Blog

Golden labrador retrievers > Blog

Newborn Lab Puppies: How To Care For Them In Their First Few Weeks

by admin
Newborn Lab Puppies
Newborn Lab Puppies taking care of puppies is a challenge, especially if you have to bottle feed them. newborn lab puppies: how to care for them in their first few weeks

Taking care of a small puppy is a lot of work, almost like taking care of a newborn baby. If a puppy doesn’t have its mother with it, it must be fed once every two or three hours. You have to feed it very often, keep it warm, help it go to the bathroom, and notice signs of sickness Newborn Lab Puppies.

Raising a newborn puppy is a very rewarding experience. The bond between you and your dog is often stronger if you raise it during the first few weeks of its life.

I have raised lab puppies without their mother before, and while it is tiring, it does not require your frequent attention for very long. The dog will grow out of infancy and become less helpless quickly. Before long, your lab will eat solid food from a bowl and no longer take much of your time Newborn Lab Puppies.

‍The Importance of Mother’s Milk

A newborn puppy needs its mother’s milk to protect it from bacteria. The mother’s milk contains antibodies, protecting the puppy from infection during its vulnerable first few days. The milk also contains colostrum, which helps newborn puppies develop the power to fight infection.

You should leave the puppies with the mother if at all possible. The mother can keep them warm, feed them properly, and keep them alive. It is not easy to raise newborn puppies as well as their mother can.

How to Raise Puppies With Their Mother
If the mother is with the newborn lab puppies and taking care of them properly, raising puppies is easy. You have to take care of the mother more than the pups. Feed the mother high-quality food to ensure her health and the health of the pups.

Sometimes, not every pup will have a chance to feed often enough. If the other pups push the smallest one aside, you may have to bottle feed it to keep it alive.

What if the Puppies Are not With Their Mother?
Sometimes, a mother dog cannot raise their puppies. The mother might reject some of their puppies, or they might even die. In that case, a person has to do their best to keep the puppies alive.

While raising puppies yourself is not ideal, you can take good care of them. Talk to your vet and get the right supplements. Keep the dogs warm and make sure the canine milk substitute you give them is high-quality.

What if a Puppy Won’t Bottle Feed?
At worst, a puppy will refuse to take food from a bottle. In that case, contact your vet right away – your puppy needs to eat. Sometimes, you might have to use a stomach tube to feed it.

 

Why Does My Miniature Goldendoodle Shed So Much?

by admin
Why Does My Miniature Goldendoodle
Why Does My Miniature Goldendoodle

Miniature Goldendoodles are a pet owner’s favorite because of their cute and fluffy faces, and they don’t tend to shed much, making them a popular breed.

So if your miniature Goldendoodle is starting to shed much more than usual, this is a cause for concern. It typically indicates something is wrong, and we will help you identify the problem to stop the excessive shedding from happening.

Your Miniature Goldendoodle sheds so much because of increased stress, poor nutrition, skin allergies, bad health problems, or inadequate grooming. This breed is not known to shed as much as other breeds, so it is easy to fix once you identify the cause for extra shedding  .

If you’ve got a Miniature Goldendoodle, you shouldn’t expect to deal with heavy shedding regularly. When you notice shedding starting to happen more, a problem likely needs to be identified. This guide will walk you through some of the most common questions about your pet’s coat and how to deal with shedding.

Shedding is a natural process for all dogs, but because of the coat type of a Goldendoodle, it is a bit different compared to other breeds. We will help you figure out  sheds so much below.

‍Why Does My Miniature Goldendoodle Shed So Much?

Miniature Goldendoodles are well known for their thick and luxurious coats. They’re one of the breeds that we often see with minimal shedding despite having a thicker coat.

They have a double coat, which means the outer layer of their fur sheds, and the softer undercoat grows back in its place. The breed has been bred to have a thick coat that stays warm during cold winters.

The texture of your dog’s coat changes with the seasons. It will be very thick in the colder months and a bit softer in the summer. So, even though it’s not wintering now, your doodle still has that thick coat.

We will cover this, but first, consider why your miniature Goldendoodle is shedding so much.

Increased Stress

Miniature Goldendoodle is a popular dog breed. They are known for their intelligence and personality while keeping shedding to a minimum.

An increase in shedding can be caused by stress or discomfort in the dog’s life. This can cause your miniature Goldendoodle to shed more than usual.

It will also have difficulty regulating its temperature, leading to health issues. When this happens, you must take care of your dog immediately so that it can get better soon.

