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February 2012
Prevention Begins in Puppyhood
by Jill Swan
 When you were a kid, you squirmed and fought when there was something you didn’t want to do: eat your vegetables, brush your teeth, get your hair combed, take your vitamins. Puppies often react the same way. They’d rather be messy and unkempt and eat to their heart’s content, regardless of the consequences – and we often indulge them. Someday though, those little rebels will grow into 70-pound Labradors, which means their health problems get bigger, too.
So it is in the best interest of all to be conscious of your dog's health from the get-go by laying some ground rules and establishing routines during puppyhood. In this article, a few veterinarians offer their advice on preventative care – things you can introduce when your pup is young that will make, in the long run, for a healthier adult. Though there will be resistance when some practices are initiated, it's important to remain firm so that the pup gets used to them. Also, doing this will help to prevent you from having to fight an adult dog later on.
Dr. Jan Bellows, DVM, Diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College, of All Pets Dental, Weston, Florida, says there is a lot Lab owners can do to prevent or lessen periodontal disease. To be able to provide the best care for your Lab, start early and know what to avoid. "Keep harmful substances away from your Lab," explains Dr. Bellows. "Eliminate non-bendable objects such as synthetic nylon and real bones, cow hooves, antlers, pizzle sticks, ice cubes, and even inflexible commercially advertised items that sold as item that can clean teeth. If it does not bend, do not let your Lab chew on it." Hard objects can break your dog's teeth, which is painful and can cause infection.
It's important to get your pup used to having its mouth examined multiple times a month: stick your fingers in its mouth, check the canines, run your finger along the gum line. When the pup is older, Dr. Bellows recommends doing a monthly examination. "If part of the tooth appears to be missing and especially if there is a red or black dot in the middle of the tooth, a trip to your veterinarian is a must," he says. Because your Lab had its mouth examined when it was young, it won’t resist your touch – and you'll be comfortable looking for problems.
"Prevention Begins in Puppyhood" by Jill Swan appears in the upcoming March/April 2012 issue of Just Labs. In additional to oral care, the article goes over foot care, joint care, coat & skin care, and ear care.
If you are a subscriber, that issue will soon mail! Visit our Coming Soon page for a full Table of Contents and more excerpts! If you are not a subscriber and would like to read the rest of this article, sign up to receive a no-obligation issue or call 1-800-447-7367. Make sure you tell our circulation representatives that you'd like the March/April 2012 issue!
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