Understanding Labrador Retrievers - Why a Lab May Not Be For You

Labrador Retrievers are considered people-oriented animals. So, they have to be in tune with their owners in order to follow certain guidelines. In order to understand this, you have to look deeper at what Labs were bred to do, and that is to hunt and retrieve.

You have to think of it this way; these dogs must be in perfect harmony with their hunter/owner in order to follow specific directions to track and find birds that have fallen to the ground. This need for the dog to have hand-held direction links to all aspects of a Labrador's life--even in your home.

This is great for those who want constant canine companionship. Nevertheless, it is bad for dog owners who have a Labrador Retriever but expect their pet to entertain itself with little contact from the owner.

There are many hunting dogs that were bred to be independent hunters with little contact and instruction from people. Examples of these types of dogs are Terriers and Hounds, which are known to lead the way (by smell and sight) with the human hunter determined to keep up with their companion's pace.

This is not how the Labrador is built. Labs are designed to retrieve, and in doing so they must have a connected attention link directly to the hunter. If a retriever ignores the hunter's commands then they may hit the water and swim far past where the bird has fallen, and possibly keep swimming out and away.

Retrievers that are well trained do not make these types of errors because they have the natural ability to attend to and follow thorough directions from the hunter. This skill is very critical to being a trustworthy retriever and is one of the reasons that these dogs make great service animals and obedience trainees.

Reason Why Some Labs Do Not Do Well With Many Families

You can probably understand by now just how connected and dependent a Labrador Retriever becomes to its owners. Retrievers always looks to people for leadership and must have human contact.

It's important to know that every dog breed is sociable to some extent. Some are even more sociable than others, but Labs need a whole log more attention than most dogs. They do not do very well when left alone for prolonged periods of time. A busy family who is away all day and come home to find out that their Lab has destroyed their new window trying to escape does not understand why this is happening.

These people are understandably livid and then chastise their Labs. An educated Lab owner will not act this way because they know better. They know what causes a Lab to try to escape like this and just wants to search out and find its owners. The dog is only considering their "pack" missing and make an attempt to find them outside.

One big lesson to take away from this article, especially if you have not yet decided on what type of dog to own and are thinking about getting a Labrador Retriever, is to make sure that you have plenty of time to devote to your Lab, day and night. If not, then consider a more independent dog breed. Otherwise, your lovable Lab may soon become increasingly unhappy and will end up a very destructive house pet, or worse, a runaway.

Article by Kelly Marshall from Oh My Dog Supplies - where you can find designer dog bowls to match any decor.

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Kroger Recalls 10 Pet Food Varieties

The Kroger Co. is recalling ten pet food varieties sold across the USA States because they may contain aflatoxin, which poses a health risk to pets.

Research on Aflatoxin from BioIdea.net: "Aflatoxins are naturally occurring mycotoxins that are produced by many species, esp. in Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. They are largely associated with products in the tropics and subtropics. Aflatoxins are toxic and among the most carcinogenic substances known. Cereals crops are frequently contaminated. Aflatoxin B1, the most toxic, is a potent carcinogen and has been associated with liver cancer."

Aflatoxin can potentially lead to liver disease in dogs; however, not all dogs exposed to aflatoxin will develop liver disease. As with any toxic exposure, development of aflatoxicosis is a dose-related occurrence. Some dogs that develop liver disease will recover; those exposed to large doses for extended periods may not... http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aflatoxin

Kroger stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Louisiana, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia and West Virginia are included in this recall. The recall also includes Dillons and Gerbes stores in Kansas and Missouri; Baker’s stores in Nebraska; Food 4 Less stores in Nebraska, Illinois and Indiana (Chicago area); and Jay C, Hilander, Owen’s, Pay Less and Scott’s stores in Illinois and Indiana.

The following select packages are being recalled: Pet Pride Cat Food, Pet Pride Cat Food, Pet Pride Tasty Blend Poultry & Seafood Cat Food, Pet Pride Kitten Formula Food, Old Yeller Chunk Dog Food, Kroger Value Cat Food and Kroger Value Chunk Dog Food.

You can find the specific brand names, package sizes, sell-by dates and UPC codes of the affected products by visiting www.kroger.com/recalls or http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm237459.htm. You can also contact Kroger toll-free at (800) 632-6900..

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Lifestyle For Dogs With Hip Dysplasia

My seven year old Black Labrador has hip dysplasia he has been on anti-inflammatory medications since he was six months old.

His medication include an anti-inflammatory drug and a Glucosamine supplement. I am not a vet and therefore I will not give any advice on medication.

I am happy to suggest on the other most important aspect of treatment.

Your Dogs lifestyle.

Any dog with hip dysplasia should be kept fit and trim as any excess weight will obviously aggravate the condition, good muscle tone will help to support the dog's weight. Swimming is an excellent form of exercise which builds up the muscle without stress.

As the owner of a dog walking service my next point may seem a little strange. Dogs do not need to be "Walked" No wild canine goes for a walk for the sake of it. From your dogs point of view the purpose of a walk is to check out his territory for animal activity and to socialise, meeting members of his wider pack. It is therefore possible to give your dog an enjoyable walk without marching him for miles. Many people walk dogs on a lead pulling them away from natural smells and other dogs this is a pointless walk. The straining against the lead is also bad for your dog's joints.

Walks should be regular but not too long. Try to avoid over excitement, running, ball throwing etc. This will reduce the impact stress on his joints. Don't forget the purpose of the walk is to give your dog the natural stimulus he craves and does not get at home.

If you use a dog walking service, make sure that they are aware of your dog's condition and know his requirements and limitations.

Get to know your dogs body language, watch his gait and the way he is moving generally. If your dog has over exerted himself you will notice, just let him rest maybe skip his next walk or just take him out for a quick sniff and toilet.

The best piece of advice given to me by our Vet is to treat the dog and not the condition.

Dogs with HD find it very difficult to cope with hard floors. I have carpet runners in the kitchen and a large mat in his feeding area this is a must.

Hip Dysplasia is a serious condition but it is not the end of the world your dog can have a great life with just a little extra care and attention.

The above is my opinion as a dog owner please discuss any changes in the way you treat your dog with your Vet.

About the Author

Joe Dyer runs a dog care service in Buckhurst Hill Essex... Chums Dog Walking.

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Hide and Seek with your Labrador Retriever

Here's a fun game you can play with your Labrador Retriever. Hide and Seek is a great game to play with your Labrador, there's a lot of ways to play it and it's easy to teach. It's also a wonderful stress reliever for your Labrador Retriever on a rainy day or after a training session.

All you need to play Hide and Seek with your Labrador is their favorite toy and plenty of yummy treats.

In the following video, you'll learn the easy steps to get your Labrador Retriever to master the game of Hide and Seek:



If you have problems seeing the video, you can watch it here: Hide and Seek School

REMEMBER - Start slow and easy so your Labrador Retriever has a high rate of success and always make sure you reward your Lab with praise and treats when they bring the toy back.

