Everything you need to know about your dog but are afraid to ask!

Any dog can have an accident or develop a health condition but, as vets, we see some conditions in specific breeds over and over again.

Knowing what a dog’s potential health issues are can help you decide if a breed is right for you, and what you will do if your dog is poorly.

Getting a new dog is really exciting and, it’s easy to get drawn in by the big eyes, long ears, wrinkly skin, or
cute little legs in front of you.

But there’s a lot to consider before you decide to take a dog on.

• Have you got the time and the space to have a dog?
  
• Does the dog’s personality suit your home life?
  
• And one thing that people often overlook: What will I do if my dog is poorly?

Accidents are unpredictable and any dog can become ill.

But every dog breed has some health conditions that it may be prone to.

It’s important to know what might crop up and whether you will be in a position to manage it.

Pet insurance is a good safety net (if you’ve got a good policy!), but pet insurance has it’s limits and it can’t help with everything.

Will you be able to handle the daily tasks of looking after a dog with skin allergies, the long road recovering from spinal surgery, or care for a dog with heart failure?

Be prepared and know what the possible health risks are BEFORE you bring that dog home and fall in love.

What to expect when you get a Labrador

Lifespan: 10-15 years

Trainability: Easy

Exercise: High energy

Grooming: Moderate

Pawesome Rating: 5 Paws

Why we love them…

Labradors are friendly and outgoing dogs.

They tend to be eager to please which makes them easy to train.

They are a hardworking, energetic and amiable breed making them a popular choice as both a
working dog and a pet.

They are loyal and dependable and love nothing more than being part of a whatever you’re doing.

Things to know…

Labradors are prone to elbow and hip dysplasia, cruciate disease and osteoarthritis.

Treatment may require surgery and long term pain medication and physiotherapy.

Labradors are well known for their love of anything edible (and some things that aren’t!) and are prone to obesity, which can make joint problems worse as well as increasing the risk of cancer and diabetes.

Skin disease, including ear infections, is common in labradors.

Management may require daily medication, regular injections, prescription foods, frequent ear cleaning
or bathing.

Before you commit…

If you’re getting a puppy check the hip and elbow scores of mum and dad.

Ask if there is known skin disease in the breeding line.

If you’re taking on an adult dog ask about previous injuries and veterinary treatment.

Look for signs of skin disease (brown stains on the feet or face, thinning hair or bald patches, sore skin).

Research the cost of food, preventative healthcare, veterinary care, and pet insurance.