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Miniature Boxer

Mary Simpson
by Mary Simpson
Published:  January 17th, 2022
fast facts

About Miniature Boxer

Weight
25-50 lb
Lifespan
12-15 years
Group
not applicable
Best Suited For
Families with kids and other pets as well as settings where they are not left on their own for long periods of time.
Temperament
loving, devoted, protective, social
Comparable Breeds
Boston Terrier, Boxer
Height
15-22 inches
Miniature Boxer Basics


We know what you’re thinking. Any dog called a Miniature Boxer conjures up a specific image, but whatever you have in your mind might not quite match up with reality. Despite what his name implies, the Miniature Boxer is not a scaled-down version of that well-loved German working dog that we all know and love. In fact, the compact version of the Boxer dog is actually a hybrid or designer dog that was developed by crossing several purebreds to achieve a certain appearance. As a result, the Miniature Boxer will not necessarily be a carbon copy of his full-sized parent, but rather a new pup that inherits some of the traits (especially in the behavior department) from other breeds in the mix. Depending on the breeder, there are a few potential parents that can be used in a mix and each one brings along their own set of quirks and traits.


Of course, there are some tendencies that all Miniature Boxes share. These beautiful hybrids are social creatures that get along well with kids, other animals, and even other family pets. While they are non-aggressive, the Miniature Boxer is devoted to their families and can prove to be a formidable guardian if they feel their pack is threatened. So you can depend on this pooch to alert you and your family to any situation he feels might be threatening. They also love to be part of family activities with the downside being that they don’t do well when left to their own devices for long periods of time. This is a dog that requires near constant companionship in any home.


While the Boxer is among the top 10 most popular dog breeds in the United States, the Miniature Boxer is still a rare breed. Nevertheless, there’s a lot of effort being put into the development of the breed and these dogs have a lot to offer to the right owner. So, if you’re willing to put in the effort to track down one of these beauties, you will be richly rewarded for your efforts. Read on to find out more about this unusual and delightful designer dog!


Miniature Boxers are devoted to their families.


Origin


The designer dog craze started at some point during the 1980s, with Labradoodle kicking off a trend of crossing purebreds to create attractive and appealing new hybrids. The majority of these new crossbreed dogs are a result of mixing two purebreds, but there is a handful of designer dogs with a more complex lineage. The Miniature Boxer is one of these more complicated hybrids. However, despite his unusual background and the rarity of the breed, there’s not much we know about its origins. That’s just a sad reality of the designer dog world. No one has put much effort into documenting and monitoring their history.


Mixed breed dogs have been around since, well, forever, and that makes it difficult to know when someone intentionally developed a designer dog breed rather than these dogs appearing as a result of unplanned mating practices. To make matters more complicated for the Miniature Boxer, breeders are still not on the same page about which dogs to use to develop the mix. So, it’s hard to pinpoint a clear start of the journey for the Miniature Boxer or even predict their future. This is a hybrid mix still in development and breeders are still experimenting with which mixes produce the best results. It’s highly likely that the breed was first developed sometime in the last 20 years in the United States, not unlike many other similar hybrids. Unfortunately, that’s all we know for sure, but stay tuned since this pups are growing in popularity all the time.


Pedigree

Miniature Boxers aren’t smaller sized purebred Boxer dogs. They are a type of designer dog that can only be produced by combining a variety of breed combinations. The end result of all of these breeding practices is a mini Boxer. Here are the breed combinations that are most commonly used in this process:



Food/Diet


Like all dogs, the Miniature Boxer requires a high-quality and well-balanced diet to maintain an optimal state of health and improve the quality of his life. In general, these hybrids do best on properly chosen premium dry food formula. Kibble contains all of the essential nutrients any canine needs, but to be healthy it will have to be made from natural high-grade ingredients. Choose dry food that’s suitable for dogs of your Miniature Boxer’s size and activity level. Medium breed formulas are usually the best fit. On top of all of that, their kibble should also be appropriate for their age. Puppies in the crucial developmental stage of their life won’t need the same nutrients as seniors or adult dogs. If you are ever uncertain about which kibble is best for your Miniature Boxer, then it’s always a good idea to consult with your vet. All dogs are different and especially when it comes to a designer dog that is still in development, the specific dietary needs of your pooch may be hard to predict. For this reason, it’s always worth trusting the opinion of your vet over any kibble manufacturer that has no relationship with your personal pup.