Champagne Vs Yellow Labradors: (Differences Explained)

by admin
Champagne Vs Yellow Labradors
Champagne Vs Yellow Labradors

Champagne Vs Yellow Labradors

Champagne Labs can look quite similar to yellow Labs in pictures because they can’t capture the glimmer, but there are many differences between these Lab coat colors.

Champagne Labs have a light silver tone to their coat, whereas yellow Labs look much more blonde and golden. They also have lighter noses than yellow Labradors. While different in appearance, the American Kennel Club recognizes champagne Labs as yellow Labs.

Throughout this article, you’ll also learn the details about champagne Labs, yellow Labs and how they differ from each other. We’ll also discuss how they’re similar to comparison and contrast these beautiful beloved breeds. Champagne Vs Yellow Labradors

Why Are Champagne Labs Different From Yellow Labs?

Champagne Labs are much rarer than yellow Labs, but these beautiful dogs are becoming increasingly popular. Their undeniable shimmer makes them stunning in appearance while maintaining the fun, energetic attitude specific to the breed. If you want a unique dog without sacrificing these traits,

Why Are Champagne Labs Different From Yellow Labs?
Champagne Labs are much rarer than yellow Labs, but these beautiful dogs are becoming increasingly popular. Their undeniable shimmer makes them stunning in appearance while maintaining the fun, energetic attitude specific to the breed. If you want a unique dog without sacrificing these traits, you’re in luck!

Here’s a list of reasons champagne Labs are unique:

The AKC doesn’t classify champagne Labs as their own coat color. Champagne Labs are considered yellow Labs in the eyes of many professional opinions. However, they’re much different when it comes to their coat shade and shine. Champagne Labs maintain a beautiful silvery look from the moment they’re born.
They’re a genetic mutation shade: Champagne, silver, and charcoal Labradors. Hargrove Heaven Farm explains this coat color comes from genetic mutations that make the Labs look different. Some breeders do their best to keep the gene alive, increasing these dogs’ population.
These Labs typically have a lighter nose than other Labradors. Champagne Labs have genetic dilution. In simple terms, everything about their appearance is slightly lighter than their yellow Lab ancestors. From their noses to their coat color, they have a slightly less saturated shade.
Champagne Labs can overheat quicker than yellow Labs (in most cases). The glimmer invites sunlight to penetrate their topcoat, making them susceptible to heat exhaustion. Much like black Labs, champagne Labs can get hot in lower temperatures than yellow Labs.
Some champagne, silver, and charcoal Labs include other breeds. If you’re buying the dog from a reputable breeder, you shouldn’t have to worry about this issue. However, it’s always worth looking into their ancestry to know the truth. Cross-breeds tend to have more health problems as they get older.

 

Labrador Size and Weight Information: Is Your Lab Puppy Too Small?

by admin
Is Your Lab Puppy Too Small
Is Your Lab Puppy Too Small

Is Your Lab Puppy Too Small as a dedicated Labrador parent, one of your primary responsibilities is ensuring your pup remains healthy and achieves all growth milestones based on his age. However, some of the most overwhelming factors to crack through are size and weight. So, is your Lab puppy too small for his age?

Your Lab puppy might be too small if it weighs less than 12 lbs (5.4 kg), which is the average weight for a 6-week Lab puppy. Lab puppies generally weigh about 2 lbs (1 kg) with every week of growth. If your puppy weighs a lot less than that, he may be too small for his age.

How Much a Lab Puppy Should Weigh
This is one of the most common concerns and one of the most challenging to address directly.

This is because a puppy’s weight and size may differ based on his gender, genetic composition, or underlying conditions. For this reason, it’s unrealistic to expect that all the puppies within a litter will have the same size and weight.

However, there’s a trick that may help you determine your pup’s weight range. In most cases, average puppies add about 2 lbs (1 kg) with every week of growth.

Factors That Affect Size and Weight in Lab Puppies
Another point of concern is a Lab puppy’s size. And just like the weight, Lab puppies have different sizes.

You may notice a huge size variance in a litter of Lab puppies. Some may appear too big or too small for their age.

f you’re worried that your pup might be too small for his age, you’re in the right place. In this article, I’ll outline Lab puppies’ size and weight facts to help you understand where your young canine friend stands. Keep reading!

Black And White Jack Russell Terrier Lab Mix (A Comprehensive Guide)

by admin
Jack Russell Terrier Lab
Jack Russell Terrier Lab

The Jack Russell Terrier Lab is a beautiful dog, and one of the best-looking coat colors is black and white. But what makes this dog so unique?

