Skin Problems in Boxer Dogs

Boxers are a large breed dog. They stand approximately 21 to 25 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 60 and 70 pounds. This breed is prone to a number of different health and skin conditions.

  1. Types

    • According to the Canine Inherited Disorders Database, boxers are genetically susceptible to allergic inhalant dermatitis, or atopy, which is an allergic condition that affects their skin. They are also prone to developing more serious disorders such as cutaneous asthenia, a defect that affects the collagen, and demodicosis, an immune defect that allows mites to infect the skin.

    Effects

    • The symptoms of atopy are extreme itching and redness. Open sores develop and secondary infections set in as the condition worsens. Dogs with cutaneous asthenia have thin, stretchy skin that hangs loosely from the body and tears easily. Demodicosis, or mange, is a severe skin disorder that leads to severe itching, open wounds, secondary infections and hair loss.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Treat atopy by limiting the dog's exposure to the allergen or with immunotherapy such as allergy shots and antihistamines. Cutaneous asthenia is incurable. Because of the extensive lifestyle modifications and lifelong care requirements, many dogs with this disorder are euthanized. Oral medications and mite-killing dips are used to treat demodicosis.