Are my labs healthy?

Labradors are often a popular choice among dog owners with an active lifestyle; this breed is known for demanding plenty of activity, so they are often found outside running, playing Frisbee, and even swimming with their owners. They are also known for their sometimes ravenous appetites, which can lead to weight problems, especially in the later years. Injury or other diseases can also contribute to obesity due to lack of physical activity. Just as people battling obesity are prone to heart and respiratory problems, obese dogs are also at risk, so it is very important to learn how to combat obesity in older Labradors.

Healthy adult Labradors weigh between 55 and 75 pounds, with females weighing slightly less than males. Most healthy Labradors live 10 to 12 years, and in some cases, they can even live to 14 years. This breed usually reaches full maturity after about 3 years of age, so they will be especially active in these early years. Labradors are by nature one of the most active dog breeds, and as such, they have healthy appetites and require plenty of activity to balance their intake. They can become depressed when deprived of an outlet for their activity, so owners who are away from home for several hours throughout the day are recommended to get a dog run for their Labradors. Because of their activity levels, this breed is often predisposed to obesity, which is an essential point that any Lab owner should keep in consideration when choosing a dog.

Labradors are not picky eaters, which is one reason why it is not hard for them to become overweight. Owners who make a habit of feeding leftover table food to their Labs should keep this in mind; these dogs usually can and will eat whatever they are offered. If not carefully monitored, this can eventually make the dog overweight or even obese.

My lab loves to eat everything!

The older a Labrador is, the more important it becomes to monitor its weight. Labradors are a very active breed with healthy appetites, so they tend to be predisposed to obesity. Usually, if it occurs, it will happen later in life as the dog ages and becomes less active. To prevent or reverse obesity in a Labrador, especially in the later years, careful monitoring of food intake and exercise if and when possible are the best ways to ensure a dog’s health.

Another factor that can cause obesity in Labradors is injury or disease. As dogs age, they are prone to arthritis and other degenerative disorders, and when their activity levels drop off, they can easily become overweight if their intake is not monitored. These disorders can sometimes lead to obesity; to prevent a snowballing of health problems as the dog ages, it is crucial to have the dog scheduled for regular veterinary visits so the vet can recommend a proper diet according to the dog’s age, activity level, and health status.

If the Lab is injured and cannot burn off extra food intake with exercise, the best way to combat obesity is through proper diet. If the problem is severe, it will even require the owner to actually track calorie intake for the dog.

Adorable yellow lab puppies

So you want an adorable, cuddly, bouncy, drooling Labrador puppy. Are you sure it has the right temperament for you and your family, and do you know how to tell one delightful little puppy’s personality from another? As a rule, Labradors are less whiney and insecure than other breeds, and not prone to territoriality or possessiveness. They do grow to be quite large however, and will chew (on just about anything) as puppies. They are evenly tempered and great with kids, and will run like crazy when you give them room. If you need a slobbery tennis ball retrieved, this is the breed for you.

That said, puppies, like people, are all different and their personalities should be gauged before you bring him or her into your home. Here are a few helpful tests and trials that you can perform to determine what kind of puppy you’re looking at.

Hopefully, you’re buying or adopting a dog from a place that will let you spend a little time with one or several candidates. You need hands-on checking of certain things. For instance, sit still and see which puppy comes to you. Is the dog timidly approaching, or confidently walking or running up with his head and tails and ears up? This can be an indicator of the puppy’s comfort level around people. Ask the owner or breeder’s permission before administering the next tests…

Play with the puppy for a little while. Offer a toy and see how aggressively he grabs it. Is he willing to hand it back over or is he hanging on to it for dear life when you try to take it back? It’s not “normal” for a Labrador to not give back a toy; hanging on can indicate an aggressiveness that you may not want. Offer a little treat. Does the puppy want to take it from you? Eagerness to take it from your hand indicates the ability to train him. Once the puppy is a little more comfortable with you, rub his belly and see how comfortable he is with that. Does he flinch when handled? Pick up his feet and rub his ears, run your hands all over his body. Does he has a negative reaction to your attentions?

Roll the puppy onto his back. Does he wet himself nervously, or struggle and bite? You do not want a dog that is too submissive, or too aggressive. A well adjusted puppy should struggle and kick for a few seconds before settling down into submission under your hand. Remember, be gentle! You don’t have a force a puppy to submit, they will do it on their own, simply because you are bigger.

