akc german shepherd puppies for sale in illinois

akc german shepherd puppies for sale in illinois - The first vaccination for your Golden takes place between 6 to 8 weeks. Since everything is new to your pup, he might be timid and get easily scared. Golden puppies just left their source of security and are away from their littermates and mother for the first time. Bring your pup out to relieve him after every meal. Divide it into four small meals throughout the day. This is also the recommended age to start training. Housebreaking is especially important to avoid bad habits from developing. If you want him to be friendly to all, socialization at this age is also essential. This will help him grow familiar with strange sights, smells, and sounds. For the diet, stick to feeding him four small meals a day with the same amount mentioned for 7-week Goldens. After the vaccines, keep your Golden pup away from other pets for at least two weeks. Golden Retriever at 3 months This allows them to have full immunity, especially against the fatal parvovirus. They are becoming more curious, and you might have a problem with biting. Stay calm and teach him gently but firmly that he is not allowed to chew on you or anything else, except his chew toy. You can also acclimate him to grooming. Get him used to being combed and his paws handled. Introduce him to the blowdryer and praise him when he stays calm. You can start to be more serious about training. Spread 2 cups of kibble over the day, and cut one meal out by the end of the week. He should also be picking up basic commands. If your pup is quick to learn, kick it up a notch by teaching him a few tricks. Golden Retriever at 5 months Offer some chew toys that you can cool in the fridge to alleviate him discomfort. You may also start exercising him for 20 minutes a day, as this is the stage where he should show excitement for the outdoors. Swimming, fetch, and walking are great to start things off. Some Goldens are potty-trained around the 4-month mark, although accidents might still occur. He will have the body of an adult, but the legs and tail of a puppy. Golden Retriever at 6 months Also, his nose and ears will grow faster, so you end up with a goofy-looking pup. You need to be careful with him for the next six months because this is when they are most vulnerable to developing hip dysplasia. Avoid long walks, going down the stairs, and stopping suddenly while running. The pressure from those activities might cause joints to deform. Your Golden may also start to display signs of sexual maturity in the next few months, if not neutered or spayed. Some of them never grow out of it and will stay young at heart into their old age. To be sure he is free from hip dysplasia, have him checked by the vet when he is two years old. When do Golden Retrievers stop growing? Golden Retrievers grow the fastest between 3 to 6 months of age. Around the six-month mark, their growth starts to taper off. This will prevent him from reaching his full potential. If left untreated, it can cause lasting damage to their bones, muscles, immune system, skin, and digestive system. Being ill for an extended period might also affect his development. Your puppy may be stunted due to malnutrition. Dangers of stunted or accelerated growth Some people prefer bigger Goldens, but some like them small, like Mini Golden Retrievers. This might lead to under or over-feeding, neither of which is ideal. Accelerated growth can cause hip or elbow dysplasia. It can also be responsible for bone disease and arthritis. Stunted Golden puppies, whether by illness or under-feeding, are generally weaker, and make them susceptible to falling sick. What is the best age to spay or neuter your pup? You can spay Golden Retriever puppies as early as 8 weeks old, but any time before they reach sexual maturity is preferred, which is around one year old. This will prevent undesirable behaviors such as marking, territorial behavior, or a fixation with toys. All of which are hard to correct when they manifest. For breeds that are predisposed to hip dysplasia, vets recommend spaying around the 6-month mark. Will neutering or spaying your Golden pup affect his or her growth? Yes, fixing a Golden before they reach sexual maturity generally causes your dog to grow bigger. This is because sex hormones suppress growth hormones. Without growth inhibition, your Golden will continue to grow. Aside from joint problems, there are also a few issues connected to spaying or neutering. They can become more prone to some forms of cancer. Some dogs also experience a change in behavior after the operation. The lack of estrogen can make female dogs more aggressive. Male dogs may also experience an increase in fearfulness. Sexual maturity usually occurs in Golden around 8 to 12 months. This gives you ample time to decide whether to sterilize or not. How heavy is a newborn Golden Retriever puppy? But, puppies as small as 10 oz at birth have been recorded. They usually leave their mom at 10 lbs. Also, bigger litters generally have smaller puppies, but they should all catch up by their 8th week. How to identify an overweight Golden Retriever? Use your eyes and hands to assess if your Golden is overweight or not. A survey in showed that .While it might look cute or funny, overweight dogs actually have shorter lifespans. Being excessively chubby shaves off two years and causes health issues. Do Golden Retriever types have different growth rates? Show dogs are often heavier than working dogs. Aside from other factors we mentioned, a nutritious diet and an active lifestyle will help keep your Golden healthy and happy. Remember, their final size will vary from one another, depending on variation and pedigree. At what age is a Golden Retriever fully grown? As larger dogs, Golden Retrievers can take up to two years to reach their full weight. Most Golden Retrievers will be close to their adult height and weight around a year of age but may need one more year to fill out their chest fully. A six-month-old male Golden Retriever will weigh between 35 to 45 pounds, while their female counterpart will weigh around 30 to 35 pounds at the same age. As for their height, most Golden Retrievers will still need another three to six months to reach their adult height. At this age, they will likely be a few inches away from their adult height, which ranges from .Pro Tip: Check out this ultimate pet parent guide with 39 dog care tips on bonding with your pet, puppy-proofing your home, training, microchips, and more! How much bigger will my Golden Retriever get? There are a few ways you can estimate how much bigger your Golden Retriever will get. If they are less than a year old, they still need more time to reach their full adult size. Many Golden Retrievers can take up to two years to completely fill out, though their weight at one year old is usually close to their full adult weight. A puppy is rarely larger than their bigger parent, so this will also give you a general idea of their maximum weight. If their paws still look large or oversized next to their body and legs, they are probably still filling out and have some growing left to do, as this is a classic sign of adolescence in canines. What is the size of a full-grown Golden Retriever? As adults, Golden Retrievers will appear overall symmetrical and have a powerful body hidden beneath beautiful, golden fur. Golden Retrievers are stunning, sunny dogs that easily steal our hearts. Unfortunately, as a purebred dog breed, they are more susceptible to genetic diseases, which can compromise their lifespan and quality of life. However, many genetic disorders can be treated or prevented with regular veterinary care. Remember that prevention is almost always easier and less expensive than treatment. Your veterinarian may recommend a large-breed growth food to your Golden Retriever puppy to support their growth rate which can help prevent or decrease the severity of hip dysplasia in adulthood. According to the Veterinary Centers of America , Golden Retrievers are also more prone to gaining excess weight. Golden Retrievers are also susceptible to various genetic health disorders, such as oral tumors and aortic stenosis. Aortic stenosis is most commonly found in large, purebred dogs, including Golden Retrievers, and occurs when the aortic valves to the heart narrow. Aortic stenosis causes the body to struggle to pump blood through the valve, creating additional stress on the body. If untreated, aortic stenosis can lead to muscle failure and even fatality. However, veterinarians can treat many genetic diseases like aortic stenosis and oral tumors through surgery and medication. Even with proper prevention and wellness care, necessary veterinary visits can be expensive, with many treatments costing thousands of dollars. Out of over 20, pet parents surveyed , only .The last thing you should be focused on when the worst happens is how to finance a needed surgery or treatment for your beloved pet. This is where pet insurance comes in. Just like people, dogs are living longer lives and will need additional veterinary care to maintain a happy quality of life. Let pet insurance help you with these costs should the worst happen to your dog. Wellness plans are also available as an add-on to help with the ongoing costs of regular veterinary care , like x-rays and exams. Act now and give yourself peace of mind knowing that your Golden Retriever is covered should anything happen. Compare top Golden Retriever pet insurance plans side-by-side with Pawlicy Advisor today! Key Takeaways On average, male Golden Retrievers weigh pounds and females weigh pounds. At full height, Goldens stand between .Although puppies groww extremely fast, the Golden Retriever breed can take as long as 2 years to reach full maturity. Owners should keep an eye on their Golden Retriever's diet because they are very prone to obesity. Pet insurance helps cover the cost of care necessary to give your Goldie a happy, healthy life. