A Fawn Boxer Is Sitting Beside the Dog Food Bag It Just Emptied

Kibble has spilled in a brown fan from a torn paper bag, and Tank the fawn Boxer sits right next to it with a deeply furrowed forehead and pleading dark eyes. His muzzle is black, his ears are soft and folded, and his mouth is tight with worry. Toys, shoes and a pile of blankets lie nearby, and a sofa stands in the soft light of the room behind him. He looks like a dog who had a feast and is not sure how it will end.

Boxers are playful, energetic and affectionate dogs, famous for bouncing, leaping and bumping with their noses. They are loyal, great with families and often remain puppy-like for years. They also tend to be enthusiastic eaters, which is why food storage matters. Eating a large amount of dry food at once can upset a dog's stomach and, in some deep-chested dogs, bloat is a serious risk, so call your vet right away if a dog who has overeaten looks swollen or uncomfortable. Store food in a sealed container on a high shelf or in a closed cabinet, and measure meals to keep a dog at a healthy weight. Slow-feeder bowls can help dogs who gulp. A Boxer needs daily exercise, and plenty of play makes for a calmer dog.

Tank will get a short, careful walk and a normal dinner. His worried brow will smooth out after a while.