Portion control is also an important part of any dog’s diet. As a medium dog, the Miniature Boxer will need to be fed a top quality dry food equivalent to 1.5 to 2.5 cups each day. Do not overfeed your dog or let them free feed. Miniature Boxers have healthy appetites (hey, which dog doesn’t?!), but they can quickly become overweight if you overindulge them. Needless to say, obesity is a serious issue for dogs that can damage your pet’s health. So be strict with treats and serving sizes. Don’t give into their adorable puppy pouts or demands. They will always want more food that you provide. They important thing is to feed your pup what they need and not what they want.


Miniature Bulldogs are vigorous, playful dogs that do best under a strong pack leader, so early, socialization and behavioral training are important.


Training


Miniature Bulldogs are vigorous and playful dogs that do best under a strong pack leader. So early, socialization and behavioral training are important. You need to establish yourself as the alpha early in the relationship with your pup to ensure that you have a long and satisfying life together. Because they are an intelligent breed, they learn fairly quickly. However a consistent, firm approach is required as they can become rather stubborn. Rewards based training is best and should begin at an early age. Any sort of negative reinforcement training is strongly discouraged. There’s a fine (and frankly almost nonexistent) line between that and abuse. So stick with reward and encouragement based training and be patient. You’ll get there. The key is starting early before any problem behaviors develop.


Weight


Like all hybrids, weight will be influenced by which side of the gene pool is dominant in your pup. For Miniature Boxers, that will mean that he could weigh as little as 25 pounds if the Boston Terrier, Pug or Rat Terrier dominates. However, if the Boxer side of his lineage presents itself, your “Miniature” Boxer could weigh as much as 50 pounds once he grows to full size. Quite a bit of variance, huh? Hybrid dogs are notoriously unpredictable and that’s especially true of a designer dog that’s still being developed like the Miniature Boxer. But no matter their size, these dogs will need plenty of room. They are certainly not a breed suited for small and cramped spaces. This is due to the fact that they have tons of energy, and will need the room to spend it productively. A cooped up Mini Boxer can certainly become unhappy, bored, and lethargic – and even resort to some naughty destructive behavior.


Temperament/Behavior

The Miniature Boxer is known for being an affectionate, friendly, gentle and loving family pet. His alert and playful nature makes him a great fit with kids and other pets. While his highly intelligent streak means that he’s easy to socialize and train. With a combination of Boxer and Boston terrier in their DNA, the Miniature Boxer may tend to be affectionate and loyal to his family yet leery of strangers and highly protective of his pack. So, this is an ideal family pet for any home that is fairly isolated and won’t be inundated with strangers. Miniature Boxers would not do well in an apartment setting, for example.


Common Health Problems


It would be wrong for a new owner to fear the worst and assume their hybrid is likely to inherit health issues known to the parent breeds. In fact, this is often not the case at all and serious ailments known to certain breeds often by-pass the hybrid offspring entirely. That said, it’s always important to do your research to better understand your new pet’s familial history and in the case of the Miniature Boxer, it means taking a good look at the health history of the Boxer and Boston terrier. The Boxer side of Miniature Boxer does have a propensity for heart related issues including murmurs, cardiomyopathy, as well as hypothyroidism (which is easily treatable) and cancer. From the Boston terrier, one may find a tendency towards respiratory issues related to his short muzzle, allergic dermatitis (which may be solved simply through special shampoos), and cataracts. While there’s no guarantee that any of these issues will develop in your pup, it’s always a good idea to schedule more visits to your vet as they get older so that any potential issues can be spotted early before they get out of hand.


Life Expectancy


The average lifespan of a Miniature Boxer is between 12 and 15 years. If we consider that 15 years is an average maximum life expectancy for most dogs, it is clear that the Miniature Boxer is surprisingly long-lived. These are sturdy, athletic dogs with a varied genetic pool in their ancestry and that goes a long way when their lifespan is in question. And when you take into account their positive traits, their cheery attitude, and their energetic character, you quickly understand that with their 15 years of age the Miniature Boxers can become quite the companion dogs! Who wouldn’t want such a lively and loving dog by their side for such a long time?


