Start by keeping your house tidy; no child’s toys, shoes or trash on the floor. Puppies chew things to give their aching gums relief while they are teething, so try not to leave things around that you don’t want them to gnaw on. Strings and yarn can be especially dangerous for two reasons: They can be difficult to see so you may not realize they are on the floor, and they can cause serious injury to your Labrador by binding up their internal organs. Be sure to keep a look out for things with which your puppy could harm itself.

Labradors and families will need to work on house-breaking fairly extensively. There are puppy pads you can purchase at most pet stores that assist in getting your Labrador to learn where to use the bathroom. You can start by placing them near the door and eventually moving them outside so that your Labrador knows to go outside.

If you have other pets, be sure to keep up on vaccinations. While most animals diseases and parasites aren’t communicable between species, there are a few that can be transmitted. Take all of your animals to their veterinarian for regular check ups and vaccinations. Both Labradors and families can be susceptible to disease if not treated quickly.

Be sure to leave any harmful chemicals out of your Labrador puppy’s reach. Paint thinner, antifreeze, bleach and other useful household chemicals can be harmful or fatal to your puppy. Keep them in a locked cabinet or on a shelf. This way, you won’t have to worry about a accidental poisoning.

Labradors and their families should take time each day to play outside together. If you have a back yard, make sure it is gated and there aren’t any holes your Labrador can use for a quick escape. You should also always clean up after your puppy. Pet waste is unsightly and can spread disease.

Puppy-proofing your home is a great start to bringing your puppy into your home. It assures a safe and happy transition for Labradors and families.

Jessie looks worn in this picture, 24 hours after TPLO surgery. Looking at her eyes, she may be a little shnockered from the drugs. She walked to the car, toe tapping, and slept most of the way home.

I don’t like using cones for my Labrador Retrievers, but the Dr.’s wife made it pretty clear we should. Horror stories of staples, and trips to the emergency room pretty much confirmed it.

After all these years, no one has invented anything better than the dreaded “Cone”! If you have any comments on this please add. We are always looking for new ways of handling old problems.

Thanks again for all the well wishes, especially from her local dog park pack!

We are getting ready for recovery mode!

Please post comments with any tips you might have.
Jessie is a 2 1/2 year old Yellow Labrador Retriever. She was never a crate trained puppy, and can be a handful, like most Labrador Retrievers.

Jessie & Sam...The House Labradors

Before I even had time to write the article about how Jessie tore her CCL, and how we picked the surgeon, or how scared we were when it happened, I could go on and on, the journey is starting. A quick recap….

The Players

Jessie (female Labrador Retriever), is one the two house labs. Sam (also a female Labrador Retriever), is the older sister, at 4 1/2. Jessie comes in at 2 1/2 years old (human years).

The Dog Park

Just like I do every weekend, I took the the two to the dog park; they chase balls, while I walk and chat with the PDPM Group (yes we have T-Shirts).

Just Like That…

30 to 45 min. after we were there, she tore it. How she did it? I don’t know! I heard somebody yell that Jessie was limping, and the next thing I knew I was trying to carry a 76 1/2 pound dog, out of the park, in 90° heat! I didn’t make it very far. She limped on three legs back to the car (I think she felt sorry for her old man).

Emergency Animal Clinic

Labrador Health (the price tag):  $479 later, the vet said she tore her CCL, and referred us to a surgeon for a consult, but was certain she needed TPLO Surgery.

TPLO Consultation

Two consultations later, not including the one on the phone (who diagnosed her without looking at her) and here we are.

Thanks for everyone’s kind thoughts!

I will post updates later…

Firstly, do not panic! You can prevent further injury to your pet if you act fast. Think logically and try not to let you emotions cloud your judgment. A clear head is the best line of defense when fighting for Labrador health. Any major injury to your Labrador is going to necessitate an emergency visit to the vet’s office…Making sure you keep your wits about you will help ensure safe passage for both you and your pet.

Check your pet’s airway. Listen for breathing sounds and watch the chest move up and down. If you hear blockage, use a finger to clear the air passageways and help your pet to breathe.

If there was a loss of blood, check to see if your pet is in shock. A dog in shock needs to get medical help immediately, as it can worsen rapidly. If your Labrador exhibits the signs of shock (rapid heartbeat, pale or blue gums, weakness or lethargy) try to prevent the loss of any more blood and get it to a vet fast.

