Lab Puppy Problems
Acquiring a lab puppy is an exciting venture for a family or a single person who wants a loyal furry friend. Conducting the proper breed research is important, however, before deciding to get a lab puppy because you'll want to know any behavior or health problems you might encounter as your puppy matures into adulthood.
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Hip Dysplasia
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Labrador retrievers are prone to hip dysplasia, or improper formation of the hip joints, causing disability or pain, says the Dog Owner's Guide website. Before bringing your puppy home, make sure both of the parents are certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals or the University of Pennsylvania Hip Improvement Program to lessen the chance that your puppy will have hip dysplasia.
Eye Problems
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Labradors are also prone to progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and cataracts. PRA is an inherited disease of the retina that genetically programs a dog's eyes to go blind, according to Animal Eye Care LLC. Make sure your puppy's breeder had the sire and dam's eyes certified free of eye disease by the Canine Eye Registry Foundation.
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Separation Anxiety
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Labs do not like to be left alone; they want to be with you and other people constantly, says the Labrador Puppy Guide. When you go to work, leave your lab puppy in an indoor or outdoor dog run with a fence at least 5 feet high and the capability of holding a person weighing 88 lbs. An outdoor run is less stressful because it provides enough room for the dog to exercise and relieve itself when needed.
Diarrhea
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Lab puppies are naturally greedy--not only for attention, but for food. Consequently, keeping a lab puppy from eating is difficult, says the Labrador Puppy Guide. A premium diet of 30 percent meat and 70 percent cereals, with at least 2 percent of the diet comprising calcium, is essential for minimizing digestive upsets, and the calcium will provide the growth needed for their forming massive bone structure. Follow a regular worming regimen and consult your vet about flea preventative medication.
Training
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Even though you fell in love with the cute lab puppy, remember that it can weigh up to 88 lbs. when fully grown. A lab's will naturally "investigate" anyone it senses is afraid of it to try to convince the person that he's lovable, says the Labrador Puppy Guide, which can make a fearful person even more wary. Enroll your puppy in basic obedience training as soon as you bring him home.The longer you wait, the larger and the more rambunctious the puppy becomes, and therefore the more difficult to manage, says the Dog Owner's Guide.
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References
- Photo Credit Labrador retriever puppy image by crazy.nataly from Fotolia.com
