Labradors make great pets for families, but they require care. Some people get a Labrador without knowing how to take care of them, and then they wind up having problems. This section will talk about some of the common challenges people have because they don’t know how to take care of their Labrador.
Feeding your Labrador
Labradors need a lot of food to stay healthy, but not all foods are good for them. In fact, some foods can actually make them sick. That’s why it’s essential to feed your Labrador the right food.
Most experts agree that Labradors should eat a high in protein and low in carbohydrates. This type of diet is similar to the diet of wild wolves, who are their closest ancestor. Some good protein sources for Labradors include chicken, beef, lamb, fish, and eggs. Carbs should be limited to things like oatmeal and rice.
The right food
Good food for your Labrador includes dry kibble, which you can find at any pet store. In some cases, you can even buy food that’s made for dogs on Amazon. Labs also can eat vegetables and in minor amounts fruits. Boiled rice is also a good option.
Puppy food
If you have a puppy, they must be fed the right food. This includes puppy kibble and just vegetables. In fact, vets actually recommend giving your Labrador puppy special puppy food for this reason. Puppy food is rich in proteins and nutrients, which helps your pup grow up healthy.
Of course, if you’re adopting an older Labrador who hasn’t been fed the proper diet in their life, then it’s also essential to make sure they get the right food. This includes getting rid of any bad foods (listed below) and gradually transitioning them onto a healthier diet.
How much to feed your Lab
Now that you understand what to feed your Lab, it’s also essential to know how much to feed them. Your Labrador will typically eat around 3 cups of food per day. Obviously, your dog’s age and activity level also impact how much you should feed them, but 3 cups is a good rule of thumb for all Labs.
How often?
As a rule of thumb:
- Weaning: four meals a day
- Up to six months: three meals a day
- Six to 12 months: two meals a day
How much?
As a rule of thumb:
- 50-pound Lab feed 2-1/2 to 3 cups daily.
- 60-pound Lab feed 3 to 3-1/2 cups daily.
- 70-pound Lab feed 3-1/4 to 3-3/4 cups daily.
- 80-pound Lab feed 3-1/2 to 4 cups daily.
- 100-pound Lab feed 4-1/4 to 4-3/4 cups daily.
Labradors need the right amount of food to stay healthy and happy. Dogs should neither be under- nor overfed. Underfed dogs can have some health problems, and overweight dogs do.
Foods to avoid
There are some foods that you should not feed your Lab. These include chocolate, avocados, grapes and raisins, fast food, and anything containing artificial sweeteners. These foods can be harmful to dogs. This is especially true for sweeteners like Xylitol. Xylitol can cause a rapid blood sugar drop in dogs, resulting in hypoglycemia and death.
Grooming your Labrador
Labradors require care, and one of the most important aspects of taking care of them is grooming. Grooming helps keep your Labrador healthy and looking its best. It also helps prevent problems like fleas and ticks.
In this section, we’ll introduce you to the basics of grooming your Labrador. We’ll cover everything from brushing their teeth to clipping their nails.
Brushing your Labrador’s teeth
The most important part of grooming your Labrador is making sure that their teeth and gums are healthy. Most experts agree that you should brush your Lab’s teeth at least once per day. And the best way to do this is by using an enzymatic toothpaste made for dogs. You can buy these online or in stores, but be careful not to accidentally use toothpaste made for humans. This type of toothpaste can be toxic to dogs.
In addition, it’s also a good idea to give your Lab rawhide bones or chew toys. These help keep their teeth clean and provide them with the oral exercise that they need to stay healthy and strong.
Clipping your Labrador’s nails
Labradors have sensitive feet, making it difficult to clip their nails. If you’re not comfortable clipping them on your own, then try taking them to a groomer or vet who can do it for you.
If you are going to cut them yourself, it is essential to remember that you should only trim the area beyond the dog’s nail, not inside it. Cutting into the quick can be painful and cause bleeding.
The best way to cut your Lab’s nails is with a guillotine-style clipper or a grinder like the Dremel 7300-PT 4.8V Pet Nail Grooming Tool.
Cleaning your Labrador’s ears
Labradors’ ears should be regularly checked for dirt and debris. Your dog may not like this, but it’s crucial to their health! If you notice an abnormal smell or discharge, it’s essential to visit a vet when you look inside the ear. If there is just dirt or dust, you can clean their ears yourself with a cotton ball.
You shouldn’t use cotton swabs to clean your Labrador’s ears, as they can damage the eardrum.
What about brushing?
Labradors don’t require as much brushing as other breeds, but they should still be brushed every so often. Brushing will remove dead hairs and distribute skin oils throughout your dog’s coat, keeping their fur shiny
Bathing your Labrador
Labradors have a double coat. This means they need to be bathed regularly to keep their skin and fur healthy. You want to avoid bathing them too frequently, though, because it can lead to skin problems. A good rule of thumb is about once every two weeks or so.
