How do you grow a Labrador dog
The Labrador Retriever Dog Breed
The Labrador Retriever was the most popular pedigree dog breed in USA and other parts of the world for decades. I have raised and trained Labradors for years, and my home would be incomplete without one.
Labradors are bred to be steadfast, unflappable and kind. Traditional working Labs are tough, athletic dogs capable of great endurance and persistence. And these characteristics have created a pet dog that is a permanent fixture in our homes and hearts, as well as in the field. Labrador Retrievers genuinely can make the perfect pet, show, working, therapy, service and hunting dog.
Naturally food motivated, your Lab will be rewarding to train with modern dog training methods. Though they need guidance and supervision during those teenage years, when they can be exuberant and unaware of their own strength and power.
Youll find that your Labrador Retriever is an active dog with an intelligent, co-operative nature, provided you have the time and energy to steer their enthusiasm in the right direction. Ive compiled a range of guides and information to help you have fun raising your dog.
Labrador Retriever Topics:
The Labrador Retriever breed have a medium sized physique, a short coat that sheds, floppy ears and soulful eyes. They are a gentle, clever, high energy, breed that needs attention, training and love.
Your Labrador Retriever will need lots of exercise and plenty of training. Regular brushing will help you with shedding, but expect some fur around your home. Training and socialization will help you to avoid jumping up, pulling on the leash, chewing and separation anxiety too. Your dog is unlikely to be a guard dog, but they might bark watchdog style when the doorbell rings.
Your Labrador Retriever puppys characteristics will have some strong benefits but also drawbacks when it comes to fitting in with your family, kids and lifestyle. Ill share tips on adopting, buying, raising and caring for your yellow, black or chocolate companion. From your growing baby Labrador Retriever puppy, to a healthy, happy adult dog. Youll learn how to increase lifespan, and keep your pet fit through diet, nutrition and exercise. I will also help you pick a Labrador Retriever from show ring or fieldwork lines, select the right color, as well as manage shedding. And train that high energy personality and those active Labrador Retriever breed traits, into a perfect family pet.
What Are The Typical Labrador Retriever Characteristics?
The Labrador Retriever is a popular family pet, but they have a strong working background. And many pet Labs are still also working sporting dogs today! Due to being bred to work well with their human handler, they are incredibly clever and cooperative.
Labrador Retriever History and Origins.
Labrador Retrievers have an amazing history. They came from humble beginnings as a sporting companion, spending their days diving from boats to retrieve nets and even fish.
The breed was brought overseas by visiting nobles. Labrador Retriever breeders then continued to standardise them into the dogs we know today.
Average Labrador Retriever Size?
Labrador Retrievers were bred to carry out a job, which required them to be strong and athletic. They needed to be able to run for long distances while carrying game, and to cope well in the water too.
The Labrador Retriever is a well-proportioned dog with a broad head and long legs. Pups from show lines tend to be stockier, with working bred Labrador Retriever dogs maintaining a slimmer shape.
Labrador Retriever Coat Colors!
The Labrador Retrievers coat officially comes in three solid colors. Black coats are the most common, with chocolate and yellow Labs being a little less frequent.
Although these colors are the only official colors, there are a huge amount shades and genetic variations. Yellow Labs are also found in fox red, golden and white shades. And then there are the dilute genes! These make the standard colors more pale, and result in charcoal, champagne and silver Labrador Retriever dogs.
How To Manage Your Labrador Retrievers Shedding?
Labrador grooming is an important part of their ownership. Your dog will be a prolific shedder. The right brushes, a good vacuum cleaner and a regular cleaning routine will help you to stay on top of it. Although they have a short coat, your Labrador Retriever needs brushing at least once a week.
Are Labrador Retrievers Hypoallergenic?
Labrador Retrievers are not hypoallergenic. Your dog will produce lots of allergy inducing dander in their coats and saliva.
Typical Labrador Retriever Temperament
Labs are well known for being friendly dogs that crave human company. They do not tend to have aggression problems, provided that they are well socialized and bred from friendly parents. Most Labs are confident and friendly. But some can be nervous, so make sure to socialize from a young age.
