatment. In severe cases, treatment must be given right away; if not, the dog can succumb to this canine disease. Surgery may be needed in some cases. Thankfully, the majority of surgeries are very successful. When puppies are born, these are passed on to them from dam to pups. For healthy Boxer dogs, this does not cause any concern and the dog will not have any health issues. A dog will often show strange symptoms such as repeated behavior as if a movie is looping over and over again , drooling, staring into space, confusion, falling down, stiff limbs or unconsciousness. Learn about the different types of canine seizures, the symptoms of each and what to do if this happens. They were bred from a German hunting dog that was crossbred with English bulldogs. Boxers are well-loved, high-energy family dogs that are sweet with children and vigilant guards of the family home. Some of the conditions that afflict Boxers have a genetic basis, and are more likely to happen to Boxers than to dogs of other breeds. Responsible breeders screen for these conditions, and when possible, avoid breeding dogs with those traits. But these conditions can still happen. Boxers are more likely to develop health problems such as heart problems, degenerative myelopathy, bloat, and ulcerative colitis than other dogs. Boxer Cardiomyopathy Boxers are more likely to develop a specific heart condition than other dogs. The condition, Boxer cardiomyopathy , is actually named after the breed, though other dogs can develop it. The most common sign a dog has Boxer cardiomyopathy is if it has trouble breathing. Your dog might cough or wheeze frequently. Your dog might start panting during walks or playtime. If you think your dog might have Boxer cardiomyopathy, you should avoid exercise until the dog can be examined by its veterinarian. Eventually the weakness will be more apparent, with loss of bowel and urinary control. The dog might struggle to get up because the disease also causes muscle atrophy. Boxers with degenerative myelopathy can become paralyzed by the disease. There is no cure for degenerative myelopathy. But if your Boxer has the disease, there are a few things you can do to help them suffer less. Kinesiology tape has been used successfully to help dogs with degenerative myelopathy. A dog that spends lots of time lying down is at risk of bedsores. Boxers that become partially paralyzed by degenerative myelopathy are candidates for wheelchairs. Dog wheelchairs can help to slow down the progression of degenerative myelopathy by removing stress on the joints and allowing more mobility and exercise. Both stress and lack of exercise can contribute greatly to the progression of the disease. Boxers with Bloat Bloat, or gastric dilation , is another health risk that boxers are more likely to suffer from than other dogs. Bloat is a potentially fatal stomach condition that is common in large dogs with deep chests, like boxers and shepherds. Bloat is caused by unhealthy eating habits: if a Boxer eats one large meal a day, or eats too quickly, they run the risk of bloat. If you notice your dog likes to scarf its food, you can give it smaller meals throughout the day. Also, make sure your Boxer does not run around or get over-excited within an hour or two of meals. Panting can cause a dog to swallow air, further expanding the stomach and contributing to bloat. Bloat can sometimes result in Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus. In GDV, the over-filled stomach twists around, cinching the ends closed. This is a true emergency, requiring immediate surgery. Nothing can escape from the twisted stomach, and the blood supply to the stomach and spleen is compromised. In a few hours, the dog can die from loss of blood supply to the stomach as well as physiologic shock. Ulcerative Colitis in Boxers Many Boxers also develop ulcerative colitis. In fact, non-Boxer dogs rarely develop the condition, which may have a genetic basis. Ulcerative colitis is another digestive system problem; dogs with the disease develop ulcers in their intestines. Boxers with the disease will have trouble absorbing water and have diarrhea or loose stool , and might lose weight as a result. Puppies one year old or younger most often develop the disease. Your vet will treat your Boxer by prescribing anti-inflammatory drugs and antibiotics. In some cases, your vet may recommend a change in diet. And remember—if your dog has any of these health problems, they should be treated by a veterinarian. They have incredible immune systems, they possess hyper-athletic physiology, and they have an incredibly high tolerance for discomfort. A boxer is a physical specimen, even by comparison with other dogs. The boxer dog breed is as athletic as dogs get while still being sweet, obedient, and playful read more fun facts about boxer dogs. However, as is the case with most purebred dogs, boxers are prone to certain health problems. Degenerative Myelopathy The first major health issue that most dog owners should be aware of is degenerative myelopathy. This debilitating condition affects the nervous system and lower spinal cord and eventually leads to partial or full paralysis of the lower limbs. These sudden unexplainable bouts of clumsiness will be few and far between to begin, but any sign of paralysis in the hind legs should serve as a warning sign. Unfortunately, there is no cure for degenerative myelopathy, as it is a debilitating nerve disease with irreversible effects. Even still, rapid action and treatment is a necessity for keeping your Boxer as healthy and happy as possible. Things like canine wheelchairs, kinesiology tape, and certain kinds of prescribed medicines from the vet can help your Boxer pet lead a life that is as close to normal as possible. If you notice any regular bouts of clumsiness or temporary paralysis in the hind legs, it is imperative that you take your Boxer in to be checked for degenerative myelopathy. If you fear your Boxer may be suffering from this disease, your veterinarian will be able to help with a proper diagnosis and treatment plan. Boxer Cardiomyopathy Boxer Cardiomyopathy is a canine heart condition that is more prevalent in the boxer dog breed than any other breed of dog. While other dogs are just as susceptible to developing this kind of heart condition, due to their genetic makeup boxers are at high risk for this disease. Characterized by an irregular heartbeat and fainting spells, boxers affected by cardiomyopathy are often at high risk of sudden heart failure. Most boxers who suffer from Boxer Cardiomyopathy begin to show symptoms of the disease at two years of age or earlier. Complications can arise as a result of waiting, so it is always a best practice to consult your Vet as soon as you notice any health problems in your dog. Symptoms like heavy wheezing not during exercise , fainting, coughing, and an irregular heartbeat could all be indications that your Boxer is suffering from Boxer Cardiomyopathy. Take preventative action and visit your Vet for a professional diagnosis and treatment plan. Bloat is a more common name for a condition called gastric dilation, wherein the gastrointestinal system swells, preventing digestion of food and passage of stool. The most common cause of Bloat is simply overeating, which Boxers are prone to do. The result of excess food combined with excess stomach acid is rapid inflammation and Bloat. In some severe cases, Bloat can require surgery. Bloat can cause the stomach muscles to twist on themselves, which prevents blood flow to the stomach and spleen. If this goes without treatment, it could be catastrophic for your Boxer. Even in more mild cases of Bloat, uncomfortable methods of extraction are often employed. The best treatment for Bloat is to avoid it altogether, and Bloat can easily be managed by you as an owner. Simply control how much you are feeding your Boxer, and be sure to avoid overeating. Most Boxers are susceptible to massive appetites, and they require large amounts of caloric intake daily. Hip Dysplasia As a superior athletic specimen, mobility is key for your Boxer. Hip dysplasia is one of the biggest long term threats for the health and well being of the Boxer dog breed. This degenerative joint condition is a genetic malformation wherein the hip joint does not properly fit into the hip socket. The discord between joint and socket creates a painful sensation wherein your Boxer is limited in his mobility. Activities like walking become a chore, while fun activities like running and jumping become downright impossible. However, hip dysplasia becomes more of a risk the older your dog gets. If left untreated Hip dysplasia can lead to other joint conditions like lameness and arthritis. Typically, hip dysplasia is treated with a long term medication plan to control inflammation and pain. If your Boxer is severely limited in his mobility, you may be interested in looking into canine physical therapy, which can help your dog in their pursuit to learn new ways of moving. Seizures Seizures may be one of the most frightening medical episodes to watch your Boxer endure, but they are an unfortunate reality for boxer owners. The same thing that makes your Boxer a lovable bundle of renewable energy is the very cause of potential seizures, their brain. Most commonly, and especially in boxers, these types of seizures are brought on by Idiopathic Epilepsy. Idiopathic epilepsy refers to a single or series of epileptic episodes that have no apparent cause. These epileptic fits stem from some unknown genetic malformation of the brain, and this type of epilepsy is found in large dogs and boxers. Additionally, Boxers, especially those with heart conditions, are susceptible to seizures because of their increased energy levels. While it may be scary, seizures are treatable, both in the moment and long term. In the moment, it is important to remain calm and allow your dog to seize. Your instinct will be to restrain your dog, but this action could cause more harm than good. Once the seizing has subsided, take your dog to your Vet immediately. Seizing could be a side effect of some greater health risk, so it is always imperative that your dog is taken in for analysis after an epileptic event. There are medications and treatment plans that can help your Boxer cope with seizures and epileptic events. General Health The best way to keep your Boxer healthy and happy is with a good diet and lots of exercise. Your Boxer is full of natural energy, and his excitement to run and play will likely outlast your enthusiasm and energy levels. Nonetheless, it is imperative that you are constantly engaging with your Boxer. Boxers are one of the most demanding breeds, not just as a result of how much energy they have, but how much energy they require in return. Even in spite of some of the health problems listed above, your Boxer will still have more energy and desire to be active than many other breeds. Boxers require a calorie-rich diet of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates to match their high metabolism. Your dog is special! Chances are that you chose her because you like Boxers and you expected her to have certain traits that would fit your lifestyle: Affectionate, easygoing, and lovable Loves to play games, especially fetch Intelligent, friendly, and easily won over Large, strong, and athletic, with lots of stamina in cooler climates Good with kids and other pets An excellent guard dog, courageous and dependable However, no dog is perfect! You may have also noticed these characteristics: Can be rambunctious and rowdy, especially as a younger dog Exhibits signs of separation anxiety if left alone too much Can be gassy and drool a lot Can be independent and strong-willed Needs frequent attention from her family Suspicious of strangers Is it all worth it? Of course! She is a bright and energetic companion that forms close human bonds. With early socialization and consistent leadership, she is a cheerful and dependable addition to any family. The modern Boxer was developed in Germany during the 19th century from mastiff type dogs, and was originally used to hunt large game and in fighting or baiting. The Boxer is a high-energy dog with an enthusiastic and animated nature. They are a friendly and high-spirited breed that loves to play with children. Some Boxers can be stubborn but most are eager and quick to learn. Boxers enjoy close human contact and demand to be the center of attention with their clownish antics. The Boxer is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of years. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Boxer. By knowing about health concerns specific to Boxers, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. We will describe the most common issues seen in Boxers to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for Boxers. At the end of the booklet, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Boxer looking and feeling her best. And unfortunately, your Boxer is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. It starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. Infections Boxers are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections — the same ones that all dogs can get — such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination, which we will recommend based on the diseases we see in our area, her age, and other factors. Obesity Obesity can be a significant health problem in Boxers. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain and heart disease. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. Roundworm egg as seen under the microscope. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms, and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. Spay or Neuter One of the best things you can do for your Boxer is to have her spayed neutered for males. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. For example, if your pet needs hip X-rays or a puppy tooth extracted, this would be a good time. This is convenient for you and easy for your friend. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions for common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. Genetic Predispositions for Boxers Heart Disease Boxers are prone to multiple types of heart disease, which can occur both early and later in life. Veterinary dental care and weight control go a long way in preventing heart disease. Boxers are especially prone to a life-threatening heart condition known as dilated cardiomyopathy, or DCM, in which the heart becomes so large, thin, and weak that it can no longer effectively pump blood to the body. As this problem advances, he may act weak or tired, faint or collapse, breathe in a labored way, or cough. This means your Boxer is more at risk than other breeds. When a dog bloats, the stomach twists on itself and fills with gas. The twisting cuts off blood supply to the stomach, and sometimes the spleen. Left untreated, the disease is quickly fatal, sometimes in as little as 30 minutes. Your dog may retch or heave but little or nothing comes out , act restless, have an enlarged abdomen, or lie in a prayer position front feet down, rear end up. Preventive surgery in which the stomach is tacked down or sutured in place so that it is unlikely to twist is an option. If you see symptoms, take your pet to an emergency hospital immediately! This is a common problem in dogs, and your Boxer is more likely than other dogs to be affected. The condition usually develops slowly, and the early signs are easily missed. Symptoms include drinking and urinating more than normal, increased appetite and reduced activity level. Later, a potbelly, thin skin, and hair loss are characteristic. Treatment usually includes oral medications, and requires close coordination with us to ensure correct dosing. Bone and Joint Problems A number of different musculoskeletal problems have been reported in Boxers. