Monday, December 31, 2007

Wishing You A Happy New Year

I would like to take this time to thank everyone for visiting and contributing to the All About Labradors Blog. I continue to meet so many wonderful people and so many beautiful Labrador Retrievers.

From my family to all of your families, wishing you the very best, healthy and happy New Year.

TAKE CARE OF YOURSELVES AND YOUR LABRADOR RETRIEVERS!!

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Black Labrador Retriever’s front paws turned white - part II

From: Pat (USA)

Subject: Black Labrador Retriever’s front paws turned white - part II

Labrador Retrievers name: Gypsy Rose Lee

This is the second part of a two part reader's e-mail. To read the first part visit: Black Labrador Retriever’s front paws turned white - part I

All About Labradors Blog Response:

Hi Pat,

Your welcome! Love the names of both of your Labradors. Two Labrador Retrievers... you have your hands full. Like you, I also have a female black Labrador retriever and a female chocolate Labrador Retriever.

I agree with you 100 percent, Labs are without a doubt the most wonderful dogs in the world!

Did the vet state they would try anything in regards to the vitiligo? I don't believe there is much they can really do about it. I know there are some supplements available such as L Tyrosine, but I don't recall reading anything to support the return of pigmentation with the use of supplements.

If you ever need any other help in regards to your Lab girls, don't hesitate to ask.

Take care of yourself,
Fay

Reader's E-mail - Pat's Response:

Hi Fay,

I have another question about my Labs. I hope you can help me.

I have read/heard so much conflicting advice about dog food. I’ve tried Iams, Science Hill, etc. For the past 6-8 months (before all of the recalls began) I’ve been using Blackwood. This was great during the recall because this food has no gluten, wheat, etc., & everything is made/raised in the U.S. Also, their coats started looking much, much better – their hair no longer came out in clumps.

However, they HATE this food & have lost weight since I’ve begun using it. Maggie Mae has a sensitive stomach, & this food seems to upset her even more. My vet says give them Purina. The kennel owner says Blackwood only. Others say the Science Diet. I just don’t know what to do. Do you have any suggestions?

Thanks so much for any help you can give me!
Pat

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All About Labradors Blog Response:

Hello Pat,

No problem Pat, here are a few good quality foods I recommend.

EaglePack - http://www.eaglepack.com/

Wellness - http://www.omhpet.com/ (Super 5 Mix or Core)

Precise Plus - http://www.precisepet.com/pplus.asp

Canidae - http://www.canidae.com/index.html

These are some of the better foods for you Labrador Retrievers. Please let me know what foods you try and how they are working. If none of these foods work for your Labradors I do have others I can recommend. Thanks Pat.

Talk to you soon,
Fay

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Sunday, December 30, 2007

Black Labrador Retriever’s front paws turned white - part I

From: Pat (USA)

Subject: Black Labrador Retriever’s front paws turned white

Labrador Retrievers name: Gypsy Rose Lee

Reader's E-mail - Pat Writes:

Hello,

My 9 year old black lab’s front paws suddenly turned white – almost as if they had been bleached. Her back paws are fine. I tried cleaning the front paws, thinking she had just been into something, but they’re still white. Should I take her to the vet?

Thank you.
Pat

All About Labradors Blog Answer:

Hello Pat,

My apologies on the delayed response as I receive many questions to the All About Labrador blog and it does take me some time to answer all of them.

I'm sorry to hear about your Labrador Retrievers condition. Yes, I would definitely recommend taking your Labrador Retriever to see your veterinarian.

I have found a couple possible reasons that your Labrador's paws may have turned white:

Vitiligo - is a hereditary lack of pigment in the skin in which the dogs develop somewhat symmetrical depigmentation especially of the nose, lips, muzzle, inside of mouth and footpads.

In some cases the pigment returns and in other cases the changes are permanent. It does not appear to have consequences other than cosmetic.

Contact reaction - contact with a sensitizing material can result in depigmentation.