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. At this stage, nipping bad behaviors in the bud is more important than imprinting positive ones. Instead, just redirect them to positive behavior and reward them accordingly. By this point, your puppy should have already been given their distemper and parvovirus vaccinations. By this point, they should be fully housetrained or close to it. Your dog will be likely to gnaw and bite on anything they can get their chompers on—including you. Stay calm and redirect their attention to appropriate objects like chew toys. Your Golden should be fully accustomed to their new kibble at this point, and you should feed them three to four times per day. A 3-month-old dog should also get a DHHP booster, which protects them from parvo, distemper, parainfluenza, and adenovirus. You can play with your pup as much as you like, but take care not to put too much stress on their joints. Avoid a bunch of running and jumping, especially on hard surfaces. Your dog can transition from four meals per day down to three at this point, but the meals should probably be larger. This can cause digestive issues until your dog gets accustomed to it, so be prepared to clean up a few messes. Training should continue, although your primary focus will likely be convincing your pup to chew on something besides your shoes. Your dog will need another DHPP booster at this point, as well as a rabies vaccination. Other optional vaccines include Bordetella, Lyme disease, coronavirus, and leptospirosis. This could cause a brief burst of intense biting and chewing, so power through it. Make sure your pup has plenty of chew toys available to them. Stairs in particular should be avoided. Your pup is likely to start asserting itself at this stage and may start to mature sexually if not spayed or neutered. There are no vaccinations required at this point. Everyone knows how much fun it is to raise teenagers, right? This can lead to undesirable behaviors like aggressiveness, increased tendency to roam, and destructiveness. As a result, you may think that your dog is too skinny, but resist the urge to increase their rations. While most breeds have a puppy coat that they eventually grow out of, Goldens do not. Instead, their puppy coat becomes their undercoat, so you may notice your dog becoming increasingly fuzzy. The teenage rebelliousness should be wearing off by this point, and your dog is ready to begin training in earnest. You should still be feeding them twice daily, and they should stay on puppy kibble for at least another 6 months. Goldens reach their full height between 9 and 12 months old. Females tend to get there faster, but males will be taller in the end. You may also need to cut back on the amount that you feed them. It depends on the individual dog, but females generally reach maturity first. Spaying or neutering your dog has its pros and cons. The pros are fairly obvious: less marking, reduced misbehavior, and zero chance of getting an unexpected litter of puppies. Spaying and neutering can also protect against certain cancers. You may want to wait until your dog is at least 12 months old before getting them fixed. This also leaves the window open longer in which they can suffer skeletal damage, though, so be careful about how active you allow them to be. However, stunted growth and growing too quickly can cause serious health problems, so you should check with your vet to make sure your dog is growing on schedule. Stunted growth is usually caused by malnourishment or a medical problem. You should have your pup tested for parasites like hookworm or ringworm, and consider switching them to a higher-quality, calorie-dense food. If left untreated, malnourishment can lead to weak bones, muscles, and immune system. As you might expect, growing too quickly is often caused by feeding your dog too much. American and British Goldens are similar. However, American Goldens tend to be less stocky and muscular, instead having a leaner appearance. They may weigh a bit less as well. They tend to be taller as well, often standing an inch or two higher than their counterparts. Conclusion Golden Retrievers make excellent pets, and we understand how hard it is to resist the temptation to bring a puppy home. If you do, though, you should understand what to expect from your new dog. Steady growth is what you want to see, without too many peaks or valleys. This sets your dog up for a long, healthy lifespan. Every dog develops at their own pace, so as long as you feed your pup an appropriate amount of high-quality puppy kibble and get them vaccinated regularly, you should be fine. See also:. Your new furry friend has a lot of growing to do, and you probably have a lot of questions. Your Golden Retriever puppy will go through a number of developmental stages throughout their first twelve weeks. Male Golden Retrievers generally weigh between 65 and 75 pounds and stand from 23 to 24 inches tall. Females are generally smaller weighing between 55 to 65 pounds, and will grow to stand .At 4 months, your Golden Retriever puppy will reach about half their adult height. When it comes to mental development, it can take even longer than that before the Golden Retriever is fully mature. However, every puppy is a unique individual, and these are merely milestone guidelines. Disparities exist between the working and show Goldens, as well as between males and females. Golden Retriever puppy growth can also be quite sporadic. As an overall average, many Golden Retriever puppies will weigh just approximately 1. Golden Retrievers are classified as a gundog breed, and these dogs are often divided into those bred for show and those meant for work. However, the body of the show Golden is typically larger, taller, heavy-boned, and fuller in the chest. Small Parents Like people, puppies inherit physical traits from their parents. And even puppies from the same litter can vary in size. Neither of these scenarios is healthy for a puppy. Larger breeds like the Golden Retriever are more at risk for growth disorders than small breed dogs. This article will give you a lot more information on how much to feed, what to feed, and how often to feed a Golden Retriever puppy. Illness and Puppy Growth If a puppy has been seriously ill for a prolonged period, it may affect their ability to grow normally. However, once the puppy is free of worms, they should continue to grow at a normal rate. The best way to determine if your puppy is too thin or too fat is by how he looks and feels. When looking at your puppy from above, he should have a noticeable waistline. Another way to tell is by putting your hands on either side of his ribcage. You should be able to feel his ribs using a gentle pressure. But if his ribs are visible, he could be underweight. Obesity is a huge problem for many dog breeds. Although there are ways to make your puppy grow bigger, this is not something you should attempt. It could also mean you end up with a fat puppy. One of the best ways to ensure your puppy has a long, healthy life is to ensure he stays at an optimal weight. Hip and elbow dysplasia and other musculoskeletal disorders are associated with excess weight in larger breeds. Having your dog neutered at a young age can also cause them to grow taller. The problem is, this can also cause abnormalities in joint formation. Neutering also makes Golden Retrievers more at risk for certain types of cancers. Typically it will take approximately 18 months for your Golden Retriever to become an adult dog. Even though they can reach their full height at anywhere from 9 to 12 months, it will usually take them longer to fill out to their full weight. Remember that there are wide variations in size within the Golden Retriever breed. If this is the case, you should contact your veterinarian to seek advice. Beginning the puppy development stages before birth Puppy development stages week by week Amazingly, in a way the puppy development stages begin before your dog is even born. Your puppy spends approximately 9 weeks developing inside his Mom. The mother dog has a womb or uterus, that has two long tubes, and the puppies grow in a row along each tube rather like peas in a pod. The puppies are joined to their mother by a placenta which provides all the nourishment they need for those few weeks. To begin with, the puppies have plenty of room to move but they grow fast and as the time for birth draws near they are packed in quite tightly. The one week old puppy Your puppy is born fully furred but with his eyes and ears closed so he cannot hear or see. His front feet are strong and he can pull himself