Do Labrador Retrievers get cold during the winter?

Subject: Do Labrador Retrievers get cold during the winter?

From: Ashley (USA)

Labrador Retriever Name: Junior

Reader's E_mail - Ashley Writes:

I’d like to know if Labrador Retrievers get cold during the winter. My dog (puppy) (10 months) is kept outside in his dog house. I do stuff blankets in there for him, but I'm always worried he is cold. Especially when the nights hit harder. Should I supply him with a heater inside the house just so that I can have a piece of mind?

All About Labradors Answer:

Hello Ashley,

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

As the season gets colder, I receive this question many times. I am going to refer you to the older post done on the All About Labradors blog which will supply you with all the information you need.

Is it to cold for my 2 year old Labrador

Cold Weather and your Labrador Retriever

Preparing Your Pup For Winter

Tips To Protect Your Pets From Extreme Cold

As far as the heater inside the house goes, I'm not sure what type of heater you want to use. I personally wouldn't use a kerosene heater (very dangerous).

I did find an outstanding article called Heating a Dog House. It provides excellent information in regards to proper cold weather construction and ideas for warming a dog house, as well as safe products for heating a dog house (heated kennel mats and dog beds).

Please let me know if this helps and if you have any further question, don't hesitate to ask.

Fay

To see a adorable photo of Junior visit: Junior 12/12/09

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Happy Thanksgiving

I want to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving. A big thank you for visiting our blog. Enjoy your day!!

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Dog Bites: Thanksgiving Manners

Newsflash for dog people: not everyone loves your dog. Caninestein's Stephanie Colman on how to manage your dog with a houseful of people.

Wait until you see who is licking the turkey!!



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Should my Labrador Retriever chew on sticks?

Subject: Should my Labrador Retriever chew on sticks?

From: Reanne (USA)

Labrador Retriever Name: Berrin

Reader's E-mail - Reanne Writes:

When myself or my husband take our Labrador Retriever out to exercise or for a walk, he likes to pick up sticks, run with them in his mouth and chew on them. We also love to play fetch with him with a stick. Is this OK or should I not allow this to happen?

Thanks,

Reanne and Berrin the chocolate Labrador.

All About Labradors Answer:

Hello Reanne, a big thank you for visiting the All About Labradors blog and for your e-mail.

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

The carrying and picking up of sticks, especially having owners tossing them to their Labrador Retrievers in a game of fetch has been going on forever. As for a safety issue I'm sure you will get arguments for both sides on this one.

In my lifetime of Labrador Retriever ownership, I have on more than one occasion thrown a stick to them for play. Nothing ever happened to any of my Labrador Retrievers from these actions. Moving on to the present, I no loner use sticks to play or do I let my Labrador Retriever girls pick up sticks to play with or chew on.

Here are some reasons of the dangers of letting your Labrador Retriever play with sticks:

Splinters can enter your Labrador Retriever's mouth can lead to painful infections that are difficult to heal.

Pieces of the stick can come off in your Labrador Retriever's mouth causing serious internal injuries.

Stabbing injuries can occur to your Labrador's chest/body, eyes, mouth, throat, etc.

Bacteria on sticks can cause serious infections in your Labrador Retriever mouth.

As far as playing fetch goes, there are many safe dog toy products to play fetch with at your local pet stores and online. Just make sure the toys you choose are much larger than your Labrador Retriever's mouth to prevent accidental swallowing.

Hope this will be of some help to you Reanne. Take care of yourself and Berrin.

Fay

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Free Homemade Dog Treat Recipes

This is for a download for a free eBook called Free Dog Treat Recipes from Cosmos Delicious Dog Treats. Inside the eBook you will find over 130 free recipes for homemade dog treats and food.

Information about Free Dog Treat Recipes:

Do You Ever Stop and Think About What is in Those Dog Treats You Buy From the Store?

WALMART FINDS MELAMINE IN DOG TREATS FROM CHINA

FDA PET FOOD RECALL (MELAMINE) TAINTED FEED

This is STILL Happening Folks!

Please don't gamble with your pets life!

With the recent pet food scares, and the continuing problems going on with Chinese products containing melamine, it makes sense to feed only the best quality dog treats.

Also, as a bonus you will receive four other dog care guides:

1) A simple guide to training your puppy.

2)The essential dog owners guide.

3) First aid for your pets.

4) House break your dog.

