Keeping your Labrador healthy is important for their long-term well-being. Here are some tips to help keep them healthy: Proper diet and exercise, vaccinations, and keeping dangerous household items out of their reach. If you have questions about how to care for your Lab, visit petMD.
Exercise
Playing games with your Labrador is an excellent way to keep your dog active and healthy. Among the most popular games is fetch. This activity brings out your dog’s hunting instinct and builds up their muscles. Another popular game is catch, which will strengthen the dog’s muscles and boost its confidence. Playing chasing games will also help strengthen your dog’s cardiovascular muscles and stimulate its mental capabilities. Playing tug-of-war with your dog is also an excellent activity to burn off energy and build muscle.
Your Labrador’s fitness needs will vary depending on its age and breed. Young Labradors can run for longer periods of time than older Labs. Gentle walking is another great option that will stretch your dog’s legs and burn off excess energy. Whether you choose to exercise your Labrador in the park or in your backyard, make sure to find time for exercise each day.
Exercise is also important for Labrador puppies, because they have smaller joints and bones than adult dogs. If you don’t give them enough exercise, they may develop injuries. While Labradors do not know their limits, it is important to keep an eye out for warning signs of overexertion. Over-exercising can also cause heat exhaustion or heat stroke, which can lead to severe illness. Also, if your dog is pregnant, make sure to limit the time your Lab is outside.
If you have an enclosed yard, you can use games to exercise your dog. You can play tug of war, play with a flirt pole with a toy on the end, or chase balls or frisbees. Even if your dog is only a small puppy, you can engage in games like these to get him moving.
Proper diet
The best diet for Labradors includes a variety of foods that contain protein and fat. Many of the commercial dog foods sold today are formulated to meet the nutritional guidelines set out by the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). The recommended amount of protein and fat for a dog’s diet is 22.5% crude protein, 8% fat, and 1.2% calcium and 1% phosphorus. While these standards are generally safe for Labradors, the ideal diet for your dog will contain additional nutrients based on its breed, age, and weight.
Preservatives and chemicals are harmful for dogs and humans. Some of these ingredients have been shown to cause cancer in humans. Preservatives like ethoxyquin and MSG have been linked to serious health problems. In addition, your dog will not receive the benefits of fresh nutrients from processed food. According to holistic veterinarian Judy Morgan, author of Yin & Yang Nutrition for Dogs, highly processed food causes chronic inflammation in the body. This can manifest in various ailments such as arthritis, autoimmune thyroiditis, and inflammatory bowel disease.
Most Labrador owners feed their dog with kibble, which is a dried form of dog food. There are many different brands and varieties available in supermarkets and pet stores.
Vaccination
Vaccination is critical for keeping your Labrador healthy and safe. While all dogs need to receive a series of vaccinations, not all dogs require the same series. Your dog’s age, lifestyle and location will determine which shots are right for him. Your vet can provide the information and advice you need to make an informed decision for your dog’s health. Vaccines can cause side effects, but most are mild and short-lived.
In addition to the core vaccines, your Labrador should also be protected from the diseases caused by ticks. Lyme disease, for example, is a bacterial infection that can lead to a fever and swollen lymph nodes. It can also affect the eyes, respiratory system and gastrointestinal tract. In addition, your Labrador should be protected from the deadly disease, canine distemper, which affects the respiratory system and gastrointestinal tract.
In the U.S., most states require rabies vaccination, but if you’re moving to a different state or city, you may have to get your pet an annual booster vaccine. Some veterinarians recommend a schedule based on the lifestyle of your dog. Your veterinarian will be able to discuss the different vaccine options with you and recommend the best course of action.
As a dog gets older, his immune system gets weaker, and he is less likely to be protected by the vaccines. Additionally, some diseases and drugs can suppress the immune system and make your dog susceptible to infection. Even if your dog is vaccinated against many diseases, he can still get infected. That’s why it’s important to discuss vaccination with your veterinarian so you can make an informed decision regarding your Labrador’s health.
Keeping dangerous household items out of reach
Many common household items can be dangerous for your dog, and keeping these items out of reach is essential for your Labrador’s safety. It’s also a good idea to keep medications and other potentially toxic products away from your Lab. Keep these out of reach by storing them in a secure place and keeping your Labrador out of reach. If you can’t keep the items out of reach, make sure you keep them in a secure toolbox.
Another item to keep out of reach of your dog is your indoor or outdoor garbage bin. This can contain dangerous items such as mold, animal bones, and broken glass. Make sure that the lids of these bins are secure, and place gates to keep curious dogs away from them. Other dangerous household items to keep out of reach of your Labrador include alcohol, broken glass, raw meat, eggshells, and plastic cutlery.
Dogs are curious creatures, especially when they’re young. They like to chew, lick, and explore. They also like to chew, play, and eat. So, it’s important to keep toxic household items out of reach. If you accidentally leave one of these items in the dog’s reach, call your veterinarian or the Animal Poison Control Center.
Some chocolates can be dangerous for dogs, even in small quantities. Dark chocolate contains methylxanthine, which is toxic to dogs. It can lead to seizures, abnormal breathing, and even death. It is also important to keep out of reach any new additions to the house. Some cords can be ingested by your dog, and it can even lead to burns and intestinal blockages.
Weight gain in Labradors
Rapid weight gain in Labradors is associated with a higher risk of arthritic disease later in life. In fact, early weight gain in growing dogs is directly linked to the severity and frequency of arthritis. A proper dietary balance containing enough protein and calcium is essential for optimal bone development. Dietary supplements, such as Eucanuba Puppy, are available to help control food intake.
Weight gain in Labradors can be prevented by keeping an eye on your dog’s food intake. Labs tend to be more food-motivated than other breeds, so making sure they are not getting too much of each item can help you curb their appetites. To combat this, reduce the amount of treats and scraps your dog receives and increase the amount of fibre in his diet.
There are several causes for weight gain in Labradors. Certain medical conditions, differences in breed, and natural aging processes can cause your dog to put on weight. Stress can also lead to overeating. Glucocorticoids and anticonvulsant phenobarbital are two common medications that cause weight gain.
The production of thyroid hormones affects energy use in the body. Thyroid hormones regulate the speed of metabolism and digestion. If the production of thyroid hormones is insufficient, the body will retain energy and fat, resulting in weight gain.
Keeping teeth clean
A daily brushing of your Labrador’s teeth will improve his or her overall health. Regular dental checkups will also help detect any signs of gum disease. If left untreated, periodontal disease can result in jaw bone loss and loosened teeth. It also causes chronic inflammation and infection.
Dental problems are usually accompanied by poor appetite and drooling. You can also inspect your dog’s teeth to look for tartar or yellowing. If there are any of these signs, you need to consult your vet immediately. If you see a red line or brown spots, this may be a sign of dental irritation.
When brushing your dog’s teeth, you should use a toothbrush with soft bristles. Try to hold the brush at a 45-degree angle and work the brush beneath the gumline. This will remove plaque and help maintain a healthy gum line. It is best to start small and increase the frequency of brushing.
Another way to clean your dog’s teeth is to provide him with dental chews. These dental toys will stimulate your dog’s chewing habit, reducing plaque buildup on his teeth. It is also recommended to take your dog to the veterinarian for a professional cleaning. It is important to remember that some dogs may dislike these dental chews.
You can also prevent plaque buildup by providing a diet rich in raw, whole food. This will ensure a healthy mouth and a healthy body. A balanced diet will also help your dog avoid food that has sugars, which can cause foul breath and dental problems.