I'm sorry I couldn't be of more help to you Pat. Please keep me updated with whatever your veterinarian tells you and how your Labrador Retriever is doing, as this will be of help to the readers of the All About Labradors blog.

If you have any photos of your Labrador Retriever (what is her name) that you would like to e-mail me, I would be happy to post them on the Labrador Retrievers Picture blog.

Take care of yourself and your Labrador Retriever,
Fay

Reader's E-mail: Pat's Response:

Fay,

Thank you very much for your reply. I did take Gypsy (Gypsy Rose Lee!) to the vet, and he thinks that it is, indeed, vitiligo. Very good! I’ve never even heard of it! I will try to get you a picture of both Gypsy and her step-sister, Maggie Mae Barber (a chocolate lab), to include on your website. Labs are without a doubt the most wonderful dogs in the world. (-:

Thanks, again!
Pat

To read the second part of this e-mail visit: Black Labrador Retriever’s front paws turned white - part II

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Saturday, December 22, 2007

Aggressive Behavior in Labrador Retriever? - part II

From: Lisa (USA)

Subject: Aggressive behavior in Labrador Retriever? - part II

Labrador Retriever Name: N/A

This is part two of a two part e-mail from Lisa.

All About Labradors Blog Answer:

Lisa,

I'm so sorry to hear about your 9 year old, I hope she is o.k. Sometimes when dogs are in pain they don't quite understand where the pain is coming from and will lash out to stop it, as what could have happened in your case. Your dog might have been spooked also and lashed out.

All dogs are different Lisa. Remember the different causes in the last letter about the reasons dogs bite. With my two Labradors, my daughter rides them, pulls on their ear's, rolls around with them and does all sorts of other things to them and they don't bite her. That's not to say that you can get away with it Lab.

This is the second serious condition now. Basically, from what other little information I know about your Lab, I believe she can fixed, but you should be very careful with her right now (careful supervision around all). Also be aware that this could be a situation whee you might have to get rid of the dog ( I'M NOT SAYING YOU DO, BUT IN CASE SOMETHING IS WRONG PLEASE BE PREPARED)

I have listed some names, numbers, e-mail addys that you might already have. It is imperative that you seek professional help.

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Birmingham, AL
Birmingham Obedience Club
Email: http://us.f376.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=
Name: Alice Linn
Phone: (205) 681 - 9210 Ext:
Email:sheltima@charter.net

Daleville, AL
Southeast Alabama Kennel Club
Email: http://us.f376.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=
Name: Jimmy Chambers
Phone: (334) 598 - 6683 Ext:
Email:dogwood@ala.net

Decatur, AL
Shetland Sheepdog Club of North Alabama
Email: http://us.f376.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=
Name: Alsie Fisher
Phone: (256) 353 - 2060 Ext:
Email:Albanypups@aol.com

Huntsville, AL
Huntsville Obedience Training Club
Website: http://www.hotc.org/
Name: Joyce Rupert
Phone: (256) 852 - 4377

Montgomery, AL
Montgomery Alabama Dog Obedience Club
Email: http://us.f376.mail.yahoo.com/ym/Compose?To=
Website: http://madoc.org/
Classes Offered:
Agility
Basic Manners/CGC
Competition Obedience - Novice
Competition Obedience - Open
Obedience
Puppy Kindergarten
Rally
Therapy Dog
Name: Ginnie Richardson
Phone: (334) 269 - 1698 Ext:
Email:RenRoyBoxers@aol.com

Going to keep looking and asking others if anyone knows of trainers in you area to help (posting to blog to see if any readers can help).

Let me know what you get from the Kennel Club. Please keep me informed every step of the way.

Fay

Reader's E-mail - Lisa's Response:

Fay,

Thanks so much for helping me. I haven't heard back from the Birmingham Kennel Club. I did e-mail the top2 contacts you sent me. I hope they can help.

