The Boxer's Flaw: Hip Dysplasia

Tags: dogs, pets, diseases, hip dysplasia

This dog is beautiful, strong, and well-built. It's energetic and playful too, making it great for outdoor people. Social and obedient by nature, some people get this breed as a house pet. This is what makes it the Boxer breed a popular choice amongst dog-owners around the globe. Despite of his healthy and strong build, this dog is prone to a sickness known as Hip Dysplasia.

Though this can be acquired by humans, it is more common among canine. Its usually caused by improper growth of the bones which leads to the degeneration of the connecting tissues found in between joints, particularly the ball and socket joint between its pelvic bone and thigh bone. The pain he gets worse as the tissue gets thinner and thinner.

This will limit his movements, leading to the wearing down of his muscles, making him inactive. When he moves, he will do so in a limping manner. As the condition worsens, the Boxer will hardly move at all. Other symptoms can be characterized by stiffness or minimal/slower movements when waking up, and refusal to do exercise such as running or walking.

Eventually, he will require aid in getting up. Diagnosis of this is usually done by using an X-ray to check for any deformities in its joints. When buying a Boxer, the parents of the pup which you choose to buy must be carefully screened and certified to be free from the the disease.

This is because it can be hereditary. Having healthy parents lessens the odds of your pet from developing the sickness. Despite this, there is still a possibility that your dog will acquire the disease. Avoid keeping him in an environment where he may develop it. Check-ups for the Boxer will be necessary.

As he grows older, he will become more vulnerable to Hip Dysplasia. To prevent this from happening to your beloved-pet, it is recommended that you provide your dogs daily nutritional needs. Eating healthy food can help him maximize his growth and avoid abnormalities. Have him undergo adequate exercise. Taking him on walks or jogs daily even just for 30 minutes a day will do him fine.

But don't overdo it - putting to much strain on a dog is never good. Observe proper exercise routines to keep him in proper shape. Everybody knows that prevention is always better than cure. Consult your veterinarian for tips on how to keep him healthy and happy. Despite all of this, there is still that small chance that your dog will contract Hip Dysplasia.

For some Boxers, its inevitable, specially for the old ones. So what do you do if this happens? Go to your vet for a check-up to determine the best possible treatment program for your dog. Being in that condition is never easy on him or you as the owner - nevertheless, it's still your responsibility.

It'll become a very crucial stage in his life. Be sure to give him enough time and care. That's what being a dog-owner is all about- investing time, effort, and resources for your pet.

About the author

Alex De La Cruz is a successful Dog Trainer who has been advising and coaching dog owners for many years. Alex now decided to share his knowledge through this site, Doggyweb.info. You can sign up for his free weekly newsletter and learn how to keep your dog healthy and happy.

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