SO, WHAT ARE HAWS???

Haws: this term refers to the third eyelid pigmentation. Some boxers have unpigmented haws which are pink or flesh colored giving the dog a “hung over look”, they are common when flashy dogs are bred together. If a dog is flashy, it carries a copy of the gene that causes white markings (flash). Some boxers have one dark haw and one un-pigmented haw, others have “double dark haws” this term means both eyes have the black third eyelids and are the desired trait. Non-pigmentation is not considered a fault according to the AKC standards for Boxers.

How to Calculate Your Dog’s Age

It’s common knowledge that dogs age faster than people. But the conventional wisdom that one dog year equals seven human years is an oversimplified view of how old your dog is in human years. Although a dog's age averages out this way, there is quite a bit of variation. For example, dogs mature more quickly than children in the first couple of years. So the first year of a dog’s life is equal to about 15 human years, rather than seven.

Size and breed also influence the rate at which a dog ages. Although smaller dogs tend to live longer than larger dogs, they may mature more quickly in the first few years of life. A large dog may mature more slowly at first but already be considered elderly at age five. Small and toy breeds don't become "seniors" until around age 10. Medium-sized breeds are somewhere in the middle in terms of maturation and lifespan.

In the chart below, use these general ranges for dog size:

• Small dog = 20 pounds or less
• Medium dog = 21-50 pounds
• Large dog = More than 50 pounds 

Translating Dog Years into Human Years 

LIFE SPAN OF THE AVERAGE BOXER

According to a UK Kennel Club health survey, cancer accounts for 38.5% of Boxer deaths, followed by old age (21.5%), cardiac (6.9%) and gastrointestinal (6.9%) related issues. Average age of death was 9 years and 8 months. Responsible breeders use available tests to screen their breeding stock before breeding, and in some cases throughout the life of the dog, in an attempt to minimize the occurrence of these diseases in future generations.

HOUSEHOLD MEDICATIONS SAFE FOR CANINES

Please note: We are not veterinarians nor do we claim to

be. Nothing here is meant to replace what your veterinarian says. Always consult with your veterinarian first. This list is provided as a guide only!

Household Medications list and dosage

The following are common antibiotics prescribed by veterinarians. Listed is the usual dosage and indications.

Please follow the advice of your veterinarian when using antibiotics.

WARNING! Those of you who use Kaopectate to control diarrhea, especially in cats, need to be aware of the recent formula change. Due to concerns regarding lead levels in the old formulation the manufacturer of Kaopectate have changed the active ingredient to bismuth subsalicylate. Salicylates (e.g. aspirin, pepto bismol and now kaopectate) should only be administered to cats under veterinary supervision. Some dogs are also sensitive to salicylates.

Things your home should never

be without. This could save the life of your dog.

• A working rectal thermometer. It doesn't matter
• if it’s a digital or old fashioned, you should have
• one on hand to take the temperature of your dog.
• Tums for upset tummies and added Calcium
• Anti-gas medication. Either Mylanta liquid or
• Gas-X chewable tablets. I prefer the liquid because
• it's faster acting, but the Gas-X chewable tablets
• have more simethicone which is what breaks
• up the gas. The chewable tablets can be carried
• easier in a portable first aid kit.
• Check those expiration dates
• A 12 or 20 CC syringe without needle. This is how
• you give the liquid anti-gas or any liquid medicine
• your dog may need. I would never be without one
• in an emergency.
• Pepto-Bismol liquid or tablets. Sometimes the
• dog isn't gassy, but just feels icky. The Pepto can
• help calm the stomach, keeping the dog from
• vomiting later on.
• Anti-diarrheal medicine. Either Keopectate or
• Immodium. Many dogs have problems with stress
• and show it with their stool. Left unchecked, the
• dog could become dehydrated. Usual dosage for
• Immodium is 1 mg. per 30#
• Pedialyte. This will replace the electrolytes lost
• with vomiting or diarrhea. Another use for your syringe.
• A jar of honey in the refrigerator. If your animal
• is ill, the honey will help the dog keep its sugar up.
• Low blood sugar is a problem when a dog stops
• eating due to illness. A teaspoon to tablespoon of
• honey will coat the dog's stomach and keep its
• glucose normal. There aren't too many dogs who will refuse
• this treat.
• Jar of baby food. A jar of Turkey or Chicken and
• Veggies diluted slightly with water or pedialyte
• can help the dog continue to function. Again, the
• trusty syringe can administer this if the dog doesn't
• want to eat.
• Peroxide. If you need to make a dog vomit and
• don't have Syrup of Ipecac, giving 1-3 teaspoons
• every 10 minutes will help the dog vomit.
• Repeat this 3 times.
• Buffered Aspirin. It reduces fever, helps the dog deal with
• pain, etc. Dosage is 5 or 10mg/lb. of body weight
• twice a day. (Try the lower dosage first) Enteric
• coated aspirin is not recommended in dogs because
• about half the time the coating isn't digested and
• the aspirin is excreted whole in the stool. Use Ascriptin
• which is aspirin with Maalox.
• DO NOT USE TYLENOL!