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering. The cranial cruciate ligament is one of the four tough bands of tissue that hold each knee together. A torn cranial cruciate ligament is a common injury in active dogs, which includes your Boxer. Usually surgical correction is done to stabilize the knee and help prevent crippling arthritis. Physical therapy and multimodal pain management are necessary to get the best outcome. Keeping him at the right weight, feeding a high-quality diet, and avoiding too much twisting of the knees like playing Frisbee are key in avoiding this painful injury. Neurological Disease A genetically linked neurological condition that could occur in your Boxer causes a wobbly, drunken gait. This condition, known as wobbler disease or wobbler syndrome, happens because there is a narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck, which pinches the spinal cord and associated nerves. If the nerves do not send signals to the brain the way they are supposed to, your dog cannot feel his feet. The first signs you will often notice are unstable hind legs, stumbling, and sometimes falling. Medications, neck braces, rehabilitation exercise programs, and surgery are treatment options. It affects Boxers more frequently than other breeds. If your dog has this disease, he will become increasingly weak and disabled in the hind legs and will eventually suffer from paralysis in his hindquarters, along with incontinence. Rehabilitation, exercise, acupuncture, and dietary supplements can be helpful, but there is no cure. A genetic test is available to determine whether your dog is at risk for this heritable disease. Inflammatory Bowel Disease Inflammatory Bowel Disease or IBD is an immune system disorder common in Boxers in which the intestinal lining becomes overrun with immune system cells called lymphocytes and plasmacytes. Chronic vomiting or diarrhea is common or it may flare up suddenly and then improve again for a time. Stress, diet change, or intestinal parasites may make it worse. If your friend has diarrhea or digestive upsets that are not explained by the more common reasons, diagnostic tests, which may include intestinal biopsy, will be needed. Lifetime medications and special diets are usually required to keep this bellyache under control. Unfortunately, Boxers can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs of concern. Multiple Skin Problems Your Boxer is susceptible to different kinds of skin infections and diseases. One of them is caused by yeast Malassezia dermatitis. When it infects the ears, it causes itching, redness, and an accumulation of brown waxy discharge. On the skin, it leads to greasy, hairless areas, especially on the neck and throat, with a characteristic odor. Another common skin disease called seborrhea can cause dry, flaky skin or greasy, oily skin. These diseases make your pet itchy and uncomfortable. The earlier you call to have his skin problems checked, the less likely it is that you will end up caring for an itchy, bald, smelly dog. Bleeding Disorders There are several types of inherited bleeding disorders which occur in dogs. They range in severity from very mild to very severe. Many times a pet seems normal until a serious injury occurs or surgery is performed, and then severe bleeding can result. Abnormal lymphocytes, as seen under the microscope, confirming a diagnosis of lymphoma. Lymphoma Lymphoma or lymphosarcoma is a type of cancer that afflicts Boxers more than other breeds. This disease makes the body form abnormal lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. Because white blood cells can be found throughout the body, this cancer can show up almost anywhere. Lymphoma is a very treatable form of cancer, with an excellent success rate in dogs receiving chemotherapy. Treatment can be costly, however, and is a lifelong commitment. Luckily, lymphoma is one of the few types of cancer that can often be found with a blood test, so we may recommend a complete blood count twice yearly. Bleeding Tumor Hemangiosarcoma is a type of bleeding tumor that affects Boxers at greater than average incidence. These tumors commonly form in the spleen, but can form in other organs as well. Unbeknownst to a pet owner, the tumor breaks open and internal bleeding occurs. Some tumors can be volleyball-sized or larger before signs of sickness show. We often find clues that one of these tumors is present during senior wellness testing, so have his blood tested and an ultrasound performed at least yearly. Mast Cell Tumor Mast cell tumors are a particularly nasty type of skin cancer found more often in Boxers, and the sooner they are surgically removed the better. Trouble is, they often look just like other kinds of skin lumps and lesions, some of which are harmful, and others not. All suspicious lumps should be tested and any questionable lump should be surgically removed as soon as possible. Many cancers are cured by surgically removing them, so early detection and removal is critical. Epilepsy There are three types of seizures in dogs: reactive, secondary, and primary. Secondary seizures are the result of a brain tumor, stroke, or trauma. If no other cause can be found, the disease is called primary, or idiopathic epilepsy. This problem is often an inherited condition, with Boxers commonly afflicted. If your friend is prone to seizures, they will usually begin between six months and three years of age. An initial diagnostic workup may help find the cause. Lifelong medication is usually necessary to help keep seizures under control, with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and effectiveness. Note the length of the seizure, and call us or an emergency hospital. Signs can include dry skin and coat, hair loss, susceptibility to other skin diseases, weight gain, fearfulness, aggression, or other behavioral changes. Treatment is usually simple: replacement hormones given in the form of a pill. Acepromazine Sensitivity Acepromazine is a widely used tranquilizer, very often prescribed for travel and other anxiety. For many years this drug was considered to have a wide margin for safety, meaning that vets prescribed it readily for traveling pets and for noise phobias. Recently, however, studies have uncovered some dangerous side effects in a few breeds, notably the Boxer. Respiratory Distress Syndrome This disease, also known as brachycephalic syndrome, affects dogs with a short nose, like your Boxer. As a consequence, the soft palate the soft part at the back of the roof of the mouth , is too long and hangs down into the airway. The nostrils are often too small, and sometimes the trachea, or windpipe, is narrow and undersized. All of these things lead to a narrow and obstructed airway. Many of these dogs can barely breathe! Watch for exercise intolerance, loud breathing, coughing, bluish gums, or fainting. With his short nose, he is also more likely to develop other problems, such as flatulence from excessive air intake, pneumonia from aspirating food, or heat stroke. In severe cases, surgical correction may be recommended. Taking Care of Your Boxer at Home Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs. Routine Care, Diet, and Exercise Build her routine care into your schedule to help your Boxer live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. She has low grooming needs. Brush her coat as needed, at least weekly. Boxers generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week! Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. She can have a high prey drive, so she needs to be leash walked and a sturdy fence is a must. She can be sensitive to temperature extremes; avoid any prolonged exposure and be very alert to the signs of heat stress. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. What to Watch For Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease, or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help, and how urgently. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your Boxer needs help. For the most up-to-date information on DNA and other screening tests available for your pal, visit www. Your Boxer counts on you to take good care of her, and we look forward to working with you to ensure that she lives a long and healthy life. Please contact us when you have questions or concerns. References: Ackerman L. Second edition. AAHA Press; .Veterinary medical guide to dog and cat breeds. Jackson, Wyoming. Teton New Media; .Gough A, Thomas A. Breed Predispositions to Disease in Dogs and Cats. Wiley-Blackwell; .Canine Inherited Disorders Database [Internet]. University of Prince Edward Island.

With over 9 years of professional dog walking and training experience, David's business has been voted the "Best Dog Walker SF" by Beast of the Bay for , , and .Citizen Hound prides themselves on their customer service, care, skill, and reputation. This article has been viewed , times. Is your cute little puppy growling at you when you pick him up? Almost every puppy goes through a growling stage. Just because a puppy growls at you does not mean he does not like you or is becoming aggressive. However, growling at you should not be tolerated, and you should take action to stop it. You can help your puppy learn to curb his growling and become a good-mannered puppy in the process. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. The best way to teach your puppy a command or to teach your puppy that certain behaviors are not acceptable is through positive reinforcement. This simply means praising appropriate behavior instead of attempting to punish inappropriate behavior. You can weed out improper behavior by giving your puppy motivation to behave in the ways that he know will get him praise and treats. One of the most important aspects of training via positive reinforcement is consistency since your puppy will only understand through repetition. The first thing to be consistent about is the word you use to communicate to your puppy that you want him to stop growling. Edited by Julie Shaw and Debbie Martin. You should also keep several small pieces of treat in your pocket and give him a nibble-size bite of treat while he remains quiet and docile as you hold him. You want the puppy to begin associating the treats with the quiet, calm behavior he shows when you hold him. As soon as the puppy starts growling, stop giving him praise and treats. However, do not put him down. Only use the command once and then wait for the puppy to stop. Repeating the phrase over and over will only make it harder for the puppy to associate it with the desired behavior. As soon as the puppy stops growling for several seconds, provide more praise and treats. Always end on a moment of positive reinforcement. Though you may have to wait for the puppy to stop growling even when you yourself are ready to put him down, always end the training sessions on moments of positive reinforcement. Wait for the puppy to stop growling, give him the praise and treats, and then finally put him back down. To help avoid too much reliance on treats, you can also use other forms of positive reinforcement. Puppies will only learn the behavior if you show extreme consistency in providing and taking away the positive reinforcement. Mixed messages does not work in puppy training. This means that everyone in the household has to do their part in the training process as well. Ensure that everyone who handles the puppy uses the same process of providing positive reinforcement. Some puppies may catch onto the command after only a few repetitions, whereas other puppies may need weeks to catch on. Have patience because with consistency, the puppy will eventually learn. Never get so frustrated that you scold or swat the puppy. Stick with positive reinforcement. While you should decrease the dependence on treats, always continue remaining consistent with other forms of positive reinforcement, especially praise. When your puppy fully understands and consistently obeys all the time, you can reduce to only providing an occasional treat. Though common, puppies do not like being picked up under the arms and lifted that way. It can even hurt the puppy. This is a safer way to pick up the puppy. Volume 3. Steven R. Blackwell Publishing. If your puppy is growling at everyone, then consider that he just might not like being picked up. Dogs are meant to be running around and exploring. It is not natural or normal for dogs to be carried and the puppy might feel uncomfortable being handled in this way. It may be more of a fearful reaction at the situation than an aggressive reaction. If your puppy is fine with you picking him up but begins growling shortly after, then you can deflect the behavior with a toy. Ensure that you give the puppy the toy before he starts growling. Otherwise he can mistake the toy as a reward for the growling. A toy is also a good way to deflect a puppy that is too mouthy—playfully bites at your arms or hands—when you pick him up. Your puppy will likely growl at other times in addition to when you pick him up. He may growl when playing with other puppies, when playing with toys, etc. Contact a certified animal behaviorist in your area to help eliminate aggressive behavior related to food. By familiarizing yourself with how your dog is trying to express itself, you will be able to recognize when something is wrong and take appropriate action. When your French Bulldog is growling, it is most likely due to a reaction to an environmental situation. Advice from the internet is no replacement for the opinion of a medical professional, so it is important to always be sure that you are receiving reliable information. Why is My French Bulldog Growling? One of the important things to understand when you hear your dog growl for the first time is that growling can result from a wide variety of different situations. Dogs like to signify to others that they have control over a certain area, so it makes sense that your dog would growl as a means of asserting its dominance. There is also the possibility that your Frenchie is growling as a result of being jealous of another dog. Oftentimes when a dog is on a leash, it will feel negative reactions towards other dogs that are able to walk without leashes. The lack of freedom of motion causes feelings of resentment and might result in growling. Another probable cause of growling is whether or not your dog is intimidated by another creature they have come across. Especially when their owner is by their side! However, intimidation can play out in a variety of ways, not just by growling. There are also other reasons that your dog might be growling. Sometimes growling is not a signal to other dogs, but instead the humans that take care of them. Sometimes a French Bulldog will growl because it is in pain, causing it to loudly try and reach out to you. This is a situation in which you must be prepared to take your dog to a veterinarian immediately, as it is often a serious situation if your dog is resorting to growling. In most situations, your French Bulldog is not growling as a way of being aggressive towards others. Instead, it is trying to communicate with you, so try and listen to it and see if it is directing you towards a particular action. Of course, if your Frenchie is growling all the time, it could be a behavioral issue that needs to be addressed. Stopping your French Bulldog from growling can only be achieved by analyzing the surrounding area. For example, if you are walking your French Bulldog and it begins growling uncontrollably in an area where there are other dogs, it could be that your dog is intimidated by the other animals. In this situation, all you have to do is remove your dog from the area and it should calm down quickly. In the same way, if your dog is upset at the people you are introducing it to, the best remedy to the situation is to leave the area that is stressing out your dog. Bringing toys or other types of comfort items can help keep your dog at ease and demonstrate that the situation is actually comfortable for them. One of the most important things to remember when your French Bulldog growls is that you must treat your dog with respect. The dog is often trying to communicate or protect you, so chastising the dog will not promote healthy communication methods. Though some medical offices might be expensive to attend, there are affordable clinics around that specialize in helping your pets get the care that they need. I hope this guide has been helpful so that the next time you find your French Bulldog growling, you know just how to interpret it! And sometimes French Bulldogs show that big personality through vocalizations like barking, howling, or even growling! But you might be asking yourself, why is my French Bulldog growling or even why is my French Bulldog growling at me?! Did you prepare dinner on time? Or did you take your sock away from your Frenchie while he was busy chewing on it? Your Frenchie probably thinks you owe him an apology. What are some reasons a Frenchie might be growling? A French Bulldog might growl because of feelings they have about various situations. They are little dogs, but they have big voices and have a lot to say. Understanding why your French Bulldog is growling is essential to addressing the behavior. Keep reading to learn some of the possible reasons your French Bulldog might be growling. As a warning One of the first reasons a Frenchie might be growling is also one of the most common. This occurs when a French Bulldog feels that he or she must act as a protector of sorts or even as a watchdog. Fear French Bulldogs may growl out of fear when they encounter new places, people, situations, or unfamiliar objects. Injury or pain French Bulldogs may also growl when they are unwell, injured, or in pain. Anyone who has experienced pain knows that the natural reaction is to protect oneself and avoid touching where it hurts to avoid worsening the pain. Jealous of other dogs or people French Bulldogs are known to be a loyal and affectionate breed, often developing strong attachments to their owners. This can result in growling or other vocalizations as a way to express their displeasure. Trying to show dominance French Bulldogs may growl as a way of displaying dominance, especially when they feel threatened or challenged by other dogs or humans. This behavior can be their means of asserting authority and conveying that they are in control. Stress When French Bulldogs growl, it can indicate that they are feeling stressed or anxious, or they may be trying to establish their boundaries and tell people or other dogs to give them space. Some common causes of stress in French Bulldogs can include changes in their environment, such as moving to a new home or being introduced to new people or animals, as well as medical issues or discomfort. Resource guarding Resource guarding is a protective instinct that dogs have developed over time to safeguard their valuable possessions, such as food, toys, and bedding. Even people can be seen as a resource in the eyes of a Frenchie. When a French Bulldog feels threatened or insecure about its resources, it may growl to warn others to back off. Growling during play During playtime, French Bulldogs may growl to express their excitement, engage their playmates, or