towards his mother with them. He can cry if he is uncomfortable and his mother will respond to his cries by moving him towards her and licking him. Your puppy spends most of his time sleeping or suckling. He cannot regulate his own body temperature and needs his mother for heat, or an artificial heat source. In the first week to ten days of his life your puppy grows rapidly and will double his birth weight. His forelegs are getting much stronger. She licks the puppies bottoms to stimulate a bowel or bladder movement and eats the result. There is no cleaning up for the breeder to do yet. The breeder will begin to handle the puppies more though, and get them used to human contact. She will worm the puppies for the first time at the end of this week. Puppies begin to get their personalities. Your puppy can stand and sit up by the end of the week. Tails can be wagged, ears will be completely open and puppies start play growling and interacting with their littermates. Your puppy can regulate his body temperature more effectively and will start to cut his first teeth in preparation for weaning. The front teeth, canines and incisors are cut first. Toward the end of the week he may have his first tiny taste of puppy food. They also start to move away from the sleeping area to empty their bowels and bladder. They may try to climb out of the whelping box. If she lives indoors, she may rejoin the family for more of each day. Your puppy will cut his back teeth and the breeder will get weaning underway this week and by the end of it, your puppy will be getting quite a bit of his nourishment from puppy food. She will also worm the puppies a second time. If the mother is allowed near the puppies after she has been fed, she may regurgitate her dinner for them. This is completely natural and normal. He is a proper little dog. Rolling around with his brothers and sisters and playing with toys. Teething toys, puppy Kongs, balls and rope toys are big favorites with puppies. He can bark too and some puppies can be quite noisy at this age! He chases after his mother whenever she appears and suckles hungrily, but she is starting to get fed up with it, and may be reluctant to feed her brood for very long. His mother is teaching him not to bite too hard. If he lives in outdoor kennels he should spend part of each day indoors with the family. By the end of the sixth week, most are fully weaned, and eating five or six little meals of puppy food each day. Socialization must begin in earnest. He is now two months old and ready for his new life. It is the time during which they become fearful of anything unfamiliar and need to be thoroughly socialized. This is also the time during which most puppies get to grips with house-training, learning to wait before eliminating and start sleeping through the night without a potty break. It is a busy time for new puppy owners. Your puppy will have his vaccinations during this month. Biting can be a big problem during this stage and you need to be patient and consistent in order to teach the puppy not to hurt people when he plays. Provided you use force free methods, this is a great time to get puppy training under way, and especially to teach a puppy recall, and to get your puppy used to working with food. So, for a 2. You can do the same calculation for medium pups at sixteen weeks and large breed pups at 20 weeks — just divide his weight by his age in weeks before you multiply by .Medium to large pups will reach about half their adult height by the end of the month. If the weather is warm you can get your puppy swimming now. He should be able to come when he is called, in and around your home, provided there are not too many distractions. It all depends on what you have taught him. He may still be chewing a lot and biting too. Use frozen Kongs to help him and give your furniture and fingers a break. Puppies can go for short walks now. By the end of this month your puppy could have a twenty minute walk each day. He may also enjoy fetching a ball and playing with other dogs, but take care to stop before he gets very tired. Less dependence This is the month during which some puppies start to become less dependent on their humans for security. Keep your puppy close to you outdoors by changing direction frequently so that you puppy has to keep coming to find you. And engaging him in games. The foundations of a great recall are often build or spoilt during this month. If your puppy knows how to sit or lie down at home, start some simple proofing exercises with him in public places. A healthy puppy can usually manage on two meals a day from around six months. During this month a Retriever, Spaniel or GSD puppy will reach around two thirds of his adult weight. A Great Dane and other large breeds will have reached about half their final weight and little dogs will have almost completed their growth. Some female dogs will come on heat for the first time during this month, or the next, so keep an eye open now for swelling of her vulva and any discharge. Your dog will become increasingly confident over the next few months so practice, practice and practice that recall! Make it a habit he cannot break. And be generous with your rewards. Small breed pups may now be more or less mature. Your puppy will enjoy half hour off lead walks now, and should be able to walk on a loose lead for short periods with plenty of encouragement and rewards. Keep practicing that recall! These help to slow his growth further and to build his confidence. Make sure you practice good outdoor management on walks to maintain the good recall you have built and work hard on thoroughly proofing all his obedience skills. Read up on neutering before you take this important step, for dogs of either sex. Once your dog is a year old he can participate in more strenuous activities and sports. Now is the time to think about the kinds of activities you would like to do with him — go jogging together for example — and if necessary, to start to get him fit. Puppy development stages — Summary There is huge variation in the way in which dogs develop and mature. The puppy development stages and ages outlined above are a rough guide. We hope you enjoyed them and found the information interesting. When it comes to training, you get out what you put in. Your progress depends as much if not more on you rather than your puppy. If you train your puppy five times a day, six days a week he will learn many, many times faster than a puppy that is trained once a day at the weekend. Enjoy watching your puppy grow and develop. And have fun! By Tom Massey Mar 02, Adopting a golden retriever is one of the best decisions you can make. These loving dogs are constantly praised for their gentle and calm, yet playful nature, making them perfect dogs for all walks of life and types of families. So when you do finally bring your Golden Retriever puppy home, you want to do everything you can to give them a long and healthy life for years to come. This is a wide range, so keep in mind that the weight of your Retriever will vary depending on genetic factors and sex. For example, female Golden Retrievers will weigh closer to 55 pounds while Golden Retriever males are heavier and will weigh closer to 75 pounds. Females also typically reach their full size by their first birthday, while males may continue growing through their second year. You can usually tell the size males and females will be based on what their parents look like, which is why Snowy Pines encourages meeting the parents or browsing through their photos and biographies online. Then, calculate 1. What to Expect: This age is crucial for mother-puppy bonding since he will depend on his mother for food, cleaning, and socialization. Image Source Weeks months Golden Retriever Male Weight: Between 8 to 12 weeks, your male puppy will average between 10 to 22 pounds. Golden Retriever Female Weight: Although females will grow to be smaller than males, they are typically around the same weight at this age group. The puppies become very playful, curious, and discover their voices little by little. Introductory training like house training is essential. Socialization is also important, which is why Snowy Pines ensures that all puppies stay with their littermates until adoption. For female puppies, 6 months is a little over the halfway point to their full-size, and males are essentially smaller versions of their adult bodies. Remember, at this age, you can multiply by two to determine their adult weight! What to Expect: Socialization is still crucial at this age, and more intense training can also begin. The puppy should also be kept in happy and safe environments, as any exposure to something fearful at this age may impact him long-term. This is entirely normal: Think of your puppy as a teenager who is going through adolescence and waiting for the rest of his body to catch up. They may get territorial and challenge you and other pets for dominance. Most Golden Retrievers will be fully grown by 24 months old, although this varies. Golden Retriever Female Weight: In most cases, females are finished growing before 16 to 24 months. Whatever their nature is like at the to month mark is likely what it will be throughout their adult life. They are loyal, friendly, and calm, making them the perfect companion