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Free Wellness Dog Food Samples

Wellness™ is offering Free dog food samples to let you and your Labrador Retriever discovering the path to True Wellness™ (did I mention they are offering cat food sample also).

Their diverse team of animal lovers, nutritionists and vets has only one mission: to help you provide your pet a healthy, happy, long life through the power of natural nutrition.

I hope you all try and take advantage of this offering as this is one of the better dog foods that I recommend here on the All About Labradors blog.

The are offering the following recipes are available for sampling:

Free Wellness Dog Food Samples:

Wellness® Super5Mix® Complete Health Chicken Recipe

Wellness® Super5Mix® Complete Health Lamb, Barley and Salmon Meal Recipe

Wellness® Super5Mix® Just for Puppy

Cat Samples:

Wellness® Complete Health De-boned Chicken, Chicken Meal and Rice Recipe

Wellness® Complete Health Salmon, Salmon Meal and De-boned Turkey Recipe

Wellness® Healthy Weight

Wellness® Kitten Health

According to their Rules and Regulations: "* Within six weeks, samplers will receive their requested sample(s) along with the following coupons:

$3.00 off any Wellness® Dry Recipe
$1.00 off any Wellness® Canned Recipe
$1.00 off any Wellness® Snack

Dog samples also come with a $2.00 on-package coupon

Offer is valid in US only and while supplies last.

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American Kennel Club Offers Tips to Keep Your Dog Safe and Happy This Holiday Season

While it’s easy for us to enjoy household parties with friends and relatives, holidays are a special time of the year filled with many surprises. Oftentimes we forget about our little four-legged family members during the excitement and festivities. The American Kennel Club® (AKC) offers the following tips to keep your furry friends safe among the hustle and bustle this holiday season.

* Daily routines tend to change during the holidays. Maintain a feeding and walking schedule as close to your dog’s normal routine as possible.

* Avoid feeding your dog table-scraps and sweets. Chocolate contains harmful, and sometimes fatal, chemicals to canines. Poultry bones can splinter and cause intestinal blockages.

* Avoid decorations with popcorn or cranberry strands or tinsel and glass ornaments. Keep small decorations out of your dog’s reach.

* When decorating with holiday lights, remember that exposed indoor or outdoor wiring could electrocute a curious canine that chews on it. Tape wires to the wall or sides of the house.

* Real Christmas trees pose numerous threats to dogs, so consider an artificial tree. If you do buy a natural tree then make sure your dog doesn’t swallow the pine needles. Dogs also find the tree water tempting, so be sure to use pet-friendly preservatives in the water.

* Plants such as poinsettias, holly and mistletoe can be poisonous to pets and should be kept out of reach.

* Dispose of all wrapping paper, bows and ribbons as soon as presents are opened.

* Resist the urge to give your favorite dog lover a cute, cuddly puppy during the gift-giving season. Puppies are a lifetime responsibility requiring exercise, training, veterinary care and – most importantly – love and attention. Instead, consider gift wrapping dog toys or supplies such as a leash or food bowl to symbolize the gift of a dog to come.

Additional tips on how to keep your dog safe during the holidays can be found on the AKC Website at www.akc.org.

© The American Kennel Club, Inc.

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Free Purina ONE brand Dog Food Sample

Sam's Club is offering Free samples of Purina ONE brand Dog Food.

"Purina ONE® brand Dog Food offers a full line of innovative formulas to meet your dog's changing and unique nutritional needs. So whether your dog is a puppy, a senior dog, or somewhere in between, the Total Nutrition and targeted nutrition formulas from Purina ONE® brand Dog Food provide nutrition to help promote a lifetime of visible health."

To get your Free Purina ONE brand Dog Food sample, visit the Sam's Club website and fill in the form (Limit one sample per household. You must be 18 or older. USA. No Sam's Club membership number needed).

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Free Purina One BeyOnd Dog

A Free Purina One BeyOnd Dog - first 25,000 (they also have cat food samples. 12,500 for dogs and 12,500 for cats). You have to have a Facebook account to request your Free Purina One BeyOnd Dog sample.

"With all this talk about Purina ONE beyOnd launching next month, how would you like to be one of the first to try it? For FREE! For this day only, we are giving you a sneak preview before we tell the public. So click on the Try beyOnd tab above and sign up today to get your free package."

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Free Holiday Pawtrait

Create your own free Holiday Pawtrait, compliments of PetSmart.

A Holiday Pawtrait is a free holiday e-card you create starring your family and Labrador Retriever(s)(or any other pet you might have).



To create your Holiday Pawtrait, all you have to do is select your holiday backdrop, add family members and your Labrador Retriever(s), customize your characters, enter your card's message and snap your pawtrait.

When your finished you can e-mail it, post it to Facebook and even print it and mail it as a keepsake card!

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Free Pet Adornaments

PetSmart is offering everyone the opportunity to create cute Pet Adornaments for free.

What is an adornament? It's the most adorable ornament ever, starring your own Labrador Retriever (or other dog or cat). It's printable, foldable and show-off-able.

The pet adornaments are very easy to create, just upload a photo of your lovable Labrador Retriever, select coat length and texture and then add your Labrador Retriever's name.

You then have a choice to download and print to assemble your pet adornament, post to your Facebook page, e-mail and copy the URL.

After you finish assembling your pet adornament, your can hang it from your Christmas tree!

Here's is our lovable Meeko:



Feel free to post the URL of your Labrador Retriever adornament in the comments section!

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Free Canine Greenies Dental Chew at PetSmart

Here's a coupon to get a Free Canine Greenies Dental Chew at Petsmart.

You have to be a PetPerks Member to get the free Greenies coupon. PetPerks membership is free and you can sign up at the above link or in PetSmart stores.

There is a maximum of two prints per Canine Greenies Dental Chew coupon.

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The American kennel Club Offers Tips to Help “Winterize” Your Dog

Cold weather brings its own safety and health concerns for both people and dogs. As a responsible dog owner, it is important to pay attention to your dog’s well-being during the winter. The American Kennel Club® offers the following advice to help prepare your pet for the long, cold winter.

* Provide Plenty of Fresh Water - Your dog is just as likely to get dehydrated in the winter as in the summer, and snow is not a satisfactory substitute for water.

* Provide Plenty of Food - Feed your dog additional calories if it spends a lot of time outdoors or is a working animal. It takes more energy in the winter to keep body temperature regulated, so additional calories are necessary. Dogs that are kept indoors with the family and get less exercise during winter months may actually gain weight so keep an eye on his diet.

* Keep Your Dog’s Paws Dry - Rinse your dog’s feet and dry them completely after a walk. This helps avoid tiny cuts and cracked pads. A little petroleum jelly may soften the pads and prevent further cracking.

* Groom Your Dog Regularly - Your dog needs a well-groomed coat to keep properly insulated. Towel or blow-dry your dog if he gets wet from rain or snow.

* Keep Your Dog Warm, Dry, and Away From Drafts - Adequate shelter is a necessity. Tiles and uncarpeted areas may become extremely cold. Place blankets and pads on floors in these areas.

