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Breed Spotlight: Boxers

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The boxer is one of the most beloved and well-known dog breeds in America. Their worried, wrinkled faces belie a loyal companion that’s friendly with people they know, alert around strangers, and always ready for a walk, playtime, or snuggle on the sofa.

West Park Animal Hospital wants to take a moment to shine a light on this fabulous breed!

 

The History of Boxers

The boxer was first developed in Germany in the 1880’s from an older breed of dog known as “bullenbeissers.” These dogs were kept on large estates to bring down large game and keep cattle in line.

Modern boxers in the late 19th and 20th century were trained as police dogs, guide dogs, and military scout and messenger dogs during World War I.

Personality Plus

Boxers are smart, strong, and fearless. They also enjoy a reputation for having a stubborn streak that’s best met with a sense of humor. They rank eighth in the AKC registry, and the American Boxer Charitable Foundation has raised more money for genetic research than any other breed club in the world.

Boxers enjoy playing with family, friends, and children. They’re wary of strangers and will respond courageously to anything that threatens their family.

Boxers do best with early and consistent training (try starting when your puppy is 8 weeks old). They like looking for loop-holes in the rules and may test their boundaries! A firm, rewards-based approach to training works best with boxers.

Boxer Health

Boxers have a number of health issues. Luckily, boxer breeders are generally very dedicated and aggressive in trying to eliminate genetic diseases. Common issues include:

  • Cardiomyopathy
  • Aortic/subaortic stenosis
  • Degenerative myelopathy
  • Bloat and gastric torsion
  • Some cancers
  • Skin allergies

Some of these conditions can be screened for, but not all will show up in a growing puppy. However, a reputable breeder should be able to show you independent certification that a puppy’s parents have been screened for common defects and deemed healthy for breeding.

The American Boxer Club recommends breeding boxers be screened for cardiomyopathy, hypothyroidism, hip and elbow dysplasia, and aortic/subaortic stenosis. Stay away from breeders who claim otherwise.

Playing with Your Boxer

Boxers are big, physical dogs who love to play. You might try agility training, obedience sports, or other activities that require athleticism. Boxers can also be trained for flyball, frisbee, and some even like to swim.

Whatever activity you choose, remember that boxers are brachycephalic dogs. Their noses are shortened, making them appear almost flat-faced. While not all brachycephalic dogs have problems, the anatomy of their snout and head can place them at risk for breathing problems. Because of this, boxers may have a lower tolerance for vigorous exercise and may be more susceptible to heat exhaustion and heat stroke.

How to Find a Boxer

A good breeder will match you and your lifestyle with the right puppy. They’ll ask you many questions, and they should be open and honest about any diseases in their dogs’ lines.

Unlike other breed clubs, the American Boxer Club doesn’t maintain a breeder database. They suggest a local breed club or show may be a good way to find a reputable breeder. Regardless of how you find your breeder, make sure they follow the American Boxer Club’s Code of Ethics.

Boxer rescues and shelters are another wonderful way to find a pet. Keep in mind, while puppies are awesome, adopting an adult dog also has its advantages! Adult pets will likely have some training and be more settled than a puppy. The American Boxer Club has a rescue network that can help match you with the perfect boxer companion.

If you’re considering adopting a boxer, please let us know. We can provide you with the right resources to give your boxer a life filled with happiness and good health!

Cuteness Overload: Sugar Glider Care 101

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Two Sugar Gliders on Branch

The care and keeping of exotic pets has long fascinated humans, and the practice has grown in popularity in recent years. Sugar gliders are popular exotic pets, beloved for their small size, huge eyes, social nature, and affectionate attachment to their handlers.

Although they look like a cross between a squirrel and a mouse, sugar gliders are actually marsupials that are native to Australia, Tasmania, Indonesia, and Papua-New Guinea. The name “sugar glider” comes from their love of sweet foods and their gliding membrane (much like a flying squirrel).

As with all exotic pets, sugar gliders require specific conditions in order to survive and thrive. Our guide to the basics of sugar glider care will help you get started on your journey as an exotic pet owner!

 

Sugar Glider Housing

Sugar gliders need as large a cage as possible in order to allow them to climb and glide. Sugar gliders are escape artists, so wire or bars should be spaced no more than 0.5” apart and lock securely.