When my dog bit my daughter, it was like a slice, not a chunk out of her face. When she was leaning over the dog, the dog turned and snapped and got whatever was there. I just told everyone not to put their face in her face anymore, I guess me too. We love to kiss her and love on her, it's so sad that we can't trust her anymore.

I'll keep you posted.
Lisa

All About Labradors Blog Answer:

Found a couple more:

Try this one first, give them a call to better explain your situation.

Contact Manners in Motion http://www.mannersinmotion.com/ and tell them your problem. They have class schedules and private training/ behavior counseling in Pelham (don't know how close that is for you) and in home.
(205) 621-6730

If they can't help, then try these:

Creative Dog Training Inc3190 Cahaba Heights RdBirmingham, AL 35243 (205) 967-2062

Pet Partners 2938 Chestnut StMontgomery, AL 36107 (334) 265-2585

We'll find someone, don't worry. :)

Fay

As of this posting, I recently wrote Lisa and I'm awaiting a response to see how things are going.

To read part one of this e-mail visit: Aggressive Behavior in Labrador Retriever? - part I

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Friday, December 21, 2007

Road Trip Tips for Travel With the Dog

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Thursday, December 20, 2007

Holidays can be hazardous to pets' health

The holiday season brings a great time of joy for us, but can also be a very hazardous time to our Labrador Retrievers. The following article, "Holidays can be hazardous to pets' health," from the Fresno Bee, lists some of the hazards to watch out for.



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Aggressive Behavior in Labrador Retriever? - part I

From: Lisa (USA)

Subject: Aggressive behavior in Labrador Retriever?

Labrador Retriever Name: N/A

This is part one of a two part e-mail from Lisa. To read part two of this e-mail visit: Aggressive Behavior in Labrador Retriever? - part II

Reader's E-mail - Lisa Writes:

Hi, Could you possibly lead me in the right direction?

I have had a dog my entire life. Got a lab puppy 3 1/2 yrs. ago. Had a old lab mix (10 yrs) at the time. Old dog taught puppy bad habits, barking at people, being very protective at the house, in the car, at the park, etc. I have a 9 and 11 year old kids. Dogs have always been a big part of our family, live with us in the house, sleep on the bed, etc. I have trained her to do many, many tricks. She is smart.

Old dog died in September. Puppy is still very protective. When I drop my kids off in car pool line, she barks at the kids and acts like she wants to tear them up. When my kids have friends over, we let the dog see them, smell, them, talk to them and then she is fine.

The other day, my sons friend came to the door and my daughter without thinking opened the door and the dog came running out barking, the boy jumped off the step and then ran into the house, the dog bit him in the leg, broke the skin. I spanked her and left her in the garage while we ate dinner and I cleaned up. When she came back in she went to the boy and sat and I made her shake his hand and she was fine after that.

I think he caught her off guard and he was scared and ran from her. But...I can't allow that. What should I do? Do you think I can find some one with some experience, to come to my house and help me to teach her to be more friendly? I appreciate any direction you can give. We love our dog so much and it's worth it to get help.

Thanks,
Lisa

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All About Labradors Blog response:

Hi Lisa,

Sorry to hear about your problem. There are many different reasons dogs bite: mouthing as a puppy, prey biting, fear, protection, aggression.

In your case its sounds as though your lab was either scared or was protecting his space. Same goes for the barking in the car.

I believe your Labrador needs some behavior modification. I do recommend that you get professional training to help with your problem. Ask your veterinarian for a recommendation if you don't know of a trainer.

Has your Lab been spayed? Heat cycles bring hormonal changes that can lead to personality changes.

I hoped this helps some Lisa, as it is hard for me to recommend other specific help without me spending time with your Lab.

Please let me know what you do decide and how your Lab ( what is her name ) is doing. Thanks.

Talk to you soon,
Fay

Reader's E-mail - Lisa Writes:

Thanks for replying. Last night we went camping and when it got dark, my 9 year old girl was afraid that the dog would get attacked by wild animals, coyotes, or anything, so she was laying on her and holding on to her and wouldn't hardly let her breath. We told her to stop over and over and finally the dog turned and snapped at whatever was there and got her face :( We ran to the ER and she had to have stitches on her face, which I'm horrified about.

