Sadly we also lost Tyson at the age of 13 in November.
This was very sad but in the end he was unable to get himself around without
pain and we hope he is more comfortable now. He will be greatly missed by
many people, as he was such a great dog. Thanks to all those who sent us wishes
at the time and to Phil Hutt for his compassion.
Labradors are susceptible to many complaints suffered by humans. These include
hay-fever, allergies, cancer
Heart conditions, diabetes and arthritis. They are also susceptible to inherited
and environmental conditions such as Hip Dysplasia (HD) and Progressive Retinal
Atrophy (PRA). All possible care has been taken with our breeding programme
to ensure that these conditions are not evident, however, because of the random
nature of the genes no one can guarantee puppies free from inherited disorders
even if the immediate parental stock used is clear.
Regular treatment is required for puppies and adults. The most common worm infestation is round worm. However, a general all-purpose worm preparation is recommended. Your puppy has been wormed, several times, and should be wormed again at 9 weeks. Cases of Heartworm have been detected in our area and many parts of South Australia. We recommend that you discuss worming, in particular heartworm protection, with your veterinarian at the time of immunisation booster.
Fleas and Parasites:Check with regular combing and brushing for coat problems. Fleas can be a problem in sandy areas or in bedding or matting that cannot be washed. Check ears for ear mites or odour. There are many good products available for flea control some of which can simply be added to food. Citronella, which is available from health food shops or garlic are good for the control of fleas. Skin applications and flea collars can also be affective. Check carefully the manufacturers instructions. We do not recommend strong chemical products of any kind for young puppies.
Vaccinations:Your puppy has been vaccinated and will require further shots set out on the vaccination card. It is important that these dates are noted and adhered to within one or two days provided the puppy is fit and well. Until the course is completed, earlier vaccines do not continuously protect your puppy. Annual boosters are required according to veterinary advice.
De-sexing:We do not recommend de-sexing for your Labrador (male or female). It will not significantly
affect the dog's behaviour or change its personality in any way. (Females) If after
the first season you decide that your bitch is unsuitable for breeding, and
consider de-sexing as the final solution we strongly recommend that de-sexing
take place just prior to the second season. This ensures your Labrador is
fully developed and matures physically and psychologically before interfering
with her hormones.
De-sexing will probably cause a weight problem for you and your dog.
Should you wish to breed from your Labrador we would be happy to provide you
with advice or assistance.
Equipment:
Not much is required to maintain the Labrador. A slip collar, large water
bowl, a metal food dish which can be easily cleaned , a warm bed and a place
of their own are the main things. Baby Labradors should have a cloth slip
collar that can be washed. You need a good walking lead, which is fairly wide
and soft on your hands (woven nylon or leather with a large clip). A longer
lead for exercising and a shorter one for training are suggested.
We recommend obedience lessons for the whole family
DO NOT OVER EXERCISE!! A few minutes practice on the lead every day or two
five to ten minutes of play several times per day is all that is required
until about 16 to 18 weeks. Gradually increasing exercise by 8 months to a
20-minute walk.
Labradors are a moderately heavy boned dog and can be subject to repetitive
strain and stress. Long runs, running up and down steps, slippery floors and
excessive play or play with larger dogs is not recommended until fully grown.
Too much exercise can cause lameness and may lead to shoulder and hip joint
problems such as osteochondrosis and hip dysplasia.
As environmental factors such as injury, strain, overexercise and diet may
play a part in the development of HD & OCD, it is essential that we are
notified immediately any joint disease is suspected so that we may be involved
in any consultative process concerning the future of the puppy. If not involved
in any decision-making we will also not consider ourselves to have any further
responsibility in the matter.
We have at all times endeavoured to breed from animals with no inherited abnormalities.
There is, however, a breed incidence that cannot be for-seen.
All of our puppies receive a veterinarian examination and immunisation before
sale and are considered to be in good physical condition.