How can you resist this adorable face

Pick the puppy up and walk away from his littermates. Does he get overly anxious and whiny, or squirm vigorously to get back to the pack? This may indicate that he’s not ready to leave his canine family, or simply that he’s going to be a little more insecure than his brothers and sisters.

Labs are very loving towards other dogs and people

Overall, how comfortable are the two of you together? Do you seem to “click” and have a rapport together; are you getting solid vibes from this little bundle of drool? It’s partly common sense and partly intuition that will tell you which puppy will be the best fit for you and your family. Do some reading online or at the library, and get advice from folks who already own Labradors, and good luck on your choice.

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Labradors can be very active dogs

Labradors may be the most popular large dog breeds. Easy to care for, friendly and intelligent, Labradors offer years of companionship to their owners. One thing sometimes holds people back from selecting a Labrador as a family pet:  Grooming.  Luckily, grooming a Labrador can be easy, if you just know how.

First realize that a properly groomed Labrador is in no need of occasional trims or shaving. Caring for their coat will ensure it remains healthy. That being said, the nails of the Labrador will need to be occasionally trimmed. This should always be handled by a professional. Cutting a dog’s nail improperly can cause pain and lead to other health problems. It is always best to bring your Labrador to a professional groomer to have their nails clipped.

The biggest grooming chore will actually be controlling shedding. Depending on the breed, your Labrador may shed only once or twice a year or shed every day. While it is a common myth that labs don’t shed, they do and learning to control the shedding will help keep your home clean and your dog comfortable.

Grooming can be a positive experience for you and your dog.

1. Place the dog in a tub of warm water. The water should not be scalding hot, but should be as warm as you and the dog can handle. Use a sprayer or cup to completely wet the dog from head to tail.
2. Use your fingers or a rubberized grooming tool to begin to work the lab’s coat. This process is aimed at loosening dead hair and skin from the lab’s coat. Using a tool works well because it will allow you to work the entire length of the coat, including the root area.
3. Rinse the dog with lots and lots of warm water while continuing to massage the coat and skin before removing the dog from the bath.
4. Use a hairdryer set to warm (avoid the hot setting) to dry the coat. While blowing out the hair, use your fingers to work the coat, always working in the opposite direction from the hair growth. This step can be very messy, so if possible do it outside.

This process should be repeated once a week until you are sure the majority of the fur has been removed. Once you have removed the majority of the shed fur, you can simply maintain it. By using proper maintenance techniques, you can typically avoid having to bathe the dog again. Use a grooming tool once or twice a week to work the coat and remove shed fur. This regular brushing will also help to distribute the natural oils produced by the lab.

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Full Grown Black Lab

It isn’t something you see everyday, a dog that nearly dwarfs his dog trainer, but that is what happens when you look at Giant George. The Great Dane is so big that recently, the Guinness Book of World Records awarded him the title of Worlds biggest dog. His dog trainer, George Nassar is ecstatic.

Big George has been submitted to the competition before, always losing out to Titan, another large dog pup that seemed to be nearly ¾ of an inch taller than Giant George. After some wrangling, Guinness officials sent officials out to meet with Giant George and owner George. After the official measurement, Giant George was proclaimed the winner.

So just how big is Giant George? From paw to shoulder, he measures in at a whopping 3 foot seven inches! When you add in his weight – a stunning 250 pounds, what you end up with is one big dog.  So big he dwarfs not only his competition, but also practically his owner.

According to research, Giant George is simply head and shoulders taller than typical members of his breed. Average Great Dane males typically measure between 30 and 34 inches and weigh between 120 and 200 pounds. These measurements are slightly less for females who typically grow to an average height of 30 inches and a weight of 115 pounds.

Labradors can get quite large

So how tall does a Labrador retriever get? Usually, Labradors grow to be about 55-60 cm, or as much as 25″ tall. This makes them quite a bit smaller than Giant George, but they can still be pretty big dogs. They usually weigh in at anywhere from 55-75 lbs!

Dog owners typically consider the size a dog will achieve at full height before settling on a breed of their own. If you are considering adopting a dog, be sure to consider not only the animal’s growth potential but also your ability to care for an adopted dog. If you live in a small house or apartment or don’t have access to an exercise area, you may want to consider sticking with a smaller breed.

The question becomes, just how big is your dog? From miniature poodles to great Great Danes, dog owners have a preferred size. So? Can you hold FiFi in your hand or does your puppy need a bed of his own? Tell us how big your Labrador is. Give us your Lab puppy stories, and tell us how big Labs get.