Watch Out for the following winter hazards:

* Cold - Don’t leave your dog outside for long periods of time. Wind chill makes days colder than actual temperature readings, and dogs are susceptible to frostbite on their ears, tails, and feet.

* Ice and Snow - Be extra careful when walking or playing with your dog outside. Your pup could slip or jump in a frozen lake, river, or pond and get seriously injured. Snow can muffle scents, and your dog can easily get lost.

* Carbon Monoxide - Don’t leave your dog alone in a car. It gets too cold, and carbon monoxide from an engine left running is dangerous.

* Antifreeze - Although it smells and tastes good to your dog, antifreeze is highly poisonous and can be lethal.

Additional tips on how to keep your dog safe this winter can be found on the AKC Website at www.akc.org. © The American Kennel Club, Inc.

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Canine Hip Dysplasia - part I

The growing popularity of larger breeds of dogs has brought with it a threat of a crippling disease of the hip joints known as hip dysplasia.

This disease was first described in the United States back in the 1930s. Research has produced abundant information on hip dysplasia, but many questions still remain unanswered. It is one of the most popular topics discussed among owners, breeders, and veterinarians.

Hip dysplasia is uncommon in small dogs (toys and miniatures), as well as Greyhounds, but it has been found in almost every breed. The disease is an improper development of the hip joint (properly called the coxofemoral joint) which leads to looseness of the joint, partial dislocation (subluxation), and finally, arthritis.

Basically, the hip is a ball-and-socket type of joint. If the socket is too shallow, or the ball to flattened, the result is an unstable joint which tends to come out of place.

The most commonly affected breeds are: German Shepherd, St. Bernard, Labrador Retriever, Boxer, Springer Spaniel, Great Dane, and the Bull Mastiff. This is by no means a complete or accurate list, since incidence depends a lot on breed popularity.

That is to say, it is possible that the Komondor or Great Pyrenees breeds have a high incidence of dysplasia, but, when the average veterinary clinic sees one of either breed every two to three years, how can an accurate breed incidence be determined?

Dysplasia is the most common disorder of the hips that a veterinarian will encounter in practice. Because it is considered to involve several genes, more work is necessary to establish the exact means of inheritance. Other factors, such as rapid growth, management, nutrition, hormones, and anatomic variations have been put forth as construing causes, but thus far selective breeding has given the best results in controlling hip dysplasia.

Clinical Signs Of Hip Dysplasia

The clinical signs range from a normal dog to one that cannot walk more than a few steps without collapsing. The usual course is that of lameness following strenuous exercise or difficulty arising after prolonged rest.

The gait is often diagnostic and is characterized by waddling, slinking, or "cow hocks" (toes pointed out, hocks pointed toward each other). Any larger breed of dog with a history of hind leg lameness should have hip dysplasia eliminated as the cause before extensive investigation of other diseases is undertaken.

A radiograph of the pelvis is necessary for accurate diagnosis of the disease. This is best performed under anesthesia to ensure proper positioning of the dog. Unless the animal is motionless and symmetrically placed on the x-ray table, a good evaluation of the hip joints cannot be made, especially in mild cases.

Dog Training in Harrisburg Pa. York Pa. Lancaster Pa. Dover Pa. and all of Dauphin County,York County,and Lancaster County: Training books and videos.

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Free Purina One SmartBlend Dog Food Sample

The Target website is offering free samples of Purina One SmartBlend Dog Food Samples (cat food sample also).

Information about Purina ONE SmartBlend Dog Food:

"Purina ONE SmartBlend formulas start with real lamb, salmon, chicken or beef and add select ingredients delivering nutrition shown to help make a healthy difference in your pet. The result is a unique blend of tender morsels and crunchy bites for a taste dogs love.

Discover the science in nature's ingredients. Purina One SmartBlend formulas deliver concentrated nutrition to promote whole body health. Make the most of everyday moments through smart nutrition."

The free samples are available one per customer and to the USA only. As always with free dog food samples, these will go very fast!

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ASPCA Issues Thanksgiving Safety Tips

New York City, New York

The ASPCA® has warned that many of the foods and decorations routinely within reach of pets during the holiday season can pose a risk of illness.

Last year the The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals® (ASPCA®) Animal Poison Control Center dealt with 17,000 cases of pet illness which was caused by ingesting human foods. Of these, chocolate is by far the worst offender, with dark chocolate being the most damaging to pets. Chocolate contains the alkaloid theobromine which is toxic to dogs, and leads to symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rate and occasionally seizures. Pet owners should also be wary of sweeteners, such as xylitol, which is present in an increasing number of confectionary products. Xylitol can cause a sudden drop in blood glucose and there appears to be a strong link between xylitol ingestions and the development of liver failure in dogs.

While decorating the family home is an essential part of the holidays, many of the items we incorporate into our traditional holiday decorations each year - ribbons, tinsel, glass ornaments, as well as wires, cords, candles, and even Christmas tree water - can all pose potential dangers to pets if left unattended. And the ASPCA warns that plants and flowers should be kept to a minimum. Last year, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center received 8,000 calls about potentially poisonous plants and flowers. "Flowers such as lilies, which are commonly used this time of year, can cause kidney failure in cats. The more traditional festive plants such as holly and mistletoe can also be dangerous for cats and dogs alike, causing gastrointestinal upset or, in rare cases with mistletoe, cardiovascular problems. It's best to use non-toxic decorations, such as wood, fabric or even pinecones," said Dr. Wismer, Senior Director of Veterinary Outreach and Education for the ASPCA.

Giving your dog or cat a little turkey may seem like a good idea, but Dr. Wismer warns that the meat may contain bones that can splinter and cause blockages in the throat or digestive tract, and that the grease and fat can cause stomach upset. Additionally, Dr. Wismer strongly urges pet owners to be extremely careful with any alcoholic beverages. "Pets that ingest alcohol can become very sick and may fall into a coma, leading to an untimely death," she adds. If your dog or cat accidentally ingests a potentially toxic substance this holiday season, the ASPCA recommends that you contact your local veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.

View the latest World Pet News every week at PetPeoplesPlace.com.

Original Source: http://www.petpeoplesplace.com/resources/news/general/aspca-issues-thanksgiving-safety-tips.htm

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$5 off $5 at Petsmart Coupon

Here is a coupon for you to get $5 off $5 at Petsmart.

To use the coupon you have to be a member of PetPerks (free to join). You can sign up for PetPerks in your local PetSmart store or at PetSmart PetPerks.

A big thank you goes out to One Frugal Chick.

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Canine Hip Dysplasia: The Cause Is Still A Mystery To Veterinarians

In the early seventies, many young dogs were put to sleep after being diagnosed with hip dysplasia. It was practical choice in the old days and dog owners would agree with the decision from the veterinarian due to the understanding that "the dog would be crippled in time, for the rest of his life, or that he will not be able to hunt, track, or do obedience work because of his injured hips", according to the doctor.