The Black And White Jack Russell Terrier Lab is a crossbreed mix between a Jack Russell and Labrador Retriever. The size is smaller than the average lab, but the temperament is the same. Overall, this breed is loving and loyal, with an average weight of 25-50 LBs and a height of 16-20 Inches.

The gene pool of Jack Russell Terrier Lab Mixes is attractive because they already have a ton of similarities, like their history as hunting dogs. This comprehensive guide examines each breed from the 1800s and explains why this black-and-white mix is so great.

When it comes to hybrid dogs, it can be difficult to predict precisely how each dog will grow up. Some dogs exhibit the same temperament as their parents, while others show an entirely new personality.

A Jack Russell Terrier Lab Mix is a mixed breed dog that crosses the Jack Russel and the Labrador. This hybrid is an excellent choice for an active family or someone who loves to be outdoors.

But to understand this breed and its history, knowing about both parent breeds is necessary.

Jack Russell Terrier
The Jack Russell Terrier was first bred in the early 1800s, and the name comes from Reverend John Russell. He was the creator of this dog breed.

As an avid hunter, the creation of this dog was to scare away foxes. Nobody knows for sure which two dogs were used to get this breed, but it is thought that it was the Bull Terrier and Beagle.

This very energetic dog breed loves to be active and play outside. These dogs are brilliant and can be trained easily. They are best suited to families who can give them plenty of exercise and attention.

‍Black And White Jack Russell Terrier Lab Mix (A Comprehensive Guide)

A Jack Russell Terrier Lab mix is known as a Jackador. This is a less common dog breed because these two dogs are much different in size, lifestyle, and temperament.

The outcome is rare and unique when mixing these two dogs to get the black and white breed. The most common look is a black body with a white chest and multi-colored face. But it’s also possible to have one with a white or No with spots and a multi-colored face.

Besides the different color coats, everything else about the Jackador remains the same. Here are some of the critical characteristics of this lively dog breed.

Jackador Traits Information
Avg. Weight 25-50 LBs
Avg. Height 16-20 Inches
Grooming Needs Low Maintenance
Shedding Above Average
Hypoallergenic No
Avg. Lifespan 10-14 Years

Golden labrador retriever facts

by admin
Three Labrador retrievers, cGolden Lab Retriever Factshocolate, yellow and black, lying in a row outdoors in the sunshine.
Golden Lab Retriever Facts

1. Golden Lab Retriever Facts
The golden Labrador retriever is a breed of dog originating from Newfoundland, Canada. These dogs were originally bred for retrieving game birds and waterfowl. Today they are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and gentle temperament.
2. Golden Lab Retrieval
Golden Labs have been trained to retrieve since the early 1900’s. In fact, the first training manual was written in 1926. Training begins at about eight weeks old and continues until the dog reaches full maturity. A golden retriever can be taught to retrieve anything from a tennis ball to a dead fish.
3. Golden Lab Temperament
Labrador retrievers are extremely loyal and affectionate. They make great family pets and are good with children. They are not aggressive towards strangers unless they feel threatened. Golden Labs are smart and trainable. They learn easily and quickly.
4. Golden Lab Health Issues
Labrador retrievers do not generally suffer from many health issues. However, some conditions may occur due to genetics or environmental factors.
5. Golden Lab Life Expectancy
Labrador retrievers live between 12-14 years.
6. Golden Lab Appearance
A golden Labrador retriever looks similar to any other Labrador retriever. Their coat is short and dense. The color ranges from white to yellow. The ears are erect and triangular. The tail is bushy and carried high.
7. Golden Lab History
The golden Labrador retriver was developed in the late 1800’s in Newfoundland, Canada. At that time, these dogs were used to retrieve ducks and geese. They were later used to retrieve game birds and waterfowling.

The Labrador Retriever is America’s favorite dog, topping the most popular breeds list for a whopping 28 years in a row, and it’s easy to see why. These easygoing, affectionate, energetic dogs are family-friendly all-rounders, equally at home on the couch or in the field. Their name is misleading, though, as they don’t hail from Labrador but from Newfoundland, where they worked as duck retrievers and fisherman’s mates, until English nobles brought the breed to the UK in the nineteenth century, and set about refining and standardizing it.

Temperament and Labrador lifespan

by admin
Temperament and Labrador lifespan
Temperament and Labrador lifespan

Temperament and Labrador lifespan

Temperament and Labrador lifespan temperament, including tendency to fearfulness, is influenced by genes. But it is also strongly influenced by environment. One study showed that fear and anxiety has a negative effect on life span in pet dogs. And some dogs are euthanased for aggression or behavior problems. So temperament is also a factor to consider when looking at life span.

