Today, Agape Labradoodles in Denver shares a few tips on how to keep your Labradoodle healthy. We know that a healthy dog is a happy dog. And happy dogs help keep their owners happy too. Here are a few important items to consider for the health of your Labradoodle.
Diet is Key
A good diet is generally the foundation for good health for your Labradoodle puppy. Checking your dog food labels is important. You want to choose a dog food that has more meat protein in it than grain protein. The label lists ingredients in descending order, so this means that first ingredient should be a specific, real meat such as chicken, beef, or lamb. If the ingredient just lists “meat” that could be a mixture of questionable meat by-products that should be avoided.
You should also pay attention to the other top ingredients. Meat has a high water content so it is easy to be listed as the first ingredient because of its weight. Dog foods that list eggs, vegetables, and fruits after meat are generally wise choices because they will have less grain and soy content. Also, grain-free brands can be good choices.
Feeding Schedule
Because Labradoodles can be prone to gastric torsion (also known as bloat), you may consider providing your pup several smaller feedings a day instead of one large one. Some Labradoodles are also quick to wolf down their meals, which can be a contributing factor to bloat. If this is the case, your Labradoodle may benefit from having an interactive feeder that will slow your dog’s ability to eat too quickly.
Remember Regular Exercise
When it comes to how to keep your Labradoodle healthy, just remember that these dogs can be a high-energy breed requiring at least moderate exercise to keep up with their energy level. Be sure that your companion gets at least 20-30 minutes of exercise every day. Swimming, running, and fetch are all great ways to keep your Labradoodle healthy and happy.
Oral Hygiene
Many dog lovers overlook their dog’s teeth, but regular dental care is a good way to keep your Labradoodle healthy and add to their life span. It can seem silly, but regular brushing of your dog’s teeth can help prevent periodontal disease. Periodontal disease can lead to infection as well as damage your Labradoodle’s kidneys, liver, and heart. It is very common for this disease to cause serious problems, so brush your Labradoodle’s teeth regularly to help prevent the terrible problems that can result from a lack of tooth care.
Keep an Eye on Their Ears
Because Labradoodles have floppy ears, they can have issues with regular ear infections. Cleaning their ears can help prevent ear infections. Also, keep the fur around their ears trimmed. Long hair around their ears can contribute to a bacteria build-up, which invites infections. Check your Labradoodle’s ears regularly for redness, which is a sign of infection. Other signs include scratching more than normal or tenderness to the touch.
Knowing how to keep your Labradoodle healthy can help it live well beyond it usual lifespan of 10-15 years. We here at Agape Labradoodles in Denver know that you want your Labradoodle to live a long a healthy life and hope these tips will help.