The bottom of the cage can be lined with shredded paper bedding and should be spot cleaned daily and completely changed/cleaned weekly. Multiple food dishes, as well as a water bottle with a sipper spout, should be available.

All sugar glider cages should contain a pouch for sleeping and hiding during the day (marsupials are raised inside their mother’s body pouches), as well as plenty of branches and shelves from which to perch and glide. Bird swings, bird toys, and rodent wheels are also good options for exercising your glider.

Sugar Glider Care and Feeding

Sugar gliders are omnivores and need a combination of plant and animal matter to thrive. Commercially available sugar glider food is a good start. Supplement their diet with fresh vegetables, fruit (minimal amounts), and small portions of protein, such as cooked eggs, lean cooked meat, commercial pellets for insect-eating animals, and mealworms or crickets. A powdered calcium supplement should be sprinkled over their food daily.

Sugar gliders are nocturnal and can live up to 15 years in captivity, so be absolutely sure you’re ready to commit to this lifestyle before adopting one of these exotic pets.

Snuggle Time

Sugar gliders are extremely social animals that can bond to humans and other sugar gliders. They do much better when kept in pairs, either same-sex or a female with a neutered male. Daily handling and attention is critical when it comes to bonding with your glider, just make sure you do so in a glider-proofed room, as these tiny furballs are known escape artists!

Common Concerns

Like all pets, sugar gliders should be examined regularly by a veterinarian. Sugar gliders can fall victim to a variety of illnesses and diseases, including malnutrition, metabolic bone disease, dental issues, and stress-related conditions. Without proper exercise or when fed improperly, sugar gliders have a tendency to become obese. Obese sugar gliders are at risk for many of the same health conditions as obese humans, including heart disease and arthritis.

Do you have additional questions regarding sugar glider care? West Park Animal Hospital is proud to offer full service exotic pet care. Our expert staff is ready to answer any questions you may have. Please feel free to give us a call!

The post Cuteness Overload: Sugar Glider Care 101 appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Things Dogs Eat: The Problem With Pica in Pets

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A Airedale Terrier dog eats the grass

Has your pet ever eaten anything you don’t consider to be edible? Those of us with dogs, and some cats, can attest to this activity. And most of the time, our reaction is one of dismay, bewilderment, or even disgust. Unfortunately our pets just don’t seem to mind our protests, no matter how vehement!

Pica is the consumption of non-food substances. Coprophagy, the technical term for the eating of feces, is one of the most common forms of pica in dogs. Both coprophagia and pica in general can cause problems for pets, and sometimes are the result of an underlying medical condition.

West Park Animal Hospital gets questions about pica in pets often, so we thought we’d dig in (ahem) to this topic.

The Pica Problem

With pica, a pet eats inedible objects such as toys, rocks, grass, and sticks. Cats are more likely to consume kitty litter, string, dental floss, and clothing.

The problem with pica is that the items consumed can cause serious blockage in the digestive tract. These items may either get tangled in the sensitive intestine, or be unable to pass, resulting in major illness followed by emergency surgery or endoscopy.

Signs that your pet may be experiencing a GI blockage include:

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Straining to pass stool
  • Loss of appetite
  • Drooling
  • Lethargy

What Causes Pica in Pets?

Most cases of pica in pets are behavioral in nature. Still, it’s important to rule out any medical conditions such as malnutrition, liver disease, anemia, and parasites. Once we know your pet is eating non food items for behavioral reasons, we can start to look at causes and prevention.

Common behavioral reasons for pica include:

  • Boredom
  • Learned behavior
  • Stress or anxiety
  • Fear of punishment (in the case of stool eating, eliminating the evidence of an accident in the house may help the dog avoid being punished)

In most cases, pica does not go away on it’s own. It’s often a compulsive behavior, regardless of how it started or the reasons for it.

Treatment and Prevention of Pica

If there isn’t an underlying medical condition, the following measures can be taken to help prevent pica and treat the behavioral issue.