Of course, it goes without saying that this advanced age can be reached only with the help of the owner! It is up to you to devote your care and attention to your Miniature Boxer pet, in order to help them along. This means that a good diet, regular vet checkups, plenty of exercise, and tons of love will be a must! And only with that, you and your pet can spend the best years of your lives together.


Exercise Requirements


This is a very active breed that will require daily exercise including fairly long walks and active playtime. Engaging him in one-on-one games such as catch or off-leash activities with other dogs is important for mental stimulation as well as providing an outlet for his excess energy. Without sufficient exercise, the Miniature Boxer can become bored, destructive, and ultimately high strung. So, it’s very important to establish and maintain a regular exercise regime.


Your best option for regular daily exercise will be a spacious fenced-in yard with a lot of space for your pet to roam around and explore. If you have this luxury at your home, your Miniature Boxer pet can fully thrive and reap the benefits of that! They’ll play all they want, and that will guarantee that they remain calm and content – with zero chance of boredom. If you don’t have a yard, then it is down to the regular choices: a casual walk around the block, some playtime in the park, and even a hike. Remember that this breed is athletic and full of energy, so you will have to find safe and efficient ways to indulge this basic need.


The Miniature Boxer is known being an affectionate, friendly, gentle and loving family pet.


AKC


As a hybrid, the Miniature Boxer does not qualify to be a member of the American Kennel Club however he is recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC) and the Dog Registry of America, Inc.


Coat


Mini Boxers are minimal shedders with a coat comprised of short, fine hair that is smooth to the touch. Grooming is fairly easy, but should be done on a regular basis to keep his coat looking its best, along with ear cleaning to avoid infections that all floppy eared dogs can be prone to developing. Coloring can range from black to brown, silver, red or white. He will typically have a lighter chest regardless of the dominant color of his coat. Either way, it is best to develop a weekly routine and brush lightly from time to time. It only takes a few minutes per day, but maintains your pet’s coat in top shape. All in all, Miniature Boxers are true minimal maintenance doggos, at least when coat is considered.


Puppies


A true Miniature Boxer pup is a cross between a Boxer and Boston terrier. Some breeders are creating their own versions by mixing Pugs, Rat Terriers and Fox Terriers into the mix. Yet, while you will still end up with a loving little dog, it’s important to note that this detour from the original mix means your pooch will no longer be recognized by the ACHC. These will also be much smaller in size than a true Mini Boxer when fully grown. For this breed, new pet parents will need to maintain a solid routine that includes reliable meal times, potty trips outside, and frequent exercise/playtime sessions.


Miniature Boxer puppies also need to reap the benefits of early socialization. This is a perfect start towards a bright and happy adult dog life. Socialization encompasses that precious early contact: introduce your pup to new friendly dogs, to children and kind strangers so they don’t grow up to be timid or reactive. With plenty of fun, love, and playtime, your Miniature Boxer puppy will undoubtedly grow up into a bright and affectionate dog. Failing to provide them with this can result in some ugly behavioral issues. Foremost of these are anxiety, aggression, over-protectiveness, and fearfulness.


Photo credit: graphicphoto/Bigstock

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Mary Simpson
Mary Simpson

Sharing space with three seriously judgy Schnoodles and a feline who prefers to be left alone. #LivingMyBestLife