The issues most owners have with Labs are to do with over friendliness and too much enthusiasm. Running off to greet strangers, jumping up and chewing are big issues that some homes contend with. Fortunately, training from an early age can help a lot. Chewing can be managed with toys and distractions too.
Are Labrador Retrievers Good Pets?
The Labrador Retriever is a great pet for active families, who are around for much of the day or are able to put in place effective cover plans during the working day. Although generally good natured, Labs can be quite bouncy and pushy and knock over very small children or the frail.
Your dog will do best in a home that has someone in the house for most of the day, and where they get lots of short training sessions as well as a significant period for exercising. With the right training and environment, your Labrador Retriever will grow into an excellent pet.
Labrador Retriever Training Tips!
Due to their history as cooperative working companions, Labs are fortunately fairly easy to train. If you know what you are doing, of course! The best way to motivate a Labrador is through food. Although some dogs will happily work for praise alone, food is always a winner with your Labrador Retriever. Positive reinforcement methods are used by all the top dog handlers now, and are the best way to form a strong bond and have a well behaved dog.
The Most Common Health Problems
Labrador Retrievers can inherit a few nasty diseases from their parents. And the breed is also prone to a few conditions. Through parental testing before breeding most are avoidable thankfully. Youll want your potential puppys breeder to show you evidence of health testing for hip and elbow dysplasia, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, and a clear eye test. Labrador Retrievers are also prone to cranial cruciate ligament disease and obesity.
Feeding your Labrador Retriever is an important part of their care. Youll need to use a high protein, high fat, low carbohydrate food. Follow the instructions on the packet for amounts, because these vary from brand to brand. If your dog is looking too skinny or a little overweight, you can then adjust this amount to suit their physique.
Finding a Labrador Retriever Puppy?
Good Labrador Retriever breeders have waiting lists due to high demand. The best dog breeders health screen both parents. They will be happy to show you clear certificates for PRA, a recent eye test and great hip and elbow scores. The breeder might also have tested for the dwarfism gene.
(paid link)Good dog breeders are happy to answer any questions you might have about the parents temperament and working or show activities. And it will be clear that they have a really strong bond with their dog. They will also have plenty of questions for you, to make sure you are right for their puppies. They want to know how often you are out of the house, where the dog will sleep and what you plan to do about training and exercising.
Consider a Shelter Dog?
Rescuing an older dog can be a great way to bring a new pooch into your home. You will be able to meet your adult dog and get to know their personality and make sure that it matches with the environment you would be able to provide.
The Labrador Site Founder
Pippa Mattinson is the best selling author of The Happy Puppy Handbook, the Labrador Handbook, Choosing The Perfect Puppy, and Total Recall.
She is also the founder of the Gundog Trust and the Dogsnet Online Training Program
Pippa's online training courses were launched in 2019 and you can find the latest course dates on the Dogsnet website
Why Is My Labrador Losing Hair? Causes and Solutions
Is your furry pal shedding more than usual? Like its once luscious coat now thinning out and sporting a few bald patches? Youre not alone in thinking Why is my Labrador losing hair?. Hair loss in Labradors can be due to various factors or certain medical conditions. Diagnosing the root of the issue is essential to find an appropriate treatment plan and ensuring your Labs well-being.
So, lets dive into why your Labrador may be losing hair and what you can do to help them maintain a healthy coat.
Understanding Coat Shedding in Labrador Retrievers
One of the many things that make the Labrador Retriever a popular breed is its lustrous coat. However, with great fluffiness comes great shedding. If youre an owner of a Labrador Retriever or considering getting one, you may have questions about the potential shedding they exhibit.
In order to understand the shedding patterns of a Labrador Retriever, its important to understand their coat type. Labrador Retrievers have a double coat: a soft, dense undercoat that keeps them warm in cold conditions and a tougher topcoat that protects them from the environment. This dual coat system can also mean double the shedding. As Labrador Retrievers grow, their coats will continue to shed dead hair and fur to make room for new growth.
The Difference Between Normal and Excessive Hair Loss
While Labrador Retrievers arent considered high maintenance in grooming, they have a moderate shedding rate throughout the year. However, while they shed constantly, they also have a heavy shedding season in spring and fall, typically twice a year. During this season, you can expect a significant increase in the hair your dog sheds.