  • Make sure your pet is getting plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Ask us about your dog’s breed, age, and lifestyle for recommendations. Most dogs need at least 60 minutes of exercise per day – hunting and sporting breeds need much more.
  • Consider environmental enrichment such as food puzzles, games, and a dog walker if you are away from home a lot to decrease boredom
  • Eliminate access to objects that your dog may eat
  • Consider training your dog to wear a basket muzzle, if she eats objects in the yard. Never leave a muzzled dog unattended.
  • Leash walk your dog and distract him from eating objects or poop with treats and praise. Teach him the “leave it” command.
  • Try covering the objects with a bitter apple spray or cayenne pepper.
  • Provide lots of safe toys and chewing objects that your pet can’t swallow.
  • If your pet continues to eat foreign objects, consider a referral to a veterinary behaviorist who can help you get to the root of your pet’s behavior

In most cases, the treatment and prevention of pica will be an ongoing project. Follow up visits may be necessary. However, prevention is certainly preferable compared with life-threatening illness and emergency surgery (and recovery) to remove foreign material from your pet’s digestive tract.

If you have questions about your pet eating foreign objects or want to discuss their behavior, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us. West Park Animal Hospital is here for you!

The post Things Dogs Eat: The Problem With Pica in Pets appeared first on West Park Animal Hospital Blog.

Who Gets Custody of the Pets?

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by Kitty Walker, LMSW-ACP

 

Dear Kitty,

My boyfriend and I have two Pugs; Angus & Ryker. We adopted them jointly 2 years ago. Recently, my boyfriend and I have not been getting along. I know we won’t be staying together much longer. I know there is a good chance that I will never see my Angus or Ryker again. I just don’t know how to deal with this, how to say goodbye to my babies, how to go on each day without pouring their food or taking them for walks. How do I leave them? Honestly, I know they will be loved, and in good caring hands. But, how do I accept that those hands won’t be mine?

Shari

 

Dear Shari,

I am very sorry that things are not working out in your relationship, and I hate that it means you will have to say goodbye to the dogs you own jointly.

I guess that first I want to ask if it really has to be that way. I have known couples in a similar circumstance who made allowances for both to continue to see the animals, despite one having “primary custody.” Visitation, on a periodic basis, can be a very meaningful endeavor for both human and animal.

If, for whatever reason, that is not possible, you will definitely be in for a grieving process. I am glad that you know that they will be “in good caring hands,” as that could otherwise be a source of great anxiety and pain.

I recommend that you have a special time set aside just to say good-bye to them. Perhaps it can be the last thing you do before leaving the household. Engage both of them in some kind of routine activity that you have enjoyed together, such as a walk around the block or a game of Fetch. If you have a habit of being vocal with them, you can tell each of them what they have meant to you, and how sad you are to have to leave them.

After you have done the physical leaving, try to set up some time to talk to someone who understands your bond to them. Take every opportunity to express your feelings of loss, verbally and in writing. The stages of grieving: shock, anger, denial, bargaining, depression, acceptance don’t occur in the same order or same intensity with everyone, but the acceptance stage is usually after all the others. In other words, it could take a while to reach.

Be gentle with yourself and allow your grieving to unfold.

My Best,

Kitty

Ask Kitty is a psychotherapist specializing in grief and loss issues which humans encounter when their pets die. She has worked in this area for a number of years, providing counseling to people at this special time of need. She also provides consultation and education to employees of veterinary clinics in her area.

When Will Grief End?

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by Kitty Walker, LMSW-ACP

 

Dear Kitty,

On January 1, 2001, I had to take my best friend of 15+ years for the last ride of her precious life. Making the decision to put her to sleep was the HARDEST thing I’ve ever had to do. I am a Paramedic Firefighter and I’m around death and dying all the time. But this has effected me in such a way I NEVER thought possible.

