8 tips for taking care of a Labrador retriever

It is also known as a Labrador retriever, Labrador retriever, or Labrador retriever. This beautiful and popular breed, originally from Newfoundland – now Canada – falls in love at first sight with its bearing and good spirit. Strong and resistant, they also have their weak points, to which we must pay special attention.

What is the Labrador retriever like?

Whether in cinnamon or black – the most common shades – or chocolate – less common – the beauty of these dogs is instantly seductive. So much so, that it is impossible to stop looking at them when they pass by us.

From their hunting past, they have inherited great patience and energy, which allows them to play for long moments with children, stoically enduring the most boring antics of the little ones. Sociable, trusting and faithful, these dogs are always willing to participate in family proposals and to give and receive affection.

And last but not least, the farmer is an excellent guide dog, b each, assistance and rescue . About its origin, you have more details, in our post ” The Labrador retriever “. We should not confuse it with the golden retriever , a native of Scotland, which, although it has morphological similarities, is a different breed.

8 tips to take care of your Labrador

Although they are strong, Labradors are not exempt from disorders , as is the case with other breeds. Apart from the biannual control by the veterinarian, to prevent them, take care of them, and guarantee an optimal physical, mental and emotional state, they need a series of basic cares , which we explain in these points …

1. That they do not lack the game:

Playful and tirelessly yes, if you have a Labrador, you will know that they do not stop and that they need you to play , especially when they are puppies . Thus, they go on the run after everything that moves , following their hunting instinct.

In order for them to continue with their rhythm, without exhausting you, they need to play in the park with other “ colleagues ” more or less their age, since the “little ones” tend to fear the shaking of the big men.

2. Daily Practice exercise:

Doing exercise is vital for the Labrador breed healthily and to avoid destructive behaviors out of frustration. Remember that these dogs are good athletes and so active that do not have enough with a daily short walk, but we must try to do walks daily, usually about 45 minutes.

Make it easy for him to practice his favorite activities , such as running around the bush or following the trail of “hunting loot” , even if the prey is made up of lies. Keep in mind that the exercise must be adapted to the conditions of each dog and its age.

3. Beware of being overweight!

Labradors are insatiable dogs , always ready to eat a bite, which is problematic due to their marked tendency to gain weight . It is in our hands to control that, from puppies, the diet is adjusted to their true needs , to prevent obesity in maturity and old age.

The choice, quantity and quality of the feed must be adequate, neither more nor less, including, of course, the odd low-calorie treat. In the market you will find foods specially made for this breed , which take care of its weight and ensure the supply of nutrients and fatty acids . As a complement, sport will help you burn calories to avoid obesity.

4. Education in positive and patience:

Docile and intelligent , Labradors are animals, with a great need for mental stimulation , which we can fill with exercise and training.

The good thing is that, with these dogs, education and training is a piece of cake, as long as their human family cares about offering them an appropriate socialization, right from the beginning, and that they are constant and patient in these tasks.

In these circumstances, the Labrador will learn quickly , thanks to his predisposition and great assimilation capacity . But remember: a farmer learns good manners and does not support the cries nor the punishment s disproportionate. Instead, he will be all ears before the samples of patience and positive training of his human family or educators.

5. Honey, honey and fonder:

If there is one, especially doglike race cari Nosa and in need of company and signs of affection and attention from their human family , this is precisely the Labrador Retriever.

That is very good, and we must respect that he wants to be accompanied, but it is also good that he learns to be alone in some moments.

6. Hip Dysplasia, the Achilles heel of the farmer:

The hip dysplasia is a pathology that affects especially the breed. It is a hereditary bone disease, consisting of a malformation of the hip joint, which connects the hip bone with the femur and joins the trunk to the lower limb.

It can lead to pain , lameness, and difficulty sitting up or climbing stairs . If your dog is a Labrador, your vet will have already talked to you about the possibility of performing the Penn Hip test, to find out if your dog is likely to develop this condition. The test can be done before 4 months of age. We have pointed to hereditary causes, but also some environmental factors can influence the appearance of this disease, such as: diet, excessively intense exercises, hormonal changes or being overweight.

7. Attention to the ears:

The farmer is likely to get infections heard two , so we must pay special care to this area by regular cleaning of the ears .

8. Coat care

With a Labrador at home, you will know that these dogs shed their hair between two and four times a year . However, they tend to shed their hair throughout the year , so they need a good weekly brushing to remove their hair. dead.

If we observe large hair loss or patches , we must take him to the vet , as they could be signs of stress or any other disorder or deficiency.

Remember: large doses of affection and patience, a bit of activity, the right diet, good company and attention to weak points; It is the ideal recipe for your Labrador to feel radiant, healthy and happy.