You can receive all of these items free by signing up at http://www.cosmosdogtreats.com/. Now there is one catch, when you sign up you will receive their weekly newsletter with information on general dog care, feeding and how to deal with certain behavioral issues.

If your like me (worried about giving out my main e-mail address), you might want to use an e-mail address other than your main e-mail (you can create a free one at Gmail and Yahoo).

I would like to thank Donna who was nice enough to send an e-mail to me letting me know about this free offer.

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Free Emergency Decal & Animal Alert Cards

The Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation is offering free Emergency Decal & Animal Alert Cards.

Information from Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation:

Rescue Alert Sticker

This easy-to-use sticker notifies people of pets inside your home. Make sure it’s visible to rescue workers, and includes 1) types and number of pets in your household; 2) name of your veterinarian; and 3) veterinarian's phone number. If you must evacuate with your pets, and if time allows, write "EVACUATED" across the stickers.

Animal Alert Card

This card is designed to be carried in your wallet to alert emergency personnel that you have animals relying on your return for care. It lists all the pertinent information for the care of your pets in an emergency situation and should include any special instructions and list medications as needed.

The offer is available for the USA only.

Visit Tony La Russa's Animal Rescue Foundation to learn more about this offer and to make your request to receive your Free Emergency Decal & Animal Alert Cards

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Your Labrador Retriever's First Aid

Nobody plans to need to provide first aid to their dog, but it's still worth making sure you know what to do should your Labrador Retriever have an accident or sustain an injury. It may save your dog's life. Pack a small doggie first aid kit, learn how to use its contents, and keep it handy when you and your Labrador are out and about.

Although we can't cover all possible emergencies in this article, there are a few situations which occur quite commonly, and you should familiarize yourself with how to handle them.

Labradors are very gentle dogs, but they may still snap or bite if they are hurt. A soft piece of string wrapped around his nose and tied behind his ears makes a good emergency muzzle. It is very effective in preventing him biting you as you provide basic first aid.

When he is muzzled, remove him from danger. If he has been hit by a vehicle, he needs to be moved off the road to avoid him being hit again. To do this, slide a blanket or large piece of cardboard under him and use it to lift him into a car for the trip to the veterinarian.

Your rough and tumble Labrador Retriever may get a cut or deep wound on his skin. If there is bleeding, put pressure on the wound with a folded piece of clean cloth. Don't remove it, even if blood soaks the cloth, as this will dislodge the blood clot that's forming, and bleeding will worsen. Just apply another cloth on top and maintain even pressure, then take him to your vet to see if he needs sutures.

Abrasions and scratches can be cleaned with either saline, or a dilute iodine solution. Watch for any signs of infection, such as an increase in discharge, or reddening at the edges of the wound. If you're in any doubt, take him to your vet for a checkup.

Dog fights are very frightening, and both dogs can come out of it a bit worse for wear. Bite wounds always need to be checked by your vet. Even a small puncture wound can have quite severe muscle damage under the skin. They're very painful, and can easily become infected. Antibiotics and pain relief can have your Labrador smiling again very quickly.

In the summer months, high temperatures can lead to heat stroke. Dogs can only disperse heat from their body by panting. They don't have the same type of sweat glands that we do. Labradors Retrievers love to play, and often don't know when to stop. This can cause overheating, lethargy and disorientation. Gentle hosing with tepid water will help to get his temperature down, but heatstroke can lead to internal organ failure and there may not be any indication of this in the early stages. This is another instance where it's absolutely vital to take your Labrador to your vet for follow up care. It could save his life.

It's a rare Labrador Retriever that doesn't eat everything in sight, and this can put him at risk of being poisoned. If you think he has eaten something toxic, take him and the packaging, if you have it, to the vet as soon as you can. That way, he can identify the ingredients in the poison, and start treating your dog with the appropriate antidote. Don't induce vomiting unless your vet advises you to do so; some poisons are very irritant and can do even more damage to your dog as they are vomited back up.

There are dog first aid courses available in many areas, and although you may never need to use that knowledge, it's a comfort to know that if anything did happen to your Labrador, you'd know just what to do to help him.

This guest post is brought to you by Dog Fence DIY's staff veterinarian Dr. Susan Wright. Dog Fence DIY has a large variety of electric fence for dogs at the best available prices. This system will also include the proper installation needed as well as the training for your pet.