Not All Veterinarians Agreed With This Diagnosis

The truth is that every young dog with hip dysplasia has a good chance of leading a normal and functioning life if nothing is done for the hips except to let time elapse until he has fully reached his maturity stage. Because of this fact, many reputable veterinarians would not perform surgery on an immature dog.

There are no published and worthwhile statistics which show that young dogs subject to such surgery turn out better than those that were not operated. Moreover, those that were left alone are still eligible to compete in dog shows, tracking, and obedience trials. Not only does experience dispute the worth or need of surgery but severing tendon or muscle in the young dog doesn't make any scientific sense. Its effect is to let the "ball" slide out of its "socket", and this creates "hip dysplasia" artificially.

When done later in life on a dog with persistent hip pain, the operation can provide immediate relief of discomfort by altering the weight-bearing surface of the hip joint. However, no worthwhile statistics have been published to show the length of time that such relief will persist or the percentage of adult dogs that were improved by surgery.

Hip Dysplasia May Not Be Genetic In Dogs

Since hip dysplasia was accepted to be genetic in humans, early researches were focused on trying to establish whether it was a dominant, recessive, or other characteristic in dogs. Sufficient statistics have accumulated to conclude that canine hip dysplasia is genetically influenced but a Swedish study on 11,036 German Shepherds showed that ten years of selective breeding not only failed to reduce the number of canine hip dysplasia offspring but also did not reduce the number of grade two or three (moderate or severe) cases.

The Swedish authors concluded that canine hip dysplasia was not as greatly genetically influenced as they formerly had thought. They found that other characteristics of the pelvic inlet were suggestive indications and that the rate of bone maturation of the dog is also important.

The Greyhound, the only breed of large dog that's not affected, has very slow bone maturation. When the Greyhound was crossed with the German Shepherd, hip dysplasia did not appear in the first generation. It was discovered that a very restricted diet, which contributes to slow growth, reduced hip dysplasia in affected breeds.

Although we still do not understand exactly the causes of canine hip dysplasia, it is reasonable to believe that a program of breeding based on the x-ray diagnosis of this condition should be carefully scrutinized.

Dog Training in Harrisburg Pa. York Pa. Lancaster Pa. Dover Pa. and all of Dauphin County,York County,and Lancaster County: Training books and videos.

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Labrador Retrievers - Beautiful, Popular and Prone to Joint Problems

Intelligent. Patient. Tolerant. Mild mannered. Loyal.

With traits like these, is it any wonder the Labrador Retriever is the most popular breed of dog in the world? Since 1991, the Labrador Retriever has been the most popular registered breed in the United States, as well. They are gentle, affable and intelligent and considered by many to be the perfect family pet. They're also known for their working ability and are the most popular breed of working and guide dog in the United States, as well!

With good medical care and proper feeding, you can expect your Lab to live upwards of 13 years. It is a healthy breed with relatively few major problems... but, like other full-breed dogs, they are susceptible to certain inherited disorders, particularly those of the hip, elbow and knee. While not as common in Labs as in other breeds, dysplasia is also a concern.

Labs are somewhat prone to dysplasia of the hip and elbow, especially in larger dogs. Indeed, hip dysplasia is the most common genetic problem affecting dogs of all breeds. Canine hip dysplasia is a general term for the malformation of the hip joint that eventually leads to arthritis. This malformation occurs when the two parts of the hip joint - the ball (femoral head at the top of the upper leg bone) and socket (the "dented" area of the pelvic structure) are misaligned or misshapen. Dogs suffering from dysplasia are not as active as they could be due to significant pain. Often, the only cure for dysplasia is costly surgery to replace the dysplastic hip joint.

Labs also suffer from the risk of knee problems. A "luxating patella" is a common occurrence in the knee that results in the leg being "bow "shaped. This abnormality can cause abnormal wear and tear on the joint, resulting in the development of painful osteoarthritis for some Labs.

The only way to decrease the prevalence of these disorders is through conscientious breeding practices. However, even the most vigilant breeders cannot eliminate these genetic disorders altogether. There's no way of knowing whether an animal will develop a joint disorder later in life.

Regular trips to the veterinarian can play an important role in early detection and early treatment of problems. Unfortunately, the most commonly prescribed treatment for animals suffering from genetic disorders such as hip dysplasia is non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. As in humans, these medications provide temporary relief by decreasing inflammation, but not without a host of potential side effects.

There is an alternative, however.

Supplementation with glucosamine and chondroitin - the natural building blocks of healthy cartilage - offers relief from pain with long-term healing and little risk of side effects. Like NSAIDs, glucosamine and chondroitin decrease inflammation but they also give damaged joints the raw materials needed to build new cartilage, resulting in true relief from pain.

Syn-flex for Pets offers a high-grade liquid glucosamine formula designed to give your pet maximum relief in minimum time. Some satisfied owners report significant improvements in their pets in less than two weeks of use! Synflex (Syn-flex) is a safe, effective, inexpensive, and administering a dose to your pet is as simple as pouring a small amount in a dish or over his/her food.
About the Author

Find out more about Synflex for Pets and the dependable relief that is available for your pet by visiting http://www.syn-flex-usa.com/ today.

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3 Useful Tips on Training Your Labrador Retriever

Labrador retrievers are the most popular dog breed in America and for good reason. They are intelligent, family friendly, fun-loving dogs who possess a strong desire to make their owners happy. Their high level of intelligence allows them to learn quickly and their gentle nature makes them great with kids and other pets.

However, just like most other dog breeds, they need sufficient time and training to become the smart, obedient dogs that they are more than capable of being. Listed below are 3 helpful tips to help ensure that you train your Labrador retriever effectively.

1) Start Training Early

Just like young children need to be taught proper behavior at a young age, so do puppies. If a child develops bad habits and manners early on, they will likely carry those things on in to adulthood. Labrador retrievers need to be approached the same way and be given proper training when they are puppies. It's so much hard to retrain an older dog than it is to train a puppy, so be sure to start the training process while they are still young.

2) Practice Patience and Consistency

It is important to be patient with your Labrador retriever as it will take time them to learn things. Just as it takes months if not years for a child to learn and develop the ability to speak, dogs will also take time to learn what you teach them. In order for them to learn, you also have to be consistent with your training. Dogs learn from consistent actions and messages, so you need to be patient with your training approach.

3) Encourage Good Behavior with Rewards

Rewards like treats or petting in return for good behavior are important means of positive reinforcement for Labrador retrievers and all other dogs. Whenever your dog does something good or follows your training, be sure to give them a reward of some sort. This small reward will motivate them to repeat the positive action in the future.

While Labrador retrievers are super dogs who typically don't require as much training as other breeds, they will still need some good training to be the dogs they are capable of. If you start training them early, be patient and consistent with your training, and encourage their good behavior with rewards, you will ensure that your Labrador retriever is an outstanding companion for many years to come.

Christine is a bonafide dog lover and trainer with a new directory site for Denver Dog Trainers. If you are in the Denver, CO area and looking for an effective dog trainers, visit her new site at http://denverdogtrainers.com today.

