Expert: Angela Donald - 8/13/2010

Question
QUESTION: Hello ,

I have a intact female boxer who is now 10 months. Iam contemplating on adopting an older boxer dog who is desexed & is a handsome boy. When it comes to getting a second boxer is it better to get a pup or an adult. Also my dog is a bit scared of big dogs but I want to give this a try to see if she will be ok getting along with her own kind. I think for a puppy she is still young herself & am not sure if she will mother the puppy & perhaps might have too much energy to tire the little puppy out is my concern . They will be spending lot of time together.

Thanks,
Shilpa.

Thanks,
Shilpa.

ANSWER: Hi Shilpa,

Go for it ! Should be a good match. When choosing another boxer its best to get the opposite sex and age would only matter if you already had an older dog. Puppies are great as you can teach them from a young age, older dogs on the other hand may not be exactly what you want but there are alot of older dogs out there that are great too. Have a trial visit with the new proposed adoptee and bring your boxer along to meet and greet the new dog to see how they react together would be advised. If your boxer submits to the other dog by couching down this is ok and how a young puppy would normally greet an adult dog. Thank you for your question.

Angela Donald
Canine Behavior Consultant
Hi-Tower Boxers
http://www.hitowerboxers.com


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello Angela,

with my existing 10 month old for the past month I have noticed that all her nails in her front paw only  have gotten dark reddish discolouration & her paw fur between her toes & at the back are dark red & dark red fur on certain spots aswell. It doesn't seem to bother her as she hardly licks or chews. She hates me touching her paws . I was told that this is a yeast infection on the forums. I have been washing her paws with MALASEB antifungal shampoo & dipping her feet in vinegar & warm water solution. Any advise.

Thanks,
Shilpa.

Answer
Hi Shilpa,

Yes it does sound like a yeast infection, continue with the Malaseb shampoo not the vinegar. But I can't help but recall Australia has red dirt , right ? Are you sure the red dirt isn't the cause ? A vet should have a look and make a definite diagnosis. Thank you for your question.

Angela