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Free Dingo Dog Treat Sample Pack

This is for a trial promotion Dingo is doing where you can get a free dog treat sample pack if you agree to provide them with feedback in 3-4 weeks regarding your dog(s)' experience.

Information from Dingo: "We're glad you've taken interest in Dingo.

Dingo is a rawhide chew with real meat in the middle. 9 out of 10 dogs prefer Dingo versus other rawhide bones.

Dingo Meat and Rawhide Chews are preferred by 9 out of 10 dogs versus other rawhide chews. We are confident that your dog(s) will love Dingo too; therefore we would like to send you a Dingo Sample Pack in 2-3 weeks.

In return, we'd like you to give your dog(s) the Dingo treats and then agree to provide us quick feedback in 3-4 weeks regarding your dog(s)' experience."

To participate in the Dingo Trial Program click Free Dingo Dog Treat Sample Pack

FYI: This is for the US only and you have to hurry as this will go quickly. I didn't enter an e-mail for the last question (for referral).

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10 Things You Should Look For in A Great Labrador Breeder

Most breeders charge an average of $800 for one of their purebred pups that is if you agree to spay or neuter the puppy. If you plan to show or breed the dog the price increases. Show dogs sell on average for $1,500. If you are particularly attached to a certain breed and can not imagine yourself with any other then this might not seem like a large sum of money. While you might not mind parting with the cash, there are certain things you should expect for your fee:

1. A three generation pedigree tree should be provided at minimum. This means that your breeder should know who your puppy’s parents, grandparents and great-grandparents are on both the side of the bitch and the sire. Most reputable breeders are in business for long periods of time and can typically trace the bloodline back much further.

2. Titled Champions should be in the bloodline. Somewhere in the puppy’s pedigree there should be a sporting, working, or conformation title winner. The puppy would preferably be a direct descendant, within the first two generations, of the title winner.

3. The hips and elbows of both parents should be certified as “Good” or “Excellent” by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals on both parents. Joint problems including osteoarthritis and hip dysplasia are often hereditary and dogs with these problems should not be bred because it will almost certainly pass along to the offspring. These conditions cause extreme pain in the dog himself and are expensive to treat as well.

4. Eyes should be certified free of genetic abnormalities. Eye disorders and diseases such as glaucoma, inverted eyelids and progressive retinal atrophy are hereditary and dogs with these conditions should never be bred. While some eye disorders are mere inconveniences, others can be serious and require continued treatment.

5. You should have a guarantee that your dog is free from inheritable diseases and conditions. There should be language in the agreement that allows for the replacement of the dog or refund of the fee in the event that your dog is diagnosed with an inherited disease.

6. A good breeder should also include language in an agreement regarding care of the dog if you should no longer be able to. If there is ever any reason that you are unable to keep or care for the dog then the breeder should always offer to take the dog back. This protects you and also makes sure that the breeder gets “their” dog back.

7. Any help or advisement that you need to help you become a better dog owner. Every breed has its own characteristics and special needs and your breeder should act as a guide and confidant.

8. Your breeder should also provide proper care and grooming information. They should be able to tell you what disorders to look out for, how many hours of playtime they need and what their specific grooming requirements are. They are an expert on the breed and should be able to tell you exactly what you need to do to ensure proper care, training and socialization.

9. Sample of the currently fed food, generally enough for the first few days, or more. This will give you time to find the specific brand of food your puppy is used to while letting him remain on his current diet. Switching foods often and suddenly can cause stomach upset and diarrhea so it is best to maintain the same diet if it is nutritionally sound.

10. A dog with a good, even temperament who is a good match for your home. Your breeder should have done their back ground check on you and should be able to tell after the interview and application if the dog will fit well with your family dynamic and life style.

Provided by Vanessa Werth of www.pet-super-store.com: Where you can find a great selection of indoor dog gates and wooden dog crates.

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Flu Strain and our Labrador Retrievers

A strain of the flu is taking its toll on man's best friend.



Dog Flu Explained...

Dr. Debbye Turner Bell reports on a highly contagious flu virus many dogs in shows and races have contracted, for which they have no natural immunity.



Flu strain could be dangerous for dogs...

A strain of the flu similar to H1N1 infects dogs (but not people), and veterinarians warn it could be coming to New Mexico.



Doggone dog flu...

Dogs can contract a strain of flu, just like humans.