To control hemorrhaging, apply direct pressure by putting your finger or hand over the bleeding wound. Find a pad or towel, anything clean you can use to apply pressure. If your Labrador is bleeding where it’s possible to apply a tourniquet, wrap a piece of cloth just above the wound but do not leave it on for more than 30 minutes.

If your dog has a broken or fractured leg, you can immobilize the limb; try wrapping a section of newspaper or a magazine around the limb to support it. This will reduce the damage on the way to the vet’s office.

The best treatment for severe burns is cooling with water and keeping the dog warm with blankets or towels. To keep the risk of infection down, dress the wounds with sterile pads and prevent too much movement in the area of the wound.

As always, a veterinarian is best qualified to care for your injured pet. Set your Labrador up for safe travel and get to the vet’s office as quickly as possible.

This problem is further compounded by the number of dysplastic animals that develop arthritis.  These problems are so prevalent that many industry leaders believe that anyone purchasing a puppy from a breeder must carefully research their options.  It is critical that Labradors puppies are only bred from stock which has been x-rayed and examined for the disorders and that only dogs with PennHIP or OFA breeding clearings.  While these requirements will, by no means, guarantee that a puppy will never develop this often painful disease, they do significantly reduce the risks.

Eye health is critically important for a happy dog.  Unfortunately, many labs suffer from cataracts or retinal atrophy.  Again, it is critically important that breeding stock by tested each year for these disorders to lessen the risk of future vision problems. The Canine Eye Registry Foundation maintains a registry for this purpose.

Anyone interested in purchasing a lab for their family should spend a good deal of time research available breeders.  The best carefully screen all breeding stock animals for all of the ‘at risk’ diseases and disorders.  Remember that purchasing a Labrador from an above par breeder means purchasing a dog that can fit into a wide range of living situations. They are extremely intelligent, obedient and agile.  Labs make ideal ‘helper’ dogs.  Make sure that you and your family have the perfect pet pal by carefully researchig the breeder before falling in love with a new, adorable pup.

So, what would a Labrador like to do the most when let loose for fun?  Where are some of the best places to take them?  How can you keep them coming back to you?  Well, with some thought, and proper training, you won’t have any problems at all.

City dwellers might find it hard to take their beautiful Labrador out in the springtime for a great round of fun, unless there is a dog park nearby.  These parks are built specifically for dogs to have a run in, meet up with each other, and go for a walk with their owners.  Yes, the owners have to stay with them and stay on clean-up duty, but it’s worth every minute to see the literal joy on the dog’s face.

Living in the suburbs, however, will make it easier on Labrador owners in the springtime.  They will be able to open their doors and let the dog out into the yard for a good, old-fashioned run.  One thing must be kept in mind though, is how to keep the dog safe for these runs.

Using safeguards such as fencing and training will help to keep the Labrador from running out into the street, or into a disapproving neighbor’s yard.  Sadly, there are people who don’t like dogs and would prefer not to have them running around.

Some owners choose to use a simple chain-link or wooden fence, although others are opting for the electronic fences instead.  Training is needed either way for the Labrador—but they’ll still be pleased with their springtime exercise!

Learn how you can help and read up on the breed; knowledge will help you in a number of ways.  First, you will find out that there is so much to love about the lab in the first place.  Discovering more information about lab rescues will be something that you will find very satisfying, and there is quite a bit of information on rescue of not only this special breed, but just about every other breed out there.  Quite often it is up to the Humane Society or local animal cruelty prevention society to take care of rescuing animals of all types from abusive owners.  That is not always the case, though.

Other rescue groups do exist in a number of areas specifically for the purpose of Labrador rescue.  On our website, you’ll find a list of several different websites—some are very localized, others are national.  One is even a Canadian website.

Helping Labrador Retrievers find safe homes after they have not been well-treated is something that is not always an easy thing to do.  These dogs will quite often need lots of patience and loving care after what they have gone through, and you and your dog may need to learn some new coping skills.

Typically, Lab rescue will yield a dog, or dogs, that have been malnourished and mistreated in any number of ways by the owners.  The websites that are listed on our sites are no-kill shelters, and will work to find homes for these beautiful animals that will suit them.