Everyone in my family says it wasn't the dogs fault, I disagree. To me, no matter what you do to the dog they shouldn't bite, snap, show aggression in anyway. They all love the dog and don't want me to get rid of her. I live about 60 miles from Birmingham Alabama and I'm thinking there has to be someone who can help me there. I have sent an e-mail to the President of the Birmingham Kennel Club asking for a referral. Do you think the dog can be changed? I know she is smart I have taught her many, many tricks. What do you think?

Thanks,
Lisa

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Monday, December 17, 2007

Free Sample of Pet Pick-Ups Mitts

"In keeping with their commitment to animals and the environment, Pet Pick-Ups designed mitt-like bags to encourage dog owners to clean up after their pets in an easy, sanitary and convenient way.

The environmentally friendly mitts are made of 75% reprocessed plastic and 25% cornstarch. They are also available as mitts made of 100% reprocessed plastic."

Hello to all the readers of All About Labradors, here's your chance to try a free sample of PetPick-Ups Mitts. You use the mitt-like bag to pick up your dogs waste, turn it inside out and close the foldable lock, making easy cleanup.

I have yet to try this one yet as this was recommended to me by a friend, so I will let your know when I receive the free sample. If anyone has used this product before, please share any information with us.

To request a free sample visit Pet Pick-Ups (click free samples, bottom left hand side of website).

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Sunday, December 16, 2007

Looking to adopt a Labrador Retriever

From: Michael (USA)

Subject: Looking to adopt a Labrador

Reader's E-mail - Michael Writes:

Good morning I’m looking to adopt a lab. The one that I have been offered is a Black with brindle/tan makings. Is this type of lab a pure breed?

Is there something wrong with this type of dog? He is a male 2 yrs old and weighs 70lbs... Will he get bigger?

Thanks so much

Mike

All About Labradors Blog Response:

Hello Michael,

Thank you for writing and visiting the All About Labrador blog.

Here is the Labrador Retriever Standard from the AKC

"The Labrador Retriever coat colors are black, yellow and chocolate. Any other color or a combination of colors is a disqualification. A small white spot on the chest is permissible, but not desirable."

There are only three recognized colors in Labrador Retrievers. No other colors are recognized. Now, you will see other colors of Labrador Retrievers, black and white, black and tan, brindling, gray or silver. These colors are a disqualifying fault.

Black purebred Labrador puppies, must be black from head to toe. Once again the little white spot on the chest is permissible. There should not be any brindle markings, no streaks or different colors.

Sometimes you will get a breeder or puppy store owner that claims that this is a "rare" color for the breed, but this is not true.

Now don't get me wrong, the incorrect coloration does not make the dog a bad one, nor does it mean that it won't be a good pet.

As for the weight, the Labrador Retriever will be in the 65 to 80 pound range. A mixed breed can be larger or smaller.

I hope this is of help to you Michael. Let me know how it goes and if you do get this Lab, please e-mail me a photo. If you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to write.

Take care of yourself,

Fay

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Friday, December 14, 2007

All About Labradors Podcast

I've been receiving many e-mails from the readers of All About Labradors asking if it was possible to get this blog available in podcast. So, as part of the changes going on at All About Labradors, your wish is my command.

The All About Labradors blog is now available in audio. On the right hand side of this blog, in the sidebar, you will see a box labeled "Listen via Podcast". By clicking on Odiogo, you will be able to subscribe via many of your favorite podcast clients.

You can also subscribe through this post by clicking:

http://podcasts.odiogo.com/all-about-labradors/podcasts-html.php

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Wednesday, December 12, 2007

Pet Q&A: Licking by dogs not unusual

Q: My yellow Lab Lucy, 6, has started licking my mongrel kitten's rear end. Lucy chases Gypsy, and they play together. They've both been fixed, but dogs and cats living together - totally anarchy!