Normal shedding is easy to detect as most hair that falls out is long enough to be visible. You can tell by the hair length that it has been shed recently.
Recognizing Excessive Hair Loss in Labrador Retrievers
Excessive shedding, on the other hand, is more difficult to spot. It can often come in bald spots or patchy hair loss, which may indicate an underlying medical condition. While Labradors tend to shed more during seasonal changes, its best to take them to the vet for a diagnosis if you notice any unusual hair loss pattern.
Why Is My Labrador Losing Hair?
So if you notice your Labrador losing hair or excessive shedding, as mentioned above. It is essential to know what causes these issues. Common reasons for hair loss in Labradors can include:
1: Genetics
Genetics plays a crucial role in the hair growth of Labradors. Some are born with thin coats, while others have thick and fluffy coats. If your Labrador comes from a line of dogs with light or thin coats, your dog will likely have a thinner coat, which leads to hair loss.
2: Seasonal Shedding
Labradors shed throughout the year but tend to shed more when the weather changes. They shed their coats in the spring and fall to prepare their bodies for the changing temperature. You can expect to see large quantities of hair falling out during this time.
3: Lack of Nutrition
If your Labrador lacks enough nutrition, it may start to lose hair. Ensure youre feeding your dog a balanced diet, giving them sufficient protein, fats, vitamins, and minerals. Consult your veterinarian to find out the best food for your Labrador.
4: Allergies
Labradors can develop allergies to certain foods or environmental factors such as pollen, dust, or chemicals. This can lead to excessive itching, scratching, and hair loss. If your dog is experiencing these symptoms, visit your veterinarian for a checkup.
5: Stress
Like humans, dogs can also experience stress, leading to hair loss. For instance, if you recently moved to a new home, introduced a new pet, or the dogs owner is frequently absent, the stress experienced by the dog can manifest in hair loss.
6: Fleas and Ticks
Fleas and ticks can cause hair loss and skin irritation in Labradors. These tiny pests will often bite and feed on your dogs blood. Your dog will experience itching and hair loss in the affected areas. Consult your veterinarian for the most suitable flea and tick-preventive product for your dog.
7: Hormonal Imbalances
Hormonal imbalances in dogs can lead to hair loss. For example, hypothyroidism, a condition where your dogs thyroid gland doesnt produce sufficient thyroid hormone, can lead to a thinning coat and hair loss. If you suspect your dog has hormonal imbalances, take them to the vet for a check-up.
8: Fungal and Bacterial Infections
Fungal and bacterial infections can affect a dogs coat and lead to hair loss. Other symptoms, such as itching, redness, and flaky skin, typically accompany these infections. A veterinarian will be able to diagnose and treat the infection.
9: Skin Parasites
These pesky critters can wreak havoc on your pets skin and fur, leading to uncomfortable itching and hair loss. Other factors include allergies, hormonal imbalances, or even stress. If youre concerned about your Labradors shedding, its best to consult a veterinarian who can help determine the root cause and provide treatment options.
10: Cancer
Cancer can cause dogs to lose hair. While its not the most common cause of hair loss, its essential not to overlook this possibility. Some forms of cancer impact the dogs skin and coat, causing hair loss. If you notice sudden and unexplained hair loss, visiting your veterinarian for a checkup is important.
11: Sebaceous Adenitis
Sebaceous adenitis is a skin condition that affects some dog breeds, including Labradors. This condition causes the sebaceous glands to become inflamed, leading to hair loss and scaly skin. Symptoms typically begin in young adult dogs and progress over time. While it is not curable, treatment options like medicated baths, immunosuppressants, and dietary changes can help manage the condition.
12: Color Dilution Alopecia
Color dilution alopecia is a genetic disorder that affects dogs with dilute coat colors, such as blue or silver Labradors. This condition leads to hair loss, dry skin, and bacterial infections. While there is no known cure for color dilution alopecia, it is manageable through treatments like moisturizing shampoos and supplements like fish oil and avoiding harsh chemicals that can irritate the skin.