for small and large families alike. However, Goldens are susceptible to certain illnesses and diseases that are common in bigger breeds that are typically caused by overfeeding, stunted or accelerated growth, and genetic issues. One of the most common diseases that goldens experience is Osteochondritis dissecans OCD. OCD is a developmental disease that affects large-breed dogs because of the accelerated growth they experience. It is an inflammatory condition that causes abnormal cartilage development on the end of a bone in the joint. This can lead to joint problems like arthritis and hip dysplasia which commonly appears in the elbow, hip, and knee. Image Source The good news is that, although larger breeds like golden retrievers are prone to joint issues like this, you may be able to help prevent it through proper practice. OCD is a specific disease that is more common in dogs that receive too much energy and calcium in their diets. Other common factors are genetics, rapid growth, and hormonal factors. Overfeeding can lead to obesity, and all that extra weight can leave your puppy with skeletal abnormalities that put too much weight on joints. Another way to avoid accidentally stunted or accelerated growth is to ensure your golden retriever puppy is getting fed appropriately and receiving the right amount of calories. Image Source Months Between 2 and 4 months old, your puppy should eat 4 times per day with 2 ounces per meal. This will add up to 7 to 9 ounces per day, depending on how much he willingly eats. Keep him on puppy food through his first year before switching to young adult food. They must receive regular exercise every day. However, this depends on their age. As previously covered, the more your puppy grows, the more susceptible to common diseases like joint problems. Breeders with years of experience, like the team at Snowy Pines, work hard to keep pure bloodlines so that all of the parents and their litters are as healthy as they can be, which helps guarantee a lifetime full of happiness without any issue. Share on. Golden Retriever Male Puppy Growth Chart lb and kg Keep in mind that minor differences are not a cause for alarm: it is not compulsory for your pup to weigh the listed amount. However, if your puppy has a very low weight, you will know that you should check with your veterinarian. As a new owner of Golden Retriever Puppy, you will be surprised to know that handling of puppies can boost their growth. Not only does it promote proper weight gain, but it can also affect development in other areas. Introduction In Comparing the puppies who were handled with those who did not show that the puppies that were being held opened their eyes and ears and had their hair grow faster and they even had better motor development. You may want to know how your puppy compares to another Golden Retriever. Or are you worried that your dog growth is not on the right path? In studying Golden Retriever growth charts, it is clear that most pups gain weight between 5 and 10 percent per week. Keep in mind that a lot of factors can affect the growth rate of a puppy. One size doesn't fit all Not all puppies will follow the growth chart at an exact speed. There can be a lot of diverse reasons for this. The growth chart can alert you should there be significant differences. However, even good owners can have skinny dogs. The Golden Retriever growth charts can alert you to the common causes of slow growth. Occasionally it comes down to a change in the dog diet. Ensure your dog likes his food and that he eats frequently. Request your veterinarian to rule out worms or any other condition. In the meantime, rest assured knowing that most puppies do well when they are raised by a loving and caring owner who has a good relationship with a trusted veterinarian and spends a lot of pleasant time with the puppy. To ascertain if your puppy is large, small, or average-sized for his or her age, you will first find the correct chart based on the sex of your puppy. Scroll down until you locate your puppy's age on the left side of the table. Then compare your dog weight with each column subsequently to that age. To predict the future heights and weights of your dog growth for a period of time. If your dog weight is always in the average range, you can scroll down the average column to estimate how large your puppies maybe as an adult. The same applies to other columns too. Remember, this is just an estimate. Not all goldens will grow to the same size and at the same rate. The size of the parents is always a good indicator of whether your dog will be above or below average in size. However, while natural variation is nothing to worry about, stunted growth or accelerated growth is. If a golden retriever puppy is malnourished or suffering from an unidentified medical condition usually hookworm or ringworm , their natural growth can be compromised. This can lead to serious medical issues in later life, as it can leave them with weak bones, weak muscles, and a weak immune system, as well as a tendency to develop both skin and digestive issues. Growing too quickly, largely as a result of overfeeding, can also pose a major health risk. As well as leading to obesity, carrying too much weight at the development stage can leave your golden retriever with skeletal abnormalities, hip dysplasia, and osteochondrosis , a condition that affects the joints. With these tips, you will help fight off those genetic health disorders as well. Appropriate Diet Start off by speaking to your vet for guidance on foods to use for the different life stages. At the very least, you will need a nutritionally complete and balanced diet made for large breeds. Good food will help your pup gain the right amount of weight, look healthy, and have enough energy. Proper exercise will build their muscle and bone strength, prevent obesity, increase their agility, stop destructive behavior, and help them release pent-up energy. Vaccines will help to prevent infectious diseases such as hepatitis, parvovirus, rabies, and distemper, all of which could affect the growth and overall health of your puppy. This will be a plus for her overall health. It would also be great to have your vet do routine health checks on your puppy. This way, no issue will go unnoticed, and treatment can be administered early for better outcomes. A shiny coat and bright eyes are a plus. Alternatively, if you notice rapid weight gain or loss, unusual bumps and lumps on their skin, digestive issues, changes in behavior, and visual or hearing complications, take your dog to the vet right away. Compared to other breeds, Golden Retrievers, especially females, grow pretty quickly. Males could take up to 18 months to achieve the same milestone. However, both will still need an additional year to fill out the chest fully. Adult height, on the other hand, will be reached between 9 and 12 months. As always, females will get there a bit faster than males. You can get a rough idea of how big your golden retriever will grow by first studying the parents. Take note of the size that both of the parents and previous litters have had. Rarely will a puppy grow larger than its parents, so the measurements you gather will give you a better idea of how tall and heavy your golden retriever will get. Full-grown, healthy, male golden retrievers have a height of between 22 and 24 inches while the females are 20 to 22 inches tall. In terms of height and body structure, the Canadian golden retriever has no rival. Spaying and neutering specifically affect the development of bones and also ligament and tendon strength. In fact, some studies report higher incidences of cranial cruciate ligament tears and hip dysplasia among golden retrievers that went through this procedure. Therefore, consult your vet when deciding if and when to spay or neuter your dog. The weight of your golden retriever is a good indication of their healthy development. While male and female Goldens will have different weights and show goldens tend to be heavier than working goldens, overall, they should be hitting the weights listed in the growth and weight chart above. If your dog is not hitting these milestones, consult your vet about malnutrition, possibly caused by worms, and excessive golden retriever growth, which is often the result of overfeeding. If you feel like your pooch is missing any of them, again, it is time to consult your vet. In general, good nutrition and a loving home is a recipe for a happy and healthy golden retriever. If you want to know more about your golden retriever, you can do a DNA test, too. You can choose one of the tests below:.

Related services:

akc german shepherd puppies for sale in illinois - Persimmons Plums Most fruits on this list only cause upset stomach and intestines, but grapes and raisins are especially harmful to your dog. They can lead to kidney failure. Signs of kidney failure in dogs are blood in urine, dark urine, lethargy, pale gums, ulcers in the mouth, weight loss, and a decrease in appetite. Nuts Nuts Just like with people, nuts are a common source of food allergies to Labradors. Macadamia nuts are one of the most poisonous foods a dog can have. Only six macadamia nuts can cause permanent nerve damage or be deadly for your furry friend. Some other nuts to watch out for are almonds, walnuts, and pecans. The high amounts of fat in nuts can lead to pancreatitis in your dog. Signs that your dog has consumed Macadamia nuts are weakness, shaking, vomiting, and hyperthermia high body temperature. This can lead to nervous system damage. Additives Additives Sugar and salt are dangerous for dogs for the same reason they are dangerous for people. Sugar can cause weight gain which leads to heart problems, joint problems, and more. Too much salt can also cause heart problems, and can even lead to salt toxicity. When avoiding sugar, watch out for sugar-free foods. Xylitol , a sugar substitute, can lead to a sudden drop in blood sugar and cause liver damage in your Labrador. Signs of Xylitol poisoning in your Labrador are seizures, loss of coordination, vomiting, and lethargy. This can lead to liver failure. Signs of salt poisoning in dogs are extreme thirst, loss of coordination, decreased appetite, and lethargy. Raw Food Raw Food Although we are in the middle of a raw food craze, there are many reasons you should avoid feeding raw food to your Labrador. Raw meat and eggs can cause food-borne illnesses like salmonella poisoning and E coli poisoning. Raw fish not only can cause food poisoning, but also worm infestation. Yeast dough can make your dog sick by expanding in the stomach causing bloating and twisting. Raw potatoes and tomatoes have a substance called solanine that is toxic to dogs. Signs of food poisoning in your dog are vomiting, diarrhea dehydration, lethargy, and reduced appetite. It is very important to get professional help or your furry friend may become dehydrated and die. Signs of twisted stomach GDV are loss of appetite, throwing up blood clots, shallow breathing, swollen stomach, and pale gums. I had a dog die from GDV and it is a horrible, painful way to go. Dairy Dairy In the past, I would give my dogs their medicine by wrapping the pill in a piece of cheese. However, I soon learned that dairy foods like cheese and milk are not good for our furry friends. While dogs like Labradors drink milk when they are puppies, they can become lactose intolerant as they age. Along with intolerance, they can also develop a true allergy to these foods. Signs of lactose intolerance in dogs are bloating, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. Signs of an allergy are skin rashes, diarrhea or constipation, and vomiting. Spices Spices You may have noticed that after eating a spicy meal you have stomach upset like acid reflux, indigestion, or diarrhea. The same thing can happen to your Labrador. Cinnamon can even irritate the lining of the nose and throat. This causes choking, coughing, and lung irritation. One of the worst spices for dogs is nutmeg. It contains myristicin which is toxic to dogs. Signs of nutmeg poisoning are disorientation, vomiting, dry mouth, and shaking. Bones Bones While bones are not toxic to your Labrador, they are dangerous for dogs. Bird bones like chicken, quail, and dove are hollow. The only bones safe to give to your Labrador are uncooked bones from animals like cows, deer, and lamb. Cooked bones splinter easily and can cause tears and punctures. Signs of a pictured or torn digestive tract in dogs are blood in stools, vomiting blood, pain, not eating, and dehydration. Ways to Avoid Toxic Foods To prevent your Labrador from accidentally eating toxic foods, make sure you always follow these simple rules: Never let anyone else feed your dog. Put all food and medication out of reach of your dog. Keep all plates and glasses out of reach. Only feed your Labrador food that is FDA-approved for dogs or that is safely prepared by you. Educate all people in your household on what foods are toxic for dogs. Never let an inexperienced person pet-sit your Labrador. What to Do If Labrador Eats Toxic Foods If your dog has symptoms of food toxicity like irregular breathing, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, rapid heartbeat, slow heartbeat, or seizures, call your vet immediately. Do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so by your vet or poison control. Another important item to keep handy is activated charcoal. In case activated charcoal is recommended by your vet or poison control, you should always keep some easily accessible in your home. It can be purchased at most pet stores like Chewy, Petco, and Tractor Supply. Cat advice Toxic food for dogs Dogs can be opportunists when it comes to getting their paws on tasty treats, but not all everyday food and drink are safe if they come into contact with them. Learn which nine items are particularly dangerous to your dog. Onions, garlic and chives The onion family, whether dry, raw or cooked, is particularly toxic to dogs and can cause gastrointestinal irritation and red blood cell damage. Signs of illness are not always immediate and can occur up to a few days later. Chocolate However enticing chocolate is for humans and dogs alike, chocolate is another poisonous food for dogs. Chocolate contains a stimulant called theobromine dark chocolate has the highest content of this which is toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure. Corn on the cob Corn on the cob could potentially be fatal if eaten by your dog. Avocado Avocados are another poisonous food for dogs. Avocado plants contain a substance called Persin which is in its leaves, fruit and seed and can cause vomiting and diarrhoea in dogs. Artificial sweetener Xylitol Our desire for sweet treats, chewing gum and drinks together with low-fat, diet and sugar-free products including some peanut butters so always check the label before using this as a treat are often laced with an artificial sweetener called Xylitol which causes an insulin release in our bodies. However, if your dog digests one of these sweetened foods they can go into hypoglycaemia which is linked to liver failure and blood clotting disorders. Alcohol Alcohol has a huge impact on dogs even in small doses. The drink not only causes intoxication as it does in humans, but it can lead to sickness, diarrhoea and even central nervous system damage. Cooked bones Giving your dog a raw uncooked bone to chew on is great, but avoid cooked bones at all cost. These can easily splinter and in large quantities cause constipation or at worst, a perforation of the gut which can be fatal. The active ingredient which causes the toxin is unknown, however both grapes and raisins may cause severe liver damage and kidney failure. What should I do if my dog has eaten any of these? If consumed, even small amounts of these items can be fatal so always act immediately and take your dog to the vets. Download this information as a handy advice sheet to keep for reference:. Active, eager to please and easy to train — with the waggiest of tails and smiliest of doggy faces — when it comes to being a good-natured family pet, Labrador Retrievers tick all the boxes. How trendy is your dog? The breed has certainly come a long way from its hard-working Canadian roots — in 16th century Newfoundland, the ancestors of the Labrador Retrievers we know and love today were used to help fishermen retrieve nets and lost lines and pull carts loaded with fish. Labs will try their hardest to beg, steal or borrow just about any kind of food , even if it will do them absolutely no good at all. Sensitive puppy food is suitable for feeding Labrador puppies from 6 weeks to 12 months old. Shop sensitive puppy food. A recent scientific study has shown that a gene alteration specifically found in Labs indicates greater food-motivated behaviour than in other breeds. Researchers discovered that this variation occurs more frequently in Labradors chosen as assistance dogs and might explain why these canines seem more trainable with food rewards. When searching for the best diet for Labradors, look for recipes that are made from premium ingredients such as lamb , turkey and salmon to ensure excellent quality and superior taste. Shop high-quality Burgess dog food. Dogs need a balance of vitamins and minerals, and their food must contain zinc and copper supplements. They also need a little bit of fibre in their diet to help maintain a healthy gut. Burgess Sensitive dog food range caters for your dog at every stage of their life — all the way through from puppy to senior. Sensitive puppy food is suitable for Labrador puppies from 6 weeks to 12 months old and nursing mothers. Sensitive adult dog food is designed for dogs over the age of 12 months. For dogs over the age of 7, sensitive senior dog food is the perfect food for your Labrador dog. Our Labrador has a sensitive stomach and took to this change of food well. Healthy and balanced! We tried various diets, and this was the only one that settled him. She produces smaller poos! Dry kibble dog food is widely acknowledged to be a great way to deliver a nutritious, balanced, complete diet. The best dry food for adult and puppy Labradors is carefully crafted to provide exactly the right balance of vitamins, minerals, carbohydrates, and fats that your dog needs, in an easy-to-feed form. When introducing a new food to your dog, you should do it gradually to avoid upsetting their digestion. Mix in the new food with the old over a period of 7 to 10 days until the new food completely replaces the old diet. How often should you feed a Labrador Retriever and how