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Labrador Lessons

Labrador Lessons by Nancy A. Kaiser

It was time for another painful good-bye. As I sat on the vet’s floor with Licorice’s gray head in my lap stroking him and crying, I thought about the two new Labrador brothers that were waiting to join me. Their arrival coincided with my prolonged and painful recovery from the loss of my 27-year marriage through divorce, and the deaths of my two previous teachers, Shadow and Licorice.

My new pups taught like University professors, yet, they were only babies. I named them Hana and Saba after my two favorite places on Earth. Shortly after I brought them home, I became dreadfully ill with flu-like symptoms and a horrific cough that lasted for weeks. My job of caring for and house-breaking new pups became infinitely more difficult. While I struggled to get well, Mother Nature’s much-needed rain made my forays outside with the puppies taxing.



Hana was excellent about doing what he needed to. Saba, the dog that loved leaping around in water, hated the rain. Each time I’d have to don my rain gear and umbrella and accompany him only to have stubborn Saba sit by my feet under the umbrella. Of course, the trick was to outwait him, which is fine if you’re healthy and you have patience a’ plenty. I had neither good health nor patience.

After standing in the rain for too long, I picked Saba up, shouted angrily at him and stormed into the house. He looked at me with adoring eyes questioning my startling outburst. Instantly, I felt immense remorse and shame. There was simply no excuse for losing my temper with him. At ten weeks old, Saba was too young to understand. Guilt overwhelmed me, and I felt worse emotionally than I felt physically.

After about an hour of me thoroughly admonishing my Self, tiny, sweet Saba strolled over and plopped down on my foot. With his simple touch, tears flowed and all my self-loathing disappeared. Saba’s lesson of forgiveness was so powerful. My heart melted with his teaching – this little creature that forgave my indiscretion so quickly. His gesture allowed me to let go of my guilt and shame and move out from the shroud of negativity that engulfed me.

Animals are masters of living in the Now, and Saba’s instant forgiveness was perfect proof. If only people had the same degree of forgiveness that dogs possess, our world would be at peace. I truly believe that others reflect that which we most need to learn. Saba mirrored my need to forgive my Ex and finally accept that our divorce was neither “right” nor “wrong,” it just was.

The immediate release I felt when Saba forgave me was extraordinary. It took me some time to emulate Saba, but I have achieved forgiveness, which has allowed me to release the last of my anger and resentment.

Hana and Saba looked at me with adoring eyes, which melted my wounded heart. With their heads on my foot, they were saying, “You’re special, and we love you,” which filled me with warm, loving sensations. My self-esteem soared for the first time in ages. My love for them was so intense that it almost hurt. From the first time I saw them I felt the smile return not only to my face, but deep within my heart and soul.

The healthier I got the more I began to enjoy my new puppies and learn their powerful lessons. While I taught them to sit, stay, down, and not pee in the house, they taught me profound lessons about myself: how to trust again, how to love again without condition, how to stay in the present moment and make the most of each one, how to live in joy, how to take life less seriously, and my most challenging – how to forgive and let go.

Their presence in my life was in perfect timing to help me let go of whatever residual negativity I was clinging to. It is impossible to be unhappy around them. They look at life from one perspective only – play. The simplest thing becomes a toy. Their happiness, joyful exuberance, and life-loving, blissful nature provided powerful lessons for the woman who’d misplaced those childlike traits. The obligations and responsibilities of life had buried them along with so much else.

Every day, these two dear souls teach me that I am worthy of being loved and that I am capable of loving. When they look at me with their soulful loving glances, they pierce any semblance of negativity within me. The unconditional love in their eyes is like a powerful laser straight into my heart. I knew these two special souls could help me regain my happiness, my joy, and my passion for life, all of which had been missing for too long. I couldn’t have attracted more skilled teachers. They had big paws to fill following dear Shadow and Licorice, but they’ve filled them admirably. Hana and Saba are living up to their names – two of the most healing places on Earth!



Nancy A. Kaiser lives in the healing Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina surrounded by her family of dogs, cats and a horse. She is the author of Letting Go: An Ordinary Woman’s Extraordinary Journey of Healing & Transformation, about her recovery from trauma with the help of animals and nature. Nancy operates Just Ask Communications, a practice devoted to healing the human-animal bond through enhanced communication and understanding. Nancy consults via phone, in-person and on Skype.

Visit her at: www.NancyKaiserAnimalCommunicator.com

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