Labrador Retriever - Weight Issues

The Labrador retriever is a large breed and usually has a fairly easy life style as a family dog. A lab's appetite is large and this can cause severe problems with the dog's weight.

Being an affectionate and friendly dog it can sometimes be very hard to resist giving them scraps from the table at meal times. Just one look at those big brown eyes and you have to give in. You must understand that you are not doing your dog any favours by over feeding him and you are likely to be encouraging health problems in future years such as obesity, diabetes and joint issues like hip dysplasia, and arthritis.

Bloat is another health problem associated with labradors. It is caused by twisting of the stomach, which traps the food inside and can lead to swelling of the abdomen, pain and even death, if not treated. A good healthy diet for your Lab should begin when it's a puppy.

The labrador retriever's body should be shaped like an hourglass. If there is a sign of fullness in the abdominal area he could becoming overweight, in which case he should be given less food and treated to more exercise.

Diabetes

Modern dog food with high sugar and fat contents can have an adverse effect on your lab. Find the best diet for your pet. Look for a diet that is high in fiber and complex carbohydrates that will slow down the digestive process and help to stabilize blood sugar levels.

In obese labrador dogs, your vet will be able to advise a prescription diet. Try to avoid commercially-prepared pet foods, which can often contain high amounts of sugar and preservatives.

Exercise is an important way of keeping your dog’s blood sugar levels under control. Keep the exercise level constant each day, the time of day when the exercise is done, how strenuous the activity is, and how long the activity lasts. If you suddenly double the amount of exercise , your pet’s blood glucose levels could drop too low, as the body needs more glucose during exercise.

Natural Remedy for diabetes

GlucoBalance contains a specially selected combination of herbs known for their ability to maintain pancreatic health and normal production of insulin. Research has shown that the ingredients in GlucoBalance help to keep blood sugar levels within the normal range.

Arthritis

Nutrition and diet play a major part in the promotion of healthy joints and muscles.

As part of a holistic approach to treating your pet, natural remedies can help to promote a healthy immune system, encourage systemic cleansing (important for healthy joints and muscles), support strength in the skeletal system and generally improve the overall health of your labrador.

Natural Remedy for arthritis

Muscle and Joint Support capsules is a natural remedy, specially formulated for pets and contain nutritional substances all well known for their positive effect on the skeletal system, including muscles, joints, cartilage and tendons.

Natural Remedy for Obese Dogs

SlenderPet is a herbal formula to help pets maintain healthy body weight. It supports liver and thyroid functioning, metabolism, and the body's ability to eliminate fat. Used regularly and as part of a total weight management program, SlenderPet is a very effective remedy for obese dogs.

Many dog owners have a hard time resisting feeding their labradors treats, but remember, the more overweight the dog becomes, the less active he will be. Once your lab becomes overweight, it will not always be that easy for them to lose it.