assert their dominance in the game. Along with growling, playful behaviors such as jumping, wagging tails, and running around are also typical. How to stop a French Bulldog from growling French Bulldogs use growling as a means of communication. It is a way of expressing their discomfort or displeasure with a particular situation, person, or dog. Sometimes though, it can be simply a vocalization they make when they are excited and feeling playful. However, in most cases, if growling is not addressed, it can escalate into more aggressive behaviors. It is essential to identify the root cause of its behavior in order to stop a French Bulldog from growling. Once the cause is determined, try to avoid triggers and reward positive behavior with treats, praise, and affection. It is crucial to never punish or harm the dog physically for growling, as this can lead to more significant problems. If the growling persists, seek professional help from a certified dog trainer or behaviorist to develop a behavior modification plan and learn effective communication techniques with your dog. By addressing the underlying cause of the growling and using positive reinforcement, you can help your French Bulldog become a happy, well-behaved family member. There could be several reasons why your French Bulldog is growling at you, including fear, pain, jealousy, stress, or even trying to show dominance. Identifying the specific cause is essential to address the behavior appropriately. Is it normal for French Bulldogs to growl during play? Yes, growling during play is normal for French Bulldogs. It is a way for them to express their excitement, engage their playmates, or establish their dominance in the game. How can I stop my French Bulldog from growling? To stop your French Bulldog from growling, first identify the root cause of the behavior. If the growling persists, seek professional help from a certified dog trainer or behaviorist to develop a behavior modification plan. Is growling always a sign of aggression in French Bulldogs? No, growling is not always a sign of aggression in French Bulldogs. It can be a way for them to communicate their emotions or intentions, and it can also be a playful behavior during playtime. However, aggressive growling is typically low-pitched, prolonged, and accompanied by other warning signs such as snarling, baring teeth, and stiffening of the body. Can fear cause a French Bulldog to growl? Yes, fear can cause a French Bulldog to growl. Are French Bulldogs prone to resource guarding and growling? French Bulldogs may exhibit resource guarding and growling when they feel threatened or insecure about their valuable possessions, such as food, toys, and bedding. Disclosure HappyFrenchBulldog. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary advice. Always seek advice from a certified veterinarian in a case of emergency. Contact Have questions about our content? Contact us at info [at] happyfrenchbulldog. Footer Nav. Wondering how to get a puppy to stop growling when you pick them up? This is not an uncommon complaint with pet parents. In this post, we will cover the reasons why a puppy growls when being picked up, and some sensible solutions you can use to help curb the behavior. This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we earn a small commission at no extra charge to you. There are four main reasons why your puppy or dog may growl when being picked up. Pain or Health Issue If your dog has always been fine when being picked up, then suddenly starts to growl, it could be a sign of pain or another underlying health issue. It could be that Fido hurt his front leg or paw that causes him to be grumpy when in certain positions. A vet check-up can rule out any injuries or health issues that may be making your pooch growl when being picked up. Lack of Handling Dogs that have not been adequately handled when still with their mom and litter mates , can exhibit fear and mistrust when being picked up later on in life. This is why it is crucial for breeders to handle and socialize puppies under their care correctly. A puppy that has not been properly handled may tense up, have a rigid body, growl, and even nip when being picked up. Negative Experience If something unpleasant has happened to your puppy during the action of being picked up, he may associate that action with the negative experience. For example, some small dogs are very delicate and may feel pain when being picked up. Others may associate having their nails trimmed with the same action. Although it is not our intent to cause pain or fear in our dogs , in their brains the act of being picked up is associated with their bad experience. Instinctively, animals will exhibit the fight or flight response. Negative Consequences If you are picking your puppy up to interrupt a bad behavior like chewing your favorite shoes , she could be associating this action with the negative consequences having to stop doing what she enjoys. If this is the case, you will have to find better ways to interrupt the unwanted behaviors. Here are some tips for getting your puppy accustomed to being picked up. Though a common method, most dogs do not want to be lifted up under their arms. This can cause pain and discomfort, especially in smaller breeds. This is a safer way to pick up the puppy. When holding the puppy, be sure to cradle him into your chest or abdomen to help him feel safe and secure. Check out this video for a visual guide: 2. Positive Reinforcement This is a proven method for teaching dogs. The foundation of positive reinforcement is to reward good behavior with treats and praise, rather than punish the bad behavior. When your puppy allows you to pick him up without growling or fuss, give him small treat and shower on the praise. Choose a Command for Clarity Building on the positive reinforcement method is choosing a command for clarity. This one-word through repetition and consistency will teach your puppy what you want her to do. You can also give him a pea-size treat to help reinforce the positive action. Stop the Treats When Growling If your puppy growls while being picked up or held, stop the treats — we want Fido to associate good things with good behavior. Also, do not put him down. Use a stern tone, but not overly loud or aggressive this will scare the puppy. Use the command once and wait for the puppy to comply. Repeating the command over and over will only make it harder for the pup to associate it with the desired behavior. Use Positive Reinforcement After Puppy Complies After the puppy stops growling for several seconds reward him with more treats and praise. You may have to wait for a minute or so, but as soon as he stops, give him the treats and praise. Always be sure to end these training sessions on a positive note. Also be sure everyone in the home is using the same methods. Reduce the Dependency on Treats You will want the behavior to be performed because your pooch has learned, not because he is being given food. To achieve this, slowly decrease the number of times he gets a food treat. You can swap out food for a favorite toy and praise. Once your pup has a clean bill of health, follow these tips for how to get a puppy to stop growling when you pick him up. Do you have a puppy or dog that growls when you pick him up? Tell us your tips on how to get a puppy to stop growling! Contact Help! Have you ever wondered what this reaction means? How do you get it to stop? Manage the behavior by tracing its root cause Growling is one of the several ways a dog can express how he feels. Did you accidentally drop your dog while trying to lift it off the ground? Is your pooch trying to assert its dominance over you? Below are some of the usual problems that may lead to this unwanted dog behavior: Mishandling Take note that carrying your dog sometimes requires a particular technique. This way, you can ensure his comfort and encourage him to respond well every time you attempt to hold him up. In some cases, dogs growl to express pain. It may come from a broken limb, painful muscles, or even stomach flu. It would be wise to look out for symptoms of possible health problems and consult with a veterinarian. Anxiety In addition to vocalizing pain, dogs also growl as their means to scare away people or animals when they feel anxious or fearful. For example, you or other members of the family might have lost grip while holding the dog. During these situations, you need to be extra mindful of the body language before approaching your dog. Additionally, it would be best to do small and slow movements to avoid further startling the animal. In such cases, the growling serves as their defense mechanism until they begin warming up to this new way of expressing affection. Then, you may proceed to place your dog on your lap. Excessive excitement Puppies can sometimes feel overly excited when presented with something new and strange. In some cases, they express that feeling by growling. As a result, you need to quickly distinguish pleasure or play growling with the aggressive or threatening type. This way, you can identify the best way to approach the situation. How to train your dog to love being carried in your arms The faster you determine the main reason why a dog growls when you pick it up, the easier you can correct the behavior. For example, if it stems from a traumatic experience, you should introduce positive emotions when you attempt to carry your dog. Pick up your pooch — Make sure to be extra careful with the legs and the rib cage. Also, note any signs of resistance. If your dog appears tense, we recommend starting with gentle cuddles instead. If you have a tiny dog, you might want to consider investing in a small pet carrier that you can tie around your neck. Reward with a nutrient-rich treat — Nothing is more effective in associating positive feelings towards a command like feeding your dog good quality treats. Opt for nutritious snacks like homemade doggie biscuits or a small piece of jerky. Put your puppy down — Once you complete the practice and introduce the new cue, you can slowly set your puppy down. On the next day, you can repeat this exercise until your dog becomes fully comfortable with you holding him in your arms. Delaware K9 Academy Can Help! Puppies can be quite a handful to deal with, especially during their first few weeks. You might encounter issues like growling or excessive barking when you try to get too close or cuddle them in your arms while you walk around the house. At Delaware K9 Academy, we provide top-notch dog training lessons that can help you improve your relationship with your new puppy. Using our tried and tested approach, we can help instill obedience and proper dog etiquette to your young and growing dog. Get in touch with us today at for your queries. You may also send us a message at dek9academy gmail. Puppies and dogs are literally the cutest creatures. However, if your usual way of showing affection is met with an angry growl, it could make you wonder. Naturally, your main objective would be to get to the bottom of it. Does your puppy always growl when picked up or is this a new behavior? Then you can start to slowly put the pieces together. Fortunately, there are many ways you can make your puppy more comfortable with human touch. What might seem like a comfy and cushy position for you, might actually be super uncomfortable for your pup. If this is a new occurrence, be sure to consult with your veterinarian as soon as possible. Other signs of general pain include loss of appetite, lethargy, and difficulty getting up and moving. For instance, ethical breeders make sure that all of their puppies are well-socialized, and that they handle their puppies daily. All of this hugely contributes to raising confident dogs that are used to human touch. Some breeders even use the Early Neurological Stimulation method ENS , which starts from day three after the puppies are born. For the upcoming two weeks, the puppies are gently handled daily, which helps them get used to human touch. This often results in us wanting to pick up and cuddle our pets at all times. Simply consider what your pup is trying to tell you and put them down. This will also teach your dog that you respect their boundaries. In fact, puppies and dogs see these situations as a threat. My puppy growls and snaps at me! What can I do about it? Well, first of all, you have to figure out why your puppy growls when picked up. As we discussed earlier, if a puppy starts growling when picked up, there could be a few different reasons for that. Rule Out Health Conditions Firstly, you want to rule out any medical conditions that could cause your dog pain and discomfort. Smaller dogs are definitely more delicate, and could get hurt much more easily than larger dogs. Regardless if your puppy is not used to human touch, or if they associate negative past experiences with it, the key is to teach your puppy that body handling and human interactions are very much normal, even enjoyable. Ideally, early socialization and touch desensitization should start from the moment the puppies are born. You might also want to pay attention to how you pick up your dog. Under no circumstances should you ever punish or scold your dog for growling at you when you pick them up. After all, your dog is doing its best to communicate with you. And obviously, all of these reactions and behaviors usually stem from improper socialization and training. Instead, always approach the situation in a calm manner. Undesired behaviors and reactions can be untaught with positive reinforcement training and touch desensitization. Be sure to check out our other training guides and articles , where we have tons of helpful resources for puppy and dog owners. There are different reasons why a dog or puppy might be growling when picked up, either physical or psychological. The most common causes include pain and discomfort, improper handling, fear, frustration, or improper socialization. If your puppy growls when picked up because of a behavioral issue or lack of socialization, you have to teach them how to enjoy being picked up. Teach your pup that body handling is completely normal, and reward them for not growling when being picked up. It goes without saying that whenever your puppy growls when picked up, put them down immediately and let them know that you respect their boundaries. Instead, opt for positive reinforcement training methods that will teach your puppy appropriate behaviors and reactions. If your dog hates being picked up, it could indicate that they have negative past experiences with it. This helps you rule out any medical conditions, and also find an appropriate solution for the issue. Luckily, behavioral problems like this can be easily fixed, as long as you stay firm and consistent, and provide your pup a lot of love and affection in the process.

Pets Available in Atlanta, GA. Puppies have been raised around sheep, chickens, dogs, and children as I have a 2 year old who plays with them everyday. Pets Available "dogs" in Atlanta, GA. Here are some from nearby sorted by distance — change search area. Adopt a puppy or dog in Atlanta, Georgia Shelters and rescues in Atlanta, Georgia Search for a puppy or dog Learn more about dog breeds Puppies and dogs in nearby cities Adopt a dog in Atlanta, Georgia These adorable dogs are available for adoption in Atlanta, Georgia. They will be 7 weeks old this coming up Sunday and have been dewormed twice, have not had shots but if wanted I can give them the first shot. The parents are farms dogs and the best companions. Pets Available "dogs and puppies" in Atlanta, GA. Pets Available "free puppies" in Atlanta, GA. Goldendoodle Puppies needing new homes! Puppies for Sale in Atlanta, Georgia. Need to be able to pick her up before Thursday! Pets Available "puppies" in Atlanta, GA. Adopt a puppy or dog in Atlanta, Georgia Shelters and rescues in Atlanta, Georgia Search for a puppy or dog Learn more about dog breeds Puppies and dogs in nearby cities Adopt a dog in Atlanta, Georgia These adorable dogs are available for adoption in. Browse thru our ID Verified puppy for sale listings to find your perfect puppy in your area. I have 7 golden retriever - Great Pyrenees puppies. Mom is a registered full blooded golden retriever and the dad is full blooded Great Pyrenees. Free lab puppies craigslist. Astoria Free 2 year old Dog rehoming. College Station Mini schnauzer. Teddy Bear Puppies. Chester Chester Puppies. Free to a good home. North Berwick GSD puppies. It has all the info. Puyallup 3 11 week old german shepard black lab husky mix puppies in need of rehoming. Isanti Labrador Husky Puppy. She is a bundle of tender kisses and has energy for days. See more ideas about craigslist pets, pets, craigslist. ResedaCA male shihtzu puppy. Reptile show! Conifer Rehoming Black Labrador Puppies. Seattle golden retriever puppies buffalo pets - craigslist. Waco Ross american pittbull american mastiff pups. Searching for good home for puppy. Free lab. Council Bluffs Carolina dog mix. Giant Schnauzer Puppies. Blackshear, Ga. Aguanga Labrador Mix puppies. Missoula Black lab hound mix. Rottweiler needs help. Jackson lilacboston female. Free to good home. Omaha looking for a forever tank. Free 2 queen box springs and 1 mattress. Neosho Kittens. Looking For Free Puppies. Blackwell Chihuahua Puppy. King Charles Cavalier Spaniel Puppies. Joplin Golden doodle. Colorado Springs Sled Dog Campout. Winter haven 4 cats Rehoming. Daytona Beach 10month Blue Male. Shadowmyst Labradors. Rhodesian Ridgeback puppy. Long Beach college station pets "lab puppies" - craigslist. Lab mix. Lab puppies and husky lab mix puppies. Male German rottie. Ann Arbor Female champagne ball python. Adrian proven male clown ball python Free female cat long hair. Eight mile Rabbit. Mini dachshund puppy. Sweet 'Tea' was one lucky girl whenone of our fosters stumbled across her out in the middle of nowhere and knew » Read more ». Cannon Falls Labradoodles. Seeking a free puppy or … tri-cities, TN pets - craigslist. Crystal los angeles pets - craigslist. Waco Choc lab male puppy. Midway Purebred Lab Free. Jacksonville Rehoming Lab Retriever. Gardiner Free to good home 3 black kittens 2 female 1 male. Olivehurst craigslist Pets in Tulsa, OK. Apache junction Belgian mixxxx lab. Smyrna, Delaware Free small pet bedding porch pickup. Black and white photography is so much fun! Commerce 6 large discus fish and 65 gallon tank for sale. Boxer Lab Puppy Rehoming. Cabazon Labrador Puppies. Oklahoma City lab puppy. This breeder prioritizes combining both show quality Labs and working dog lines, resulting in puppies who can fill a variety of roles. Lab puppy. Free Rhodesian Ridgeback Dog. Bear Black Lab Retriever 9 m. North port Poodle puppy. Wilma is an adorable 9 week old chocolate Lab mix puppy who is searching for her forever home. Robertsdale dollar male boxer puppies 4. South Portland Large young fixed male sheepadoodle. Lake Stevens Adorable dachshund puppies! Duluth Farm puppies-Mixed Breed Free puppies, no need to call! Navarre Found German Shepherd. Plantarion Puppy Labrador. Little Rock Puppies Pyrenees. Husky puppies. Skowhegan French bulldog puppy. Holmes Mill 3yr. Payette Corgi puppies. ISO snake tank. FREE Puppies. Family dog Silver lab. Tulsa Biewer. Commerce FREE lab mix puppy. Kittys free to good home. Shih tzu male. Arcadia Sweet Yorkie. Columbus German Shepard puppies. Frug puppies. She is good with other dogs, cats and kids. Pomeranians pupppies. South Bend Re-home a puppy. Newnan Puppies. CKC chocolate lab puppy rehome. Homer Lab puppies. Manorville rehoming puppy puppies rehoming. Alexandria Puppies perritos. Broken Arrow ISO free puppy. Rehoming Beautiful beagle puppies! Saraland Free Kittens to Good Homes!! Free puppy to good home. Vance Flemish giant sr. If you are in the market for a new pet then you should consider looking into how to adopt a Labrador puppy. Rose Hill 3 yr old great dane. Rehoming text for more info. College Station Blue heeler mix. Klamath Falls Rehoming puppies. They are so easy to find in a snowstorm! Please note, these dogs are from rescues and shelters nationwide and are not available through the ASPCA. American Bully puppies. They are also dedicated to the health of their dogs, with numerous health screenings … craigslist Pets "puppies" in Sarasota-bradenton. Newcastle New 24" pet crates kits. Dahlonega ISO fish aquarium gallon. Rough collie pup. Syracuse ISO of free male dog. Tea cup puppies, toy size dogs. Blue heeler and lab puppies. Alma Female Great Dane. Jacksonville Siberian Husky Pup. Chehalis Malamute Hybrid. Rehoming 2 Baby C. Beautiful Australian Shepherd Puppies. Akc female black lab puppy. Anaheim English bulldog pups. Use the nationwide database of dogs looking for good homes below! Search by zip code to meet available dogs in your area. Looking for a hypoallergenic puppy. Cute little hungry guy, lost? Yucaipa Labrador Puppies. Rare English Mastiff Puppies. Sarasota Pom pup. Winter haven Cute Kittens. Labrador puppies non registered. Chicago Puppies German Shepherd mix w Dovberman ready for new free australian shepard puppy. Their coats are so shiny and their teeth look whiter on a black background! Macomb 13 week lab. Husky pup. Brenham Free lab mix. Julia on Free … I have 2 male yellow lab puppies they are very smart and good with kids and other pets , they are about 4and a half months old they are free to a good home only. Merle and Tri Bully Puppies. French bulldog ready for new home. Warrenton 4 Great Dane puppies. Marion German shepherd puppy. She wants to be your "All-American Girl! Puyallup Farm Puppies. German Shepherd puppies. Beatty Board and training for dogs offered. German Shep Puppies. Greenville Farm pup. This sweet girl was found just as a small puppy. McAlester Total female and male. Long Beach 8 week old puppies! Chocolate Labrador Puppies. Magnolia Chocolate and Black Lab Puppies. Fremont Puppy free to good home. Silver lab puppies for sale craigslist-Labrador Stud Service Orlando. Oskaloosa, IA. Lab … craigslist Community "lab puppies" in Houston, TX. Sometimes, you may find dogs and puppies for free to a good home by an owner bakersfield pets - craigslist. AKC Lab female pups. Floral 61 postings. Santa Clarita labrador puppies. Female American Bully. Greenville Free Puppy - German Shepherd. Miami labrador retriver. Chicago Chocolate and yellow labradors puppies. Long haired guniea pig. Labrador Puppies. Free Dog with all supplies. Jacksonville Mini silky dachshund Chicken free to a good home. Phillips English setter puppies. Sapulpa Lab mix puppy. Chocolate Labrador Retriever Puppies 11 weeks old. Star Free Huskies Puppies. Marion Germany shepherd puppies. Yellow lab puppies .Warrington, Pensacola guine pigs. Chorkie Puppies. Very friendly, sweet girls. Yuba City Free healthy kittens. Lonoke county Puppies to give away to good homes. Belgian Malinois puppies. Chow chow puppies. Counce 2 lab mix puppies, ready for homes asap. Harrah Chocolate Labrador Retriever Puppies 11 weeks old. You are not looking for puppies for adoption, but would like to give away puppies yourself? All are females. Rehomimg only because our small dog does not get along with them. Australian Shepherd Puppies. Washington Bloodhound puppies. Lorain Guinea Pigs. Standard Bernedoodle. Good with cats dogs and kids. Mount Vernon 2 month old kittens. Puppy Adoption event Sunday August 27th. Conway Siamese kittens. Pepper Pi ISO pet bird. Los Angeles Labrador Retreiver Puppies. If you live in New York City and are hoping to adopt from us, check out the dogs available at our Adoption Center. Riverhead Golden Doodle Puppies. ASKOV 55lb male dog. You will find Labrador Retriever dogs for adoption and puppies for sale under the listings here. Zero local results found. Ash Grove Free border collie cross puppies. Searcy Free Puppies. The adage is true, but you can acquire dogs for free. Must pick up. Pit bull mix. American bulldog mix. West Plains australian shepard puppies. Boise French Bulldog Puppies. Olympia Malamute Hybrid free to good home. Lakeland Chocolate Lab free to good home purebred. Dazey, ND Extremely cute dachshund available. Siberian husky puppies for sale. Free puppy dog. If you like to wear jeans a lot, black fur doesn't really show up as much as yellow! Buckeye Belgian mixxx lab. Cheagles Puppies. American bully-Pitbull Puppies. Lion head bunny. Byers Puppy Adoption event at Farmers market! Saturday August 26th. Searcy Looking for small breed puppy light color. Richlands craigslist Pets in Little Rock. Travelers Rest, SC Labs. Lab mix puppies. San antonio free puppy to good home! Pure Lab Female Puppy. Crestline Where is a free or low cost place to fix dogs at. Weare, NH Labrador puppies. New Carlisle Female Pitbull. Newport, NC German shepherd. Baldwin puppies for sale. Augusta Maltese. Purdy, Missouri 6 large discus fish and 65 gallon aquarium orange co pets - craigslist. Waco 2 Pit Mix Puppies. Mini Golden Doodle Puppies Black lab dog. Jacksonville Sweet lovable lab, Chickpea. ISO Mini Yorkie puppy's. Read more » craigslist Pets in Pensacola, FL. You can even sometimes get a purebred dog with no upfront costs. Cleveland Yellow and blue parakeet. Visit Their Website. North Little Rock 2-Puppies!! Akc Basset hound puppies. Female KuneKune Pig. San angelo colo springs pets - craigslist. I need to rehome these cats for a friend they are free and Need a good. Missoula 20 gallon long tank. Carrie Underwood is so sweet and adorable. Lab mix pup. Akc lab puppies. Vicky Creamer. Ypsilanti Lab Cross Puppy. Allegan Chihuahua Puppy. Sarasota German Rottweiler puppies. Female Longhaired Kitten. Brentwood Pomapoo puppies for sale. New Castle Females to males free to go home husky adults. Black lab puppies. Marquez Bully pup. Ft myers shores lost female cat Mandy. Pensacola rehoming my pitbull. Free Puppy Listings. Oklahoma City Free male puppy. Maltipoo Rehoming!!! West Hartford puppies for sale!!! Labrador Retrievers is one of the most popular choices among dog lovers due to their gentle disposition and affectionate personality. Traskwood Standard Poodle. Oklahoma City Lab puppy. Free puppies. Shar- poo pups. Free lab good with kids and other animals Free to good home Call me at craigslist For Sale "labrador puppies" in Los Angeles. Fairburn aussiedor puppies. Mount Airy, MD .Here are some from nearby sorted by distance search a wider area. Mixed pit bull puppies free. Mecklenburg County, Charlotte, NC. Horace Bernedoodle puppy. FREE puppies.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. You probably already know that learning how to potty train a German Shepherd puppy can be a stressful time. But… once you know these easy steps, great things happen! Knowing how to potty train your German Shepherd is vital to having a happy, comfortable life with them. Use this training consistently to have the most effect. A proactive approach works best. Which means you should… focus on preventing accidents, instead of waiting on them to happen! Follow a strict feeding and bathroom schedule to see the best results. Basically, you teach your German Shepherd puppy the right potty skills… until it becomes a habit humanesociety. The key to quick success is taking your pup out every 2 to 3 hours and never giving the opportunity for them to have an accident inside. This means at least 8 to 10 trips outside every single day! In their welcoming and safe crate either resting, eating their meals, or enjoying a play toy. In an exercise pen or playpen with a strict potty area. Under your direct, undivided attention. This means you are always watching your pup. All it takes is for you to check your phone for a few seconds for your pup to have a toileting accident! You can either use a crate to speed up their potty training or provide them an area indoors to eliminate. I prefer the crate method. Housebreaking with the use of a crate speeds up your success rate incredibly! But you want to use the crate positively so they learn to love their little den. Make their crate an enjoyable and inviting place to go. How to show your pup how to love their crate: Never force your pup into their crate! Take your time with crate introduction and allow them to explore under their own will. Serve your pup at least one meal a day inside their crate. Use a Kong with their meal stuffed inside and mixed with a small spoonful of unsweetened Greek yogurt or peanut butter to entice them to stay and work on the Kong inside the crate. Offer treats when they willingly go inside to rest or explore their crate. Use a verbal cue when you want your pup to go into the crate. You can learn all the benefits of teaching your dog to use their crate in this easy post on crate training your German Shepherd successfully. Check it out to get the complete facts, tips, and step-by-step instructions to perfect crate training today. Use Puppy Pads You can use puppy pads if you need to… or skip to step 4 to learn potty training without pads. Not going to use puppy pads? You can skip to step 4. But… if you prefer to use puppy pads, then you need an area where you always take your dog when they need to go to the bathroom. Preferably place their pads near the door that you eventually want them to use to go outside. Place more pads down than you think you need at first. This is because puppies have poor aim and also may find a spot they prefer other than the one you pick. After a couple of weeks, you may remove the extra pads until there are only two puppy pads on the floor in the primary area they prefer to go. Keep the food and water area away from the puppy pads in another place. Using Puppy Pads Successfully Change your puppy pads as they become soiled. But a lightly soiled pad is attractive to your pup in the beginning stages of training and helps them learn the right area to potty indoors at first. Once they are reliably using the correct spot, you need not continue to use this trick and can throw away the pads as they become too soiled. Training Them to Go Outside After Using Pads Indoors If you set up your pads near the door you use to take them outside to their elimination area, then you can transition them to go outside more easily. So, place or move your puppy pads closer to the door from their original spot to begin the transition to the outdoors. When your pads are close to the door, watch them for their elimination signs and get them to the outside as swiftly as you can. While I generally use a crate to house train my German Shepherd puppy I also totally understand that you might prefer to learn how to potty train a German Shepherd puppy using a puppy pad for any number of reasons. Teach Them a Potty Routine Every day, follow the same routine and schedule to keep your puppy from having accidents inside your house. Teaching your dog to eliminate outside means that you must have a strict schedule. Watch for signs that your pup needs to go potty so you can avoid indoor accidents. Morning Potty Routine First thing in the morning when you let your pup out of their crate or from their sleeping area take them to their potty spot. If in doubt, carry them outside yourself. If you will not leash your pup when you take them out in the morning, then run ahead of them to lead them outside quickly. If you have stairs, carry your pup since rushing downstairs on a full bladder is never a good idea. Outside Potty Routine Stay with your pup until they do their business. You can place your pup in a small confined area to go potty or keep them leashed to you. Stand quietly until they potty. Then, praise them and offer a tasty treat. This can bore you at first, but potty training a German Shepherd puppy becomes easier every day. After 10 to 15 minutes, take them out of their crate and repeat the above process. Learning how to potty train a German Shepherd puppy takes repetition and patience. How do you know when to take your GSD puppy outside to potty? Take them out after a nap. They need to relieve themselves after sleeping or napping in their crates. Take them out after a play session. Take them out after they drink a large amount of water. Take them out first thing in the morning and the last thing before you place them in their crate or go to bed. Take your dog out when their body language says they are searching for a potty spot! You should take out your German Shepherd puppy every 2 hours for an 8-week-old pup. Add an hour for each month your pup is old. So, a week-old dog needs to go out every 3 hours. And a week-old German Shepherd needs to go outside to relieve herself every 4 hours. Puppy Age How often do you take them outside to potty? Most dogs do not have full bladder control until they are six months old. This means that even if your puppy does learn to hold it, accidents may still happen if it is left inside too long. Not potty training early can extend the process and make things harder. As the puppy grows, the mess and smells will increase. It is also harder to break an existing habit than prevent one from starting in the first place. How long on average does it take to potty train a puppy? If everything goes according to plan, your German Shepherd can be potty trained within five days. However, that does not mean your pup will be able to be locked indoors for eight hours while you go to work and not make a mess. Therefore, a two-month-old puppy needs to go out every two hours. A three-month-old can hold for three, and so on. German Shepherds also often have a high play drive and might completely forget that they need to potty when they want to play instead. There are few things more frustrating than playing outside with your puppy for an hour, only to have them calm down enough to relieve themselves the moment they come indoors. Have a complimentary diet An upset stomach is one of the most common setbacks in housetraining. In particular, puppies are vulnerable to garbage gut because they tend to eat anything smelly or exciting. This is another reason to make use of a crate. Excellent digestive health is not only good for your puppy, but it makes it much easier to stick to your routine. Use a specific door By now, you might be noticing a theme of consistency and routine emerging. Taking your puppy out through the same door helps condition and imprint the housetraining process on your dog and will also serve you later when your dog learns to always ask to go outside at the same door. Leash and lead The leash or lead is a further way of conditioning your puppy. The lead ensures that you can keep them close and make sure they always go to the specific spotty to potty. Do some research on the best collar for German Shephards , as there are some breed specific requirements. Then give a treat or some playtime to reward the correct behavior. Guide your dog back inside A potty run needs to be conditioned as a potty run. While praise, playtime, and treats should be used to make it a positive experience, your pup must learn to stay focused on the task at hand. Creating a negative experience for your dog is more likely to cause sneaky behavior such as peeing and pooping secretly out of fear that you will reprimand them if caught. Make sure you check on your