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Mom Lab with her pup

The Labrador Retriever could have key health concerns as well as major health issues. Examples of these health issues are cataracts, retinal dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy, osteochondritis dissecans, hip and elbow dysplasia, gastric torsion, or muscular dystrophy.

Young dogs as well as adult dogs can develop cataracts. The presence of juvenile cataracts in young dogs is generally hereditary and can be diagnosed through an opthalmoscopic exam. Providing the health of the animal is good, cataracts can be surgically removed with very good results.

Retinal dysplasia is an abnormal development of the retina. Retina problems can usually be revealed with a retinoscopic examination.

Gradual deterioration of the retina is called progressive retinal atrophy. PRA can be diagnosed by a retinoscopic exam or by means of an electroretinogram. In the beginning stages of PRA the dog may become nightblind or lack the ability to see in dim light. During later stages, the affected dog is unable to see in daytime. If the environment of the animal remains constant as the vision deteriorates, the affected dog can adapt very well.

Canine hip dysplasia is a skeletal problem resulting in abnormal development of the hip joint that prevents the femur from fitting into the pelvic socket. CHD can exist with or without clinical signs. This malformation of the hip joint can cause the dog pain in one or both rear legs. Elbow dysplasia is perhaps due to improper development of the three elbow bones. Both hip and elbow dysplasia can result in painful arthritis.

Fast growing, young dogs, usually six to nine months of age that belong to the larger lab breeds can sometimes develop osteochondritis dissecans. OCD is a degeneration of bone underlying the cartilage layer of joints. OCD can affect elbow or ankle joints as well as the shoulder. If the dog is overweight, this could be a contributing factor along with physical impacts such as jumping off of high objects. OCD can be very painful causing the dog to limp, become lame or even develop arthritis. Several suggestions for relief would include controlling diet, complete rest and limited playtime activities. If symptoms continue, surgical removal of torn away cartilage pieces is another effective treatment.

Vets love Labradors

Large, deep chested breeds can develop a condition called Gastric Torsion or Bloat (Gastric dilatation volvulus GDV). GDV is caused by a twisting of the stomach causing contents and gases to be trapped in the stomach. Pain is caused from the rapid swelling of the abdomen and if left untreated can result in death. Persons owning a deep chested breed should be aware of the exact emergency procedures for gastric torsion from a veterinary hospital.

Muscular Dystophy is another condition involving progressive degeneration of skeletal muscles. ARMD is not usually fatal and can be identified through a blood test, electromyography or muscular biopsies.

When considering a Labrador breed of dog, check out reputable breed clubs with a code of ethics. While there is no guarantee for a perfect animal, these diseases can be brought under control by testing and clear breeding practices.

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Our dog got heartworm

When we found out that our lab, Jack, had heartworms, it was pretty scary news. Heartworms are fatal when not treated, and can cause truly horrifying health problems. Even the cure can be deadly, which is why so many vets advocate preventative medication, like Heartguard.

Canine heartworms, like many dog parasites, come from mosquitoes. They can’t be passed on to other dogs, so even if you have one dog with heartworms, the other will be safe if he’s on preventative medication. Vets can only detect heartworms through a specific blood test, so even if you have your dog on HeartGuard, it’s still a good idea to get him tested once a year or so. That’s because preventative medication only kills larvae, and not adult worms. It takes the larvae 6 months to become adults, so a dog can test negative ,even if he has baby worms in his system.

Before treatment begins, dogs are usually given a drug to help them kill off the parasites that help heartworms breed. Because the parasites have a symbiotic relationship with the worms, killing them off can prevent more adult worms from clogging the heart and lungs of your pet.

Dog heartworms are usually treated with a medication called Immiticide, which is arsenic based, and is injected into the lumbar region of the dog’s spine. It will make them sore for a few days, but they will soon recover from the pain. The hard part comes after the injection. When you inject dogs with Immiticide, it kills the adult worms by dissolving them into the bloodstream. If a dog is too active during recovery, he may cause some of the adult worms to break off into his bloodstream and cause a blood clot. If dogs are not kept in kennels or dog pens during treatment, acute death can occur.

After the first shot and a month of bed rest, your pet will go back to the vet for two more rounds of shots. One on one day, and the next the following. These will kill the last of the adult worms, and your dog will need to rest for another month with minimal activity.

After the final shot, the vet will give some medication to kill the microfillae, or the baby worms in your dog’s system. Once these babies are dead, your dog will need to remain on preventative medication for the rest of his life to prevent a re-occurrence of the worms. You should still have your dig tested once yearly to make sure that the medication has removed all traces of worms from your dog’s heart and lungs.