13: Seasonal Flank Alopecia
Seasonal flank alopecia is another skin condition that affects some Labradors. This condition is characterized by symmetrical hair loss on both sides of a dogs flank during winter. While the exact cause of seasonal flank alopecia is unknown, it is believed to be related to a lack of sunlight exposure during the winter. Treatment options like supplements and phototherapy lamps can help mitigate the symptoms of this condition.
There are many possible causes of hair loss in Labradors. If your dog is experiencing excessive shedding or hair loss, its important to have them examined by a veterinarian who can provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Treatment for Labrador Losing Hair
Treatment for hair loss in Labradors will depend on the underlying cause. Common treatments include:
Addressing Allergies
Allergies are a common cause of hair loss among Labradors. You can manage allergies by changing its diet or switching to mild shampoos. Treating fleas and ticks can prevent skin irritation that results in hair loss. If the hair loss is severe, you might require prescription medication from your veterinarian to manage allergies.
Managing Infections and Skin Problems
Fungal infections and bacterial infections can cause skin allergies and hair loss. Proper hygiene and grooming can help avoid these types of infections. In extreme situations, your vet might prescribe antibiotics or topical creams to manage fungal and bacterial infections.
Dealing with Hormonal Imbalance
Hormonal imbalances such as hypothyroidism can result in hair loss among Labradors. A vet can perform a blood test to determine if your furry friend is suffering from thyroid problems. If diagnosed early, vets can treat hormonal imbalances with hormone replacement therapy.
Changing Feeding Habits
Food allergens are a common cause of allergies in dogs. Changing your dogs diet can help control their hair loss, especially if you find the cause of the allergy is food-based. You should switch to hypoallergenic dog food free from commonly effective allergens.
Phototherapy Lamps and Supplements
You can manage seasonal flank alopecia with phototherapy lamps and supplements such as fish oil or Vitamin E. Phototherapy lamps mimic natural sunlight, which helps to stimulate the production of hormones beneficial for hair regrowth. Supplements like fish oil and Vitamin E can help provide essential fatty acids in your dogs diet, which can help to promote hair growth.
Immunosuppressants and Medicated Baths
Treatment for sebaceous adenitis often involves using immunosuppressants, which can help reduce inflammation and promote hair regrowth. Medicated baths with special shampoos can help soothe your dogs skin and reduce itchiness.
Fish Oil Supplements and Moisturizing Shampoos
Color dilution alopecia can be managed by giving your dog fish oil supplements and using moisturizing shampoos. Fish oil helps to restore the fatty acids in your pups skin while moisturizing shampoos help keep their skin hydrated. Avoiding harsh chemicals that irritate the skin will also help reduce hair loss caused by color dilution alopecia.
These are just some treatments that can help manage hair loss in Labradors. Your vet can provide more information about other treatment options that might be available for your pet, depending on their specific condition.
How to Help Prevent Your Labrador from Losing Hair
Fortunately, there are several things that you can do to help prevent your Labrador from losing hair.
Balanced DietOne of the main causes of hair loss in Labradors is nutrition deficiency. Your dogs hair needs vitamins and minerals to grow and remain healthy. Some essential nutrients that your pet needs include protein, carbohydrates, healthy fats, and vitamins A, C, E, and B-complex. Ensure you feed your dog a balanced diet containing all these essential nutrients. You can also consult your veterinarian on the best food choices for your Labrador.
Regular Grooming
Another way to prevent hair loss in Labradors is by grooming your dog regularly. Regular grooming helps remove dead hair, debris, and dirt from your dogs coat, preventing tangling and matting and reducing hair loss. You should also use the right grooming tools, such as a de-shedding brush, a slicker brush, and a comb, to keep your pets coat healthy and shiny.
Avoid Over Bathing
Labradors do not require frequent baths, as they have natural oils that keep their coat clean and healthy. Overbathing can strip off these natural oils, leading to skin dryness and hair loss. To avoid over-bathing your pet, you should aim to bathe your Labrador once every three months or less frequently, depending on your dogs activity levels and lifestyle.
Prevent Parasites
Parasites such as fleas and ticks can cause hair loss in Labradors. Therefore, it is essential to keep your pet free from these pests. You can prevent these parasites by regularly applying tick and flea medication, ensuring that your dogs living environment is clean, and keeping your pet away from high-risk areas such as tall grass and woodland.