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Teaching Your Labrador Retriever to Lie Down

A useful lesson to teach your Labrador Retriever is to lie down on command. It is another basic Labrador Retriever training command that is essential for your dog to master. By teaching your Labrador to lie down, you can use that action to put your Lab in a passive stance when needed (ex: when taking your Labrador to the veterinarian or introducing them to new people or children).

Now, there are many different ways to teach your Labrador Retriever to lie down, some may work for you, while other will not. We do post more than one different lesson for each Labrador Retriever training command on All About Labradors, so if one way doesn't work, don't get discouraged, try a new lesson.

In the bellow Labrador Retriever training video, Melanie McLeroy, of the Taurus Training dog training facility in Austin, Texas talks about getting your Labrador retriever to lie down. Melaine uses a combination of hand signals and food treats to assist with her training.



A little advice: Do not teach your Labrador Retriever to lay down before they know how to sit. Once your Labrador has mastered sitting on command, it will be easier to teach them to lie down.

Always remember, patience is very important! You are not going to teach your Labrador Retriever how to lie down by yelling at them or hitting! Practice, patients and love are the key!

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Are Your Dog's Allergies Misdiagnosed?

MYTH: Allergies are COMMON in dogs!

TRUTH: Most allergies are actually misdiagnosed!

Many “symptoms” such as itching, paw licking, excess shedding, irritated skin, chronic ear issues are misdiagnosed as “allergies.” Then the broad-spectrum symptom control starts. There are steroids for the itchy skin, drops for the yeast in the ears, sprays and antibiotics for the hot spots, special creams and shampoos. There are corn-free diets, chicken-free diets...even the vegetarian diet. And don't forget bottled water, allergy shots, antihistamines, creams, sprays.

But, thousands of dollars later, your dog is no better off. And, the cycle continues! Itch > Vet > Treatment > Itch...

When "allergies" have been treated with no real results, it may be that you are looking at a nutritional deficiency disease! For example, a dog with a zinc deficiency may itch constantly, can have irritated skin or could shed excessively.

The fact is many of your dog’s symptoms are actually nutritional deficiencies. And, no matter how you “treat” the symptoms, the only real solution is to fill in the huge gaps in his diet!

For example:

* Itchy skin? Repair Zinc deficiency.

* Stinky ears? Strengthen immune system weakened by a lack of required nutrition.

* Flaky skin? Reverse Omega Fatty Acid deficiency.

Your dog actually requires many nutrients that are destroyed in the heat processing of his food. Even the highest quality foods are highly processed. Your dog just lacks the tools he needs to be healthy!

To help your dog heal naturally, from the inside - out, first, look at your dog's food.

Overall, dog food should list meat as their first ingredient....and then meat again, listed in the next 2 or 3 ingredients. In other words, meat should be the main ingredient, not grain.

Next, fill in those nutritional gaps with nutritional supplements that contain things that cannot take the heat processing of dog food. Look for supplements that contain probiotics, digestive enzymes, essential fatty acids, delicate vitamins and nutrients.

A meaty food plus the added required nutrients will give your companion just what he needs to heal from the inside out! But, remember, turning your pet's health around using nutrition takes time. Be consistent and watch for small changes over the course of several months.

Free Online Health Report for your pet!

Author: Cindy Lukacevic, Owner, Dinovite Inc., has been working with pet owners for over 10 years to find natural and common sense natural solutions to pet problems.

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November Marks Fifth Annual National Pet Cancer Awareness Month

Cancer Among Most Common and Costly Pet Conditions

BREA, Calif., Oct. 29 /PRNewswire/ -- Cancer is not strictly a "human" condition. As the No. 1 disease-related killer of dogs and cats, cancer claims millions of pets each year. This November, Veterinary Pet Insurance Co. (VPI), the nation's oldest and largest provider of pet health insurance, will seek to increase awareness about the prevalence, detection and treatment of pet cancer during its fifth annual Pet Cancer Awareness Month. To raise funds for pet cancer research, VPI has partnered with the Animal Cancer Foundation (ACF) and organized its third annual VPI K9K Pet Cancer Awareness Walk in Long Beach, Calif. on Nov. 14. VPI also provides pet cancer detection tips and urges ACF donations through the purchase of pet cancer awareness collars and wristbands at www.petinsurance.com/cancer.

VPI started Pet Cancer Awareness month in 2005 after noticing that cancer diagnoses often caught pet owners by surprise. Many either did not know their pets could develop cancer or underestimated the cost to treat cancerous conditions. In 2008, VPI received nearly 30,000 claims for pet cancer. The most common form of pet cancer, lymphosarcoma, made up about a fifth of those claims. Other common forms of pet cancer included: mast cell tumors, fibrosarcomas (which stem from connective tissues), and hemangiopericytomas (a tumor generally located on a limb). Other types of neoplasias --defined as a growth or tumor--were commonly found on the liver, spleen or eyelid.

Overall, cancer claims were the sixth most common type of medical claim received by VPI in 2008. According to VPI's claims data, which draws from a population of more than 474,000 insured pets, following are the 10 most common types of cancer found in dogs and cats:

Top Pet Cancer Claims in 2008

1. Lymphosarcoma
2. Mast Cell Tumor
3. Neoplasia - Spleen
4. Neoplasia - Eyelid
5. Osteogenic Sarcoma
6. Neoplasia - Liver
7. Neoplasia - Thorax
8. Neoplasia - Brain or Spinal Cord
9. Fibrosarcoma
10. Hemangiopericytoma

The cost of treating a pet with cancer varies depending on the type of cancer and the length of therapy. If chemotherapy or radiation treatment is required, costs can reach more than $10,000 over several sessions. To ensure that VPI policyholders are able to pursue optimal cancer treatment, VPI offers an optional cancer-specific rider that attaches to its base medical plans. The cancer rider supplements benefit allowances available for treatment of eligible cancerous conditions.

To detect cancer early, pet owners should be attentive to any growing lump or sore that fails to heal, drastic changes in a pet's appetite or weight, unusually strong odors coming from a pet, discharge or bleeding from any body opening, difficulty chewing or swallowing, or an unwillingness to exercise. More detection tips and information on Pet Cancer Awareness Month can be found at www.petinsurance.com/cancer.

For more information on the Animal Cancer Foundation, visit www.acfoundation.org.

Note to editors: VPI can provide state-specific cancer data and digital images of Pet Cancer Awareness dog collars and wristbands. Send requests to gbiniasz@petinsurance.com.

About Veterinary Pet Insurance

Veterinary Pet Insurance Co./DVM Insurance Agency is the nation's oldest and largest pet health insurance company and is a member of the Nationwide Insurance family of companies. Providing pet owners with peace of mind since 1982, the company is committed to being the trusted choice of America's pet lovers and an advocate of pet health education. VPI Pet Insurance plans cover dogs, cats, birds and exotic pets for multiple medical problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries. Optional VPI CareGuard(SM) coverage for routine care is also available.