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The problem of an overweight animal can usually be solved quickly and easily with the right diet and exercise plan, of course, just like humans—except with dogs, the problem is solved much more quickly due to the fact that someone else has total control of the diet and that pesky wavering will power never comes in to curse the situation. However, if you’re the owner of a dog with pica, a disorder which causes dogs to eat very strange, and usually inedible things, the cure is not so simple.

While many dogs are capable of having this disease, the most common breeds are Labradors and Retrievers. Pica usually manifests itself in the form of your dog chewing and sometimes even ingesting non-edible items such as shoes, furniture, books, etc. Although it seems like your pup is just being rebellious, dogs with pica are actually chewing and eating these strange items in an attempt to get rid of stomach nausea. That being said, if this becomes a habit for your dog and normal treatments such as adjusting food intake and taking proper disciplinary actions have not worked, it is highly recommended to see a vet to make sure there isn’t a more serious problem as well as seek further advice.

So we’ve covered why Labs are sometimes prone to seeking out strange items as a side dish to their main course, but let’s take a look at a couple cases which are slightly more extreme than your average case of “Rover’s got dad’s shoes again.” One dog owner reported that her dog would not only chew on, but regularly swallow pebbles, rocks, and even pieces of asphalt from the side of the road! That doesn’t seem like much of a cure for an upset stomach if you ask me. Along these lines, there have been several accounts of dogs, Labs specifically, who often eat dirt, sticks, and anything else from the yard they can get their mouths around. Let’s just hope the neighbors’ cats don’t take a nap in these dogs’ yards. In addition to these yard items, there have also been cases in which dogs have eaten some very dangerous items, from an 11-inch-long steak knife, to a lightbulb, to batteries, and even a cell phone. A couple other dogs, these with more expensive taste, were reported to have eaten a 2-carat diamond engagement ring and a Rolex watch. Now that’s an expensive form of medicine. Last but not least, once dog even decided he needed a little more protein in his diet, and turned to eating a live pet turtle. And that’s survival of the fittest for you.

Do you have a dog with this disorder? Is there anything we missed on our list of dog food gone wrong? If so, share your story and we’ll add it to our list!

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labrador puppy

Labrador retrievers make wonderful pets. People with new puppies, however, can be surprised by how quickly—and how big—their dogs grow. Making sure your new family member is growing according to schedule is an important part of responsible dog ownership.

First, are you sure that you have a Labrador retriever on your hands? Is it a full-blooded Lab or a mixed breed? Knowing what breed your dog is mixed with will help you determine how big he’s supposed to be. Also, English Labs tend to weigh less than American Labs, which can weigh as much as 120 lbs.

Larger breeds, such as Labradors, have longer growing periods than say, Daschunds. Adult weight is generally reached at around 11-15 months of age. For most Labs, this will be 70-80 lbs. Male dogs will usually be heavier. In 15 months, the Labrador retriever puppy (born around one lb) multiplies his birth weight by 70 or more!

Most Lab puppies are around 10 lbs at eight weeks of age and reach 50 lbs at around seven months of age. As a rule of thumb, they will gain 2 lbs a week until they are about 26 weeks old. Because they grow so quickly, your pup may appear clumsy and awkward for a while as he adapts to his bigger, stronger body.

The growth rate for labs slows down as the puppy approaches adulthood. Make sure you’re feeding your dog appropriately as he heads into a stable adult weight—Labs can get rather rotund if you overfeed them! And that’s not good for their health for a lot of reasons.

You can weigh your Lab with calibrated electronic scales for the most accurate results, but any household scale will work just fine.

Proper nutrition will keep your beloved pet’s growth going at the proper rate. Don’t skimp on the food—your dog needs the right fats, protein, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. Meat, poultry or fish should be the first ingredient. Remember, Lab puppies need twice the nutrition of older dogs. Look for food specially formulated for growing dogs.

A Lab with healthy weight will not have any ribs visible; however, you should be able to run your hands along his side and feel the individual ribs.

If a Lab puppy isn’t growing at the right rate, have your vet check him for worms or intestinal parasites.

Remember, hip dysplasia is a common problem with larger breeds; you can help minimize the condition by making sure your dog isn’t overweight. Your veterinarian will be the most qualified to help you make sure your Labrador puppy’s growth is on track, so take your pup in for an exam and don’t be shy about asking questions!

A healthy Lab that’s the right weight will be a happier dog and a faithful friend to you and your family for many years.