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Parvovirus - a single word no dog owner wants to hear. Canine parvovirus is one of the most deadly conditions that affect thousands of puppies in the U.S. yearly.Until now, there has been no specific cure for parvovirus, with treatment relying on supportive care. But that changed in May when USDA granted a conditional license for the first-ever canine parvovirus treatment.Developed by Elanco Animal Health Incorporated, the Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody is a single-dose intravenous injection that has been shown to reduce the length of hospital stay and increase the survival rate of dogs diagnosed with parvovirus. In Elanco’s clinical trials, “zero dogs died when treated with Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody,” said Kristen Zersen, DVM, DACVECC, assistant professor of small animal emergency and critical care at Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital. That’s fantastic news considering that parvo’s mortality rate is around 91% for dogs not treated with supportive care.While the treatment efficiency study focused on eight-week-old puppies, Zersen said that safety studies have shown that the treatment is well tolerated by puppies as young as six weeks old. “The puppies treated with Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody had significantly faster times to resolution of vomiting, inappetence, and lethargy,” said Zersen. Elanco’s Monoclonal Antibody is the first and only treatment available for parvo which affects around 330,000 dogs each year. Administered intravenously in a single dose, this groundbreaking treatment works by binding to the virus directly, preventing it from entering into host cells. Another great thing about this treatment is that it can be given to dogs at any stage of the disease. The effects of the treatment may vary from one dog to the next but according to Zersen, “Overall the treatment makes for less time, less worry, and less labor helping the dog to feel better faster.”That’s a positive change considering how this deadly disease has been treated in the past. “Traditional canine parvovirus treatment can consist of 24/7 care, three to five days of hospitalization, high pet owner costs, and emotional stress with no guaranteed outcome,” explained Zersen. “Canine Parvovirus Monoclonal Antibody offers a targeted solution. Dogs are treated with one intravenous dose that’s highly effective and proven to decrease mortality and may provide faster resolution of the symptoms of this potentially deadly disease.”Elanco expects to obtain full USDA approval in 2024, but veterinarians are able to get the medicine in the meantime. An eight-week-old pit bull mix was one of the first to receive this lifesaving treatment and knows exactly how effective monoclonal antibodies are. As soon as Cookie started to show symptoms of parvo, including lethargy, lack of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea, her owner brought her to the Fix Project’s Parvo ICU.There, a test confirmed that Cookie has, indeed, contracted parvo. Cookie received Elanco’s Monoclonal Antibody treatment and was admitted to the ICU for supportive care. “We gave the injection, placed a catheter, and gave her the rest of our protocol. And the beautiful part about the drug was we had her in and out. We parvo tested her on Friday, and she came back strong positive. By Sunday, she was eating. And then by Monday, we parvo tested her, and she was going home that day,” Dr. Andrew Cabrera, veterinarian and medical director at The Fix Project, told People in an interview. Cookie was one of the first pups to be treated with Elanco’s Monoclonal Antibody treatment, but she wasn’t the last. Dr. Cabrera shares he has seen similar results in parvo cases he has treated. “The success rate has been night and day,” he said. “We are able to get them eating a little faster and out of the hospital a little more quickly.”Hopefully, vets around the country will include Elanco’s Monoclonal Antibody treatment in current parvo protocols to increase the survival rate and reduce hospitalization time.

New Study Searches for the Secret Connection Between ‘Gifted’ Dogs

As dog parents, we all want to believe that our dog is the smartest, most incredible, most amazing dog out there. Right? But there is a select group of dogs whose talent and intelligence stand out above the rest. What makes these dogs so bright? That’s what a new study hopes to understand… Known as “Gifted Word Learner” (GWL) Dogs, these dogs display an impressive vocabulary by learning the names of dozens of their toys, with some learning as many as 125 toys by name! Interested in better understanding this phenomenon and what makes these dogs so naturally gifted, researchers at Eötvös Loránd University in Hungary set out to identify any commonalities between these pups. Their recent study, published in Scientific Reports on December 14, included 41 GWL dogs from nine countries: the US, the UK, Canada, Brazil, Norway, Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, and Hungary. They put out a call for ‘gifted’ dogs, asking owners to complete and submit a self-assessment following their detailed instructions and send the results in a video. Dogs that passed that phase were then given an online vocabulary assessment test to better assess their language skills. The owners were also given a questionnaire to provide a better understanding of each dog’s life experience. “In the questionnaire, we asked the owners about their dog’s life experience, their own experience in raising and training dogs, and about the process by which the dog came to learn the names of his/her toys,” explained Dr. Andrea Sommese, study co-author. Researchers discovered some interesting connections between the GWL dogs using all this information.

Study Finds That Cats Have Hundreds of Facial Expressions

If you’ve lived with cats for any length of time, you know that they express themselves in a variety of ways, and their faces can tell you a lot. Yet, there are some people who think that cats are expressionless, especially when compared to other animals. Well, science has once again come through to prove that cats are social and communicative; you just have to know how to read them.

How Do I Know If My Dog Has Frostbite?