Medical plans are available in all 50 states and the District of Columbia. More than 2,000 companies nationwide offer VPI Pet Insurance as an employee benefit. Policies are underwritten by Veterinary Pet Insurance Company in California and in all other states by National Casualty Company, an A+15 rated company in Madison, Wisconsin. Pet owners can find VPI Pet Insurance on Facebook or follow @VPI on Twitter. For more information about VPI Pet Insurance, call 800-USA-PETS (800-872-7387) or visit petinsurance.com.

SOURCE Veterinary Pet Insurance Co.

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Dogs Recognize Their Owner's Face

A new study has demonstrated just how much dogs rely on seeing their owners faces in order to recognize them.

The study, titled "Selective attention to humans in companion dogs, Canis familiaris", is to be published in an upcoming issue of the journal Animal Behavior. The research team, led by Paolo Mongillo from the University of Padua in Italy, discovered that dogs found great difficulty in recognizing their owner when they had their face covered, and that they prefer to look at their owner than a stranger.

In the experiment, dogs were exposed to their owner and an unfamiliar person entering the room and leaving through different doors. At the end of the test, the dogs were allowed to approach the doors. The researchers measured the average length of time the dog's visual orientation was aimed towards the different targets. Dogs gave preferential attention to their owner, and specifically spent much more time gazing at the door through which their owner left the room. The researchers repeated the experiments when the head of the people entering and leaving was not visible. In these experiments, the amount of time spent watching their owner and the door through which they left the room decreased significantly.

"Most of the dogs gazed at their owners for most of the time and then chose to wait by the owner's door. If you imagine a dog in a real setting in a city or anywhere in the middle of a crowd or a crowded space, you can see how the animal must have adapted to give preferential attention to its owner," Dr Mongillo told the BBC. He described how this behavior was entirely expected, but that it had simply never been definitively measured before.

Perhaps the most interesting implication of the study is how dogs have adapted to live with humans. In wild dog packs, individual members rely on body signals and scent from other animals in their social group, but this study suggests that domestic dogs have adapted to rely on other cues when living with humans, since their human owners are not able to communicate through canine body language.

View the latest PetPeoplesPlace.com.

Original Source: http://www.petpeoplesplace.com/resources/news/dogs/dogs-recognize-their-owner-s-face.htm

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Calming Common Dog Fears

On a dark and stormy night as the thunder rolls in, do you find your dog cowering under the table? You’re not alone! Fear of loud noises, including thunder, is a common issue with dogs. Your pup can develop sound sensitivities between the ages of two and four, and they tend to get worse with age. Dogs that are afraid of thunder usually are triggered by some external force. They can sense that a storm is coming by the increasing wind or even the darkening sky. The American Kennel Club® offers the following tips on how to calm your dog’s fears.

* Try a desensitization program. Get a tape recording of the sound of thunder and introduce the noise at a very low level, gradually increasing the volume and giving praise when your pooch does not run and hide from the noise. This does require a great deal of time and patience on your part.

* Divert your dog’s attention from the noise by playing a fun game with her at the right moments to turn the bad triggers into positive ones.

* See if your pup will eat her favorite treats during the storm. If she does, then giving her one will help keep her engaged when the thunder strikes.

* Your veterinarian may suggest treating your dog with tranquilizers or herbal mixtures before a storm approaches. Sometimes these work, but they are not guarantees.

Additional information on caring for your dog can be found on the AKC website at www.akc.org.

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FURminator Dog deShedding Tool

I talk about the FURminator Dog deShedding Tool multiple times on this blog and always promise to do a review but never get the time to do said review. Many of you have also e-mailed asking questions about the FURminator dog deShedding tool, so I have FINALLY made some time to let you know what I think of this product.

If you’re a Labrador Retriever owner, chances are there is evidence of your Labrador Retriever all over your home in the form of dog hair. Usually, this is something that is to be expected. Just as we humans lose or “shed” our hair on a daily basis, our animal friends shed their fur as well. The problem here is when we own particularly furry pets who will leave gobs upon gobs of hair all over the place. Enter the FURminator. A de-shedding tool that promises to greatly reduce the amount of fur being left around your home. Just what is this tool and how does it work?

The FURminator is, as previously stated, a de-shedding tool that looks like a lot of the other brushes or blades that are out there on the market. This product, though, reaches down into the undercoat to grab loose fur while nicely grooming the top coat. It is also designed to work on most any shedding breed of dog or cat; as long as they have fur, of course. With its stainless steel head and ergonomic handle, the FURminator will reduce your dog’s - or even your cat’s - shedding for approximately four to six weeks.

Some drawbacks that have been noted by users are that the tool did not effectively reduce the shedding as it said, or that it actually broke the shafts of their pet’s fur and ruined the undercoat. With these complaints in mind, we recommend keeping a few things in mind:

• Do not use this de-shedding tool on puppies or kittens. They are brand new and their coats are just growing in for the first time. Just as you wouldn’t use thinning shears on a baby’s hair, don’t use the FURminator on a puppy or kitten.

• Ensure your Labrador Retriever (or other dog you may have) has been properly bathed prior to using the FURminator. Don’t think that you can use this whenever and wherever. If your pet is still wet from a bath, wait until they are dry. Also ensure you’ve run a grooming brush through their hair first. Your hair stylist wouldn’t cut your hair without first combing it out - and you shouldn’t try to de-shed your pet before detangling their fur.

• Have a good bathing routine in place. We shower daily to keep clean and to slough off dead skin cells so that our skin stays healthy. Even in a home without pets, there will be hair in your shower drain. The same is true of caring for furry pets. Your shedding issues may not, in fact, be shedding issues at all and may simply be rooted in lack of a bathing routine.

• Do not use this product every day. It’s very easy to overuse de-shedding tools, especially if it doesn’t seem as though you’re getting instant results. You have a Labrador Retriever in your home - there is going to be fur around. What you’re looking for by using a de-shedding tool is to simply decrease the amount of fur.

As long as you keep those things in mind and are already caring for your Labrador Retriever's coat on a regular basis, we think you’ll find that the FURminator is an incredibly handy product that will certainly help to reduce your Labrador Retriever's shedding quickly, efficiently, and gently.

Disclaimer: The FURminator dog deShedding tool was purchase out of my own pocket, with my own money. The opinions within this post are of my own. I was not compensated by anyone, as I bought the FURminator dog deShedding tool with my own money and for my own use. My reviews may not always positive, but they are my personal and honest opinions. Please conduct your own research before purchasing products (I'm not sure I even need this disclaimer for products that I purchase with my own money, but with new disclaimer rules, it doesn't hurt to post one).

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Labrador Retriever and Dolphin Swim Together

This beautiful yellow Labrador Retriever loves to swim, but it's who he loves to swim with that may surprise you.

Over in the Tory Island Harbour, Ireland, a yellow Labrador Retriever name Ben and a dolphin named Dougie have struck up a friendship.



According to the video, Dougie and Ben can be seen swimming together daily. I love how Ben runs down the ramp to the water and swim out to Dougie.



Duggie and Ben also entertain recent arrivals at the pier on Tory Island, Donegal. It's also reported to be a regular occurrence as they greet the tourists and locals arriving on the Tormór ferry from Magheroarty.