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Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Black Labrador Foams at the Mouth

From: Bob (Canada)

Subject: Black Lab foaming at the mouth

Reader's E-mail - Bob Writes:

MY BLACK LAB WHEN WE ARE OUT PLAYING AND RUNNING SHE GETS ALOT OF FOAM AND SLOBBER AROUND HER MOUTH CAN YOU TELL ME WHAT BRINGS THIS ON.

All About Labradors Blog Response:

Hello Bob,

The information given here is to help you learn more about your Labrador Retriever and not to replace your veterinarian's advice. Disclaimer

Thank you for visiting the All About Labradors blog.

There are different reasons why our Labrador Retrievers may foam at the mouth. Many times people will assume that the foaming is caused by rabies (not all rabid animals foam at the mouth), distemper or a symptom of a seizure.

There's a possibility that she could have some kind of foreign object stuck in her mouth/teeth/gums, or some other form of dental disease. Take your finger and run it around her gum line and check the roof of her mouth. Also check her gums for a healthy pink color as well. What you need to remember is that if this was the case, it would cause foaming at other times, not just when she is playing and running around.

It may very well be that it's just a case of excitability with her running around and playing, as this does occur in many Labradors. I have also a friend of mine who trains dogs and she stated it could be a sign of nervousness/anxiety.

If your Labrador Retriever is in good health, you notice no other range of behaviors (trembling, falling, nervousness,restless,withdrawn, etc), and she only foams when running and playing, I really don't think you have anything to worry about.

If you should notice that she is foaming at other times, she doesn't have all of her shots, you notice changes in her, and/or it gets worse, I would immediately take her to your veterinarian to have her checked.

I hope this helps. If you should have any further questions in regards to this or any other condition with you Labrador Retriever, please don't hesitate to write.

Take care of yourself and you Labrador Retriever,

Fay

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Sunday, December 09, 2007

Update 2 - Yellow Labrador Retriever with Cushing's Disease

From: Patricia

Subject: Update 2 - Yellow Labrador Retriever with Cushing's Disease

Labrador Retriever: Haley

I just received some great news from my friend Patricia who has been keeping me up to date with her yellow Labrador Retriever Haley. For those of you that don't know, the beautiful Haley was diagnosed with Cushing's Disease. You can read all of the prior e-mails on Haley by visiting:

Yellow Labrador Retriever with Cushing's Disease

UPDATE - Yellow Labrador Retriever with Cushing's Disease

Reader's E-mail - Patricia Writes:

Dear Fay,

Great news!!!! I took Haley, my Yellow Lab to the University of Georgia small animal teaching hospital. They did a thorough evaluation of her and determined that she does indeed have Cushing's disease. They started treatment with Trilostane 30 mg twice a day and determined after 6 weeks to increase the dosage to 60 mg in the am and 30 mg in the pm.

Haley just got back from UGA and is in EXCELLENT health. She is down to a trim 86 lbs from a massive 105. She is strong and healthy and happy. The trilostane has been an answer to my prayers. AND the best news is...it is NOW FDA approved. Also, the only side effect she has is loose stools, which are still better than when on Lysodren.

In case some of your readers are interested, the trilostane does not kill the adrenal cells like the Lysodren does. It basically interferes with the message the adrenal glands receive to produce more cortisol. I highly recommend going this route. I have a different dog and a very positive outlook for Haley's future.

Thank you for being so supportive in my quest for help. You have been a blessing. And you taught me to follow my instincts. Thank you for your wonderful site and your prayers!

Love, Patti

All About Labradors Blog

I hope this can be of some help to other owners who have Labrador Retrievers that have been diagnosed with Cushing's Disease. I would like to thank Patricia for keeping us up to date on Haley's condition and her treatments. As much as she thanks me for my help, I must thank her just as much because it is of great help to me and hopefully will be helpful to some of the readers of this blog.