Cold weather affects our pets even more than it does us – dogs are much more sensitive to harsh weather elements and can be especially affected by the freezing winter cold. Depending on their size and the thickness of their coat, dogs can be more or less endangered when the scales go way down below zero, and for some dogs, going out in subzero temperatures can be quite risky. So much so, that they can even get frostbite. While frostbite in dogs can range from mild to severe, it’s a condition you can’t ignore – you need to know how to quickly spot signs of frostbite in dogs and make sure to provide first aid ASAP to prevent any permanent damage. How Do I Know If My Dog Has Frostbite?Exposing your dog to extremely cold temperatures is always risky. While there are certain breeds, like  huskies, who are adapted to extreme weather conditions, dogs are generally not ideally suited for freezing temperatures and as such are at risk of getting frostbite. Frostbite is a result of skin and tissues freezing, and it usually affects the most exposed parts of the dog’s body, like the paws, ears, nose, and tail. However, it can’t always be easy to spot frostbite in the earliest stages – usually, pet owners realize they’re dealing with frostbite when the damage is already done. Try and keep an eye out for the following symptoms if your pet has been out in the cold:Swelling:When frostbite sets in, the affected area will often swell. This happens when the top layers of the skin and tissue become gradually frozen. Likewise, the swollen area could feel firm or hard to the touch.Coldness:The areas that are frostbitten will feel much colder to the touch than the rest of the body. This can be the first and the most obvious sign of frostbite.Skin Ulcers and Blisters:These nasty growths can appear when frostbite has really taken hold of an affected part. As the frostbitten flesh begins to thaw, it also blisters. Limping:When your dog limps in cold weather, it can be the first indication that something is wrong. This is usually due to the soft tissue on the paws being exposed to freezing ground. Discolored Skin:Another tell-tale sign of frostbite is the discoloration of the skin on the affected area. The main cause of this is the reduced blood flow to the area. The skin in this case will appear gray, pale, or bluish.  It goes without saying that frostbite is very dangerous. If you suspect it in your dog, please seek the help of a veterinarian at once. It is paramount that you leave professionals to take care of your pet, rather than to attempt to fix the situation on your own. Things like hot water, direct heat, and other attempts to reheat the flesh quickly will only lead to more damage. Also, keep in mind that the signs of frostbite can take several days to appear. This is mostly true for small areas of flesh being affected, such as the tip of the tail, or the ears. 

What's the Deal With Black Cats and Hallowe'en?

Satanic partner or independent thinker... tonight the black cats rule!

Royal Corgis Make Way for Jack Russell Terriers

New palace pooches get the royal treatment they deserve.

Why is My Cat Suddenly Acting Aggressive?

Cats are well-known for their independent and aloof nature. It’s part of their mysterious and majestic presence. But what do you do when your once docile companion suddenly becomes angry or aggressive?Understanding why your cat may have shown such an abrupt behavior change is important. Why? This could be a sign of much bigger trouble that demands your attention. There are many explanations for this type of change in demeanor, including physical pain or illness. The best solution to create harmony once again in your home is to get to the bottom of it!In this article, we will look at the most common reasons for a cat to suddenly exhibit aggression and what you should do to help your furry best friend.What Does Aggression Look Like in Cats?If you are a first-time cat owner or have never encountered an aggressive cat, you may wonder what aggression looks like. Our feline friends aren’t always as outwardly friendly and affectionate as their canine counterparts, but aggression refers to behaviors that go a step further. Rather than being aloof or disinterested, an aggressive cat outwardly expresses upset, anger, and frustration toward a trigger.Cat parents who seek help with an aggressive cat often refer to their cat biting or swatting, causing physical harm out of nowhere. But there are often other signs of trouble that are overlooked or unnoticed.Early signs of aggression include:Thrashing or fast twitching tailDirect stareDilated pupilsEars flattened back against the headStiff or crouched postureRaised hacklesHissing, growling, or yowlingWhen these warning signs are ignored, a cat may feel they have no choice but to react further to protect themselves from the perceived threat or trigger. It is at this moment that a cat will swat or bite. Learning to recognize the early warning signs will help you prevent the situation from escalating to the point that someone is hurt.How Do You Tell if a Cat is Playing or Being Aggressive?Some cats, especially young kittens, may play in a way that is similar to or mimics the signs of aggression. This can make it harder to identify if your cat is truly upset or simply playing around. Luckily, there are a few minor differences that can help you differentiate between the two.When a cat is being playful, they usually have their claws retracted. This means they may swat at you during play, but they aren’t scratching or causing harm with that action. The same can be said when they pounce on you – landing on you with their paws, nails retracted. If your cat is biting at your hand during play, they often have a threshold they won’t cross. They may bite hard enough that you feel some discomfort, but they aren’t trying to break the skin.There is a grey area that shouldn’t be overlooked between play and aggression, where a cat either didn’t learn where that line exists or fails to acknowledge it. This is known as play aggression, which we will touch on later.

