All about your Boxer

This can cause severe breathing problems in some Boxers with shorter faces. The majority of affected dogs can begin to show symptoms between one and three years old, although severely affected dogs may show signs from as young as four months old. Symptoms include noisy breathing and/or snoring. Your dog may show an inability or disinterest in exercise. This is due to them being unable to take insufficient oxygen and therefore it requires more stamina to help them cool down and breathe. Overheating is another symptom where the nasal cavity plays an important role in a dog’s temperature regulation and so dogs with BOAS struggle to maintain the correct body temperature in hot weather.

They may collapse or faint, caused by a lack of oxygen reaching the brain. Sadly, these symptoms are so common that they are often thought of as ‘normal’ for these affected breeds. However, sometimes it is necessary to examine the dog’s throat under anaesthetic as the back of the throat cannot be visualised when conscious.

Aortic stenosis is a type of heart valve disease. The signs of the condition are manifested as a result of the failure to feed the body the right amount of oxygen which is carried by the blood. Common signs include fainting, poor exercise tolerance, poor growth, or lethargy. It’s worth taking your dog for regular visits to the vet, even if they seem very healthy.

If one of your dog’s eyes becomes watery, develops a discharge or seems to be overly sensitive to light, he could have a corneal ulcer. These can develop as a result of a scratch or damage to the eye’s surface, and in most cases can be easily treated by your vet.

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

Ulcerative colitis in dogs affects the large intestines and is often associated with inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel disorder. With this condition, there is a malfunction of the immune system in which histiocytes (cells responsible for causing inflammation in the body) penetrate the intestines of your dog. It is mostly treated and managed through strict dietary changes. Speak to your vet if you have any concerns.

The content on this page aims to offer an informative introduction to pet breeds, but does not constitute expert veterinary advice. If your dog or cat falls ill or has an injury, contact your vet immediately. Tesco Pet Insurance has a partnership with vetfone™ which means that as a customer, you can benefit from their advice as part of your policy.

Tesco Pet Insurance is arranged, administered and underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Ltd. The vetfone™ service is provided by VetsDirect Ltd.

All facts and figures were correct at date of publication and were compiled using a range of sources.

Vetfone™ is a 24/7 unlimited, free telephone or video call service that provides expert advice from vets or vet nurses qualified with the RCVS (Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons). If your pet has a medical emergency, or you need advice on health, grooming, feeding or behaviour Vetfone™ is there to help.

As a Tesco Pet Insurance customer, you can access friendly, expert advice from qualified Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons as a standard benefit with your policy, and the service is provided at no additional cost. A quick telephone call or video call could answer any questions you have about your pet, give you peace of mind and could even save you a trip to the vet.

Tesco Pet Insurance is arranged, administered and underwritten by Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Ltd. The vetfone™ service is provided by VetsDirect Ltd.