Boston Terrier Puppy Care

Boston terrier is a friendly dog breed that generally loves people. In its black and white attire, it looks like a “little gentleman”. These dogs are also good with children, and pair well with other pets. Weigh from 17 to 25 pounds, these dogs seldom bark disruptively. Some potential health issues differentiate the care needs of these dogs from those of many other breeds. With effective care, these dogs usually live from 11 to 13 years, but some also live to 15. In this article, we will give you some effective tips so that you care your Boston terrier puppy effectively.

• Try to familiarize yourself with the common illness and medical conditions that affect Boston terriers. This breed of dogs suffers from Brachycephalic syndrome which results from the shortened structure of the nasal passages, head, throat and palate. These dogs have “pushed in” faces; therefore, they can easily suffer severe heat stress and breathing problems. Evaluate your Boston terrier from your vet if he chokes and gasps for breath occasionally, if he snores or has labored breathing, or becomes winded or overheated easily.
• Some other health issues affecting these dogs include skin problems, including as demodectic mange, and patellar luxation. They also suffer from heart and thyroid issues, allergies, sensorineural deafness, tumors, genetic diseases of the eye, including early-onset cataracts and glaucoma; and hemivertebrae, which is a malformation of the vertebrae.
• When your dog is outdoors, protect him against health hazards. You should avoid prolonged exposure to the sun, as your dog’s eyes are vulnerable, and he can become overheated. It is also recommended that owners get sun visors for their dogs. Both cold and hot air can cause breathing difficulties for this breed of dogs, therefore, never leave your canine companion in a car without supervision. Make sure that your dog’s outdoor and indoor areas are free of the sharp objects and thorny plants, particularly at eye level. Accidental contact of these types of plants may cause eye damage.
• You should prepare and carry a canine first-aid kit. Try to include a vet approved eye drops or eye wash, in case your pet gets debris in his eyes. Due to protruded eyes, these dogs are more likely to become dry and are less protected against dirt and dust. In addition to this, include basic first-aid supplies, medicines to address any known medical issues, and your vet’s phone number in case of any emergency. Outfit your pet with a harness rather than a choker chain or collar. Collars and other items that fit around the pet’s neck can block the airway of your dog and worsen breathing issues.
• Understanding of basic commands of your dog will make his life and yours easier, therefore, train your canine companion early. Obedience training helps meet the need for attention of your dog that is greater in this breed of dogs than in many other breeds. Know personality and temperament of your dog. Some dogs of this breed exhibit bulldog stubbornness or the aggressive behaviors of a terrier, but most are easygoing. Boston terriers often make excellent therapy dogs.
• You should provide your Boston terrier dog with moderate amounts of exercise. Agility and obedience training are forms of exercise well-suited to this breed of dogs. Monitor your dog closely. You may need to step in and stop your dog’s activity in order to prevent a health problem. Avoid allowing your dog to get out of breath and overheated, as these two factors can trigger a health problem in your dog.
• You should brush your Boston terrier dog weekly. The short coat of this dog requires minimal grooming. You can use a grooming mitt, rubber palm brush, or an all-purpose dog brush. This breed of dogs sheds, but not heavily.