Welcome, dog lovers! If you’re reading this post, chances are you have a furry friend who has already stolen your heart. And if that four-legged companion happens to be a loyal Labrador Retriever, then you know what it means to love an animal with every fiber of your being. Our Labradors are intelligent, energetic, and loving creatures that deserve the best care possible. In this post, we’ll share some tips on how to increase the lifespan of your beloved Labrador Retriever so that you can enjoy their company for as long as possible!
Introduction
Stress in a Lab is different than what stress would be in a human. It’s been noted that dogs who live stress free end up living longer lives than those who experience stress. Another factor in your dog living a long live is diet and exercise. Just like humans who are not active and eat alot of junk food, Labs who live this way will live a shortened life. Remember, we are working to increase the lifespan of our Labrador Retriever not shorten it.
The average lifespan of a Labrador retriever is 10-12 years, but some may live even longer with proper care. Keep your Lab healthy and happy for as long as possible with these tips:
Increase the Lifespan of your Labrador
1. Feed them a high-quality diet. This is one of the most important things you can do for your dog’s health. A good diet will keep their organs and systems functioning properly. It will help them maintain a healthy weight, and give them the energy they need to enjoy life.
2. Get them regular exercise: Labs are active dogs who need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. Take them for walks, runs, or hikes regularly. Play fetch or other games with them, and give them plenty of opportunities to run around and burn off energy. Even if you live in an apartment, you can get out daily to give your dog the activity it needs.
3. Keep up with their vaccinations and routine vet care. This will help prevent disease and keep your dog in good health overall. Be sure to take them for annual checkups and follow up on any recommended vaccines or booster shots. Don’t hesitate to call the vet if you have any concerns about your dog’s health.
4. Watch their weight. Like humans, carrying around extra weight can lead to issues such as diabetes, joint problems, heart issues and more. The ideal weight for a lab is less than most of us think. You want to see where the rib cage is. There should be an indentation between the ribs and the hips, this is where the tummy is. You don’t want however to see individual ribs. If you do than your dog is too lean. Maintaining that weight is a combination of the right amount of calories from food, treats and exercise.
Health and Diet to Increase Lifespan
A healthy diet is one of the key factors in extending your Labrador Retriever’s lifespan. Here are some tips on how to ensure your Lab is getting the nutrients they need:
-Choose a high-quality food that is not full of supplements. If a food has to add supplements, it means that the food is not sufficient alone.
-Feed them one to two meals a day. Research shows that fasting is beneficial for a lab so if you can’t feed one meal, feed your two meals within an 8 hour window.
-Make sure they have access to fresh, filtered water at all times.
Dog treats contribute to your dog’s health. Become an ingredient reader. You want to shoot for healthy, all natural, dehydrated or freeze dried treats. The fewer ingredients the better.
Another factor is your Labrador’s gut health. Many problems stem from an unhealthy gut. The way to fix this is to give your lab a daily dose of probiotics. You can do this by giving some keifer or some no sugar added Greek yoghurt.
Exercise and Activity to Increase Lifespan
It’s no secret that regular exercise is essential for maintaining good health and prolonging life. The benefits of exercise are well-documented, and there’s no reason to believe that they don’t apply to our furry friends as well.
In fact, studies have shown that dogs who get plenty of exercise tend to live longer and enjoy better overall health than those who don’t. So if you want your Labrador Retriever to stick around for a long time, make sure to give them plenty of opportunities to burn off some energy. It is important that your lab get a suitable duration and suitable intensity of exercise.
For example. A two year old lab who is only walked at a slow pace twice a day may not be able to burn off all the energy it has. You will need to increase the intensity to about 30 minutes of heart thumping activity twice a day for your lab to be happy. On the other hand, a 9 year old lab with aging joints may be happy with two 30 minute walks and ample time to sniff on those walks.
Mental Stimulation to Increase Lifespan
A tired dog is a good dog. Keeping your Labrador Retriever mentally stimulated will help to keep them happy, healthy, and prevent them from developing destructive behaviors.
There are a number of ways you can provide mental stimulation for your Lab:
-Enroll them in obedience classes or doggy sports like agility. This will give them something to focus on and burn off excess energy.
-Take them on hikes or runs in new places. This will allow them to explore and use their senses while getting some exercise.
-Try out different types of interactive toys and puzzles specifically designed to challenge their minds. This can include toys like these stuffed with treats or scent games where they have to find a hidden object.
-Make sure they get plenty of one-on-one attention from you every day. This could be in the form of training sessions, playtime, or just cuddling on the couch. It can also be achieved with a second dog if you have the resources. Remember, Labradors are pack animals.
How Genetics Contributes to Increase the Lifespan of your Labrador Retriever
The Labrador Retriever is a popular breed of dog that is known for its loyalty, friendly personality, and trainability. While Labradors are generally healthy dogs, there are some health conditions that are more common in this breed than others. One way to help ensure your Labrador lives a long and healthy life is to choose a dog with good genetics.
When looking for a Labrador puppy, the quality of the parents is a big factor in the quality of their puppies. A breeder who is open and honest about the health of their dogs is more likely to have healthier puppies. We are happy to discuss our breeding program and the health of any of our dogs.
A consideration for being the proper weight is also a factor for increasing the lifespan of your Labrador Retriever.
Medical Care
It is important to take your Labrador retriever to the vet for regular checkups and to keep up with their vaccinations. You should also create a good relationship with a local animal hospital in case of any emergencies. Keeping up on vaccinations and heart worm medication are also a priority.
Inspect your dog’s ears, eyes, paws and tummy daily and keep their coat well-groomed and watch for any signs of illness.
Preventative Measures
As with any pet, the best way to increase the lifespan of your Labrador Retriever is to practice preventative care. This means regular vet check-ups, a nutritious diet, and moderate exercise. Spaying can also contribute to an increased lifespan.
Vet check-ups are important for detecting health problems early on, when they are more easily treatable. A nutritious diet helps to keep your dog at a healthy weight and provides them with the nutrients they need for a long and healthy life. Moderate exercise helps to keep their muscles and joints strong and prevents obesity, which can lead to health problems down the road.
By taking these simple preventative measures, you can help ensure that your beloved Labrador Retriever enjoys a long and happy life by your side.
Conclusion to Increase the Lifespan of your Labrador Retriever
Taking good care of your dog is essential if you want to ensure they have a long and happy life. Proper diet, exercise, vaccinations, and regular check-ups are all necessary components in keeping your beloved canine companion healthy and strong for as long as possible. It’s also important to be aware of the different health conditions that can affect Labradors so you can take steps to prevent them from occurring. With proper care and nutrition, you can increase the lifespan of your Labrador Retriever and enjoy them for many years to come!