Some dogs inherit a number of favorable genes that improve their chances of good health – reduced risk of cancer for example. They then pass these favorable genes on to their puppies.

How Inherited Diseases Affect Labrador Retriever Life Span
While Labradors are relatively healthy, there are diseases in the breed that can influence how long a Labrador will live. It will also affect how healthy each dog will be during that lifetime. For some of these diseases, hip dysplasia for example, and CNM, we have tests that can (and should) be carried out on adult dogs before they are used for breeding.

For other diseases, some cancers for example, we don’t have tests. We just know that in some cases, Labradors may be more susceptible than some other breeds of dog. A 2004 study showed that 31% of Labradors die of cancer. Which is slightly higher than the rate of cancer in dogs overall.

Labrador Lifespan and Inbreeding
Like all pedigree dog breeds, there are certain genetic diseases that have become established within the Labrador breed. This is due to breeding between dogs that are closely related Temperament and Labrador lifespan. The average coefficient of inbreeding for Labradors is 6.5%. This is higher than the level (5%) at which we start to see the adverse effects of inbreeding in dogs. Another factor influencing longevity in dogs is size. This is another area where Labrador are slightly disadvantaged.

How Size Affects Labrador Longevity
Little dogs live longer than big dogs. This is one of the quirks of nature that we don’t entirely understand. Of course, there are many exceptions to the rule. But in general the longevity of dogs is quite strongly linked to body size.

This is the reverse of what we often find when we compare large species of mammal. The elephant for example, with smaller species – such as the mouse. When we look at individuals within a single species, in this case the domestic dog, being larger seems to be a disadvantage.

As a medium to large dog temperament and Labrador lifespan, size is therefore a limiting factor in the lifespan of your Labrador. In short, the average Labrador is probably never going to live as long as the average toy poodle.

Do Purebred Labs Live Longer?
How long do Labradors live if they’re purebred? The outer limits of your dog’s potential life are also limited to a certain extent simply by the fact he is a pedigree dog. A study published in The Veterinary Journal in 2013 showed that mongrels live on average 1.2 years longer than purebred dogs. This doesn’t mean that your Boxador will definitely outlive your neighbor’s pedigree Lab. It’s all about averages.

Caring for a Labrador Retriever

by admin

Labrador Retriever

Caring for a Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed in the United States, based on registration statistics obtained by the American Kennel Club. This breed was first recognized by the AKC in 1917 and originated in Newfoundland.

Labradors are medium– to large-breed sporting dogs and weigh 55-80 pounds on average, with females on the lower end of this range. Typically, their height is between 21-25 inches. They have a wide skull and nose, deep chest, strong tail, and a very muscular build.

It is for good reason that the Labrador Retriever is so popular. Labradors tend to be highly affectionate toward people, even strangers, and do exceptionally well with children and other dogs. However, supervision is still important when first introducing a Lab to these family members.

Labrador Retrievers have a double coat that repels water. An undercoat of short hair is covered by a layer of longer hair. Due to this double coat, Labradors shed a lot, and frequent brushing to manage the shedding is required.

Labrador Retrievers love water and are great companions for families who like to spend a lot of time outdoors.

Labrador Retriever Health Issues
Labrador Retrievers are generally a healthy breed, but there are some potential health issues owners should be aware of.

Ear Infections
Labrador Retrievers are prone to ear infections for a couple of reasons:

They have ears that hang down loosely, which can trap moisture and wax, leading to inflammation and infection within the ear canal.

Most Labrador Retrievers love water and swimming, but water that gets in their ears during swimming or a bath can lead to an ear infection.

Symptoms of an ear infection can include:

Redness of the ear canal

Brown or yellow debris in the ear canal

Head shaking

Head tilt

Rubbing ears on carpet/furniture

Odor in ears

Pawing at ears

To minimize the risk of ear infections in Labrador Retrievers, clean their ears with an ear cleaner that contains a drying agent (like EPIOTIC® Advanced). Do this every 2 to 3 weeks for maintenance, and also after swimming or a bath.

Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia
The tricuspid valve pumps blood on the right side of the heart from the atrium into the ventricle caring for a Labrador Retriever. Labrador Retrievers with tricuspid valve dysplasia (TVD) have a valve that does not function properly and allows blood to leak backward into the right atrium. Over time, the right atrium and right ventricle become enlarged.