puppy at least twice throughout the night Set an alarm clock and check if your puppy is awake and restless at least twice a night. This is your cue to take the pup outside. If the crate is near your bed and you are a light sleeper, you will likely wake when you hear rustling or whimpering. Stick to a routine A rigid routine is the quickest and smoothest route to a house-trained puppy. Be sure to take the puppy outside as soon as it wakes up in the morning, as well as after a nap, after playtime, and after meals. Until they are at least twelve weeks old, they should be taken out a minimum every two hours during the day. Positive Reinforcement As with all dog training, positive reinforcement works best. Make sure to praise and reward within three seconds of your puppy going potty to make a positive association. While your German Shepherd is learning that the entire house is out of bounds for elimination, the crate is a useful tool to avoid accidents. Once this has been achieved, you can gradually allow your puppy more free rein indoors. Pee Pads are not helpful. Puppies Puppy accidents are inevitable and can also be the most frustrating part of welcoming a new dog into your household. However, with a little bit of patience and the commitment to establishing a routine, you should get your GSD puppy potty trained in no time. This article will dive into how to potty train a German Shepherd puppy as well as give you step-by-step instructions and tips for success. German Shepherds become aware of their ability to control their bodily functions at around 3 weeks old. However, it is best to start potty training as soon as you bring your puppy home, usually, this is around 8 weeks of age. So, a 2-month old can hold their pee for about 2 hours. To avoid accidents, take them for potty breaks once every hour. No, not all adult German Shepherds are potty trained. Nevertheless, the general process of training an adult is pretty much the same as potty training a puppy. The key is in setting your rules and establishing a routine from the beginning. Ideally, choose a relatively quiet place. German Shepherds, like many other dog breeds, are creatures of habit. Having a designated potty area and using it consistently is key to making this process work smoothly. When dogs eliminate, their urine and feces leave behind a unique scent. Smelling it will signal to their brains that it is, indeed, time to go potty. Step 2: Establish a schedule Just like having a consistent potty area, sticking to a regular schedule is essential. Take very young puppies to their designated potty area every hour. As they age and as they become familiar with the routine, you can lengthen the time between their potty breaks. Start by choosing a command and sticking with it. When your pup gets to their potty spot, say your chosen command. Then say your command again and praise your pup as soon as your pup has successfully eliminated. You can usually tell this by their body language. Keep doing that until you can just give the command and your pup knows to squat and poop. Step 4: Reinforce positive potty behavior Whenever your GSD pup potties successfully, give them a good time! Reward them especially when they potty on command. Make sure you give them lots of praises and maybe a good head scratch. Depending on what motivates them, reward them with food or play. Step 5: Give it time and patience Following these steps will give you the best chance of success, but expect it to take some time. Top Tips for Potty Training Success German Shepherds are easy to train , so by following the proper potty training steps, you should get your GSD pup housebroken in no time. Nevertheless, here are some tips that will set you up for success and allow you to get over this tedious phase much more quickly: Tip 1: Make crate training a priority Crate training offers plenty of critical benefits, especially to puppies. Apart from providing a private space where they can feel safe, the right crate can be an excellent housebreaking tool. Tip 2: Establish a routine German Shepherds tend to thrive on a daily routine, so try your best to make every day the same for them. It will also help you more accurately predict when they need to go potty. Try to limit feeding times to three times a day for puppies younger than 6 months. German Shepherds that are at least 6 months old can eat once in the morning and then again in the evening. Tip 4: Withhold water at night Dogs should always have access to clean drinking water, but free access to a water bowl will make potty training more difficult. Once housebroken, your dog can have free access to water. When you take your dog out to potty, try to keep yourself relaxed and only talk when giving the potty command. This will also make your post-potty reward extra special. Disciplining your puppy for a potty accident is likely to do more harm. It will lead to negative potty behavior like being afraid to eliminate in your presence as well as feeling anxiety over having to pee or poop. Just clean it up and hope you can both do better next time. If your dog is having accidents too regularly, you likely need to take your dog out more frequently to prevent it. This is also the best way to maintain proper hygiene and good health. Tip 8: Listen and observe Dogs have their own way of communicating and will be especially communicative when they need to go potty. Some dogs might whine while others paw at the door. You just need to establish a routine and give them time to develop full control over their bladder and bowels. As long as you are committed to following your protocol, you should be able to enjoy a fully housebroken dog soon enough. Plenty of wipes and toilet tissue 1. Build a potty-training routine When you first start house training your German Shepherd puppy, you should aim to build a routine around their toileting needs. Luckily, their bladders and bowels are fairly predictable, as they are determined by not only their sleeping pattern, but also what they eat and drink. You should always take your puppy out to the toilet first thing as soon as they wake up — and this goes for whenever they wake up from naps too! As well as taking them out first thing in the morning, you should also take them out last thing at night or before you are going to leave them alone for an extended period of time: this is to prevent any accidents overnight or whilst you are gone! On top of this, you should also aim to take your puppy out to the toilet every thirty minutes to an hour. We actually started up a diary of what our puppy had eaten and and how often and what times he tended to urinate and defecate. Take your German Shepherd outside as soon as you see any signs that they need a pee or poop. All puppies have immature diet systems, which means that each meal tends to stimulate their digestive system faster than it would in adult dogs. Generally, puppies need to urinate within fifteen minutes of eating and then do a poop within half an hour of eating. Once your dog has finished eating, take away the food bowl until the next scheduled mealtime. This will prevent your puppy from overindulging. You should also ensure that the food you give your puppy is of the higher possible quality — this means avoiding dog food with artificial colours and preservatives and ensuring that real meat is the primary ingredient. Confinement and consistency When your German Shepherd puppy is in the early stages of potty training, it is good to confine to a small area such as a room, a crate or via a lead until you are confident that they can roam the house freely without accidents. Furthermore, consistency goes hand-in-hand with confinement, and it involves introducing your dogs to select areas to toilet in so that, over time, they will learn to associate going to the toilet with that area of the house or outside. A good way to ease your dog into this component of toilet training is via puppy pad training or crate training. Essentially, the purpose of the puppy pad is not only to reduce mess, but also to get your puppy used to the idea of doing their business in an approved, select area indoors an area that is easy to clean up! Overtime, your puppy will learn to associate the pad itself with areas where it is okay to toilet, and at this stage it is good to move the mad outside to help them adapt. You can buy puppy pads on Amazon. Here are the ones we used which also have very good Amazon reviews. Crate training Crates are an effective and approved way of toilet training your German Shepherd puppy at the beginning. It helps to avoid mess, helps you keep a closer eye for signs he needs to go and, most crucially, teaches the pup to hold it until they are let outside to go toilet. Make sure the crate is large enough for the puppy to stand, turn around and lie down but not large enough for them to defecate and urinate in. You can find a suitably-sized crate on Amazon which work well with the German Shepherd breed. Learn to pick up on the signs To avoid accidents in the home, it is good to learn to recognise signs that your German Shepherd needs the toilet. Commons signs include: Sniffing the floor. Looking restless and anxious. Going into an area they have previously toileted in. If your puppy shows any of these signs, take them out to your chosen toileting spot immediately. However, if accidents do happen, it is best to stay calm and not get angry at your puppy, as this will just make them fearful and cause them stress, which will actually result in more random accidents. Use a phrase they will learn to understand One of the most important aspects that goes a long with in potty training your German Shepherd puppy to use a phrase they learn to identify with. By doing so, he would learn to identify the phrase and location with the action. Reward the puppy for a good job When your German Shepherd puppy has finished his pee or poop in the right place , you should give them a reward or positive reinforcement with praise. By rewarding good behavior you will start a pattern of success which can lead to far faster house breaking and training. Never scold them Accidents are going to happen a lot, and whilst this can be frustrating, never shout at or scold the puppy. I remember countless times where I would have just cleaned a pee up from the kitchen floor, only for our puppy to crouch and pee again just seconds later. When should I start potty training my German Shepherd puppy? It is generally recommended to start house training your German Shepherd puppy once they are between 12 weeks and 16 weeks old. This is a good age to start because whilst it means that your puppy is still young enough to learn life-long skills and have their behavior moulded, at this stage your puppy should have enough control over their bladder and bowels to hold it when necessary — making the potty training process easier for them, and cleaner for you! How long does it take to potty train a German Shepherd puppy? There are other factors which come into play though, such as individual temperament and environmental factors. Be prepared for accidents, but above all, have some wipes and tissue paper on hand all the time as you will get through a lot of this stuff! Conclusion Now you know how we advise you housebreak a German Shepherd puppy, I would love to know how you got on. Get in touch via social media and leave a comment. Similarly, if you have better ideas on how to potty train a German Shepherd puppy, please share those in the community too. The bottom line is this; do not underestimate to the work that goes into taking care of a new puppy. Toilet training your puppy might feel a bit difficult at times, but with the right attitude, attentiveness and patience, they will learn this life-long skill. However, if you have any concerns about their ability to toilet train, always contact a vet or a professional trainer. As unlikely as this is, there are some German Shepherds who will need expert help. You might also like….

Vocality level 4 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Temperament Few breeds so richly deserve their popularity as does the Labrador Retriever. When trained, the breed is obedient and amiable and tolerates the antics of children, other dogs, and other pets. The Lab is a calm house dog, playful yard dog, and intense field dog, all on the same day. Labs are eager to please, enjoys learning, and excel in obedience. It is a powerful breed that loves to swim and retrieve. Labradors need daily physical and mental challenges to keep occupied. A bored Lab can get into trouble! Upkeep Labradors are active and sociable dogs. They need daily exercise, preferably in the form of retrieving and swimming. Owners with swimming pools either must fence them out or be prepared to share the pool with dogs. The Lab coat sheds water easily. Weekly brushing is needed to remove dead hair. Health Major concerns: CHD, elbow dysplasia, OCD, obesity, patellar luxation Minor concerns: cataract, CPRA, hot spots, retinal dysplasia, hypothyroidism Occasionally seen: diabetes, entropion, distichiasis, tricuspid valve dysplasia, centronuclear myopathy, exercise-induced collapse Suggested tests: hip, elbow, eye, exercise-induced collapse DNA , centronuclear myopathy , knee Life span: 10—12 years History The original Labradors were all-purpose water dogs originating in Newfoundland, not Labrador. Not only did the breed not originate in Labrador, but it also was not originally called the Labrador Retriever. These dogs—medium-sized black dogs with close hair—not only retrieved game but also retrieved fish, pulled small fishing boats through icy water and helped the fisherman in any task involving swimming. Eventually, the breed died out in Newfoundland in large part because of a heavy dog tax. However, a core of Labradors had been taken to England in the early s, and it is from these dogs, along with crosses to other retrievers, that the breed continued. It was also in England that the breed earned its reputation as an extraordinary retriever of upland game. Initially, black labs were favored over yellow or chocolate colors. By the early s, the other colors had become more accepted. The popularity of this breed has grown steadily until the Labrador Retriever became the most popular breed in America in and remains so today. Related Content. Life Span Did You Know? There is a reason that year after year, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed in the United States. The history of the Labrador Retriever dates back to the early s in Newfoundland, just off the Atlantic coast of Canada. Had these families not played a vital part in the continuation of the breed, the loving and affectionate Labs we have all grown to love may not exist today. The first recognized Yellow Labrador Retriever was born in .One of the friendliest breeds out there, Yellow Labs are great companions and love to be a part of the family. While the color yellow is part of their namesake, their coats range from fawn or cream to butterscotch or a deep golden hue. Coming into popularity during the midth century, the Yellow Labrador Retriever has been a staple for hunters and family homes alike ever since. These dogs are patient and kind when faced with energetic young ones. Yellow Labs delight in big spaces, opting to run and play wildly. However, they will happily lounge on the couch after having a long, hard run outside. When given a little training, they can easily learn to control barking habits and restrain themselves from digging. Their double coat also makes them a good fit for just about any climate. As with most dogs, they are sensitive to extreme heat or cold. Generally speaking, Labradors are healthy. They can develop certain inherent conditions, along with cataracts and kneecap displacement, but will remain healthy overall. As long as they are taken to their vet appointments with regularity, Labs will usually feel just fine. Yellow Labs are loyal companions with few drawbacks. Treats never hurt, of course. This, paired with their eagerness to please, makes them a highly trainable dog breed that is a good fit for owners of any experience level. With minimal training, these dogs can control their barking and digging without much trouble. Labs have very short, double-layered, and water-resistant fur. Its density protects them from the cold, so they will often try to swim any time of year. They experience heavier seasonal shedding twice a year and slight shedding throughout the year. Giving them a good brush once a week or a few times a week should keep their coats shiny and healthy. Other grooming tasks include nail trimming, ear care, and dental care. Proper dental care for dogs includes brushing their teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day. This helps prevent the tartar buildup that causes dental diseases like gum disease and tooth decay. You can also supplement your dental care efforts with dental hygiene chews, a special dental care diet, and more. This breed tends to be very active. They were bred to be working dogs and need exercise. A few daily walks and some time to run should help assuage their energy levels. Yellow Labs also need a fair amount of mental activity as well; they like to stay sharp. Yellow Labs are classified as medium to large dogs. They reach an average height of 23 inches and an average healthy weight of 75 pounds. A Yellow Labrador Retriever generally lives years. It was traditional in Newfoundland for every fishing boat to have a Labrador Retriever that would help retrieve the fish as they came in off the trawl. Featured Yellow Labrador Retriever Article.