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Free K9 FullFlex Sample

Free sample of K9 FullFlex Hip & Joint Formula. Give Your Dog Relief From Joint Pain.

Information about K9 FullFlex:

"Dog joint pain is typically caused by the wear and tear of aging joints when the deterioration of cartilage starts allowing painful bone-to-bone contact to occur. K9 FullFlex™ is a revolutionary new canine joint care product that contains the most potent organic, American-sourced ingredients available today that have been proven to reduce discomfort, strengthen connective tissue and enhance the bone and joint integrity in senior dogs."

Request your Free Sample of K9 FullFlex.

The Free K9 FullFlex sample offer only applies to the USA and Canada. They are not able to ship to Texas.

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Ewww Pawsitively Clean by Bissell Review

I recently received a wonderful new product to review from the wonderful people at Dog Time Media, called Ewww Pawsitively Clean by Bissell. As the readers of All About Labradors know, I have two beautiful Labrador Retrievers who are the best dogs in the world, BUT they can get messy and smelly every now and then. So giving the Ewww Pawsitively Clean by Bissell product a chance to work on some of their things (and my carpet) wouldn't be a problem.

I decided first to give Ewww Pawsitively Clean by Bissell a try on my carpet where my two Labrador girls occasionally visit. After spraying Ewww Pawsitively Clean on my carpet, I was pleasantly surprised with the fresh smell it left on my carpet, completely removing any "DOG SMELL" that was previously there. Their product states that powerful enzyme-action tackles deep down stains and odors, while fast acting cleaning and deodorizing agents start working immediately. I couldn't agree more as my carpet looked and smelled fantastic!

The second item I decided to try Ewww Pawsitively Clean by Bissell on was my Labrador Retriever beds. A stain here and there, an occasion doggy accident and the ever present dog ordor, their dog beds would be an outstanding place to give Ewww Pawsitively Clean a try.

Once again, Ewww Pawsitively Clean came through with flying colors. Any stains that were present were removed, with a wonderful clean, fresh fragrance in their beds. The Ewww Pawsitively Clean by Bissell will also be very useful for daily spraying of their beds between full hand washings.

Safe for use on carpets, upholstery, pet beds, litter boxes or any water-safe surface, Ewww Pawsitively Clean by Bissell permanently removes organic stains from urine, feces and other accidents.

For More Information on Ewww Pawsitively Clean by Bissell visit:

http://www.pawsitivelycleanpet.com/index.php/product/icky-messes/ewww/

Disclaimer: I would like to thank Dog Time Media on behalf of Bissell for the opportunity to review Ewww Pawsitively Clean. The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way. I was not compensated in any manner, other than the free bottle of Ewww Pawsitively Clean by Bissell to review. My reviews may not always positive, but they are my personal and honest opinions. Please conduct your own research before purchasing products.

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Halloween Safety Tips for your Labrador Retriever

Halloween is a wonderful happy time for the kids and family but can be a very stressful holiday for your Labrador Retriever or other dogs in your family.

Learn how to keep your Labrador Retriever or other family dog safe, happy and healthy with the following Halloween dog safety tip videos.

Learn how to keep your dog safe on Halloween with Eric R. Letendre, the Amazing Dog Training Man:



Eric covers costume safety for your dog, candle and Jack O lantern safety, chocolate and candy wrappers and leaving your dog outside on Halloween. We love the wonderful introduction with Friday the Thirteenth music player and Eric dressed as Jason!

Bark Busters has some safety tips to follow this Halloween to keep your dog safe and happy:



Patrick Louge of Bark Busters covers flammables and edibles, costumes, safe areas and trick or treating with your dog.

The Pampered Pooch talk about Halloween Safety & Fun For Your Dog in this radio broadcast:



Christine and Vicki of the The Pampered Pooch will share some safety tips for your pets at Halloween. Discussions also include useful reflective products for your dog while out with you at night, tips on purchasing costumes, The Pampered Pooch of the Week, Halloween party planning and some party planning ideas for a "Hollywood/Movie" themed birthday party for your dog. Listen in for a howling good time!

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Blue Buffalo Dog Food Recall

Blue Buffalo has issued a recall for its Wilderness Chicken-Dog, Basics Salmon-Dog and Large Breed Adult Dog foods sold under the BLUE brand, because they could contain excessive levels of vitamin D.

From the Blue Buffalo Company:

Dear Fellow Pet Parent,

At Blue Buffalo, nothing is more important than the health and well being of our dogs and cats, so it’s consistent with this guiding principle that we are voluntarily recalling specific production runs of our Wilderness Chicken-Dog, Basics Salmon-Dog and Large Breed Adult Dog products, as we have reason to believe that the products from these runs may contain a higher level of Vitamin D than is called for in our product specifications.

Details: by phone at 877-523-9114; online at http://www.bluebuffalo.com/news/vitamin-d-voluntary-recall.shtml

These are the ONLY code dates being recalled:

Product Bag Size - Best Used By Dates

BLUE Wilderness Chicken (Dog) 4.5 lb., 11 lb., 24lb. - JUL1211B, JUL1311B, JUL2611Z, JUL2711Z, JUL2811Z

BLUE Basics Salmon (Dog) 11 lb., 24 lb. - AUG2111B, AUG2211B

BLUE Large Breed Adult Chicken 30 lb. - SEP 22 11 P, SEP 23 11 P, OCT 26 11 P

Dog Food Recall: Blue Buffalo recalls three dry dog food products

The recall was prompted by several dozen reports of dogs eating Blue Buffalo foods that showed signs of Vitamin D toxicity, which subsided when the dogs were switched to a different food. more

Blue Buffalo Issues Voluntary Recall on Select Dog Food Products

Blue Buffalo Inc. has issued a voluntary recall on specific production runs of its Wilderness Chicken-Dog, Basics Salmon-Dog and Large Breed Adult Dog products due to higher than normal levels of vitamin D. more

Dog food product recall; Pet owner's encouraged to discontinue diet immediately

The following statement was formally made by Blue Buffalo representative, Bill Bishop just hours ago. “At Blue Buffalo, nothing is more important than the health and well being of our dogs and cats, so it’s consistent with this guiding principle that we are voluntarily recalling specific production runs of our Wilderness Chicken-Dog, Basics Salmon-Dog and Large Breed Adult Dog products more

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Spooktacular fashion for dogs this Hallowe’en

Hallowe'en fashion for dogs by UrbanPup.com

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PRLog (Press Release) – Sep 30, 2010 – Make your dog the best dressed this Hallowe’en with their very own ghoul-tastic slogan t-shirt from UrbanPup.com.

To design their t-shirt, simply choose a slogan from the UrbanPup.com Hallowe’en library, pick your colour and leave the rest to UrbanPup.com. Or, if you’re feeling creative, you can have your own phrase emblazoned across your pup’s threads.