Labrador Retrievers with TVD may or may not have a heart murmur that can be heard during a routine physical exam. They can be asymptomatic or show signs of right-sided heart failure, which include:

Coughing

Fluid in the abdomen

Distended abdomen

Difficulty breathing

Rapid heart rate

TVD is usually diagnosed with patient history, physical exam, chest x-rays, ECG, and echocardiogram. Surgery can sometimes be performed to replace the tricuspid valve with a prosthetic one from a cow or a pig. Heart medications are often needed for management of this condition.

The prognosis of TVD in Labrador Retrievers can vary based on the severity of the disease. Some Labradors with TVD can live a normal life span. Those that have TVD or a familial history of TVD should not be bred.

Elbow Dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia encompasses several inherited orthopedic conditions that ultimately lead to degenerative joint disease (DJD) within the elbow. Labrador Retrievers may have:

Ununited anconeal process (UAP)

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD)

Medial compartment disease (MCD)

Elbow joint incongruity

Any of these conditions can cause lameness in the affected forelimb, especially after exercise. Pain is often detected when a veterinarian checks the range of motion in the elbow.

Sometimes elbow dysplasia can occur in both elbows. X-rays or advanced imaging (CT scans) are the most common tests used to diagnose this condition.

Orthopedic surgery is needed to treat elbow dysplasia. There is generally a good prognosis if surgery is done when the dog is young and the disease process is in its early stages. Labrador Retrievers with a history of elbow dysplasia should not be bred.

Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is an inherited orthopedic condition where the head of the femur does not sit snugly in the hip joint. As a result caring for a Labrador Retriever, the femoral head tends to rub against the hip socket, and over time, there is bony remodeling of the hip joint, which leads to arthritis.

Hip dysplasia can develop in one or both hip joints. Some Labrador Retrievers are born with congenital hip dysplasia (although this is rare); others develop it during their geriatric years. Symptoms include:

Lameness

Slowness to rise from a lying-down position

Bunny-hopping gait when running

Reluctance to run, jump, or go up or down stairs

Holding the affected leg out to the side when sitting up

Labrador is a screening method that can be performed on puppies as young as 16 weeks of age. It requires sedation or anesthesia. Specialized x-rays of the pelvis are taken to detect which dogs will likely develop hip dysplasia during their lifetime. Identifying these dogs through a  evaluation allows for early treatment.

Treatment of hip dysplasia can vary depending on the severity. In some cases, hip dysplasia can be managed through supplements, medications, and reduced activity levels. In other cases Caring for a Labrador Retriever, a dog may need to undergo surgery to correct the issue.

Centronuclear Myopathy
Centronuclear myopathy (CNM) is a rare congenital disease that affects the skeletal muscle. With this condition, reflexes in the hind limbs become impaired.

Clinical signs include an abnormal gait and the inability to perform physical exercise, like go on a walk or run. The muscles become weak, especially in colder climates. Usually, symptoms first arise in Labradors at 2-5 months of age. By age 1, the dog’s head, neck, and leg muscles generally become atrophied, which causes weakness and continued gait issues. The condition tends to become stable after 1 year of age.

A muscle biopsy is needed to diagnose this condition. Genetic therapy is the treatment of choice. DNA testing is available to determine if a Labrador Retriever carries the genetic mutation for CNM. Reputable breeders will have their dogs tested and will not breed those that have the genetic mutation.

Exercise-Induced Collapse
Exercise-induced collapse (EIC) is an inherited neuromuscular disease that first affects the hind limbs Caring for a Labrador Retriever. A Labrador Retriever with EIC will have episodes of decreased muscle tone in the hind limbs after vigorous exercise or excitement. The hind limbs will suddenly become weak, which can lead to incoordination when walking and even collapse.

Dogs usually recover, but can have more episodes of EIC later on. During an episode, a dog’s rectal temperature can reach 107 ℉, which is life-threatening. Labrador Retrievers with EIC usually start having episodes around 12 months of age. Your veterinarian can help you determine the best action plan if your dog suffers from EIC.

A DNA test can be done to detect whether a Labrador Retriever carries the genetic mutation and is at risk for EIC. Dogs that have the genetic mutation should not be bred.

Hemangiosarcoma
Hemangiosarcoma (HAS) is an aggressive form of cancer that most often originates in the spleen, liver, or heart of a Labrador Retriever and forms a blood-filled tumor that can rupture at any time, causing a dog to bleed internally, which is life-threatening.

Some clinical signs include:

Weakness

Pale gums (white)

Fluid in the abdomen (ascites)

Lack of appetite

Difficulty breathing

Hemangiosarcoma can spread very quickly to other areas of the body and at first may not be detectable with imaging (x-rays, ultrasound, or CT/MRI). This cancer has a very grave prognosis