I know it was the right thing to do because she had gotten so much worse in the past 2 weeks, but God it hurts. Cee Jae was my pet cocker spaniel and in my life more than any one else except for immediate family. When the decision was made, my 2yr old son bent down and gave her a kiss, I thought I was gonna die, We left, all the way to the Hospital I balled like a little kid, I’m still crying, trying to type. Please tell me it will get better. Cee Jae is buried in our, HER back yard. I talk to her every day, but I’m hurting so much. Do you have any suggestions? Please help…

Lost and Lonely

 

Dear Lost and Lonely,

Please accept my deepest condolences for the loss of Cee Jae. No matter how much death you have been around in your profession, nothing could prepare you for the heartbreak of losing your precious best friend of 15 years. She was, as you said, a treasured member of your family. You asked me if it gets better, and I take that to mean you want to know if the pain of grieving lessens its grip over time. I can reassure you that it almost always does, even though at its most intense, it seems like you will hurt that much forever. Because we take them into our hearts so deeply, the pain of mourning a beloved animal can be devastating.

You said that you talk to her every day, and I take it that brings you comfort. Other things that might bring you comfort, when you are ready, is to talk with others about what a great dog she was, sharing memories about her exploits and tender moments. In addition, we have a new memorial area at Beyond Indigo where you can post an obituary or life story about Cee Jay if you wish.

May your heart find healing and be comforted by memories of the precious time you had together.

My Best to You,

Kitty

Ask Kitty is a psychotherapist specializing in grief and loss issues which humans encounter when their pets die. She has worked in this area for a number of years, providing counseling to people at this special time of need. She also provides consultation and education to employees of veterinary clinics in her area.

When is the Right Time to Replace a Pet?

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by Kitty Walker, LMSW-ACP

 

Dear Kitty,

Hi, my name is Shawn. I’m 14 and from New Jersey. My dog, Holly, just recently died on July 7th and it was the only companion, friend, family member that I have ever truly loved with all my heart. She had a very rare blood disease and she got sick one morning, turned all yellow, and then died the next morning.

I didn’t even have time to say good-bye. She was only 5. She was a great dog. She didn’t have a mean bone in her body. She never growled or got angry with anyone. She always loved and knew when I was feeling bad she would make me feel a lot better. I thought I wanted another dog, but I didn’t want to replace Holly and to my surprise my parents got a new 9-week-old puppy. It’s only been in this house for three days but I hate it so much! It is the meanest dog I have ever met. It growls and bites and attacks and never cuddles (Holly always cuddled) I just don’t want it in my house any longer and if it doesn’t leave then I am. I truly hate that dog. I would sell my soul to get holly back.

I really wish that was possible, but it’s not and I can’t live without her. Is this feeling going to be with me the rest of my life? Am I ever going to be able to handle this? And what do I do about the puppy?

Shawn

 

Dear Shawn,

Please accept my condolences for the loss of your Holly. Sounds like she was your canine soul mate, a loss that you will carry with you for all time. It is really awful that she got so suddenly sick, then died with almost no warning. She was a gentle spirit and I can tell that you miss her more than words can say.

You are wiser than your parents in knowing there is no replacement for Holly. I fully believe that they were trying to do their best in getting the new puppy, but as you have stated, the comparison of the new one is jarring. If you had never had a girl like Holly, then perhaps the new one would have had a chance to win you over. I pray that by the time you read this, things have settled down and you are open to receiving a very different dog. I know and you know that you will not love this dog the same way that you did your Holly…however, I hope that you will give the new little one a chance.

I hurt for you and your loss. I also can tell that you have talent in writing. I hope that you will consider writing a tribute to Holly. It can be some thoughts and feelings and memories, to show how much you loved her. You can keep it to yourself or post it on our web site here at beyond Indigo.

This is a way you can say good-bye to her, since you did not have a chance to when she was alive.

Feel free to write to me anytime about your feelings. Holly was a precious darling, and I know that you miss her enormously.

My Best,

Kitty

Ask Kitty is a psychotherapist specializing in grief and loss issues which humans encounter when their pets die. She has worked in this area for a number of years, providing counseling to people at this special time of need. She also provides consultation and education to employees of veterinary clinics in her area.

Traumatic death of a pet

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by Kitty Walker, LMSW-ACP

 

Dear Kitty,

After having my cat for almost five years, I was horrified and greatly saddened to discover his body on the side of the road! The poor thing was not intact! He looked so bad. Apparently, he had been hit by a car, truck whatever! I loved him so much! He was like a child to me. He was so special, so sweet; he didn’t deserve such a horrible death!