Either way, UrbanPup.com will make your bespoke slogan t-shirt from high quality, fine knit gauge, 100% cotton with a velvety-feel cotton-flock text. Design your own hoodies and harness t-shirts are also available.

Happy Hallowe’en from http://www.UrbanPup.com!

Contact:

For a sample of more information contact Denis Kelly on +44 28 9581 2107 or denis@urbanpup.com

For more details, go to the press section at urbanpup.com

Contact urbanpup.com for a sample.

UrbanPup.com is an online Pet Boutique offering Designer Dog Fashions, Dog Coats, Dog Sweaters & Hoodies, Bling Dog Collars and Harnesses, Dog Accessories, Dog Dresses and Pet Carriers.

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Clean+Green Dog & Cat Carpet & Upholstery Giveaway

Back in May of 2009, I had the pleasure to help announce the launch of new stain and odor cleaning products called CLEAN+GREEN® by SeaYu Enterprises. CLEAN+GREEN® are eco-friendly aerosol pet odor and stain remover products, made from organic and biodegradable ingredients and packaged so you can recycle the container.

I had great success using their Clean+Green Carpet & Upholstery Odor Eliminator and I highly recommend Clean+Green. If you would like to read our original post review, you can do so by visiting Clean+Green Products.

As a special "thank-you," I was contacted recently by SeaYu and asked if I wanted to do a Clean+Green Dog & Cat Carpet & Upholstery giveaway. To enter for a chance to win one of three cans of Clean+Green Dog & Cat Carpet & Upholstery, here's what you have to do:

Main Entry (one entry):

Visit the CLEAN+GREEN® website and tell me what other dog product you would like to try.

Extra Entries:

To receive these extra entries, you MUST do the MAIN entry. Please leave a comment for each additional entry you complete (current followers and subscribers count).

One Extra Entry: Sign up to our feed on the right hand side of our blog. If you already subscribe, please let us know.

One Extra Entry: Subscribe to our e-mail on the right hand side of our blog. If you already subscribe, please let us know.

One Extra Entry: Follow All About Labradors on Google Friend Connect. If your already a friend, just let us know.

One Extra Entry if you add All About Labradors to your Blogroll.

One Extra Entry if you add a link to this post on your Facebook page.

Five Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway with a link back to this post.

Unlimited Extra Entries

To receive these unlimited extra entries, you MUST do the MAIN entry.

Tweet about the contest (be sure to leave the tweet link). One extra entry for each tweet.

Leave a comment on another post besides this one ( leave link to comment ). One extra entry for each comment you leave on another post.

This giveaway is open to residents of the United States and Canada, 18 or older and will end at 11:59 PM EST 10/17/10. Three winners will be selected by random generator and the entries verified. The winner will then have 48 hours to claim their giveaway prize. If the winner does not claim their prize within their 48 hour period, a new winner will be chosen.

You must leave an e-mail address (or have it available in a profile) so that I can contact you if you are the winner. Be advised, comments are moderated.

Disclaimer: I would like to thank SeaYu for the opportunity to offer the readers of All About Labradors a chance to win Clean+Green Dog & Cat Carpet & Upholstery cleaner. The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way. I was not compensated in any manner, other than the three cans of Clean+Green Dog & Cat Carpet & Upholstery cleaner to giveaway. My reviews may not always positive, but they are my personal and honest opinions. Please conduct your own research before purchasing products.

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Labrador Retriever - Caring For Your Elderly Dog

Being a dog owner is one of the most fulfilling things you can be. You're responsible for a living creature who relies on you for a home, food, water and love, and they reciprocate by being the most faithful companion one could wish for.

As a dog gets older, their nutritional and environmental needs differ. They may not be able to eat food they once loved, due to their teeth weakening or digestive system changing. They may not want to run around and chase after their favorite ball as much, or they may choose to sleep in a more comfortable place (maybe on your feet!) or sleep for longer.

Caring for an elderly dog is primarily a matter of recognizing when the dog needs adjustments making. A dog owner who's had their pet from young will be familiar with all the dog's traits and habits, so keeping at eye on the animal as they get older should give you an clue as to changes you need to make to their routine and home. Things to watch out for include:

* Not wanting to sleep in their usual spot on the patio or tiled kitchen floor.

* When out walking, the dog seems uninterested in playing 'fetch', rabbit hunting or anything else they used to do.

* Going to the toilet more often, sometimes in the wrong places such as on your living room carpet.

* Appearing to struggle with jumping into the car, climbing stairs or simply walking around.

* Shunning their favorite dry dog food.

* A once-lustrous glossy coat looking dull and feeling dry.

* Snapping at family members if approached quickly or from the side.

* Wounds taking longer to heal than usual.

* Getting startled at sudden loud noises, or conversely not appearing to hear at all.

This isn't an exhaustive list as all dogs are different, but most dogs will exhibit some or all of these signs as they're getting ready to enjoy their geriatric years. If your dog is displaying these signs, try the following steps:

* Provide a soft comfortable dog bed for them, such as in your bedroom or in a warm place.

* Consider closing off rooms which are carpeted, in case of accidents. Let your dog out at regular intervals so they can relieve themselves.

* Take a sturdy piece of flat timber and fix some pieces of 2x4 horizontally onto it at intervals. This can be kept in your car and used as a ramp for your dog to get in and out of the car.

* Invest in a baby gate for the bottom of the stairs to stop the dog attempting to climb them and potentially injuring themselves.

* Buy special dog food for senior dogs – it's softer for their teeth, and more suited to an elderly digestion.

* Brush their coat regularly and take them to the groomers to keep their coat free of knots and tangles which could tighten and become painful.

* If you find your dog is snapping, look into their eyes. If you see that the pupils are cloudy, they may have cataracts. As an elderly dog starts to lose their sight, it's more difficult for them to determine friend or foe if approached silently or suddenly. Make sure all visitors, especially children, know to approach the dog slowly, speaking to them all the while, so the dog knows who they are.

*If your dog's regular exercise places are edged by brambles or barbed fences, consider finding somewhere else to take your dog, like the beach or an open field.

* A dog who's hearing is deteriorating will need a very patient owner, as simply calling them to you won't work! Think of another way to get their attention. A small water pistol can work wonders; it doesn't hurt the dog but it will let them know you're calling them.

A very important aspect of caring for an elderly dog is to keep an eye on their weight. Obesity is a very real danger in older dogs as they don't get as much exercise, although with breeds like Labradors you'll probably find they can still run rings around you even when they should be drawing a doggie pension! Slim dogs live longer than overweight ones, so put leftovers straight in the bin and ignore pleading doggie eyes! If you must give your dog snacks, stick to things like soft fruit and vegetables – mashed potato is especially good for them as it contains carbohydrates for energy as ease of digestion.

If you'd like to help care for dogs who aren't fortunate enough to have an owner of their own, consider taking out one of the Dogs Trust charity credit cards. These cards will donate a portion of everything you spend to the Dogs Trust, which is dedicated to providing safe, comfortable accommodation for homeless and abandoned dogs.

A big thank you to Louise for the wonderful information on caring for your elderly Labrador Retriever.

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