How to care for a Labrador: tips

In puppyhood, Labradors resemble plush toys. When a dog becomes an adult, its playfulness does not fade away. For this reason, Labradors are great for families with children. The pet will become a real nanny for kids and a great friend for you. Dogs of this breed are quite active, as a result of which regular walks are an integral part of the content. However, one should not allow complete freedom of action for the dog, because it can very well become a real beast.

Labrador Care Features

The ears. Like any domestic dog, the Labrador’s ears should always be clean. To prevent the development of bacteria, which can cause an unpleasant odor, it is enough to wipe your ears once a week with a damp cloth made of natural material. You can also use a universal lotion for cleaning the ear canal for pets. Never use cosmetic swabs or cotton swabs.

If during the procedure you smell from the ears, be sure to contact your veterinarian. If a family favorite shakes his head or constantly scratches his ears on a carpet, furniture upholstery or other surfaces, most likely, a foreign body that has fallen into the depth of the ear canal is bothering him. Also, the animal may have ear mites, which are quite difficult to remove on their own.

Bathing. Labradors love water procedures, therefore they bathe with great pleasure in sea / fresh springs, a bath or even a puddle. However, it is not recommended to allow frequent bathing of the pet, as this adversely affects its coat and skin. It is enough to wash your pet once every 2-3 months with a special shampoo for dogs, so as not to allow the protective layer to be washed off from the upper layers of the dermis. Frequent washing can result from skin diseases.

To properly carry out the procedure, it is necessary to moisten the hairline of the animal with plenty of water. Next, distribute the shampoo in the palm of your hand, and then rub the product into a thick foam. Pass the dog’s hair between the fingers so that the pet feels calm, feeling stroking the owner. The animal will begin to shake off, do not swear, so the dog removes moisture and relieves discomfort.

Shampoo treatment must be carried out 2 times. After that, thoroughly wash the foam from the coat so that it does not irritate the skin of the animal. When the bathing has come to an end, dry the dog with a towel and comb it. Combing should be carried out regularly, and not just after washing. Purchase a special dog brush in advance at the pet store. Teach your Labrador similar procedures from an early age.

Teeth. Caring for the oral cavity of the dog involves a regular inspection of the mouth. Particular attention is paid to the period of change of primary teeth by molars. If you notice that your pet has a molar tooth and the milk has not yet fallen out (at the growth site), contact your veterinarian for a doctor to remove it. Pamper your dog with raw carrots or potatoes, prevention of this kind will help to avoid the formation of tartar and eliminate bad breath.

To ease your task while brushing your teeth, use dog toothpaste (you can get it at pet stores), manipulations must be carried out daily. To begin with, the pet should familiarize himself with the new procedure: for this, rub the paste with your fingers, and not with a brush. Later, the pet will get used to it, and you can use a children's toothbrush with soft bristles. After the procedure, do not forget to praise the pet, treat him to a treat.

Claws. Get a clipper from the pet store.To properly carry out the procedure, wash and dry the pet's paws, press on the fingertip so that the claw protrudes. Cut off the free edge without hitting the capillaries, retreat from the maroon area by 2-3 mm. Cut your nails as you grow, as a rule, the frequency of the procedure varies between 1-2 times per month.

Labrador Training

Nickname. Each owner almost immediately thinks about the nickname for his pet, so that in the future the pet responded. For this reason, you should teach your puppy a name so that the dog clearly understands when her name is.

Pronounce your pet’s name more often, pamper it with a treat every time the puppy responds. The procedure is best performed during feeding: while the animal is eating, gently stroke it on the neck or back, repeating the name 10-12 times. As practice shows, Labradors get used to a new nickname in two weeks, in some cases earlier.

Team "Give!". The upbringing of a dog with regards to people and other animals is of importance. It is necessary to teach the pet not to rush to passers-by in order to play, they may not understand the intentions of the dog. To prevent awkward situations, teach your puppy the Give! No need to make sudden movements and pull out any of the teeth from the puppy, do not scream, the dogs do not like this.

Take food in your hand, and hold the mouth with the other, say the command. Thus, you will exchange food for the thing that the animal holds in its teeth. Labrador gets used to the action, in the end he will execute the team without dainty. Teach your dog good manners calmly, without aggression. The pet will remember your good attitude, as a result of which, without anger, he will give what is in his mouth.