I am having a very hard time coping with his death. I find myself crying several times a day. He was a very, very special friend to me. I miss him so much! I have two other cats. I think they feel the loss too! Cats do go to heaven don’t they? I never want to forget him.

Do you have any suggestions on how I can come to terms with his death? I would greatly appreciate it! Thank you!

 

Dear Friend:

I was deeply saddened by your recent letter. The death of a pet at any time, under any circumstances, is difficult enough for those of us with deep attachments to them. However, seeing your sweet one’s disfigured body following a lethal hit on the road has to be one of the all-time terrible experiences.

One of the things you will unfortunately be coping with is the image of his body when you came upon it. Although it is a gruesome image, and not the way your cat looked in life, it is better if you don’t try to fight it. Your mind, in an attempt to deal with the trauma, will go back to it repeatedly. So that this reliving of it is less traumatic for you, try to pair the image with the thought, “This is not (your cat’s name), just his shell. His spirit had already left before he looked this way.”

In writing your letter to me, you are helping yourself in the grieving process. I often recommend that people write a memorial tribute to the animal that has died, describing his or her personality, quirks, strong points, and what the relationship between human and pet was like. This can be something you do privately for yourself, or, if you wish, you can post a memorial here at Beyond Indigo.

In addition to writing a tribute, you can also make a special scrapbook. Going through photographs, while painful at first, can be a way of reminding you that he was a beautiful creature, full of life and spirit.

You asked, “cats do go to heaven don’t they?”

Although I am not anywhere close to an ultimate authority on this, my belief is that heaven would not be heaven without our beloved creatures welcoming us to love and play with for all eternity.

I’ll keep you in my heart,

Kitty

Ask Kitty is a psychotherapist specializing in grief and loss issues which humans encounter when their pets die. She has worked in this area for a number of years, providing counseling to people at this special time of need. She also provides consultation and education to employees of veterinary clinics in her area.

Second Year of Loss

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by Karin Baltzell, Ph.d

 

Dear Karin,

It is soon the second year after the loss of my cat. She was my baby and my only real friend. The death was awful and I was suicidal and depressed in spite of therapy and the comforting cliches we all tend to use when death intrudes. I know I will not be able to ever have another cat—I was happy with the one I had and my disability limits me (mostly the lack of income and mobility). I write her letters and have filled six journals. I am unable to enjoy life like I used to and am totally stagnant. I’ve suffered many horrible losses in my 42 years on Earth and don’t look forward to facing any more, save, mine own. I know I’ll lose it on the 2-year date, which is also my Dad’s birthday. Do you have any advise to help me cope?

 

Dear Reader,

Of course, we are so sorry for your loss, and your continued grieving. Yes, it is very hard to hear platitudes, and cliches, when we are looking for someone to totally understand us and say just the “right thing”. There is nothing that we could hope for more than some of the following suggestions might be of some consolation or help:

1. Contact your therapist if you are no longer seeing him/her and have a touch-up appointment during this anniversary time.

2. Have you joined the on-line support groups on Beyond Indigo?? Perhaps the Buddy Chat???

3. Try not to be alone on the anniversary date of the deaths of your kitty and your father. Be gone from your residence, if possible, or invite a friend of neighbor in to be with you.

4. Talk about your loss to someone that you trust. Yes, you’ve done that before, but you have suffered so many losses, it might take you an extra special long time to process all the feelings and hurt inside.

5. Keep journaling. However, you might change the focus of your writing to “What if?” What if I got a new cat, how would I manage that? What if I could find someone to share a pet with (and the cost), say a friend, or a neighbor, or another lonely grieving person? What if I could change the future for myself, what would it look like? Can you see how this can get you to start a new cycle of thinking???

6. Contact a Humane Society, or Social Services agency and see if they have therapy pets that can come and visit you. That way, you don’t own the pet (and don’t have to worry about the loss, yet again).

7.Consider the possibility of getting a new kitty. Just “consider it”. Try on the idea. Live with the thought again. It would seem that what is holding you back from lots of love, and comfort, is your fear of suffering loss again. Yet, without risking love again, you suffer loss EVERY single day, over and over.

We wish you the best of luck getting through your anniversary, and encourage you to Hang On, and you will make it through to the other side of your painful time.

