Puppy Advice (merged)

Sammie0782

Hi Lorne,

There are a number of articles on puppy/breeding health and healthchecks here, plus some useful information on sourcing and choosing a puppy:

http://www.thegundogclub.co.uk/Reference/articles.htm

Hope that helps!

Sam.

covlass

I speak from experience and would advise you have all checks done & check hip & eye score even if you have no intention of breeding. There are many fantastic breeders out there that only have the best intentions for any dogs they breed and it's for the love of the animals that they do it not just for money. Sadley there are far to many puppy farms and people who breed to make money.
http://www.lab-health.co.uk/
This is a fantastic web site written by owners of Labs

suki1964

schizometric wrote: »

You only need hip/eye scores if you're breeding or there is concern that there may be a problem.

Have to disagree. Hip and eye scores are important not only for the health of the dog but go a long way in showing which breeders are in to breeding for the good of the breed or those that are in it to make a few bob (back street breeders/puppyfarmers)

piratess

Hi .. i have to disagree with the comment about chewing Ours doesnt chew anything he shouldnt! .. he did have an episode with some shoes when he was a baby but hasnt chewed anything else! ..

How old is the lab you are thinking of? .. because upto 12 months they only recomend 5mins per month of its life of lead walking a day. this is due to the way their hips develop etc. Hip and eye scores are very important and could save expence and upset in the long run if anything happens such as hip/elbow displasia ..
a friend of mine has just had her 1yr old operated on at the cost of almost £3,000 he was insured but its definatly food for thought .. this pup needed 8weeks crate rest and now on 10 min walks a day ....

so alot to think about .. labrador forums are a great website good luck .. they certainly are alot of fun .. sociable loyal loving and great company!

Emmalancs

Hi again, I took Ruby to Vets like i said and she really perked up but by Thursday she had gone down hill again, took her straight in and they admitted her they did scan, xray and bloods she was on a drip until Friday morning i picked her up and the Vet says everything is normal can find nothing wrong except a bit tender on belly. Now it is Sunday and she still wont eat much not going number 2s now and still very lethargic, sleeps and just wants to be sat on my knee. I just dont know, she got vet checkup again tomorrow but its quite worrying. She also keeps chewing her pads i have checked but nothing.

JoeyDoll

Emmalancs wrote: »

Hi again, I took Ruby to Vets like i said and she really perked up but by Thursday she had gone down hill again, took her straight in and they admitted her they did scan, xray and bloods she was on a drip until Friday morning i picked her up and the Vet says everything is normal can find nothing wrong except a bit tender on belly. Now it is Sunday and she still wont eat much not going number 2s now and still very lethargic, sleeps and just wants to be sat on my knee. I just dont know, she got vet checkup again tomorrow but its quite worrying. She also keeps chewing her pads i have checked but nothing.

Hi Emmalancs

Sorry to hear about your pup. Just a thought probably already done it but she has been wormed hasn't she? The vet probably checked this but this can make them very lethargic and poorly if they have worms. Another thought is if she won't eat have you tried feeding her plain chicken and rice or scrambled egg as this is normally good for young pups who are poorly, please note though that sometimes cows milk can upset there tummy so use goats milk or mix with water for the scrambled egg. Good luck at your next vet appointment.

sammy_kaye18

Hi Emma

Sorry to hear pup is poorly again. Hope she is ok. Let us know how your vet check up went.

Just a word of warning - young puppies can develope hypoglycemia if they dont eat. I would try encouraging her with soft foods even if it is a tiny bit of chicken or somethign you wouldnt normally feed her - my dog likes rice, vg and low salt gravy when hes off colour in the winter months but i know hes had somethign even if it is a tiny smidge and it will help him out.

Emmalancs

sammy_kaye18 wrote: »

Hi Emma

Sorry to hear pup is poorly again. Hope she is ok. Let us know how your vet check up went.

Just a word of warning - young puppies can develope hypoglycemia if they dont eat. I would try encouraging her with soft foods even if it is a tiny bit of chicken or somethign you wouldnt normally feed her - my dog likes rice, vg and low salt gravy when hes off colour in the winter months but i know hes had somethign even if it is a tiny smidge and it will help him out.

Thanks i have been trying, she is on ID from the Vet and i have tried chix but no nothing. Keep wiping her mouth with some water just to see if she will drink. Will let you know.

shelly

Hi emma. How did Ruby get on at the vets today?

rev229

A few weeks ago I asked on here which breed of dog would be most suited to our family as I have a daughter with special needs (autism + epilepsy) I had lots of very helpful replies so wanted to update you all on how life has been with our new dog. We have had our new dog (Brandy) for 2 weeks she is a black with very little white boarder collie she is 4 years old. Well she is just lovely, very sweet natured and affectionate and full of fun. We were concerned about how our daughter and the dog would get on but they are best of friends and love playing in the garden together even in the rain. Our son has been very good and walks Brandy befor and after school and picks up the doggy doodoo. She has two long walks each day in the park one with me in the morning and after supper we all go doggy walking. She has been allowed of her lead for the past week and just loves the freedom of running all over the park, but comes back to us when called. She is great with other dogs and enjoys their company when in the park. Hates cats, and goes crazy when the front door bell goes or when post comes through the door (any advice on that?) Once the door is opened she is all waggy tailed and lovely! My husband is slowly warming to her ( think he quite likes her!!). I am so pleased that we have managed to rehome such a lovely dog.:j