much? Puppies, with their small stomachs need three or four small meals a day, while adult dogs generally have two meals a day. Sometimes, elderly dogs benefit from three or four smaller meals. If you feed treats for training or when out on walks, this should also be taken into account. Remember that treats should be just that — something special, fed occasionally, in small amounts. Feeding frenzy? While some dogs like to savour every mouthful of their food, you might find that when feeding your Labrador puppy or adult dog, that they scoff down their dinner in seconds, which is really not good for them. Eating food too fast can cause digestive upsets, some of which can be very serious, requiring immediate veterinary attention. By switching the food you are feeding them to something more nutritionally beneficial you may be able to change your Lab's eating behaviour and allow them to slow down. What foods are dangerous to Labrador Retrievers? Here are some of the main foods that are dangerous for dogs and should be avoided in a Labrador diet. If you suspect your Lab has eaten any of the following, consult your vet immediately. Alcoholic beverages Can cause intoxication, coma, and death. Chocolate, coffee, tea Contain caffeine, theobromine, or theophylline, which can be toxic and affect the heart and nervous system. Fat trimmings Pits from peaches and plums Can cause obstruction of the digestive tract. Grapes and raisins Contain an unknown toxin, which can damage the kidneys. Gravy If made from meat juices, it can contain high levels of fat, which can cause pancreatitis. Large amounts of liver Can cause Vitamin A toxicity, which affects muscles and bones. Macadamia nuts Contain an unknown toxin, which can affect the digestive and nervous systems and muscle. Milk and other dairy products Some adult dogs do not have sufficient amounts of the enzyme lactase, which breaks down the lactose in milk. This can result in diarrhoea. Mouldy or spoiled food Can contain multiple toxins causing vomiting and diarrhoea and can also affect other organs. Mushrooms Can contain toxins, which may affect multiple systems in the body, cause shock, and result in death. Onions and garlic raw, cooked, or powder Contain sulfoxides and disulfides, which can damage red blood cells and cause anaemia. Garlic is less toxic than onions. Potato, rhubarb, and tomato leaves; potato and tomato stems Contain oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems. This is more of a problem in livestock. Raw eggs Contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin a B vitamin. This can lead to skin and hair coat problems. Raw eggs may also contain salmonella. Raw fish Can result in a thiamine a B vitamin deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures, and in severe cases, death. More common if raw fish is fed regularly. Excessive salt If eaten in large quantities, it may lead to electrolyte imbalances. Sugary foods Can lead to obesity, dental problems, and possibly diabetes mellitus. Table scraps in large amounts Table scraps are not nutritionally balanced and if excessively fed can lead to obesity. Fat should be trimmed from meat; bones should not be fed. Xylitol This artificial sweetener sneaks its way into all sorts of foods — from peanut butter to jellies and jams and is highly toxic to canines. After a dog consumes a significant amount of xylitol, there is a massive release of insulin from the pancreas. This, in turn, results in a dangerously low blood sugar level and symptoms such as weakness, trembling, seizures, collapse, and even death. Is a Labrador Retriever the right breed for you? These easy-going, rewarding dogs have high energy levels, and will thrive on lots of attention, positive reward-based training , plenty of exercise as well as the right nutrition to keep them happy and healthy throughout their lives. Marcelle Landestoy, DVM If you own a Labrador retriever , you will likely agree that this good-natured breed is always on the lookout for food. Unfortunately, many foods are considered dangerous. Though some human foods are perfectly safe, several contain harmful ingredients that your dog should avoid. Foods your Labrador Retriever should avoid include onions, garlic, avocados, chocolate, grapes, and bones. Foods that you might not know are dangerous for your Lab include raw meat, pineapple, macadamia nuts, caffeinated drinks, and alcohol. Always consult with your vet before feeding your dog new food. As a licensed veterinary doctor, I will explore in this post several foods that are considered toxic to dogs, along with foods that may cause your lab discomfort so you can limit or eliminate them from their diet. We all know that the traffic lights consist of three primary colors: green, yellow, and red. These colors will form the basis of our food classification based on the severity of their impacts. In this case, your pup may experience mild diarrhea, bloating, or vomiting. Additionally, the consumption of these foods over a long duration may yield adverse long-term effects. We can relate them to kids consuming candies. These effects include vomiting, stomach upsets, and breathing difficulties. Once consumed, these foods will necessitate a visit to the pet clinic. If your pup consumes any of the foods in this category, you should seek immediate medical attention to save its life. Surprisingly, most dogs are lactose intolerant, meaning they lack enough lactase in their bodies to break down the lactose sugar in milk. As a result, if they consume an excess of milk or other dairy products like ice cream, there will be incomplete digestion causing mild stomach upsets, vomiting, and diarrhea. Additionally, if your pup consumes milk and dairy products over a long period, the lactose builds up in their bodies and is eventually converted into fats. Do you know the long-term effects of the accumulation of excess fat in the body? Yes, you guessed it right, obesity. And, given that Labs are prone to obesity, you will end up having an obese Lab. Bread Bread is safe for consumption by dogs but only as an occasional treat. Therefore, when feeding bread to your Lab, do so in moderation. You may find that your Lab experiences some mild stomach upsets, nausea, and diarrhea after consuming cottage cheese. Pineapple As a fruit, pineapple is an ideal nutrient-dense snack for your pooch as it contains a high amount of vitamins, fiber, and minerals. Unfortunately, too much of it is not suitable for your dog. Excessive consumption of pineapples may give your Lab mild digestive issues, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Additionally, pineapples contain a high fruit sugar content, an excess of which may be converted into fats. Since Labs are prone to obesity, overconsumption of pineapples may cause extreme weight gain. Therefore, watch out for the amount you feed them! Additionally, almonds have high-calorie content and often expose your Lab to obesity. Raw meat contains multiple bacterial pathogens such as salmonella spp and E. Additionally, raw meat may contain tapeworms, among other parasites that can be harmful to your dog when ingested. Similarly, raw eggs contain salmonella spp and Avidin, an enzyme that inhibits the absorption of Vitamin B7 biotin , causing fur issues in your furry canine friend. Cat Food If you have both cats and dogs in your home, you may at times use cat food as a substitute for dog food. Since felines and canines have different nutritional needs, their foods are manufactured with varying dietary components. Therefore, if you make it a habit to feed your canine friend with cat food, he may end becoming obese. This is common for every Lab parent because your goal is to see him happy and healthy. However, monitor him for any signs that appear to persist and consult a vet if you are in doubt. Persin is present in almost every part of it, from the shell and the pit to the flesh, and once consumed, it causes severe vomiting and diarrhea. If consumed in large quantities, it can damage the heart and lung tissues. Another thing about avocados is the pit, which poses a choking hazard and can also cause intestinal blockage. If that happens, your lab will probably need surgery to have it removed. Both garlic and onions are members of the Allium family, and they contain a high amount of disulfides and sulfoxides, which are toxic to dogs. When consumed by dogs, they cause severe stomach upset and hemolytic anemia—they break down red blood cells leaving your Lab struggling for oxygen. Regardless of their form, whether cooked, raw, powdered, or blended, onions and garlic are highly toxic to your pup. When consumed, it causes severe stomach pains, high blood pressure, dry mouth, increased heart rate, seizures, and disorientation. Always check any foods that may contain nutmeg, such as baked goods, cereals, and granola bars, keeping them out of reach where possible. Macadamia nuts are known to be toxic to dogs. If your Lab consumes them, he may experience severe vomiting, tremors, muscle weakness, hyperthermia, depression, and paralysis of the hindquarters. As with nutmeg, macadamia nuts are often found in baked goods and cereals. Always check the ingredient lists before sharing your snacks with your dog, and keep them out of their reach in the pantry. Tomatoes Although ripe tomatoes are safe