Let's Talk Turkey... and Why the White House Pardons One Each Year

It’s now a Thanksgiving tradition… and we’re not talking about the Macy’s parade, the Black Friday sales or that cranberry chutney Aunt Sally whips up each year. We’re talking about the turkey pardon that according to the White House Historical Association, is rumored to have begun back in 1863 with then-President Lincoln. Whether this tale is fact or fiction is debated. What we know is that more recent history confirms the big bird officially began as a gift made to the White House by The National Turkey Federation back in 1947. Alas, no details on his outcome.This year, President Biden pardoned two 42-pounders, preventing them from being on the wrong side of the Thanksgiving feast when he gave Liberty and Bell, a pass and a certain cushy future.As mentioned, this fun seasonal practice began in 1947 and over the years tended to be rather on-again/off-again depending on the whims of whichever administration was in place. It wasn’t until the Kennedy era in the early ‘60s that Tom Turkey was formally spared and lived to see another day. Since then, the support to spare this fine feathered fowl has ramped up considerably and his well-being post-pardon was carefully tracked by both the media and animal rights groups throughout the country.Was it just for show? Did he really make his exit from the White House intact versus being basted, carved and covered in gravy?Before I answer, let’s just say that the fun spin on this tradition is how it has evolved. Not only did Liberty and Bell enjoy a stay in a suite at the luxe Willard Intercontinental Hotel the night before their widely shared pardon, but following their moment in the spotlight, they returned home to Minnesota where the state’s College of Food, Agriculture and Natural Resources Sciences will oversee their care.So, yes. Beginning with the Bush administration in 1989, the turkey pardon became a tradition that sees one lucky bird truly pardoned and destined for a life of ease and indulgence.In fact, past White House pardons have typically resulted in said turkey being relocated to a local children’s farm where they can live out their remaining years being adored by the junior crowd and noshing down on kibble from a cone. BTW, did you know that a turkey can live to 10 years of age?Of course, now we’re all feeling warm and sentimental about turkeys, the inevitable question arises: Can a turkey be kept as a pet? The short answer is yes, these highly social critters enjoy the company of humans and can be curious, vocal, and entertaining.  So much so that they’re a top pick for hobby farmers and those who have already ventured into keeping chickens.Just a little food for thought!