Karin

Karin is a staff writer and editor for Beyond Indigo. She holds her Ph.D in Psychology.

My Little Jack Russell

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by Karin Baltzell, Ph.d

 

Dear Karin: My little Jack Russell was killed 5-5-03 & I feel it was my fault as every morning, 5am I would let her out with me to run back & forth to my daughters, who is 4 houses away. Only this morning she looked directly at me & ran the other way into the busy street….at that time I hurriedly ran into the house for her leash only to come out the door & see her lying dead in the street. There was not one mark on her but my vet said she was probably hit in the head. I had to call my doctor for mediation & yet today I’m still grieving & cannot get past–#1. seeing her look directly at me & #2. seeing her white hair blowing in the wind as she lay dead.

Please Help ASAP. Thank You

 

Dear Reader: Thank you for your confidence in writing to Beyond Indigo for help. I’m sure this is a very difficult time for you. You have the loss of your little Jack Russell, and the guilt over her death. Our condolences to you.

Those last images of our pet in our mind do seem to linger, which in one way is a nice thing, as it gives us a sense of remembrance for our pet. When your mind tends to linger over the unpleasant images, try to replace those with the happy image you have of your sweet pet as she lay sleeping at your feet, or when she was running between your house and your daughter’s house. Make a conscious effort to do so, each time the unpleasant or guilty thought comes to your mind. It really works, but as with all efforts, it will take a little time, so be patient with yourself.

Difficult as it may seem to remember now, your dog had her own will and her own thoughts. All the days before the accident she did the same behavior. There would be no reason for you to know or expect that she would change that behavior, and instead, run in the street. Perhaps it was time for your dog to leave you, and she looked at you because she knew that, and was saying “Goodbye. Forgive me. I have to go.”

Karin is a staff writer and editor for Beyond Indigo. She holds her Ph.D in Psychology.

My Dog Drowned

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by Karin Baltzell, Ph.d

 

Dear Karin,

I lost my dog, Buster almost two months ago very tragically. I let him go out to go to the bathroom like I had done for 15 years and I walked away for a minute. I looked out the window and noticed he had fallen into my almost frozen pond. It had snowed the night before although the pond wasn’t completely frozen over. I ran out there to try and get him out. I felt the ice under my feet cracking. I couldn’t reach him. I tried so hard. He kept flapping his paws trying his hardest to get out but he couldn’t reach land. The ice kept breaking. I called the neighbors and my husband at work and 911. With all the help and trying it was too late. By the time my husband got home my dog was floating on the top of the water. I cannot deal with this pain. I see it over and over and over again in my head. He was looking at me asking “Why aren’t you helping my get out of this cold water?”. The image I also see is him seeing me on his death bed knowing I let him drown. Please give me some advice and how to cope with this. Every time I look out the window i see that awful pond. How can i continue to live here and see that image everyday. Please help me.

 

Dear Tracie,

We were so sorry to hear that you had lost your dear pet. It must have been very traumatic for you to not be able to help your loved animal.

There are many things I could try to write to you to hopefully ease your pain, but I think, considering the circumstances, you might still be in some sort of shock, and suffering from post traumatic stress. Your most immediate help could come from a specialist for post traumatic stress disorder. You can find a specialist like this if you call your local hospital and ask for references, or call your local counseling center.

Coping with a death is never easy, and it is especially difficult when you have some sense of responsibility. Rest assured, you could do nothing for your dog. After all these years of letting him out he has never gone to the pond and gotten into trouble. Perhaps he knew that his time was getting close to leave you [he was 15 and that is old for a dog] and he chose to make it quick. Death always looks bad to the bystander, but I am told over and over that those deaths are really quite quick, and not as painful or full of panic as they appear.

Perhaps you might look at your dog’s passing as a blessing {he died quickly} and a double blessing because the last thing he saw was YOU, and you were HELPING him. I’m sure your dog knew that. Perhaps he was really saying to you, I’m so sorry I did this, and caused you so much unhappiness.

Do let us know how you come to terms with this. We care.

Karin

Karin is a staff writer and editor for Beyond Indigo. She holds her Ph.D in Psychology.