The Labrador Retriever
The Labrador retriever tops the AKC's list once again this year for most popular breed. It is easy to see why this breed is so popular. These dogs are loving, gentle and loyal. Their intelligence makes them one of the easiest breeds to obedience train.
But before making the decision on whether a Labrador retriever is the right fit for your family and lifestyle there are a few points that you must keep in mind.
But before making the decision on whether a Labrador retriever is the right fit for your family and lifestyle there are a few points that you must keep in mind.
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Bathing & Grooming
The Labrador retriever is low maintenance when it comes to grooming. The coat of a Lab is short, close fitting and sleek. They are generally moderate shedders, although they do have a period of heavy seasonal shedding twice a year. In the fall they tend to loose a lot of thin, downy coat that is replace with a thicker, slightly coarser coat.
Although your labrador will not need fancy grooming techniques, a good brushing with a stiff bristle brush will greatly improve his appearnce. After brushing you can comb through with a stell comb to remove dead dry hair.
Springtime brings the heaviest period of shedding. It will help during this period if you brush your dog daily and use a de-shedding type of tool. We like to do this outside on warm days.
The coat of the Labrador retriever contains natural oils that make the coat weather resistant. Bathing your dog too often will strip the coat of these oils.
When you do bath your dog make sure to use gentle organic products rahter than heavy medicinal products that dry the skin and strip the coat of natural oils.
A clean, well groomed dog is much more pleasant for you and your family. So be sure to spend a little time each week keeping your dog in top condition.
Care & Feeding
Obesity is considered the number one nutritional problem in dogs, and studies have documented that at least 25 percent of dogs in the United States may be overweight.
The best advice I can give any Lab owner is PLEASE do not overfeed your dog. Hip, elbow and arthritis are common problems in this breed; Overweight dogs will suffer greatly from these conditions. Keeping your Lab at the proper weight will not be easy. These dogs are chow hounds!
Is My Dog Overweight?
Overweight Checklist
Have your dog stand up and check which symptoms you observe:
If you and your veterinarian decide your pet is overweight, you can work together on a diet and exercise program to fit your lifestyle as well as your dog's. Make your dog's weight a priority and you will likely help him live a longer and higher quality life.
Vitamins & Supplements
It is a good idea to provide your dog with a daily supplement of glucosamine (for the joints) from the time they are a puppy. The glucosamine will help keep the joints lubricated and prevent early onset of arthritis. This would be beneficial for any large breed of dog. You should give this in addition to a daily multi vitamin.
The best advice I can give any Lab owner is PLEASE do not overfeed your dog. Hip, elbow and arthritis are common problems in this breed; Overweight dogs will suffer greatly from these conditions. Keeping your Lab at the proper weight will not be easy. These dogs are chow hounds!
Is My Dog Overweight?
Overweight Checklist
Have your dog stand up and check which symptoms you observe:
- Observe him from above:
My dog looks boxy or has a straight line on either side from head to toe with no definite waist behind the ribs.
The area between his ribs and hips is wider than the rest of his body.
- Observe him from the side:
My dog's abdomen has no discernable tuck - his abdomen is in line with his chest.
My dog has a sagging stomach.
- Gently run your fingers along your pet's sides:
I cannot feel my dog's ribs.
My dog has a discernable layer of fat over his rib cage.
- Now feel along your pet's back:
My dog has a small amount of fat at the base of his tail and over his backbone.
My dog has a definite pad of fat over his tail and I can't feel his backbone.
- My dog's breed or predominant breed is one that tends to be overweight.
Examples are: Basset Hounds, Labrador or Golden Retrievers, Shetland Sheepdogs, or Dachshunds.
- My dog does not get at least 20 to 30 minutes of outside exercise daily.
If you and your veterinarian decide your pet is overweight, you can work together on a diet and exercise program to fit your lifestyle as well as your dog's. Make your dog's weight a priority and you will likely help him live a longer and higher quality life.
Vitamins & Supplements
It is a good idea to provide your dog with a daily supplement of glucosamine (for the joints) from the time they are a puppy. The glucosamine will help keep the joints lubricated and prevent early onset of arthritis. This would be beneficial for any large breed of dog. You should give this in addition to a daily multi vitamin.
Labrador Retriever Gifts
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