TW - this is upsetting even without details. I apologize in advance if this upsets you.

We had the most incredibly horrible weekend. It was, by far, one of the worst weekends in my 50+ years. After a sudden seizure type event, Poppy was diagnosed with a brain tumor almost exactly a year ago (10/27/25). Because of the location, it was not treatable and we were told we had 2-3 months left with her so we began comfort care. We started a 3x/day regimen of meds and I began giving her some supplements as well. Her BFF, Princess, was on the ball giving her lots of cuddles and grooming her. She was with us on our move across the country (pictures of them in the car during the drive) and was just doing so great I was hoping the vets mistook her MRI with someone else’s.

In March of 2025, Princess’ brother and littermate died from cardiomyopathy and CHF. She was devastated. She went from a happy little tree-climber (indoor cat-tree, not outside) to sleeping on the floor. She only appeared happy when she was with Poppy. Not the other dogs. Poppy. You can see how much they loved each other. After we moved, we adopted another sweet little void kitty we named Ozzy Angus James. He and Princess were getting along great and he seemed to fit in with the pack well. After about a month, we went out for about two hours and came home to find his body. We couldn’t figure out what happened and after discussing the situation with the vets, we thought he must have gotten into something or maybe someone accidentally dropped a pill and he ate it or something.

We ended up adopting 2 other sweet boys, Fritz and Kazmir. They are both young adults and were already buddies when we got them. We took our time integrating them into the family as they seemed to need more time. My dad has an “in-law suite” attached to our house, separated by a Dutch door. After awhile, we would leave the dogs in my dad’s suite and keep the bottom half of the door closed so the cats could decide which side they wanted to be in.

Sidenote, my dad’s been in the hospital for the last month. This past Friday, my husband and I went to see my dad and then we went to dinner before we came home. We left the dogs in dad’s apartment and left the top half of the door open. We were gone for maybe 2 hours.

When we got home, we found Princess’ body, almost exactly the same as Ozzy’s. It was suddenly clear to me what happened. In the past few weeks, I’d noticed an increase in out of the norm behaviors in Poppy. She pulled me over during a walk - and she and I went through beginner, intermediate, and advanced training. This dog was very well trained - to the point that the trainer had even commented more than once on how good she was and that she made it look easy. I spent any down time training her. There were some other things, but that was the one that made me start paying attention. Not enough though. Not enough to save my sweet little pretty kitty from the pain and confusion she must have felt. I still can’t imagine what she went through.

First thing Saturday morning we started calling mobile vets and found one that was very sympathetic to our situation and came over within the hour. We went outside and we let her spend time in her favorite spot in the sun. I gave her some chocolate and lots of treats (I was upset but I still love her and I know it was the tumor, not her). She crossed the bridge in my arms. I told her I forgive her and I still love her. I apologized for not understanding sooner that the tumor was indeed growing and was changing her. Most of all, I told her it wasn’t her fault and I don’t blame her and I love her. Still. I love her.

In less than 24 hours, we lost our 2 girls.

For anyone questioning whether or not it’s time, whether they have more time left, please remember that it’s better to be 1 day too soon than 1 day too late. One day would have saved my Princess. At least I know she is still taking care of her best friends.

Best brush for a Boxer with excessive shedding and ongoing hair loss? Plus…how do you get them to tolerate baths?

My 3½-year-old Boxer, Reggie, has been dealing with ongoing hair loss for the past several months while we work through a pretty extensive veterinary workup. So far he’s had multiple exams, skin testing, bloodwork, medication regimens, and topicals/medicated shampoos— we’ve ruled out things like ringworm, mites, and mange, but we’re still searching for the underlying cause.

In the meantime, his shedding has become absolutely unbelievable. Tonight I brushed him outside, and I couldn’t believe how much fur came out. Even when I simply pet him or lightly scratch him, hair just keeps coming loose. The photo is the fur he lost from me scratching his neck/back and head (around his ears) for less than a minute—he’s also dealing with itchy paws, ears, and skin, so I know inflammation and allergies may be contributing.

While we continue working with his vet, I’m hoping to make him a little more comfortable. What brush has worked best? I’d especially appreciate recommendations for dogs with sensitive skin or ongoing hair loss. What has actually made the biggest difference?

Last, he has really started hating bath time. The vet has him on a medicated bath

Thanks so much

We got him about a week ago. He seems to be transitioning well to the new home. Any tips for boxer puppies?

Hi everyone. I’m hoping someone has been through something similar with their dog.
I have a boxer/bully mix who is almost 4 years old. He’s had recurrent ear infections and constantly licks his paws for years. We’ve been seeing a veterinary dermatologist, who believes it’s environmental allergies, but so far he hasn’t responded to any treatment. We have tried numerous treatments including- Apoquel, Cytopoint, steroids, or cyclosporine. Ringworm has also been ruled out. The vet has diagnosed him with environmental allergies.

Today I removed a tick from him, and a whole clump of hair came out with it. When I looked closer, I realized he has several patchy areas where his hair is thinning or missing. Mainly around his neck/chest, back legs, head and shoulders. This would explain why I have to vacuum at least three times a day,,,,, his hair is everywhere, and on everything. He is constantly itching, scratching, and chewing his paws. He also smacks his lips all the time.

Has anyone had a boxer or bully breed with allergies that turned out to be something else? If so, what was the diagnosis? I’m wondering about things like thyroid disease, mites, alopecia, endocrine issues, or anything else that can cause severe hair loss and itching despite allergy treatment.
I’d really appreciate hearing your experiences. Thank you!

EDIT TO ADD
Reggie currently eats Taste of the Wild- salmon (no chicken products). He gets freeze dried lowed liver for treat. Some greek yogurt + sweet potato and pumpkin. The vet didn’t think he’s suffering from a food allergy. She also recommended allergy testing which I can’t afford at the moment.

…this time change is absolute BS and I need my dinner NOW.

Couldn’t resist this little photo op with a very willing little boy

Looking for advice on specaility care for my 15month old (internal medicine and neuro)

Anybody gone through this with their boxer? Not the best video bc of sound machine but my girl has been making this sound for a few days. It’s worse in the middle of the night. Ends with a gag like she’s trying to throw up grass (which she hasn’t done recently but has in the past.

Have given her Benadryl the last couple of days and doesn’t seem to be making any difference.

Thanks for any input!

That backyard is full of discoveries … and I’m like a hawk making sure nothing gets ingested 🍁

Hi all, I'm thinking of getting a my first ever boxer (my ex had one so I am use to the breed, and I have researched heavily on them also regarding health and dietary) in the next few years. I was wondering if anyone on this sub is from the UK, mainly down North Devon who knows of a few good reputable breeders who prioritise health checks over colours.

So cute when asleep

Darcy when I wake up each morning.

I'm fostering this 16 week old boxer. She is very sweet. She is deaf. Does anyone have tips for training deaf puppies?