Shop All Cat Food Key Takeaways: Some of the most common reasons why your dog is coughing are heart disease, pneumonia, kennel cough, tracheal collapse, heartworm disease and canine influenza. Keep track of any other symptoms, such as coughing blood, mucus, foam, etc. If you've noticed your dog coughing and your curious about all the different reasons why dogs cough, know that many different conditions, ranging in severity from mild to life-threatening, can lead your dog to cough. Fortunately, though, most conditions that cause a dog cough are easy to treat. Here are five common conditions that cause dogs to cough: 1. Heart Disease One of the most common reasons for a dog cough is a disease of the heart valves or heart muscle; this prevents a dog's heart from pumping blood efficiently. Coughing results when parts of the heart enlarge and compress the major airways in the lungs, or when fluid backs up into the lungs. You can usually tell if a dog cough is caused by heart disease if their cough is soft and continuous. If your dog is coughing due to heart disease, their cough will likely be worse at night or when they're resting on their side and may be accompanied by a decrease in energy and stamina. If your dog's veterinarian diagnoses that the cough is the result of heart disease, they may prescribe a heart medications. Pneumonia Pneumonia is another common condition that pet parents often worry about when they notice their dog coughing. Dog pneumonia inflammation of the lungs can be the result of bacteria, a preexisting viral infection such as canine influenza or distemper , swallowing difficulties, regurgitation or certain metabolic disorders. With pneumonia, a dog cough sounds moist and soft. If your dog has pneumonia, they'll likely have a high fever, poor appetite and low energy. They'll need veterinary treatment, lots of fluids and rest, and they might even need hospitalization to recover. Kennel Cough Kennel cough — another one of the most common causes of coughing in dogs — is a catchall term for tracheobronchitis, inflammation and infection of the windpipe and the main lower airways. While kennel cough is more common among younger dogs, dogs of any age can be affected. Dogs in group settings — whether at obedience training, doggy day care or boarding — are at higher risk of contracting the infection. So, if you find yourself noticing that your dog is coughing after they've been at day care, there's a chance they could have a case of kennel cough. Dogs with kennel cough have a hacking, dry and raspy cough that sounds worse if they pull while being walked on their leash. Kennel cough can even lead to retching and subsequent vomiting. Kennel cough may resolves on its own, but antibiotics and cough suppressants are often prescribed to reduce coughing and the likelihood of secondary problems, such as pneumonia. Dogs with kennel cough are very contagious to other dogs. Kennel cough is a form of Bordetella bronchiseptica, for which there is a vaccine that can help protect your dog from getting kennel cough in the future. Talk to your vet about vaccinating your dog to reduce the chance of getting kennel cough. Tracheal Collapse Tracheal collapse is a condition that causes the trachea, or windpipe, to become soft and floppy; it affects small and toy breeds most often, including Pomeranians , Chihuahuas , pugs and shih tzus. The official name for the condition is tracheal chondromalacia. Dogs with tracheal collapse have a dry, hacking and spasmodic cough. They cough repeatedly and have a hard time calming down. Their coughing will worsen if they pull while they're on a leash. If your dog's trachea has collapsed completely, their cough can sound asthmatic. The cough is also worse in obese dogs, dogs who are hot or excited and dogs exposed to irritants or allergens in the air. Treatment for tracheal collapse includes weight loss as well as medicines including cough suppressants, bronchodilators, steroids and antibiotics. In severe cases, your dog's vet may recommend surgery. Heartworm Disease Depending on where you live, heartworm disease may be a more or less likely cause of coughing in dogs. While heartworms are more prevalent in warmer areas, such as Florida and California, the risk of heartworm disease exists anywhere there are mosquitoes transmitting the disease. Dogs with heartworm disease may have a cough or they may exhibit no signs at all — it depends on the dog's size, how many worms they're harboring and the dog's overall health. If your dog does show signs of the disease, they may have a mild, persistent cough; low energy; weight loss and reduced appetite. A severe heartworm infestation could result in signs of heart failure, including a swollen abdomen from fluid buildup. Canine Influenza Dogs, like humans, are subject to contracting the flu, known in dogs as canine influenza. The cough exists as the result of the respiratory infection that can last anywhere from ten to thirty days. Your dog will likely be prescribed medicine as a course of treatment. If you have other pets in the home, it is best to quarantine your sick dog to their own area of the home, as canine influenza is contagious between animals — but lucky for you, it cannot be transmitted to or from humans. Many causes of coughing in dogs are completely treatable, but they need to be properly diagnosed in order to be treated. When you bring your pup in to see their vet, be sure to describe their cough in detail and to tell the vet about any other signs your dog has had such as coughing blood, mucus, white foam, etc. With the right care from your veterinarian, your dog will be back to howling and barking in no time. Contributor Bio Dr. Sarah Wooten Dr. Wooten divides her professional time between small animal practice in Greeley, Colorado, public speaking on associate issues, leadership, and client communication, and writing. In such a case, nothing is usually expelled, and a gagging or dry heave sound often accompanies the hacking. While many things can cause it, most cases of hacking are nothing serious. They can be easily treated at home with simple treatments like keeping your dog hydrated, getting rid of parasites or harmful bacteria in their system, and controlling any stress that may be causing them to hack more often. Allergies Just like humans, your pup may have allergies to certain foods, pollens, and dirt which may cause their system to react by hacking. The most common signs of allergies in dogs are skin rashes, sneezing, and coughing. Bloat Bloat is a medical emergency that requires immediate treatment. It results from gas or fluid accumulating in the stomach and putting pressure on other organs. Bloating can cause severe abdominal pain, restlessness, and hacking without vomiting. Kennel Cough Kennel cough is an umbrella term for a group of extremely contagious respiratory infections that can affect your pup. The signs to be aware of are coughing, sneezing, and gagging without vomiting. It is highly contagious and can be spread through the air, contact with infected objects or surfaces, and even direct contact with other dogs. Respiratory Infection Respiratory infections are not uncommon in dogs and can cause a range of symptoms depending on the severity of the infection. One common symptom associated with respiratory illness is coughing or hacking, which may be caused by bacteria or viruses that settle into the lungs or airway passages. Coughing may also be symptomatic of other health issues such as parasites, inflammation, and allergic reactions. Severe cases can lead to fatal complications if not treated promptly. Laryngeal Parasites Laryngeal parasites are small organisms that can lodge themselves in the throat and cause hacking and gagging without vomiting. Other symptoms include loud breathing sounds and harsh coughs. These parasites can be difficult to detect with the naked eye, so you must take your pup to the vet for a full examination if you suspect they may have them. Something Stuck In The Throat If your pup is hacking and gagging without throwing up , it could be that something has become lodged in its throat. That can happen if they swallow something small, like a toy or a piece of food too big for them to chew properly. In some cases, dogs that tend to chow down their food quickly may also experience this. If you think something might be stuck in their throat, take them to the vet as soon as possible, and they will be able to remove it safely. It can reduce the chances of them coughing or hacking due to allergies or a respiratory infection. Humidity If your pup suffers from a respiratory infection, dry air can worsen it. Consider getting a humidifier for their space and ensuring adequate ventilation. Make sure they eat a balanced diet and supplement it with vitamins or minerals if needed. Keep Them Hydrated Dehydration can worsen respiratory infection symptoms or allergies, so ensure your pup is drinking enough water. Slow Down A Fast Eater If your pup tends to eat too quickly, try giving them a slow feeder bowl or breaking up their meals into smaller portions throughout the day. Doing so can reduce the chances of something getting stuck in their throat and causing them to hack or gag. Avoid giving them anything small that could potentially be swallowed, and never leave them unattended during playtime. When To Visit The Vet? As we said earlier, hacking is common in dogs. The vet will be able to examine your pup and provide appropriate treatment if needed. If you notice any other symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, coughing up blood, or a change in appetite, take your pup to the vet as soon as possible. With timely diagnosis and treatment, most respiratory issues can be managed successfully, and your pup will be back playing with you in no time! These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. These days I have two adorable fuzzy rascals around me, that ensures I get plenty of exercise and laughter throughout my day! Legal Information The owner of this site, LabradoodleHome. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Labradoodle Home does not intend to provide veterinary advice. All articles and posts are aimed at giving users a better understanding of their dogs. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Amazon OneLink. Just like in humans, dog coughing and gagging is their body's natural way of responding to the irritants or abnormalities in their airways. Gagging or choking happens as a reflex after or before coughing. So if you're noticing that your Fido is occasionally coughing, don't panic. That's normal most likely. However, if the coughing and gagging keep coming, and you feel like something is off, assess what is happening. Not to scare you, but this could be a symptom of a more serious underlying condition. It's stressful for me too, when my dog hasn't been able to shake a cough. About 30 seconds go by, and he still coughs! So in this article, let's talk about the different types of dog coughs and how they sound. We'll also go over why it's happening and how to treat it quickly. We don't want this to happen frequently. So, we'll discuss a few preventative measures moving forward if you haven't already. Wet cough: This is when your dog emits noises that sound moist or filled with phlegm. Gagging cough: This is when your dog constantly makes gagging sounds while coughing excessively. Honking cough: This is when your dog lets out a sound similar to a goose honk. Loosely speaking, your dog is gagging, coughing, or choking continuously because it has something irritating or blocking its airway. Apart from what's happening to their bodies internally, Dr. These pre-existing conditions that you may or may not know yet might first appear in the form of a cough. So think about the past days before you notice your dog's coughing. How's the weather in your area? Or perhaps, you brought him on a hike for the first time? Your dog may also experience coughing with vomiting from time to time. These fits can come and go. If you're wondering if it's painful for your pooch, the answer is yes, especially if the coughing is persistent. Although the pain will be in his throat only hopefully! If the coughing fits are sporadic but continuous, look out for other signs like a lack of appetite to eat, resulting in lethargy and weight loss. The severity of your coughing dog can range from mild to possibly life-threatening signs of any respiratory infection. The majority of hacking, coughing, and gagging resolves itself, and your dog moves on with its life. But there are definitely scenarios where something more sinister is going on, and you need swift veterinary intervention. Here are some other signs that tell you its time to seek veterinary care: Your dog seems to have less energy than normal Your dog looks like they have to work harder to breathe or get a normal breath Your dog has a fever If your dog has had a cough for more than days Your dog continuously is coughing or hacking as they exercise Dr. Buchanan also advised: If you are worried at any point about the speed of breathing, this can often be a severe sign, so it is definitely worth checking with your vet regarding a faster appointment. Common Reasons for Dog Coughing or Gagging Listed below are common reasons and their underlying cause of why your dog is coughing or gagging. Tracheal Collapse Tracheal Collapse , also known as tracheal chondromalacia, is a kind of respiratory distress in your dogs that causes the trachea or the windpipe of dogs to become soft and floppy. As a result, your dog's cough will seem forced but with spasms, seemingly having a honking canine cough. If this is the culprit to your dog's coughing, you'll notice that it won't calm down immediately. Overweight or obese dogs tend to have the worst case of Tracheal Collapse, especially when exposed to heat and irritants. A collapsed trachea treatment includes a regulated diet, a weight loss plan, cough suppressants, and occasionally anti-inflammatories. Their veterinarian might also recommend stent placement for very severe cases. Kennel Cough Kennel Cough , or Tracheobronchitis, is a condition caused by an infectious respiratory virus or bacteria. Bordetella bronchiseptica bacteria is the one that you may have heard of the most, but it is not always the cause. No matter which pathogen, they all result in inflammation of the trachea and airways. Not that I'm scaring you… but this condition is common among seemingly healthy dogs adopted or bought from breeders or shelters and is contagious. It is also seen more frequently in dogs who go to doggy daycare or board at large boarding kennels. My dog goes to daycare… How would I know if he has it? If your dog has Kennel Cough, he might experience a hacking dry cough due to upper airway irritation. This could also, later on, lead to the retching of a white foamy substance. Bear in mind that this condition is very contagious and may spread through a pack of dogs like wildfire. Don't panic, though. But, it will require prescribed antibiotics and dog cough suppressants to cure itself faster and prevent secondary symptoms. And if your dog was vaccinated with the Bordetella vaccine, chances are, he's already protected from it. Most importantly, if your dog shows signs of decreased energy, decreased appetite, or nonstop coughing, call your vet immediately. Pneumonia Dog Pneumonia is a severe illness where the inflammation of your dog's lungs is caused by preexisting conditions like a canine influenza virus , bacterial infection, and parasitic invasion. Based on the dog's condition, it can either have a primary or secondary disorder. Although pneumonia can happen to any dog breed, older dogs are more prone to contracting the illness. Due to complications in the respiratory tract, the symptoms of pneumonia include difficulties in coughing, swallowing, and breathing. They might also showcase particular metabolic disorders. Unlike the other conditions, dogs with pneumonia cough softly and often sound wet or crackly. Occasionally, they will sound like they're gasping. Pneumonia isn't contagious but will become fatal if not treated or appropriately addressed. If you are concerned your dog may have symptoms of pneumonia, such as a wet cough, lethargy, breathing faster, and decreased appetite, it is very important to call your vet right away. Heart Disease Dogs with chronic heart disease are more prone to coughing than other normal dogs. Their coughs are usually soft and continuous and may worsen at night or while lying down. Depending on which type of dog's heart disease they have, they'll tend to cough due to breathing difficulties. This usually results from the compression of significant airways in your dog's lungs, which will cause a dry cough. But if your dog has Congestive Heart Failure, you'll notice wet coughing instead. This means fluid is building up in the lungs. This is an emergency, and your dog should be taken to the vet right away. Chronic heart disease is common in large dogs and miniature and toy breeds alike. Heartworm Disease Dogs infected with heartworm are also predisposed to any dog coughing. They can experience hacking cough sounds, choking, or gagging. You'll also notice bloating and lethargy. If you live in warmer states like Texas or Florida, take extra precautions to protect your Fido from mosquitos. These blood-sucking insects are the carriers of heartworms. But if you live in colder states, don't think your dog is safe—mosquitos can be anywhere! Heartworm disease is fatal if left untreated, so it is always best to keep your dog on monthly heartworm prevention. There are also long-lasting injections that will prevent heartworms for either 6 months or an entire year. This is what I have my dog take to skip monthly vet visits. But, as always, you should ask your vet which is best for your pet. Prevention Back to Top If your dog suddenly starts to make gagging noises or cough, it can be alarming. Sometimes, it's just a single cough or gag, while other times it is chronic problem. If the symptoms are ignored and there is an underlying disease causing them, things can progress to a potentially life-threatening situation. Find out what causes a dog to cough or gag and what you can do to help prevent unnecessary issues from developing. Coughing vs. Gagging A cough and a gag are similar but not the same. A cough is a hacking