Stray Dog Becomes Surrogate for Abandoned Puppies at Texas Shelter

A stray Great Pyrenees dog, found wandering the streets of Fort Bend County, Texas, became a surrogate mother to a litter of six abandoned puppies.In late October, a concerned citizen found an abandoned litter of puppies. After failing to locate the pups’ mother in the surrounding area, the person brought the puppies to Fort Bend County Animal Services. “They were tiny, needing immediate bottle feeding and care, they were just about a week to 10 days old,” said Rene Vasquez, the director of Fort Bend County Animal Services, to PEOPLE.Although the puppies arrived at the shelter in good condition, they were starving and needed nourishment ASAP. The Fort Bening County Animal Services took to social media to look for fosters to take in the puppies and provide them with around-the-clock bottle feedings. Around the same time, another local found a stray Great Pyrenees, named Nova, who was full of milk. While it was clear that Nova had a litter recently, her puppies were nowhere to be found. The woman who found Nova saw the shelter’s online call for help and decided to contact them with a different idea. Instead of using volunteers to do the bottle feedings, she suggested bringing Nova by to see if the dog would accept to nurse the puppies. The shelter loved this idea and decided to give Nova a chance. A few seconds after Nova met the puppies it became apparent that the shelter made the right decision. “Nova was so happy to see the puppies! She took to them right away, and they were very happy to have a mama and food,” Vasquez shared. Although the abandoned puppies aren’t Nova’s biological litter, she accepted them as if they were her own. Acting like a true momma, Nova quickly allowed the pups to nurse and cuddle close to her for warmth. Thanks to Nova’s maternal instincts the puppies are doing well and growing quickly.“We were so happy that Nova was able to step up and be a mom for them. Sometimes, it is difficult to find bottle feeders and fosters for when the puppies or kittens are so little, so to have a nursing mom available to accept the babies is definitely a good day,” said Vasquez. Nova and the puppies, five boys and one girl, are currently living in a foster home. The fosters caring for the four-legged bunch plan to adopt Nova once the puppies are weaned. “The puppies will stay with Nova until they are weaned, and then we will start looking for homes for them. They will also be vaccinated, microchipped, and fixed before going to their forever homes,” the shelter’s director added. The case of Nova and her adopted litter has a happy ending, but not all stories end on a positive note. “As an industry, we are facing a real crisis in animal welfare across the country with an abundance of stray animals and not enough adopters or fosters to help the overcrowded shelters and rescues. Nova and her puppies illustrate the importance of spaying and neutering,” said the Fort Bend County Animal Services director.Shelters around the country are struggling to take in new animals due to a lack of forever homes and overcrowding. Each year, millions of pets end up in shelters across the nation, most of which are never adopted into a forever home. If you’re looking for a four-legged companion, visit your local shelter or rescue organization to see which of their residents would make a perfect addition to your home. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Do You Need to Clean A Cat's Teeth?

Cats are known and adored for their free spirit, their stubborn nature, their agility, and their cute and cuddly side as well. They are skilled hunters, and as such they have sharp and perfected teeth. But while a cat roaming the outdoors would gnaw and eat prey she previously caught when you have a pet cat, those same teeth are used to eat a very different kind of food. Naturally, this can have a big impact on your cat’s dental health, as the same principles that were true in nature are not applicable for indoor-only cats anymore – which brings up an important question: do you need to clean a cat’s teeth? How important is this for their hygiene? And most importantly, how do you do it? Let’s take a closer look at this question.Do You Need to Clean A Cat's Teeth?Just like for us humans, dental care is important for kitties too. Of course, human and feline teeth are totally different, so dental hygiene is not exactly the same for both. Cat teeth are not brushed as often as our own, but nevertheless, you should provide some level of dental hygiene to your four-legged friend, as it can be a great benefit for their health. Neglect their little chompers for a long time, and their teeth could deteriorate over the years. This can lead to great discomfort, pain, loss of appetite, and from there – many other problems as well. So, in short, keeping your cat’s teeth clean and maintained is an essential aspect of caring for them. Of course, regular vet checkups will give you a good insight into their dental health and will allow you to spot problems early on and tackle them more easily. But it also goes a long way to know the tips and tricks that help maintain a cat’s dental hygiene. Here are just a few:Regular Brushing

Why Is My Bird Biting Me?

If you’re a bird parent, you love and cherish your feathered friend – but what do you do when your bird nips or bites? This is a behavior that can be both surprising and concerning, especially for first-time bird parents. But know, you’re not alone!If you’re wondering, “Why is my bird biting me?” This article is for you!We will explore the different factors and explanations for your pet bird’s newly developed biting tendencies, helping you understand the motivations, identify when there is a deeper problem requiring your attention, and learn how to address the behavior appropriately.Let’s look at how to set you and your bird up for a long, happy relationship by addressing problem biting today.Do Bird Bites Hurt?The short answer to this is – Maybe? Whether or not your bird’s bite will hurt depends on a few factors, including how the bird bites, their overall intention, your bird’s size, and your level of pain tolerance.Bird bites can range from a light little nibble that merely tickles to bites that have the capability of causing serious damage, especially to vulnerable areas like the eyes, ears, nose, lips, fingers, and toes.The potential for a bird bite to cause severe or lasting injuries highlights the importance of understanding your bird, why they may bite, and how to prevent this situation from happening. It’s also one of the most important reasons to consider when deciding if a bird is right for your child, elderly, or special needs family member.Even smaller birds can cause a surprising amount of pain. Often, it’s not the initial bite that causes the most pain. Instead, it’s the way that they will dig in or even grind their beaks that will lead to discomfort, stinging, and soreness.

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