Regular Check-ups
Regular check-ups with your veterinarian can help prevent hair loss in Labradors. Your veterinarian can guide you on the best grooming practices, recommend the best tick and flea medication, and diagnose any underlying medical conditions causing your dogs hair loss. Regular check-ups also help to catch any health problems early, allowing for early intervention and better treatment outcomes.
Following these steps can help keep your Labrador healthy and prevent hair loss.
Home Remedies for Labrador Hair Loss
Aside from medications and treatments, there are also several dog hair loss home remedies that you can use to help manage hair loss in your Labrador.
1: Humidifier
A humidifier will add moisture to the air, which is good for your dogs coat and skin. Dry air can cause dry skin and increase hair loss. Running a humidifier around your dogs environment will help retain moisture in its fur and promote healthy hair growth. Monitor humidity levels to avoid over-humidification, which can lead to mold growth.
2: Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar is an excellent remedy for hair loss in Labradors. It can be applied topically to your dogs skin or added to its diet. The acidity of the vinegar helps restore the natural pH balance of the skin, which can reduce hair loss. To apply topically, mix one part apple cider vinegar with one part water and use a spray bottle to apply to your dogs skin. Add one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to your dogs food daily for dietary purposes.
3: Lemon Juice
Lemon juice can work as a natural disinfectant and improve hair growth. Mix one part lemon juice with four parts water and use a spray bottle to apply the solution to your dogs skin. Avoid sensitive areas and test a small skin patch before applying it to the entire body. It is essential to note that lemon juice can dry out your dogs skin, so use this remedy sparingly.
4: Topical Olive Oil
Olive oil is an excellent moisturizer for dry and flaky skin. It is also good for reducing inflammation caused by allergies or skin irritations. Before applying:
- Warm the olive oil in the microwave for a few seconds, then apply it to your dogs skin.
- Allow it to sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse with warm water.
- Repeat this remedy once a week for maximum results.
So say goodbye to hair loss in your Labrador with these simple home remedies and follow the above tips.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my labrador getting bald spots?
Hair loss or balding in labradors can occur due to various reasons. One of the most common reasons is a skin infection caused by bacteria or fungus. In this case, you will notice red, itchy, and scaly patches on your dogs skin, which can eventually lead to hair loss. Another reason could be hormonal imbalances such as hypothyroidism or Cushings disease.
These conditions affect the production of hormones that control hair growth in dogs, leading to hair loss. Other possibilities could be allergic reactions, genetic predisposition, or nutritional deficiencies.
What food causes hair loss in labradors?
The type of food you give your labrador can significantly affect hair growth and overall health. Feeding your dog low-quality or nutritionally deficient food can result in hair loss, dry skin, and other skin problems. In particular, some food ingredients such as grains, soy, and dairy products can trigger allergic reactions in some dogs, leading to hair loss. Choosing high-quality dog food appropriate for your dogs age, breed, and health condition is crucial.
Can a Labrador recover from hair loss?
The good news is that, in most cases, labradors can recover from hair loss with proper care and treatment. Once you identify the underlying cause of your dogs hair loss, your vet can prescribe the necessary treatment. Treatment options can vary depending on the cause, from topical creams and shampoos to oral medications and dietary changes.
Sometimes, your vet may also recommend omega-3 fatty acids or biotin supplements to promote hair growth. Your labradors coat can regrow and become healthy with proper treatment and care.
What food is best for a dog with allergies?
If your labrador has allergies, choosing a diet free from common allergens such as grains, soy, and dairy is essential. Instead, choose a diet rich in high-quality protein sources such as meat, fish, and eggs. You can also choose a hypoallergenic dog food brand specially formulated to be easily digestible and prevent allergic reactions.
Besides, you can supplement your dogs diet with probiotics and prebiotics to support their gut health, which, in turn, can boost their immune system and reduce allergic reactions.
Final Words
There are several reasons why Labrador losing hair, which we have discussed above. So, if you see your little bud losing hair, its time to take a closer look and get them examined. Dont neglect their furry coat, as its an indicator of their overall health. Now you know why your Labrador is losing hair. Be sure to maintain their health and happiness so that they can remain your best friend and companion.