Accustoming to the toilet. Allow the dog a separate place to set the tray. Cover the floor with oilcloth, put old newspapers or a disposable diaper on top, it can be purchased at a pet store, hypermarket or pharmacy (cost about 100 rubles for 8 pieces). After you have prepared the intended toilet location, carefully monitor the puppy's behavior. When he begins to whine, sniff, tighten his tail, trying to relieve the need in the wrong place, grab the animal in his arms and carry on the tray.

In case you could not keep track of the little pet, gently grab it by the withers. Shake, but do not tear off the floor, while sentencing in a strict voice, "You can not!". Do not scream, do not scream. Poke your puppy with your nose, then grab the newspapers, wet them with urine and take them to the tray. Show the dog the smell of the toilet. The pet sniffs and eventually gets used to relieve the need in the designated place. You need to teach little puppies to the toilet when they are unable to tolerate before going out.

Food

1. Labradors are prone to obesity, they can not be overfed. To determine if the nutrition is balanced correctly or not, put a few fingers under the ribs of the animal. They should be palpated, but not stick out. It is important that a small fat layer is present, otherwise the puppy will not develop properly. Signs of obesity are immediately visible: the dog has a sagging back and spreading legs.
2. Eating should be considered based on the lifestyle of the animal. If you often spend time outdoors and play, you need to feed the puppy 3 times a day. If the pet is lazy and leads a passive lifestyle, feed him no more than 2 times a day.
3. The best time to eat is half an hour after a walk. During the meal, do not give the animal hot food, it should be slightly warm. You can determine the temperature regime as follows: insert the ring finger inside the porridge. If you feel hot, cool the feed. Otherwise, you can harm the dog’s stomach.
4. Lean meats are suitable for feeding a Labrador.Ideal - pork pulp, turkey, beef, chicken. Give your pet veined parts instead of fillets. If you are going to feed the Labrador raw meat, remove the fat layer in advance and process the food with boiling water. Many owners prefer to cook minced meat from cereals, any kind of meat and chicken eggs.
5. Do not forget to pamper your pet with boneless fish. Similar products contain the maximum amount of protein, iron, phosphorus, iodine and other beneficial elements. Also give boiled and raw eggs, cottage cheese, kefir. Salt should be added in minimal quantities. Do not feed the Labrador leftovers from the table, he is used to his diet, do not break it. Thus, you can extend the life of the pet for 2-3 years.

Nutrition features of an elderly labrador. If your dog is no longer young (8 years or more), it is recommended to re-compose the diet. Cook low-calorie foods for your pet. Give the dog less meat during the day, it is better to replace it with fish, it is much more useful. Continue to include fermented milk products in the menu, add wheat bran to eliminate the possibility of constipation. Give the Labrador vitamins and minerals according to the recommendations of the veterinarian, the complexes are sold in any pet store.

What can not be fed Labrador

• hot, cold food;
• spicy, floury, fried, sour, salty dishes;
• homemade "delicacies" (canned food, spins, etc.);
• sausages;
• sweets, cookies;
• tubular bones;
• wheat flour pasta;
• legumes.

Practical recommendations

1. Once every 3-4 months, you need to do prophylaxis against worms. Do not forget about the annual vaccinations against the plague of carnivores and rabies. You will be given a veterinary passport in the clinic. If desired, you can chip the dog to track its movement in case of loss.
2. Get special treats from the pet store that are tailored to the breed. Their role may be filled with pads, sticks based on pork or beef liver, dry chicken ventricles, etc. Give treats in portions, not more than 3 times a week.
3. Since labradors are prone to obesity, they need to engage in active activities. Running, jumping, playing outdoors will be useful for the dog and you. Take the habit of walking the animal several times a day, regardless of the weather and other circumstances.
4. Labradors require a lot of space in terms of living conditions. The best option is a private house or a large apartment. Allow the dog a place in a quiet corner. Equip it with a couch, get silicone toys, put a soft cover.

It is easy to maintain a Labrador, if you have sufficient knowledge regarding nutrition, education and care. Buy dog ​​food specifically for your breed at the pet store or prepare the minced meat yourself. Do not forget to undergo a scheduled annual vaccination, give the dog a complex of vitamins and minerals. Teach the puppy to the tray from an early age, call the pet by the nickname so that he gets used to it. Spend time in the fresh air, do not neglect washing, grooming your hair and nails.

Video: how to care for Labradors - expert advice