Fleas, Ticks, Worms and more – How to avoid them
A Labrador can’t tell you when they are feeling sick. Paying attention to their behaviour and habits will give you a clear sign when something is wrong. Here are some common Labrador illnesses and ways to avoid them.
Fleas
Labs can develop flea infestation. While fleas do not embed themselves in a dogs coat, they do feed off of the dogs skin. To avoid fleas from invading your dogs body, avoid taking the dog for walks in wooded areas or places where fleas migrate. Most fleas may accumulate in the grassy area of your backyard. Daily brushing using a flea comb is recommended. If fleas persist, a local supermarket or veterinary will have a suitable spray / liquid to rid the fleas.
Ticks
Ticks are another problem that can cause illness in a Labrador. Ticks carry disease and can
become embedded in the undercoat of your Lab. They attach themselves to parts of a dogs body, and trying to remove them can be painful to your dog. To avoid ticks, it is recommended that anytime you take your dog for a walk you avoid areas where ticks migrate, such as: wooded areas, parks with thick brush and shrubbery, and particularly shaded areas where ticks usually reside.
Ear Mites
Another parasite that can be a health hazard for Labrador retrievers is ear mites. If you find that your Labrador is scratching their ears too frequently, check to determine if there is any brown-coloured mucus seeping from one or both ears. This is a clear indication that the ear has become infected. A visit to the vet is recommended.
Worms
There is an array of worms that can cause problems for your Labrador. Tapeworms, heartworms, roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms are among the most common. It is important to have your dog checked for any one of these conditions since some can be transmitted to children via the skin. Worm Tablets or Chews are usually given monthly or quarterly to your Labrador to prevent such worms.
Allergies
Labradors can suffer from allergies, too. Any type of bite or sting from a bug can be cause for alarm, especially if the dog is allergic. If you notice any swelling in the area of the bite or vomiting and diarrhea, take your dog to the vet immediately for treatment.
All of these common Labrador illnesses are caused by outside influences, not to mention interaction with other dogs that may have fleas or ticks, or ear mites. Dog faeces and developing an infection from digesting fleas are the most common causes. If you have acquired a puppy that has not been vaccinated, he may have an infection that resulted from nursing.
While you can avoid most of these illnesses, sometimes things just happen. Whether you take your Labrador for daily walks, live in rural areas where the dog can contract an illness, or take the dog on your camping trip; once you know what areas to avoid, the more control you will have in keeping your dog safe.