 The following chart can be used as a guide.

Note that this is not medical advice.

Benedryl. Absolute must have. It can save the

life of an animal who has been bitten by a bee.

Usual dosage 1 mg. per pound.

• Saline Solution. The stuff you rinse your contact
• lenses out with. Not the all in one solution like Renu,
• just plain old saline solution. Wonderful to use when
• the animal gets something in its eye.
• The phone numbers of your vet, emergency clinic
• and poison control taped up near your phone at
• all times or programmed into your cell phone.
• You don't want to have to be fumbling around for a
• phone number when every minute counts.
• The Dog Owners Home Veterinary Handbook.
• This book has lots of emergency information and
• everyday stuff you and your dog may need.

Herbal Remedies

This is to serve as a guide to greater vitality and longevity. For best

results herbs should be given on a schedule of two weeks on and one week off.

ALFALFA- High in nutrients, beneficial for over-acid conditions,

for stomach and digestive ailments, as a blood purifier and help

prevent osteoporosis, cancer, and heart disease.

BURDOCK- For conditions such as arthritis, skin disorders, powerful

blood cleanser: helps to promote perspiration, supports the digestive system.

CHAMOMILE- Soothing and calming, effective for digestive

weaknesses, colic and irritable bowel conditions.

DANDELION- Best known liver tonic herb available, beneficial

as tonic due to its gentle diuretic action: poor digestive disturbances

and poor appetite.

DEVILS CLAW- Anti-Inflammatory herbal remedy with analgesic

properties for the skeletal system. This helps for arthritis and rheumatism.

This is known as an effective pain reliever.

EYEBRIGHT- Excellent herb for the eyes, remedy for eye bath and eye

irritations; internally it helps to relieve mucous conditions.

GARLIC- Natural diuretic, thins mucus in lungs and bronchial tubes,

kills germs, natural antibiotic and antifungal, promotes good digestion,

helps to regulate liver and gallbladder. Garlic suppresses yeast in the body.

HAWTHORN BERRY- Herbal heart and circulatory remedy.

MARSHMALLOW- Herbal remedy sooths the entire digestive tract,

beneficial gastric complaints as ulcers, colitis, bloat and inflammation,

helpful for the urinary tract.

MEADOWSWEET- One of the best digestive herbal remedies available.

Inflammatory, pain-relieving compounds and can ease nausea. Combines

well with Marshmallow for digestive disorders. Not to be used on cats.

NETTLE- Herbal remedy beneficial for the whole body, including skin

disorders.

PEPPERMINT- Excellent digestive tonic that helps to stimulate poor

appetite, eases nausea and vomiting or colic.

RASPBERRY LEAF- Traditional herb used as a reproductive tonic to

strengthens and tone the uterus. Helpful in the treatment of diarrhea due

to its astringent properties.

RED CLOVER-Powerful remedy and blood purifier especially beneficial

for skin disorders. Its expectorant properties cure coughs and bronchitis.

Has proven useful in removing tumors and cysts.

ROSEHIPS- One of the best natural sources of Vitamin C along with other

minerals such as copper and cobalt. It is an immune system booster and

circulatory herbal remedy for all.

VALERIAN-One of the best nerviness available. Gentle yet effective.

Helps nervous dogs!

YARROW- Externally it heals wounds. Effective in the treatment and

helps to lower blood pressure.

CALL YOUR VET!