Good natural anatomy and a protective coat mean that routine maintenance for Labradors is minimal. A hunting dog by nature, much of the general wear and tear arises from running around, jumping in and out of water, and rolling in the mud. Check the cleanliness of all body opening daily.
Ensuring Clear, Healthy Eyes:
Healthy eyes are bright and sparkling with dull pink mucous membranes. Some older Labradors have droopy lower eyelids which allow debris to collect, causing inflammation. Bathe the area round your dog’s eyes daily with cotton wool moistened with tepid salt water. If the eyes appear reddened or cloudy, or show any discharge or signs of squinting, contact your veterinarian to arrange a thorough examination.
Brushing the Teeth:
Check daily for any items lodged in the mouth or between the teeth. Once a week clean the teeth, avoiding human toothpaste as it froths and will be swallowed. Use an up – and – down motion with a soft brush to massage the gums.
Prevent Tartar:
Without routine cleaning, tartar can accumulate on the teeth, leading to bad breath, root infection, and gum disease. In addition to regular professional scaling, rawhide chews are helpful in controlling tartar build – up. This Labrador’s teeth and gums require medical attention.
Inspecting the Ears:
Examine the ears daily for foreign material such as grass seeds, and for inflammation, wax, or odour. Remove excess wax carefully with a dampened tissue; a cotton bud can act like a plunger and push wax further into the ear.
Cutting the Nails:
A Labrador’s nails seldom need clipping. If they do grow long, command your dog to sit and use non – crushing “guillotine” clipper. Yellow Labradors’ pink nails are the easiest to trim, as the quick is clearly visible. With black or chocolate dogs, take extra care to avoid this sensitive area.
Where to clip nails the pink interior, called the quick or nail bed, contains blood vessels and nerves. Always cut in front of the quick. If unsure, ask your vet to demonstrate the correct technique.
Washing the Paws:
Wash dirt off the paws with tepid or cool water, rubbing your fingers between the pads to remove hardened mud. Avoid hot water, especially in cold weather, and only use cleansers safe for human skin. Rinse and dry the paws thoroughly afterwards.
Anal Hygiene:
Excessive licking or dragging of the rear can mean that the scent – producing anal sacs are blocked, causing discomfort. Wearing protective gloves squeeze the sacs empty applying firm pressure from both sides. Use absorbent materials to collect the fluid.
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