noise that occurs when your dog is forcing air out of the throat and mouth. A gag is a retch that is similar to vomiting but nothing comes up and out, except maybe a little phlegm or mucous. Sometimes a dog will both cough and then gag at the end of the cough, but either can happen on its own. Causes of Coughing or Gagging in Dogs Airborne debris, food, diseases, and more can result in your dog developing a cough or gag. Knowing the cause of your dog's symptoms may help you determine whether or not they are serious. Food Sometimes a dog will eat so quickly that the food will go down the trachea instead of the esophagus. This can cause a dog to cough or gag in an attempt to get the food out of the wrong tube. In this case, you could encourage your dog to eat more slowly and place food in a bowl that is at an appropriate height for the size of your dog. Slow feeders and elevated dog bowls can help. It's caused by inflammation and irritation of the trachea or lungs and until it is treated, the coughing and gagging will continue. Pneumonia , kennel cough , influenza , tracheitis, lungworm infestations, fungal infections, distemper , and other diseases that cause respiratory tract issues will require veterinary attention. Heart Disease Certain types of heart disease can cause a dog to cough. Fluid accumulation in the lungs can lead to coughing and difficulty breathing. Heartworm disease can interfere with heart function and cause inflammation within the lungs. With these conditions, a dog is likely to cough and gag in an attempt to clear the airway, but that won't help. Only veterinary attention can get your dog some relief. Nausea If a dog is nauseated or experiencing gastrointestinal reflux, gagging may occur. Dogs with chronic reflux can develop a chronic cough. Tracheal Collapse Some dogs, especially small breeds, are prone to tracheal collapse. This occurs when the cartilage holding the trachea open weakens. Coughing may result due to a decrease in the opening of the airway. Treatment for Coughing or Gagging Your veterinarian will perform a full physical examination and obtain a patient history to see what may be causing your dog to cough or gag. X-rays, bloodwork, echocardiograms, and other tests may be needed to make a diagnosis depending on what your vet suspects the problem is. Depending on the reason for your dog's coughing or gagging, the treatment plan will vary. If your dog is diagnosed with a disease or illness that requires short-term treatment, medications including antibiotics, steroids, and cough suppressants are likely to be prescribed. Dogs diagnosed with heart disease may be prescribed life-long medications to manage the disease and its symptoms. If the problem is so severe that your dog is not well-oxygenated, oxygen therapy may be needed, too. How to Prevent Coughing or Gagging in Your Dog While you can't prevent all things that can cause your dog to cough or gag, there are still several things you can do. Keep your dog current on its vaccinations , on heartworm prevention , and away from dogs that are not fully vaccinated or sick. Additionally, keep up with regular check-ups with your veterinarian to help with prevention and early diagnosis. This will enable your vet to start treatment as soon as possible. More from The Spruce Pets. Knowing some of the most common causes of coughing in dogs can help you determine when you need to worry. Causes of Dog Coughing Coughing in dogs has many possible causes. Here are some of the many causes and available forms of treatment. Infections Viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites are all types of infections that can cause dogs to cough. Kennel cough is the most common infectious cause of coughing. It can be caused by several types of viruses and bacteria working alone or in combination. Canine influenza virus is becoming increasingly prevalent in the United States and leads to symptoms like coughing, fever , and nasal discharge. Lungworms are parasites that cause infection in the pulmonary artery and right heart ventricle in dogs. Dogs can get infected by eating prey infected with the worm. They migrate out of the intestines, into the bloodstream, and into the lungs. This can cause coughing and other signs. Dogs can also get infected by ingesting slugs and terrestrial snails that serve as hosts for the parasite. Supportive care is an important part of treating coughs caused by infections. Dogs should be encouraged to rest, drink, and eat. Cough suppressants can help with especially severe symptoms. Humidifiers or nebulizers can help as well. You can also make environmental changes around the home such as not smoking, not using aerosol cleaners or sprays, not burning incense, and using an air purifier. Antibiotics are effective only against bacteria. Viral infections generally have to run their course. Other medications are available that work against some types of fungi and parasites. Treatment typically requires deworming medication such as fenbendazole , and advanced respiratory support for severely affected dogs. Chronic Bronchitis When a dog is coughing due to chronic inflammation of the airways and no other cause can be identified, chronic bronchitis is the most likely diagnosis. Dogs with chronic bronchitis tend to have a dry, hacking cough that worsens with exercise or excitement and over time. Treatment includes medications that decrease inflammation such as fluticasone or prednisolone and dilate airways albuterol or terbutaline. Ideally, these medications are given by inhalation, with inhalers specially made for dogs, to reduce potential side effects. They can also be given with an oral medication if necessary. Allergies Allergies are immune system hypersensitivities to substances in the environment called allergens. These can include dusts, pollens, certain plants, smoke, other animal dander, food, insects, and even human dander. When exposed to these substances for many months or years, the immune system becomes sensitive and can overreact to future interaction with them. Coughing due to allergies is secondary to inflammation in the airways and lungs. Treatment is based on the underlying cause of the allergies. It can include environmental changes such as using air purifiers and humidifiers and eliminating certain allergens from the diet or household. Treatment may also include using bronchodilators to open the airways, anti-inflammatory medications such as steroids, antibiotics, and in severe cases, other stronger immunomodulatory medications such as cyclosporine. Just like normal sneezes, reverse sneezes every so often are nothing to worry about. Heart Disease Many types of heart disease can make dogs cough, including mitral valve endocardiosis degeneration , dilated cardiomyopathy , and congestive heart failure. Depending on the type of heart disease your dog has, your veterinarian may prescribe some combination of medications that make the heart pump more efficiently, normalize blood pressure, and reduce the abnormal buildup of fluid. These medications include pimobendan, ACE inhibitors, or diuretics. Other interventions like surgery or the placement of a pacemaker may be appropriate in some cases. Collapsing Trachea Small dogs are more at risk for a weakening of the cartilage rings that partially encircle the trachea. This causes the trachea to collapse on itself when the dog breathes in. This leads to tracheal irritation and a chronic cough that is often described as sounding like a goose honk. Medications that dilate airways, decrease inflammation, suppress coughing, and treat secondary infections can help. Humidifiers or nebulizers can help too, as well as environmental changes such as not smoking, not using aerosol cleaners or sprays, not burning incense, and adding an air purifier to the home. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to provide these dogs with an acceptable quality of life. Pulmonary Hypertension Pulmonary hypertension refers to high blood pressure in the lungs that reduces blood flow and oxygen delivery to the lungs. Pulmonary hypertension or high blood pressure within the pulmonary arteries makes it harder for your dog to get enough oxygen. Pulmonary hypertension can be caused by chronic lung disease, heartworm disease, or conditions that cause the body to create blood clots within the pulmonary arteries pulmonary thromboembolisms. This condition is diagnosed via echocardiogram, an ultrasound of the heart, by measuring the pulmonary artery pressure. Therapy is typically palliative rather than curative. Medications for pulmonary hypertension are life-long in most cases. This is usually treated with sildenafil Viagra , and sometimes, other cardiac medications are recommended. Heartworm Disease Heartworms can also cause dogs to cough. Heartworms are transmitted when a mosquito bites an infected dog, picks up the larval form of the parasite, and then bites another dog and passes the larvae to them. The larvae migrate to the heart and lungs of the newly infected dog, where they mature into spaghetti-like adults. Their presence causes inflammation that can lead to coughing and potentially fatal heart and lung damage. Medications that prevent heartworm disease are extremely safe and effective. If a dog was not on heartworm medication and becomes infected, the treatment is costly, lasts months or longer, and requires intensive, often painful injections. Treatment for heartworm disease can itself be fatal, but it is necessary if a pet tests positive. These are commonly called grass awns or foxtails. The blade can then migrate into the lungs or chest cavity and lead to coughing. In more serious cases, this can develop into pneumonia, lung abscesses, pneumothorax, pyothorax, or a combination of these conditions. Laryngeal Paralysis Dogs with laryngeal paralysis cannot fully open the passageway into their windpipe larynx due to weakness of the nerves that control the surrounding muscles. This leads to coughing as well as noisy breathing and shortness of breath. Surgery to permanently hold one side of the larynx open can help ease the breathing of dogs with laryngeal paralysis, but it also puts them at higher risk for developing aspiration pneumonia, which is another cause of coughing in dogs. Cancer Coughing can be one of the first symptoms that owners notice when a dog has cancer of the lungs, other parts of the respiratory tract, heart, or surrounding tissues. Treatment may include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, or palliative care. Rat Poison A class of rat poisons called anticoagulants works by preventing blood from clotting, which results in bleeding. Ingesting this type of rat poison can cause a dog to bleed into their chest cavity, which can lead to coughing. A dog that has ingested rat poison needs to be taken to an emergency clinic immediately to prevent life-threatening bleeding. Depending on the amount of blood lost, the dog may need a blood transfusion. And because anticoagulants block the synthesis of vitamin K, which is necessary for normal clotting, the dog will need vitamin K therapy until the effects of the anticoagulant lessen. Invest in a humane method of rodent control, like a no-kill trap, and practice trap and release. Esophagitis Esophagitis is a condition where the esophagus becomes inflamed. It is similar to gastro-esophageal-reflux disorder or GERD in humans. Acidic stomach fluid moves from the stomach and up the esophagus, irritating the lining. This can be caused by gastrointestinal upset, certain foods, prolonged anesthesia, and some medications, particularly doxycycline. Treatment usually includes antiacids to decrease stomach acid such as omeprazole or famotidine, mucosal protectants such as sucralfate, or promotility agents such as metoclopramide or cisapride. Severe cases of esophagitis require hospitalization, pain medication, intravenous fluid therapy, and sometimes feeding tubes to allow the inflammation to heal. Tumors in the Larynx and Trachea The larynx is a flexible tube-like structure located at the top of the trachea airway tube. The trachea is composed of cartilage rings and allows oxygen to enter the lungs and carbon dioxide to exit the mouth. Tumors or masses that growth in the larynx or trachea are rare, but they can impede the ability to breath, swallow, eat, and drink. The most common types of tumors in these regions are chondromas, chondrosarcomas, osteochondromas, and squamous cell carcinomas. These tumor types are usually locally aggressive and they can sometimes spread to other areas of the body. This leads to bacterial growth in the lungs, which causes inflammation, trouble breathing, coughing, and sometimes decreased oxygen levels. Treatment includes medications that treat bacterial infection, such as antibiotics; treatment of the underlying cause of the aspiration pneumonia; and sometimes hospitalization with oxygen therapy, intravenous fluids, and other systemic medications. Inhaling Indoor Irritants Household sprays and airborne irritants can cause your dog to cough. Some of these include dust mites, fireplace ash, dandruff, litter box dust, secondhand smoke, mold, household sprays, air fresheners, and even deodorants. You may not react to these irritants, but they can still be a problem for your dog because of their stronger sense of smell. Obesity Extra weight can also lead to coughing because extra fat can put pressure on the respiratory tract. This is called Pickwickian syndrome or obesity hypoventilation syndrome. The only solution for this is weight loss. Talk to your vet about putting your dog on a safe and sensible diet. The lung turns over on itself, blocking the airway. In addition to coughing, lung lobe torsion can result in symptoms like pain, fever, lethargy, and coughing up blood. Vets often have trouble pinpointing precisely why this happens, but lung lobe torsion is more common in dogs with fluid in the chest, heart disease, or another condition. Some breeds tend to be more at risk. Smaller dogs like Pugs, Yorkshire Terriers, Beagles, and Miniature Poodles, as well as large, deep-chested breeds may also be predisposed. The Afghan Hound is times more likely to develop lung lobe torsion than other breeds, according to a report by MediMedia Animal Health. They will then perform a complete physical exam. Sometimes a tentative diagnosis can be reached at this point, but reaching a definitive diagnosis often requires testing. Final Notes What Is Wheezing? A dog coughing is relatively easy to identify as it sounds similar to a human coughing. But while most of us are familiar with coughing, wheezing can be a little harder to identify, especially in your pet. Wheezing is a high-pitched whistling noise that is caused by something blocking the normal flow of air in and out of the airway. In both humans and in dogs, wheezing is often a symptom of respiratory distress. In addition to wheezing, a dog may also experience mucus, a whistling sound in their lungs, coughing, panting, or gagging. Causes Of Coughing And Wheezing There are various causes of a dog coughing and wheezing that you should be aware of as a pet parent. A dog coughing and wheezing can be a result of something small and relatively easy to fix with a veterinary consultation, but it could also be a result of a serious health condition that needs immediate medical attention. Allergies Dog allergies are a common cause of coughing and wheezing. A dog can be allergic to a myriad of things, but some of the most common substances that cause coughing and wheezing are pollen, mold, dust mites, and cigarette smoke. Asthma can also occur with allergies, which will cause a dog to wheeze due to constricted airways. A dog with allergies may also have hives, diarrhea, itchy ears, hair loss, and red, inflamed skin. Bronchitis Bronchitis in dogs can also trigger coughing and wheezing, especially chronic bronchitis. Bronchitis can also be worsened by poor air quality and environmental stressors, such as cigarette smoke and mold. As for treating bronchitis in dogs, your vet may prescribe corticosteroids, which target inflammation and help reduce coughing. In addition to medication, you can also make adjustments at home to help your dog breathe better. Avoid smoking around your dog and spraying scented perfumes or aerosol, and make sure your home is well ventilated so your dog can breathe properly. This can lead to persistent coughing, wheezing, and labored breathing. Tracheal collapse is most common in small dog breeds and the cause of it is unknown, but it occurs more frequently in overweight dogs. To treat tracheal collapse and irritation, your vet may recommend a weight loss plan so your dog can get to a healthy weight to reduce their symptoms. If your dog starts to cough and wheeze shortly after eating, start by checking their throat to see if something is stuck. Your dog can also get a foreign object stuck in their airway if they accidentally swallowed a piece of a toy that they were chewing on. If you suspect your dog is choking, first try to clear the airway by removing the object with your fingers. Kennel Cough Kennel cough is a respiratory disease that is very contagious. Symptoms of kennel cough include a strong cough, wheezing, runny nose, loss of appetite, and lethargy. Kennel cough can usually easily be treated with rest, but sometimes cough medication is prescribed to reduce symptoms. Infection Certain upper respiratory infections can lead to a dog coughing and wheezing. These infections are similar to a cold or flu in humans, and symptoms typically include coughing, sneezing, and difficulty breathing. Antibiotics are often prescribed to reduce symptoms and fight the infection, but getting your dog vaccinated is the best way to prevent them from getting an upper respiratory infection altogether. Treatments My dog is coughing and wheezing. How can I treat them? If an infection is present, your vet may prescribe medication to relieve symptoms that may be making it hard for your dog to breathe. Your vet might also recommend making some adjustments around the house to help your dog breathe better, like cleaning frequently to get rid of dust, avoiding using aerosols and scented products, and not smoking around your dog. Your vet may recommend a diet plan if your dog is overweight, as well as exercising with your dog more often. A dog can sense when their owner is stressed, so in order to