How common is cancer in the boxer breed?

[Adelle]

We lost our first boxer to lymphoma, it was a heartbreaking experience for both me and my husband and we still miss him today 2 years later but that will never stop me from owning boxers. Boxers are not the only breed that are prone to cancer, all breeds have their own illness that plague their breed. So no matter what the cause or breed, loosing a dog is always heartbreaking. And as their life span is much shorter than ours most of us will go through it several times throughout our life. But all the good years and happy memories out weight the sad times


Adelle, Finnegan, CGC & Nessa, CGC
Boxer Buddies Rescue & Adoption Inc.

 

[Alisha Mobley]

While some recommend fasting a dog periodically, I have heard no one suggest not feeding them for several days, then stuffing them with food.

Actually I've read of one breeder (non-boxer breeder) who does just this.

 

[VTbxrFan]

The cancer statistics are scary, but it by no means indicates that all boxers are going to end up with cancer...and keep in mind that the numbers include boxers with cancers that are easily treated and aren't ultimately the cause of death. My parents' boy, for example, would be part of the cancer statistic because he had a cancerous lump removed. But that was about 5 years ago - he's now 12 years old and in wonderful health. His cancer was removed surgically - no chemo, no radiation, no impact on his quality of life other than having stitches for a week. I guess my approach to the cancer risk is to just be aware of it - it will never keep me from having boxers, but I'll always put a top priority on their health and monitor them closely so that if cancer does show up, odds are in my favor for catching it early.

 

[Ozzie]

I would have to think diet plays a very integral part in cancers. It sure does for us humans.

I'd be curious to see some long-term data (assuming any was available) regarding the prior health history of dogs from say, Australia and Europe v.s. the Boxers here in the USA. The reason: the obviously different diets that folks feed their dogs here v.s. other countries. I know some Boxers have lived close to that age in this country, but again, I'd sure like to see some long-term numbers.

I recall seeing that picture the other day of ol' 18-yr. old "Granny." The first thing that caught my eye was that she was from Australia. Extremely different diet Down Under, eh?? True, Granny appeared to have been from some very good lineage, but to me, the Boxers in those countries I mentioned seem to be--on average--much healthier. Maybe not...

I understand Boxers are prone to some forms of cancer, but so are other breeds. I'll always wonder just how much what we feed them has to do with it...

Bob.

 

[Zolotoy]

New Boxer owner from Australia

I am from Australia.

I am not sure that the diet in Australia is much different.

A lot of the big dog food companies sell their food internationally. We have all the major brands. However I am worried about feeding my dog on the commercially available diets. I want to feed it the barf diet, just because I believe it will be healthier for him as I will prepare the meals my self and know exactly what my dog is eating.

My mum has a dog which has diabetes and needs insulin injections twice a day. When he was diagnosed three years ago (at age 9) we were told that he wouldn't live for much longer (maybe a couple of months). However three years later with a change of diet he is doing very well. He seems happy and energetic. Before he was diagnosed mum fed him commercially available food, but after she started him on a barf diet.

The change in diet has helped him maintain a healthy weight, lots of energy and at age 12 he still looks like a young dog. (healthy coat, teeth and so on)

I believe that diet does play an important role in the health of dogs.

Anastasia