Labrador retriever or Labrador is one of the renowned and supreme breeds of dogs worldwide. They are famous for their extraordinary characteristics such as intelligence, loyalty, developing a great bond with human beings, marvelous nature, and assisting qualities. Every Labrador owner wants to see their beloved friend healthy and active. Owners ask various questions like how they can keep Labrador healthy and sound, how they can increase Labrador’s lifespan, and many questions about the overall wellness and nutrition of this precious dog breed.
Here, we will discuss all the important tips and suggestions you can adopt to keep your Labrador healthy.
Labradors are the most popular dog breeds. They usually stay healthy, active, and playful. However, it must keep in mind that they have different requirements than the other breeds of dogs. We will discuss every single aspect, one by one.
Nutritional Care
Nutrition plays a vital role in the overall health and well-being of dogs. It must be the Lab owner’s top priority to provide his beloved dog with all essential nutrients in recommended quantities. Being a responsible owner, this is your utmost responsibility to select a wholesome (nutrient-dense), hypoallergenic diet for your Lab. Interestingly, you must know that Lab prefers wet foods. Dr. Sara Ochoa on research at ThePets noticed that food for Labrador puppy needs to contain more fiber, and it could help keep your large breed puppy full without them overeating and becoming obese. Still, it is better to get recommendations from a pet nutritionist/vet about selecting any food for your Lab. Don’t take any step without seeking advice from your vet.
NOTE: Please keep in mind that the dietary requirements of puppies are quite different from adult dogs. So, be careful and make a wise decision. Always choose a high-quality branded Labrador diet. Avoid the cheapest foods. Monitor the vitamin and mineral supplements and make sure your Lab is taking sufficient amounts of these essential nutrients.
Keep away chocolate, caffeine, grapes, onions, garlic, and moldy foods from your lab’s reach. These food items cause poisoning in your precious Lab.
Feeding Frequency
Feeding frequency is very much essential to maintain in the Lab. You know, Labrador loves to eat a lot. It is necessary to feed adult dogs twice and puppies thrice a day. However, it is better to take your vet guidelines in this regard.
Being a sincere and responsible owner, this is your duty to ensure the maximum supply of neat and clean drinking water in front of your dog.
Avoid sugary diets and treats; you know better than carbohydrate-rich foods, and treats lead to obesity, diabetes, and other medical complications in the Lab.
However, it is generous to offer treats (preferably healthy ones) to your Lab only on special occasions and during their training (to develop good habits). It recommends getting guidance from your vet while selecting any treatment for your dog.
Finally, yet importantly, you must be careful while doing the feed transition. Transition to a new feed must be slow and gradual (under veterinary supervision). Abrupt dietary changes cause stomach upset, loose motions, and other gastrointestinal complications in the Lab.
Physical Care
Labrador loves to exercise. It is a good idea to ensure that your Lab exercising regularly with a routine walk. Ideally, thirty minutes per day are good for walking (adult lab). However, in the case of puppies, this is too long a duration and can cause joint and muscular issues in them.
Remember, if you do not let your Labrador exercise and walk regularly and adequately, they will become a couch potato and obese. For sure, you want to see your Lab slim and fit. For this, make a well-managed walk & exercise schedule for your friend.
Exercise and walking exert positive impacts on a dog’s metabolism and fat mobilization. It makes your dog mentally and physically perfect.
Monitor your Lab’s weight regularly. Remember, weight management is a key to supreme health in the Lab. Note: puppies quickly gain weight, so special care must be given to them. Try to keep them slim and at a proper weight.
Observe the waistline and ribs of your Lab. It will give you a rough estimation of fat deposition.
NOTE: Training is a very crucial part of keeping a lab as a pet. It is your responsibility to train your lab from a very young age. Make them learn to follow your commands and instructions in a better and friendly way. Use a variety of tricks to correct his behaviors. Better training leads to better compatibility between you and your Labrador friend.
Medical Care
Like other dogs, this breed of dog is also susceptible to several health-related events. It is your responsibility to give your dog excellent medical supervision. There are many parasites, such as fleas, ticks, mites, and other intestinal worms that attack the Lab. You should keep an eye on the overall health of your friend. If you observe any abnormal symptoms, external wounds, and parasites, report them to your vet as soon as possible.
The standard health conditions in the Lab are obesity, cancer, and a variety of musculoskeletal disorders.
It is better to stay in touch with a registered vet and get a regular medical examination of your Lab.
Keep their environment clean and friendly. Provide them with soft and comfortable bedding. Providing a stress-free living environment will help in fighting psychological complications. Give proper attention to the oral hygiene of Labrador.
VACCINATION IS A ARMOUR AGAINST INFECTIONS
Vaccination: Many infectious diseases require vaccinations (shots)—for example, rabies, canine distemper, parvo, hepatitis, etc. Being a responsible owner is your top priority to keep you and your dog safe from infectious diseases. Vaccination protects your dog from contracting infections and shields you and your family from deadly diseases.
It recommends taking veterinary guidelines and getting a proper vaccination schedule. Follow all the instructions given by your vet. Do not use any medication on your Lab without veterinary consultancy.
NOTE: This is important for you to take care of the psychological health of your Labrador. Help them out if they are showing distress or any mental trouble. Moreover, they are very playful and engaging dogs that need your attention and care. It is better not to leave them alone, as this can cause anxiety in them. In addition, if you leave them alone for more hours, they will start developing poor habits such as biting, chewing, etc.
Conclusion
It is not difficult to keep Labrador hale and hearty. It just requires your efforts and how you provide them with all necessities that can keep them happy and stress-free. It is noteworthy to stay in touch with any pet expert. Finally, yet importantly, deal with them as your family member and think for them as you feel for your family