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Labrador dog food

Because Labradors have a specific chemical makeup, what you feed your dog can increase the lifespan and the quality of life of your beloved pet.  When choosing a food, the amount of protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals are very important.  It is also a good idea to look for dog foods with salmon oil, flax oil and canola oil, all which are great sources of omega 3. These essential fats will optimize the nutritional value of any food, and contribute to healthy skin and a healthy coat.   If you are feeding your lab a well balanced dog food, it should cover all their nutritional needs, and extra vitamins and supplements should only be needed in specific situations.

Choosing the best dog food can be overwhelming. There are hundreds on the market.  The first thing you should look at is the list of ingredients, and the order which they appear on the label.  Meat, poultry, fish or eggs should be the first ingredient.  The protein in these foods is essential for energy and muscle growth, as well as helping transport oxygen through the blood stream and to essential organs.   Inexpensive dog foods are usually loaded with fillers, such as corn, have little nutritional value, and should be avoided.

I have also read that lamb should be avoided in Labrador breeds.  The smell of lamb is undesirable for dogs, so manufacturers usually overcome this by masking the food with artificial flavors and sugars in order to hide the scent.

There are a few conditions inherent to the Lab breed that may require extra nutritional supplementation.  An example is that some Labs are prone to allergies, which can cause skin sensitivity. If your Lab has dry and itchy skin or a thinning coat, you may need to add supplements.  Before adding anything to your dog’s diet, it is a good idea to talk to your veterinarian.

Labrador puppies go through an accelerated stage of growth and require twice the amount of nutrients as older dogs.  Some owners think that growing puppies need extra calcium, but you need to be careful. Too much calcium can actually be harmful, and may cause serious health problems.  Magnesium and phosphorus should also be added with any calcium supplementation.  Use premium foods specifically designed for puppies, and make sure to weigh your puppy often.  This will ensure that you are feeding them the proper amount.

Some experts believe that the best food for your lab, is food that you make yourself.  By doing this you know exactly what goes into the food, you can include fresh quality ingredients and avoid all preservatives.  Your food should include real chicken, turkey or beef, brown rice and oatmeal, yogurt eggs and cottage cheese.  This can be done in as little as 2 hours a week, and can be less expensive than premium, over the counter dog foods.

Feeding your Labradors higher quality food will save you money in the long run.  Dogs that are fed inferior diets or economical foods suffer from a variety of illnesses including dry, itchy skin as well as yeast infections, and suffer from liver, kidney and thyroid problems, which can add up to expensive veterinarian bills.  Take the time to do some research, and be willing to spend a little extra money now.  Your precious pet and your loyal companion is worth it.

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Ear infections are easy to detect. It is a good idea to visit your vet the first time you suspect a problem. Your dog may continually attempt to scratch their ear, or shake their heads violently in an attempt to ease the discomfort an infection can cause. There may be a foul odor, wax build up or a brown or yellowish discharge coming from the ear. The normal pink coloration of the ear may look red and irritated. Any of these signs are good indications of infection, and if left untreated, an ear infection can cause serious damage.

Yeast infections, mites, allergies, excess moisture and foreign substances can all contribute to infections. Labs also love water, and when water seeps into their ears, it causes a breeding ground for germs. You should routinely check and clean your labs ears. Your vet can demonstrate the proper way to clean and maintain healthy ears, and suggest a good cleanser that is safe for your lab.

Although you can purchase medication from your vet or pet store, you can also make your own cleanser using a few common ingredients. This formula is from “Woodhaven Labs”, and the “We Love our Labs” website.

Purple Power Ear Solution

16 oz. bottle of Isopropyl alcohol

4 tablespoons Boric Acid Powder

16 drops Gentian Violet Solution

Just combine all ingredients in the alcohol bottle and shake well.

At the first sign of an infection:

Treat 2X daily for the first 2 weeks, then treat 1X daily for the next 1-2 weeks, and as a preventative use once a month. Just fill your dog’s ear with the solution and gently massage the medicine in the ear. Use cotton balls to clean out any dirt, or discharge from the inner ear. Make sure that the cotton ball doesn’t go any further than the part of the ear canal that you can see. Fill ear with this solution a second time without massaging it in. This solution will stain your carpet, so make sure to use it in a tiled bathroom or outside to minimize any damage. You may also need a helping hand with this task. This is probably not going to be very comfortable for your pet who may already have some pain and discomfort due to the infection.

Remember if you have any questions, or your lab does not seem to be improving, call you veterinarian. The health and well-being of your dog may depend on it.

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