Labrador: a professional glutton who loves water

The Labrador is one of the family dogs par excellence: sociable, patient and eager to please. It’s also known for something less poetic: it eats everything.

Food, under control

Labradors are very prone to putting on weight and almost never say no to food. Getting serious about this is one of the best things you can do for its health.

• Weigh its portion instead of guessing by eye.
• Treats count too: take them off its daily portion.
• A slow-feeder bowl or a fillable toy makes it eat more slowly and keeps it busy.
• Weigh it now and then. You should feel its ribs with your hand without pressing.

Exercise and water

It’s a working dog with lots of energy. It needs long walks and, if it can, swimming and fetching. A Labrador that doesn’t get tired finds its own entertainment, and that usually means chewing.

Ears after a swim

It loves water and has floppy ears, so moisture stays inside. Dry them well after a swim and check them often. If they smell bad or it shakes its head a lot, see the vet.

Joints

Hip and elbow problems are common in the breed. Keeping it at its right weight helps a lot. Ask your vet about check-ups, especially if it’s a puppy or already older.

Almost all of this also applies to the Golden Retriever, its long-haired cousin, which also needs a good brush during moulting.