All animals, especially Labs, are loving—and these particular dogs can

provide all sorts of other things for the owners.  Protection, fun, and a general sense of well-being can be had because of playing with this wonderful breed.  Whether it’s mixed or full-bred, they’re wonderful and are great with kids and adults alike.

Dogs, unlike human beings, can’t speak up and let you know if they don’t feel well. That’s why, if you’re a conscientious Labrador Retriever owner, you need to know how to read your lab, and sense behavior that is “out of the ordinary” for your specific pet.

As is the case with any pet, a Labrador Retriever that refuses to eat or that eats very little, that has problems going to the bathroom (that goes infrequently, for example, or that produces black or overly soft stools), or that seems uncharacteristically lethargic, may be in need of some prompt, thorough medical attention.

Beyond these basic warning indicators that can indicate illness in any animal, Labrador Retrievers may present special signs and symptoms which might set off alarm bells that only the Lab owner would recognize as unusual behavior.

For example; Labrador Retrievers tend are loving animals and overall to be upbeat, friendly and pleasant animals. So if your Lab suddenly becomes a surly, growling creature, one that disobeys commands, nips or bites, then he/she may be in need of physical or perhaps even psychological help (yes, there are doggie psychologists).

Labs are strong and sturdy animals. So if your lab dog seems weak, slow to move, or uninterested in daily activities, or if he/she is sleeping far more than usual, then a visit to your veterinarian is a good idea.

Labrador Retrievers are typically beautiful animals with shiny coats. If a properly groomed lab has dull eyes, a drab coat, or excessive problems with fleas and ticks, then he/she may be in need of medical attention.

If you as a caring, conscientious owner happens to spot any of these signs or symptoms, don’t panic; they may be signs of a temporary condition, one easily treated with the use of medication, or changes in diet and exercise regimens. If the condition should happen to be more serious, remember that veterinary medicine has progressed by leaps and bounds in recent years. Your dog’s veterinarian may be able to suggest a single surgical procedure that can heal your lab; restoring your prized, beloved dog to a full state of bountiful and robust health in no time.

The ownership of a Labrador Retriever can be a wonderful addition to your family.  Yet like any other ‘new addition,’ either human or animal, a Lab brings with it a whole host of duties and responsibilities.

As is the case with any pet, you as a dog owner will be responsible for the feeding, grooming and exercise of your Labrador

Before you purchase or adopt your Labrador Retriever, research the type of dog food that would be ideal for your lab (and have plenty of it on hand, as these dogs are strong, sturdy and typically quite large). I strongly suggest opting for a higher quality dog food. You will see the benefits in your Lab’s healthy coat (it will shine), your dog’s eyes will be clearer and will minimize health problems later on in your Labrador’s life.

The Labrador has a double coat, so sheds all year round.  Brushing and occasionally bathing your Labrador will help, but not completely alleviate the shedding. Keep a broom and a lint and hair remover for your clothing handy. It’s a little extra work, but it is a small price to pay for the love and dedication these dogs provide.

Labrador Retrievers are known as active and athletic dogs that need daily exercise whether it be a long walk, or playing fetch in the back yard. They are also smart dogs, so mental stimulation, i.e having them search for hidden treats, or just learning basic commands will help keep them busy. Their main goal is to please you, and most destructive behavior arrises out of boredom.

As with any dog, a Labrador Retriever puppy will need the greatest level of care and attention.  You as the owner will be responsible for the dog’s behavioral conditioning, teaching the Lab not to bite, bark excessively or chase people or other animals.  Labs are generally good-natured animals, so this shouldn’t be too difficult.  And, of course, potty training will be a major issue.

In navigating your way through these first, precious weeks in the life of your Labrador Retriever, it may help to seek the assistance of an animal behavioral book or expert.  You and your puppy may even want to head to the classroom, investing in a few weeks of obedience training at a certified school in your area.

It may also be a good idea to involve your entire family in this process, ensuring that all members assume a role in the care of your Lab.  This will be a learning experience for all of you, as you learn how to make your Labrador Retriever a helpful, beloved and valuable member of your family.

For more information about how to care for your Labrador Retriever, visit the Labrador lover’s community at http://www.clublabrador.com