for your dog, green or unripe tomatoes can be dangerous. If you grow tomatoes at home, try to keep them high in a greenhouse or behind a netting to prevent your dog from plucking the unripe fruits from the plant. Grapes and Raisins Grapes and raisins are toxic to Labs, and when ingested, they reduce blood flow into the kidney. A reduction in blood flow can cause kidney failure, and if no medical attention is provided, you might lose your canine friend. Some signs of grape or raisin poisoning include severe dehydration, abdominal pain, vomiting, coma, and seizures. When eliminating grapes and raisins, also eliminate their derivatives such as alcohol. Since most of these foods are highly toxic to your Lab, you should seek immediate medical attention. Depending on the notable signs, you may consult your vet to guide you at home. Never attempt to induce vomiting if your pet has difficulties breathing or is choking. Therefore, keep a close eye on him if you suspect he has consumed any of these foods. If the condition is severe, you may need to leave your Lab in the clinic for close monitoring. Red: Dangerous or Poisonous These are the highly toxic foods your Lab should never consume. However, be cautious not to give your Lab cooked bones. There is also a problem with some large uncooked bones. Some of them are weighty and so hard that they can inflict dental damage to your pup. In some cases, these bones can crack or break their teeth, leading to potential infections and jaw pain. Caffeinated Beverages Never share your cup of coffee or tea with your Lab. With the high level of caffeine in both of these drinks, your dog will almost immediately feel the effects. Caffeinated drinks cause severe vomiting, hyperactivity, accelerated heartbeat, tremors, and seizures. A higher intake can cause heart and liver failure, which can ultimately be deadly. Chocolate is one of the most highly toxic foods for dogs since it contains caffeine and theobromine. As earlier mentioned, caffeine acts as a stimulant that causes hyperactivity and accelerates heartbeat, among other effects. Theobromine, on the other hand, is a diuretic and cardiac stimulant. Additionally, being a cardiac stimulant, theobromine increases the heart or irregular heartbeat rhythm, which can cause death. A small amount may not be fatal depending on his size, but it is not worth the risk. Therefore, always keep chocolate and chocolate products far away from your Lab. Although not toxic to humans, it is highly poisonous to dogs. You can find Xylitol in foods such as ketchup, baked foods, gums, candies, vitamin supplements, and toothpaste. When your Lab consumes food substances containing Xylitol, he can experience a rapid drop in blood sugar levels, severe seizures, and muscle weakness. If consumed in high amounts, Xylitol can cause liver damage or result in death. Raw Yeast Dough Raw yeast dough is highly unsafe for your Lab to consume. With massive ingestion of raw yeast dough, your Lab can quickly die. Corn on the Cob On its own, corn is safe for consumption by dogs. However, since accidents are bound to happen, and it is not uncommon to find that your canine friend has consumed raw yeast dough, cooked bones, chocolate, or a caffeinated drink. So, what should you do? Given the high level of toxicity from these foods, it might be a matter of life and death, and the faster you act, the safer your Lab will be. Your vet may advise you to induce vomiting before rushing him to the clinic in a bid to reduce the adverse effects. Conclusion We often give our dogs many foods without a second thought, such as table scraps or food they may grab from the counter. With some foods, such as dairy or pineapple, chances are your dog will suffer from an upset stomach, and you may need to clean up some diarrhea. However, foods like chocolate and alcohol are very toxic, and if your Labrador Retriever consumes them, you will need to seek immediate medical attention. You might have noticed this too if you have a Labrador. As a Labrador owner, it is difficult to resist sharing food with your Lab, when it looks at you with those cute hungry eyes pleading for food. Whatever you eat, it can be chocolates or pizzas or cakes. Your Lab always looks at you, for his little piece of share. But how far is it safe to feed your dog with human food? Some human foods may be fine for your dog. But not every food. Is it okay to feed him a piece of cake or a piece of bread? But there are certain foods that you should never give to your dog. Some human foods are not only unsafe for your dog but can also be potentially toxic for him. Out of the various human foods, there are some foods that you should never feed your Lab, and some human foods can be given with some precautions. Have a look at the list of foods to avoid for a Labrador. Dogs have become a part of our human lives and a part of our family. Because of this we even treat dogs like the way we treat humans. In spite of being a part of our family, you have to remember the fact they are a different species of life. Hence your dog metabolizes the food differently when compared with you. Is it easy for you to digest a large chunk of raw meat easily? But your dog can do it easily. Why Labradors? Foods that are harmful or not suitable for your Labrador are obviously not suited for every other dog breed too. But why special care is required with respect to Labradors? The reason for special care in feeding Labradors is due to their voracious eating habit. I have heard of Labradors that have eaten the most unsuitable things for them. I have heard of Labs that have eaten chocolates, sweets, leftover cooked bones and many kinds of human junk food too. As Labradors have an unending appetite, there is a greater chance that your dog might eat some wrong and unnecessary foods which can be harmful to its health. What Labradors should not eat? I will divide the list of foods that you should not feed your Labrador, for that matter any dog, into two categories. The first category includes foods that should not be fed at all in any case, as they could be potentially toxic to your dog. The second category includes foods that your Labrador should not eat, but if eaten in small amounts may not cause immediate health concerns. But this does not mean you can feed them. Your dog should not eat them too. What can labradors not eat? Have a look at the list below… 1. Alcohol Why should a dog be given something that is not made for its consumption? Humans consume alcohol for various reasons. But why should a dog drink alcohol? I have heard about some people who fed their dog with some amount of beer, which could be out of fun or due to ignorance. But it is important to remember that, it is not funny to feed your dog with alcohol, and dogs should never consume alcohol. Alcohol in any form which may be beer, wine, vodka or even hops, even ingested in small amount may cause ethanol poisoning in your dog. You may not feed alcohol directly to your dog, but in some cases, wine spills and alcohol within the reach of your dog can be the cause of alcohol toxicity in your dog. In such cases, you notice symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, lack of coordination and tiredness in your dog. If your dog consumes alcohol in excess amounts, it can eventually lead to heart attack, lung failure, seizures and sometimes even death. Hence keep all forms of substances that contain alcohol away from the reach of your dog. This includes alcohol-based perfumes and cleaning products too. Your dog is too sensitive to the effects of caffeine when compared with humans. When i talk about caffeine, coffee and tea usually come to your mind. But caffeine is not only present in tea and coffee but also present in many drinks and other items your house. Hence any item that contains caffeine should be avoided for your dog. It can cause vomiting and diarrhea too. So, No caffeine for your dog. Chewing gum with Xylitol If your dog eats a small amount of sugared gum, it might cause a little digestive distress for him. But what if it consumes a chewing gum with xylitol? Xylitol is an artificial sweetener which is used in many sugar-free chewing gums. In case, your dog eats that gum, it can be very harmful to him. Yes, xylitol is very toxic for dogs. It can lead to a rapid lowering of blood sugar levels in your dog within 30 minutes of consuming it. Xylitol may be present in chewing gums, toothpaste, sugar-free foods, some baked goods and even some brands of peanut butter. Keep all such products away from your dog. Take more care regarding foods like peanut butter which your dog might eat usually. In severe cases, consuming xylitol can cause seizures and even liver failure in your dog. So be careful with xylitol. Grapes and Raisins This is another poisonous food for your dog, even in small amounts. Not even a few grapes or few raisins should be fed to your Labrador. Grapes can cause rapid kidney failure in your dog. If a dog is already dealing with kidney issues, feeding him grapes or raisins could be the worst thing that could ever happen to him. Always keep grapes and raisins away from your dog. Tell people around you to not feed them to dogs. As grapes being a healthy fruit, people usually might feed them unknowingly to their dogs, without knowing their toxic effects. Chocolate