Exercising your Labrador
Exercising your Labrador is vital for their physical and mental health. A lack of exercise can cause obesity, leading to several health problems. Regular exercise also helps keep your dog’s mind active and prevents boredom-related problems like chewing on things they’re not supposed to.
There are several ways to exercise your Labrador, and we’ll introduce you to some of the most popular ones here.
Walking your Labrador
The most basic way to exercise your Labrador is by taking them for a walk. This is an excellent opportunity for them to get some fresh air and explore their surroundings. It’s also a great way to socialize with other dogs and people.
Running with your Labrador
If you’re looking for something more strenuous, then running with your Labrador might be a good option for you. Many Labradors love to run alongside their owners. This is a great way to spend some quality time together and strengthen the bond between you and your dog.
Swimming your Labrador
You’re probably already familiar with how much Labs love the water! Swimming can be a great way to exercise your dog and is especially good in the summer when it’s hot out. Just make sure that you’re careful and don’t let them swim too much, as they can quickly overheat.
Private training classes
If you’re looking for a more one-on-one experience with your Labrador, then you may want to look into private training classes. This allows you and your dog to have more focused expertise to work on specific skills together.
If they’re not adequately exercised, Labradors are likely to express their pent-up energy in other ways, such as chewing up shoes or furniture.
Training your Labrador
Labradors are intelligent dogs and can be easily trained with the right techniques. Training your Labrador is important for their obedience and helps keep them mentally stimulated. In this section, we’ll introduce you to some of the most basic commands that every Labrador should know.
Sit
The sit command is one of the most basic obedience commands. To teach your dog this, put a treat in front of their nose and slowly move it upwards until their head is pointing skyward. As soon as their bottom touches the ground, say “sit” and give them the treat.
Stay
The stay command is another important one to teach your Labrador. This will help keep them under control when there are distractions around. Start by teaching them the sit command. When they’ve mastered that, put them in a stay position and walk about 2-3 steps away. As soon as they get up, say “no” and bring them back to the sit position. Keep repeating this until they can hold their stay for several minutes without getting up.
Come
The come command is pretty self-explanatory, but be sure to only use this when you’re in a safe location where they can’t run out into the street or something. Start by putting them on a long leash and standing right outside the door. Then call “come” and take several steps backward until they reach you.
Down
The down command tells your Lab to lie down. Start by getting them to sit, and then slowly move the treat from their nose to the back of their head. If they follow it, say “yes” and give them the treat before putting it away. Then you can tell them to lie down by saying it while moving the treat in a downwards motion.
There are more things you can teach your pooch, but the ones above are the most essential. This is an excellent place to get started, and you can always build on these skills later on!
Common problems
Many Labrador owners find themselves struggling with some common behavioral problems. In this section, we’ll introduce you to some of the most common ones and offer some solutions to deal with them.
Destructive behavior
If your Labrador is chewing up your furniture or shoes, it’s likely because they’re bored or not getting enough exercise. Try taking them for more walks or runs, and make sure they have plenty of toys to play with when you’re not around.
Excessive barking
If your Labrador is barking excessively, it could be because they’re anxious or trying to get your attention. Try giving them more attention and obedience training to help curb the behavior.
Separation anxiety
Labradors can often develop separation anxiety if they’ve been in a stressful environment for too long. If you notice your dog is constantly chewing up things when you’re not around, it may be an indication that they’re anxious or stressed about being alone.
Inappropriate urination
If your Lab starts peeing in the house even though they know better, it could be because there’s too much stress in the home. If it’s happening when you get home, take them on a walk before you enter to ease their nerves.
Summary
Labradors are a popular breed of dog for a good reason – they’re friendly, intelligent, and make great pets. In this article, we’ve covered the basics of taking care of your Labrador, from feeding and grooming to training and troubleshooting common problems. By following these tips, you’ll have a happy and healthy pup that will bring joy into your life for years to come!
FAQ
Are Labradors difficult to train?
Not at all! Labs are very intelligent and eager to please, responding well to positive reinforcement training techniques. However, always keep in mind that when you’re trying to teach them something new, it’s best not to expect too much too soon. It can be challenging for dogs to differentiate between different words, so if you want them to know what “sit” and “stay” mean, make sure that you only use those words when they’re in the correct position.
How long do Labrador Retrievers live?
The average lifespan of a healthy Labrador is 10-12 years, but with advancements in veterinary care and better nutrition, many dogs now live into their early teens or even longer.
Labrador History
Labradors were bred initially for waterfowl hunting in the 1800s in the United Kingdom, but they’re now one of the most popular breeds worldwide. In fact, they’re even America’s number one breed.
Do Labrador puppies cost a lot of money?
Labradors are one of the most common breeds, so there will always be plenty available; however, some breeders charge as much as $1000 for their pups! You can adopt or buy a Lab from your local shelter or rescue group.
How do you take care of a Labrador puppy?
The process is pretty much the same as taking care of an adult but if you’re caring for a very young pup, remember to be patient and give them lots of love and attention. And make sure that they have access to food appropriate for his age.