keep your pet comfortable, you need to remain calm and collected. Start by checking their mouth for objects and remove them by hand if possible. If the object is still stuck, perform the Heimlich maneuver as discussed above. If choking persists, seek immediate veterinary care. This can be a well-ventilated area of your house or outside so they can get fresh air. If your dog is outside, and coughing and wheezing as a result of pollen, bring them inside to see if their symptoms improve. Additionally, you might consider getting an air purifier to help clear out environmental allergens around the house. But the one thing you can do is bring them to the vet. If you need a quick and affordable way to get in contact with a vet, check out Dutch. Dutch is an online veterinarian service that provides telemedicine for pets , so pet owners can easily get connected with licensed vets right from home. Dutch-affiliated vets are available to help diagnose and treat your dog and prescribe them medication or other therapies to treat their condition. With Dutch, getting your dog the care they need has never been easier. Published on Feb 02, and updated at Apr 04, .Email Your pet wants you to read our newsletter. Then give them a treat. Sign up for product updates, offers, and learn more about The Wildest, and other Mars Petcare brands. Must be over 16 years to sign up. I'm In See our privacy statement to find out how we collect and use your data, to contact us with privacy questions or to exercise your personal data rights. But when your dog is coughing — what the heck is that noise? Here are the six most common medical reasons why your dog could be coughing. Respiratory Infections e. Sara Ochoa, a veterinarian at Whitehouse Veterinary Hospital. But there are some particularly nasty viral respiratory infections to look out for. They are spread through respiratory droplets that are kind of hard to avoid when wrestling and sharing toys or water bowls. If you work with dogs, you could even carry a virus or bacteria home on your clothes. The Bordetella bacteria can also lay dormant in a dog until conditions are ripe, with symptoms suddenly appearing after exposure to smoke, travel-induced stress, or cold temperatures. While the infection is highly contagious, thankfully it can be treated with antibiotics. But if left untreated, it can morph into pneumonia. Related article Kennel cough has been making headlines this year, but you can prevent your pup from catching this super contagious disease. Pneumonia A dog coughing up mucus could also be a sign of pneumonia. Ew is right, so see a vet at the first signs of an infection. Allergies All that pollen in the air? It gets to your dog too. Allergies are the most common medical concern in dogs, though most will struggle with itching and scratching more than upper respiratory symptoms. Not the cutest look. Heartworm Although a cough might immediately make you zero-in on the lungs or throat, it can also be a warning flag from another part of the body — the heart. She also recommends that every dog take preventative medication for heartworms, either in the form of a monthly chewable like Heartgard or a biannual injectable like ProHeart. The aggressive protocol has side effects, but not treating heartworm is not an option because it can be fatal. Giving your dog a preventative treat once a month is pretty doable, right? Congestive Heart Failure Unfortunately, not all heart problems are preventable. Genetic heart defects can get worse as a dog ages, leading to congestive heart failure. Classic signs for congestive heart failure in addition to coughing include tiring easily, restlessly pacing, and rapid breathing — especially after exercise or in the evening. Some dogs are candidates for surgery to install a pacemaker or correct valve dysfunctions. Related article The Wildest Collective member and integrative veterinarian Dr. Lindsey Wendt shares advice on a sometimes controversial, always changing topic. Tracheal Collapse The symptoms of tracheal collapse closely resemble those of kennel cough but add vomiting, gagging, and non-productive coughs no phlegm to the list. In very severe cases, dogs will need surgery — usually a stint is placed in or around the trachea to keep it from collapsing. Cancer Not to sound like a WebMD article where all roads lead back to cancer, but yeah, coughing can be a sign of lung cancer in dogs. As is the case with people, lung cancer in animals has been linked to the inhalation of cigarette smoke. But about one third of dogs are not symptomatic and tumors are often discovered incidentally by chest X-rays then confirmed via biopsy. Related articles. Ordinarily, this escalator helps trap these particles in phlegm and bring them up toward the throat, where they can be coughed out or swallowed. Photo by yellowsarah, Getty Images A dry, hacking cough that sounds like your dog is gagging — almost as if something is stuck in his throat — followed by the appearance of foamy white mucus known as phlegm from his mouth are signs of tracheal irritation. Irritation of the trachea can be a normal physiologic response or it can be a sign of illness. Understanding how the trachea works can help you recognize which cough and appearance of phlegm calls for a veterinary visit. These cilia are covered by a thin layer of mucus. Cilia rhythmically beat in an upward direction, moving the mucus layer away from the lungs and toward the throat. This is called the mucociliary escalator. When your dog inhales bacteria, viruses, dust, or anything else the body does not want to reach the lungs, these particles get stuck in the mucus layer. The cilia beat and move the mucus containing these particles toward the throat where they can be coughed up or swallowed. Inhaled irritants, like dirt, dust, or even air pollutants, are naturally trapped in the mucociliary escalator and moved up to the throat where they can be coughed up or swallowed. Think of this clever apparatus like the up escalator at the mall. As the person riding the escalator, you are like a particle that gets stuck in the mucus. When you get on the up escalator, you have no choice but to go up to the next floor. Even if you try to run down the escalator to go back to the previous floor, the escalator is still moving you upward. And you cannot get off the escalator until you are on the next floor! But if your dog coughs up phlegm every few minutes, there is a problem that needs to be diagnosed and addressed by your vet. Kennel cough The most common cause of coughing up phlegm is infectious tracheobronchitis, also known as kennel cough. The bacterium Bordetella bronchiseptica is a common pathogen that causes kennel cough. This bacterium is able to bind to the cilia in the mucociliary escalator and immobilize them, ceasing the upward movement of mucus. The mucus accumulates in the trachea and has to be coughed up. This is what causes the dry, hacking cough followed by coughing up phlegm. Also, as the mucus accumulates, Bordetella bacteria disable the immune cells that line the trachea so they can no longer engulf and destroy pathogens. This is like sending out invitations to other bacteria or viruses to join the party and create a bigger infection. Most young and otherwise healthy dogs are able to clear the infection before it gets worse. But sometimes a simple case of kennel cough can turn into pneumonia. Other causes of coughing External pressure on the trachea can cause a dog to cough up phlegm. Usually, this is caused by a dog pulling on leash. If your dog pulls on leash to the point of coughing, get some help from a trainer — or, at the very least, have your dog fitted for a front-clip harness or head halter. The cough associated with tracheal irritation sounds like your dog has something stuck in his throat. The exception is when your dog has swallowed something that has gotten stuck in his esophagus. Esophageal foreign bodies can place external pressure on the trachea and trigger a phlegmy cough. If your dog is coughing up yellow or pink-tinged discharge or blood, or is having difficulty breathing, your dog may be experiencing a life-threatening emergency. Take your dog to his primary care vet or to the nearest veterinary emergency hospital immediately. Your dog may be coughing for a number of reasons. While coughing is not always a concern, if your dog is coughing repeatedly over a long period of time, it can be a sign of an underlying respiratory condition. Generally, an occasional cough is a normal behavior. If your dog exhibits signs of regular repeated coughing, what would be called a chronic cough, it may be time to talk to your veterinarian. These infectious agents can target the entire airway from the upper respiratory tract down into the lungs causing several different conditions, such as bronchitis and pneumonia depending on the specific infection. Sometimes, Kennel cough in dogs can be caused by multiple different viruses or bacteria. Be aware for symptoms if your dog has been boarded recently or has been exposed to large numbers of other dogs, such as at a dog park. It is caused by persistent inflammation of the airways. Inflammation swells the lining of the airways and produces mucus which further narrows the passages in the lungs. Exposure to airborne pollutants and irritants such as cigarette smoke, are thought to lead to the disease. Chronic bronchitis in dogs is considered a progressive disease that will worsen with time and requires regular management to help ensure the best quality of life possible. Treatment options for chronic bronchitis focus on managing the inflammatory response. Inhaled corticosteroids are the preferred anti-inflammatory format for long term management of the condition. Unlike oral steroids and injectable formats, inhaled medications target the lungs directly and do not cause the same side-effects e. Versions of bronchodilators that are rapid acting with short-term effects, such as salbutamol and albuterol, may be used in cases of respiratory distress to open constricted airways. These short acting bronchodilator medications should not be used as the only therapy as they do not treat the underlying inflammation. In some cases, a long-acting inhaled bronchodilator may be prescribed in a combination format with an inhaled steroid. An example of this is Advair HFA GSK , which includes the long acting bronchodilator salmeterol and the inhaled corticosteroid fluticasone. Keep administering medication as prescribed by your veterinarian even in the absence of symptoms to keep inflammation down and prevent progressive lung damage. Collapsed Trachea And Coughing Small dogs are at a greater risk of experiencing a collapsed trachea. This is when the cartilage rings that partially encircle the trachea weaken and are no longer strong enough to support the trachea. It collapses on itself creating a narrow passageway that air is forced through producing a tell-tale honking sound similar to a goose honk. Dogs with the condition will often also have exercise intolerance, respiratory distress, and may gag while eating or drinking. In particular, inhaled bronchodilators e. Other treatment options may include medications that suppress coughing and treat secondary infections. In severe cases surgery may be required. Other symptoms to look for include a blue tinged tongue, reduced appetite, tiredness, weakness, lower endurance, rapid or depressed heartbeat, and difficulty breathing. If already diagnosed with heart disease, pay attention to when your dog is coughing. If your dog coughs when he is resting, lying down, or asleep, it could be a sign of a worsening condition. While not actually a cough, reverse sneezing is triggered by an irritant that causes the throat and soft palate to spasm. Irritants can include postnasal drainage, foreign material, excitement, exercise, a too tight collar, or sudden change in temperature. However, if they become severe or frequent then your dog should be taken to the animal clinic to diagnose for other potential health complications. In these cases, the cough is just the symptom of the other condition. Examples include heartworm disease and some types of cancer. Persistent coughs should be investigated by a veterinarian to help ensure the wellness of your dog. Before visiting your vet, take note of any other signs or symptoms your dog has shown in addition to the cough. If possible, try to take a video of your dog coughing at home to show the vet. Your vet will want to know as much as possible in order to properly diagnose and treat your pet. Diagnosing a Coughing Dog Your vet will perform a physical and may ask some of these common questions: How long have the symptoms been present? Is the cough wet or dry? Have you noticed any other symptoms besides the cough? Has your dog been around other dogs who have a cough? Is your dog more lethargic than usual? Further evaluation may include some combination of the following diagnostic tests depending on the specific situation: Blood work.

For the complete list please see our List of Boxer Breeders page. These prices are estimates only; each seller can charge whatever they like. The main factor that may affect the price of a boxer puppy is your location within the state which could either increase or decrease the cost. Other factors include breed popularity most popular breeds are generally listed at an average price , whether or not the dog has been AKC registered such registrations often come with a fee and if shipping is included in the price. There are several questions that should always be asked when deciding on whether or not someone is reliable enough to purchase from. Look out for these warning signs: The smell of ammonia or other foul odors this means the boxers were not kept clean Dirty cages, feeds or toys The presence of rats, mice or other pests. If at any point during your visit something seems off, trust your instincts and do not buy from the breeder. In some cases, it might even be helpful to contact your local SPCA or humane society as they may have handled situations involving this particular breeder. Meeting past customers will help you get a feel for whether or not you can trust the breeder and if they produce healthy, happy dogs. If their reviews are negative, be wary of buying from this person. Your breeder should have a good relationship with a veterinarian who is familiar with their practices and the conditions the boxers are kept in. If this is the case, how can you expect them to take care of your pup? Ask to See The Health Certificates for Your Boxer Puppy If any records exist, ask to see proof of all vaccinations, deworming and other procedures listed above; if none do, be wary. For this reason, you need to ask questions and obtain proof of any conditions your puppy may have. If the breeder does not provide this information easily, move on. This will prove that your Boxer Puppy is purebred and that the breeder is authorized to breed boxers. If these documents cannot be provided, take it as a warning sign. There are several simple things you can do in order to get yourself and your house ready. A playpen or kennel is perfect. When you go to pick up your boxer puppy, there are a few things that you should bring with you. Their new environment can seem overwhelming, so give them plenty of love and reassurance during this time. The younger they are when you start, the easier it will be Older Boxers can also be trained but it will take longer and be more difficult to do so. Keep this in mind before bringing your puppy home. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. We have put together the following to educate our potential adopters or anyone else who is interested in white Boxers. Many of the original Boxers were white and could be registered in Germany until .Difficulty arose in using white Boxers in police work, as they could be seen at night. For this reason Germany eliminated the ability to register white dogs and some breeders began to kill white puppies. This was the start of the controversy surrounding white Boxers. White Boxers are NOT rare. What makes seeing white Boxers somewhat unusual is that for a long time, the white puppies were not allowed to live. FBR believes that white Boxers have as much right to life as any other creature already born, and the occurrence of white Boxers is common enough that you will always be able to find one if you wish. White Boxers are not albinos. Some white Boxers have color on their coats or spots on their skin and all white Boxers have pigment in their eyes, therefore ruling out albinism. Although there is a higher incidence of deafness when a Boxer is white, not all are deaf. Deaf Boxers can be trained using a variety of methods including American Sign Language, hand signals, flashlights and more. Not everyone has the temperament, or the time and situation to deal with a Boxer who requires extra attention. This is not always bad, but they should know themselves well enough not to take on this challenge if it is too much for them. The same can be said for anyone considering having any pet, hearing or not. However, if you feel up for a challenge, a deaf Boxer may open up a new window in your life that you never dreamed possible. All it takes is a little time, patience, observation, and a kind heart, along with good basic common sense. Other dogs will know there is something different about deaf dogs and they will look out for them. While deaf dogs will not be able to hear, they rely on their other senses, like smell, sight and touch. Those who have owned deaf dogs would not hesitate taking on the responsibility of a deaf dog; as many have found them to be easier to train than hearing dogs. There are no outside sound distractions as they cannot hear, and they watch for your signals, they prefer to be close to you, and will follow your lead. You can choose to pay with your credit, debit card, or direct by eCheck. If you would like to mail your donation, please send to: Hwy 85 North Crestview, FL Please note: the above address is a drop box intended to receive donations, and other mail correspondence. Because of the large geographic area that we cover in Florida, we do not have a central physical location. The organization is fully staffed by dedicated volunteers and all Boxers in our program are in foster homes where they can receive love, attention, and any medical assistance needed.