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Training Your Labrador Retriever- Canine Health

2016/5/3 11:58:00

Training Your Labrador Retriever- Canine Health

Everyone loves their dog. Sometimes behavior problems creep up but these can be solved with a bit of training and dedication. Perhaps you need to find a good trainer but most problems with training are able to be solved. Health problems in dogs are another story. A trip to the Vet is usually required to address these. It makes sense to be as knowledgeable as possible so that you can make the most of your Vet visit or decide if one is required.

Some health problems in dogs are genetic and others are acquired. Large breed dogs have some issues that are not found in smaller dogs. Joint problems can develop from overuse or starting with exercise too early in a dog's life. German Shepards, Labrador Retrievers, Great Danes and St. Bernard dogs all may have genetic propensity toward hip and elbow displasia. This is a malformation of the hip socket that causes the dog to have pain in later life and can be crippling in older dogs.

Other health problems in dogs with genetic origins can creep up in some Labradors and other large breed dogs. One of these is Torque. This is a condition where the stomach twists and flips over causing an obstruction. This can be repaired at the Vet but is a serious condition when it happens and can cause fatalities. Many veterinarians will add stitches inside the dog that will prevent reoccurance but surgery in necessary to correct this malady. The movie "Marley and Me" showed the symptoms and difficulties that a dog with Torque experiences. Ultimately this is what Marley succumbed to.

Many health problems in dogs are addressed with vaccinations. Typically a puppy will acquire some protection from its mother while nursing. When they are weaned this protection stops and the pup is not protected after a few weeks. This is why the vaccination schedule starts at 8-10 weeks. It is important that the pup is vaccinated to maintain this protection when the mother's immunity wears off.

The current health problems in dogs that are typically addressed with vaccinations are Rabies, Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza and Parvovirus. Some areas of the US also treat for Canine Corona virus and Leptospirosis. When traveling or when the dogs are boarded many boarding kennels will require a Bordatella vaccination. Bordatella is also known as kennel cough and while not usually fatal, is highly contagious and will run through a kennel in no time. A tick borne disease called Lymes also has a vaccination although this is not usually given unless exposure is expected.

Health problems in dogs are typically of two types genetic or acquired. Genetic problems should be addressed by the breeders by testing their breeding stock to eliminate as many problems as possible. Acquired problems need to be corrected with vaccinations. It is highly recommended that you keep your dog's immunity to the various diseases and viruses current. Keep your vaccinations current and avoid keep your dog healthy.