Health
Like a rock
The Labrador has one thing going for it: it's healthy. Throughout its life, it is always quite healthy. Its robustness, however, depends on the daily care and attention of its owner: it always needs a watchful eye for attention.
of its owner: it always takes an eye on its dog to spare it illnesses.
The powerful and hardy Labrador enjoys good health. However, this does not exclude the necessary prevention that protects dogs from serious diseases. Vaccinations and check-ups are part of the prophylaxis.
Right from the start, we should be concerned about the possible presence of coxo-femoral dysplasia in the Labrador. As in most medium-sized and large breeds, the Labrador can indeed be affected by this disease. It is a defect in the interlocking of the femoral head in the hip. This imperfection in the structuring of the bones causes more or less severe lameness.
Fortunately, the Labrador, although not spared from this disease, represents a fairly low percentage of the dogs affected. Furthermore, thanks to its robust constitution, the Labrador with dysplasia is rarely handicapped.
Misplacement of dysplasia
Despite this reassuring aspect, steps must be taken from a very young age. When choosing a puppy, it is best to opt for one whose relatives have been checked.
This consists of an X-ray on a Labrador that is at least 12 months old. It should be stressed that the dysplasia screening is a necessary condition in the selection carried out by the Italian Retriever Club with regard to the approval of champion titles and the listing of breeding stock.
Only controlled dogs with no or mild dysplasia are selected, i.e. from stage A (exempt) to C (mild dysplasia).
We would like to point out that a specific diet, i.e. intended for the growing puppy, is a daily cure that limits the young dog's efforts and prevents the appearance of this disease or corrects it. The Labrador is also predisposed to elbow dysplasia, although this is a fairly rare disease.
Despite the fact that dysplasia protocols have not yet been fully delineated and are therefore rarely put into practice, professionals are studying this disease carefully.
Removing foreign bodies
A foreign body can penetrate the dog's ear and cause great discomfort. It is therefore recommended that you check your dog's ears every time you return from a walk. If, for example, a small thorn is observed, it should be removed with the help of tweezers. If you have any doubts or difficulties, it is best to consult your vet.
Vaccinations without forgetting booster shots
There is no substitute for vaccination to prevent diseases affecting dogs. Distemper, viral hepatitis, leptospirosis and piroplasmosis are serious diseases with deadly consequences. In general, the puppy we choose is vaccinated. It is initially given a first injection of vaccine and then a second if it is more than three months old. However, it is not yet immunised against the disease. Vaccination is effective if it includes a booster, scheduled every year or every two years, as determined by your vet. Rabies vaccination is compulsory when taking your dog abroad, but can also be recommended by your vet in other circumstances. It is advisable to consult him for any updates on rabies vaccination requirements.