To see photos of Haley (along with Chloe) visit: Chloe and Haley 9/28/07

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Wednesday, December 05, 2007

Food and our Labrador Retrievers

From: Stephanie (USA)
Subject: Importance of food that we feed to our Labradors

I want to thank Stephanie (USA) for e-mailing this letter to me. She provides some great advice on what we feed our Labrador Retrievers and how it relates to different conditions that can occur with this lovable breed. Truly appreciated Stephanie!

Reader's E-mail - Stephanie Writes:

I have had labs all of my life and currently have 3. My older black and younger black started shedding clumps and had a lot of gray, which was dry skin causing the coat to appear dull and discolored. They both had chronic ear infections and my yellow had an odor and whenever we would pet him, our eyes would itch from whatever he was giving off.

I did some research online and came across www.nzymes.com . I read info on the site for over 3 hours, reading testimonials and figured why not. I had talked with my vet previously and he really offered no cures other than possibly allergies or to put them on medications. After reviewing the site, I realized that I needed to put them on better food and supplement their diets. I put them all on Eaglepack Duck food and bought the nzymes vitamin tablets. I am not even kidding, but within one week, both of my blacks had shiny, black velvet coats, brighter eyes and after some time, the ear infections ceased. (They all swim several times weekly.) My yellow stopped shedding so much, his odor went away and my days of vacuuming daily are over! I now vacuum once a week with hardly any dog hair at all.

I do not work for either company, but have told everyone I know who has dogs, especially labs, to research it and make the switch. I did have a period of time when I had a limited budget, switched them back to a common brand of dog food and they started showing it. I immediately vowed I would never do that again. I believe that what we feed our dogs truly affects them with coat issues, allergies, infections and general well being---no different than how quality of foods and diet affects us humans. I hope this will help other lab owners to give their pets optimal health and reduce the stress of shedding that a poor diet causes us humans!

Stephanie

All About Labradors Blog Response:

Hello Stephanie,

Thank you for visiting All About Labradors and the wonderful information. All I can say is that you are right on the money!

You couldn't be more correct with your statement " I believe that what we feed our dogs truly affects them with coat issues, allergies, infections and general well being---no different than how quality of foods and diet affects us humans".

If you look at many of the answers to some of the e-mail questions I receive, you will see that many, many times I recommend a switching to a high quality dog food (good choice on your part with Eagle Pack). It's just to important an issue not to feed them the best available foods.

I appreciate your letter and would like to post it to the All About Labradors blog, if that is alright with you. Please let me know.

Once again, thank you.

Fay


Reader's E-mail - Stephanie's Response:

Absolutely. And thanks for your great response. I didn't go through many emails on the site, so didn't see those...just saw the few on the first page which led me to write to you. Keep up the good work! :-)

Fellow Lab Lover,

Stephanie

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Sunday, December 02, 2007

Dog Lover’s Choice™ Natural EXTRA™ Topping

Hello everyone, hope all is going well and everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving. A quick note that as of the new year I will be posting new rules in regards to the e-mail questions sent. I just can't keep up with all the questions (my apologies, I'm trying). I will be posting new rules shortly and will continue answering as many as possible.

Now for the free sample. Over at the Dog Lover's Choice website you can request a free sample of Natural Extra Topping.

Product Information from site: "We developed Dog Lover’s Choice™ Natural EXTRA™ Topping because we felt dry dog foods were lacking an important element. If you think about it, in order to arrive at your house and be safe and wholesome, even the freshest product may have taken 4 to 10 weeks to get there. In order for the product to remain “fresh” and wholesome it must be heated and cooked several times during the process. This is to prevent it from spoiling or becoming moldy. Think about a nice piece of meat, fish or poultry … then cook and re-heat it several times. By the time you open a bag of dog food, it may be weeks before it’s gone. That means the food is exposed to oxygen and can become stale. As we all know, most stale foods are usually tasteless.

Our idea was simple - add the taste and nutrition right when the dog is going to eat the food."

To request your free sample visit the Dog Lover's Choice website.

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