Your Labrador usually has some natural resistance towards eating some foods. Dogs have the natural capability of choosing foods to eat and foods to avoid. But what about chocolates? When you place some chocolates before your dog, there is a greater chance for your dog to consume them. Because your dog has taste buds and it can identify the taste of sweet. Your dog likes the taste of sweet just like us. But the chocolates we consume usually has the compound theobromine which is not suitable for your dog. It can be toxic and very dangerous for your dog in certain cases. The level of danger depends upon the type of chocolate your dog consumes. Whether it is dark chocolate or milk chocolate? Whether is taken on an empty stomach or taken along with food? The seriousness of the condition depends upon such factors. Whatever the factors may be, chocolates should not be fed to your dog. Eating chocolates can cause vomiting, diarrhea, severe digestive distress and sometimes even seizures too. I have heard people without proper knowledge who say that dogs can eat chocolates. If you come across such a person, tell him clearly that chocolates are not for dogs. Macadamia nuts Macadamia nuts are one of the tops human foods that should not be given to your dog at all. What about smaller quantities? Every dog is different with respect to the toxic effect of these nuts. The toxicity range is anywhere between 2 grams to 64 grams of the toxin per kg body weight of the dog. As the range is very large, it is difficult to access the toxicity effect of eating macadamia nuts in your dog. Hence it is better to never feed these nuts to your dog. These nuts are usually found in the houses, either separately or present in some foods like cookies. Some unidentified toxin present in these nuts is potentially toxic to your dog. Ingestion of these nuts by your dog could lead to vomiting, ataxia, elevated body temperature, and weakness along with depression. So keep this dangerous food away from your Labrador. Raw Yeast Dough This is another human food that can be extremely dangerous for your dog. Feeding your dog with unbaked dough can cause two major health concerns in your dog. The yeast which is already present in the dough activates and the dough expands in size. It can lead to a condition called GDV. This is a dangerous condition which is fatal for any dog. Secondly, raw yeast dough can cause alcohol poisoning in your dog. The yeast present in the food gets fermented and produces alcohol in this process. This alcohol produced is easily absorbed into the bloodstream which can be dangerous for your dog. This finishes the first category list of foods that are extremely toxic to your Labrador. Now have a look at the remaining list of foods that are although not extremely toxic but you should not feed them. Avocado The avocado fruit, the pits, its leaves and the plant are all toxic to dogs. Avocados contain a toxin called persin which is very poisonous to dogs. The toxin which is harmful to dogs is present in higher concentrations in the leaves, skin and pits of the avocado plant. But what about the flesh? The flesh contains the toxin in very low concentrations. Because of this reason some dog owners prefer feeding the flesh of avocado to their dogs. But the amount of persin that causes harm to your dog is actually not known exactly. Hence there is no necessity of feeding foods that include risk in eating them. Hence it is better to avoid avocados for your dog. Onions and Garlic Foods that belong to the allium family are considered to be unsuitable for dogs. Onions contain a compound called N-propyl disulfide, and this can be toxic to your dog. Even garlic contains thiosulphate which is toxic to your dog. But let me tell you my personal experience regarding feeding garlic and onions to dogs. The curries usually included onions and garlic too. But it did not affect the dog and the dog lived a healthy long life. Without any major health problems, he had lived for 16 years. But what about garlic? Is it so unsafe? Although garlic is usually unsafe for dogs, some pet owners and some studies suggest the usage of garlic to dogs which provide a list of wonderful benefits for your dog. Some studies even suggest using garlic as a supplement. It all depends upon the dosage of garlic and the duration of feeding garlic to the dog. I fed my Labrador with garlic to deal with the flea nuisance and it helped him a lot. In spite of the claimed benefits, a large quantity of garlic can be poisonous to your dog. Hence discuss with your vet if you want to administer garlic to your dog as a medicine for any specific reason. Milk Feeding milk to dogs is a controversial topic. I have seen dogs drinking milk without any side effects. But my dog gets diarrhea soon after drinking milk. Even some experts suggest feeding milk to dogs where are some are completely against feeding milk to dogs. But what is the truth? Is milk harmful to dogs? Yes, puppies do drink milk from their mothers before weaning. But after they get weaned, they stop producing lactase. And every dog is different in this case, because of this every dog reacts in a different manner after drinking milk and consuming other dairy products. The side effects of drinking milk are different in every dog. Some dogs might not show any digestive issues whereas some dogs might exhibit severe digestive problems. Actually there is no special reason for feeding milk to your dog. You can provide all the nutrients which milk offers from various other sources. Hence it is not necessary to feed milk to your dog. Cooked Bones There exists a lot of contradictory information regarding feeding bones to dogs. Feeding bones to your dog includes both health benefits and health risks too. All the risk depends upon the type of bone and size of bone that you feed your dog. Raw bones of the right type and right size are a good choice for giving it to your dog. But what about cooked bones? You should never feed cooked bones to your dog. The cooked chicken bones which are usually the table scraps break easily. They splinter and cause gum and digestive injuries which can be severe in some cases. So never give cooked bones to your dog. Cinnamon Cinnamon is found in some cookies and some cakes too. This food even though is not toxic for your dog, you should not feed it. Keep cinnamon in powdered form away from your dog. In case your dog inhales it, it might cause respiratory difficulty for him. Even though not toxic, cinnamon is not suitable for your dog. So it is good to avoid it. Nutmeg Nutmeg is a spice used in some cookies and cakes. It enhances the flavour of many foods but not suitable for your dog. Nutmeg has a compound called Myristicin that is toxic to your dog. If you have a large dog and if grabs a cookie with nutmeg in it, there might not be any severe consequences. But if your dog is a small one and if it steals 3 to 4 cookies, then it would surely be a problem for him. As nutmeg is toxic to your dog, possibly avoid all forms of food that contain this spice. Tomatoes Tomatoes are both okay in limit and toxic to your dog. Once my Labrador stole a big tomato from the vegetable basket and ate it before i could remove it. I was a little worried and it was then when i had studied about dogs eating tomatoes. Not all tomatoes are okay for your dog. Feeding a red ripe tomato is usually safe for your dog. It is a problem only when it is unripe and green in color. A green-colored tomato, usually which is unripe contains compounds like tomatine and solanine which are toxic to your dog. These toxins are usually present in green parts of the plant such as its leaves, stem and the unripe green tomatoes. Are ripe tomatoes okay to feed? Even excess feeding of ripe tomatoes can cause digestive distress for your dog. Hence you can feed the red ripe tomato only as an occasional treat and completely avoid the unripe green ones that are toxic for your furry friend. Almonds Some nuts are not suitable for your dog, whereas some nuts can be given in smaller quantities. If your dog eats one or two nuts that fell on the ground, it might not be an issue for concern. But if your dog eats almonds in more number, it can definitely cause an issue for your dog. Almonds could cause digestive strain and could induce vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and severe indigestion in your dog. The high-fat content in almonds could also cause issues like pancreatitis in your dog. Pancreatitis is a serious condition that needs immediate care. Hence it is better to avoid almonds to prevent these risky conditions. My Lab hates lemons, it does not prefer to eat them even if i force him to eat. So dogs usually have resistance to eating lemons. But this is not the case with every dog. I have seen dogs happily munching on lemons. But actually lemons or limes are toxic to your pet. The peels of lemon contain a substance called psoralen which is harmful to your dog. The peel when ingested can also cause digestive upset. Sometimes the effects may be more serious too. Then what about the juice of the fruit? Even though licking a few drops of juice may not harm your dog. This is because of the acidic nature of the citrus fruit. It can cause both vomiting and diarrhea in your dog. As this fruit even does not provide any immense nutritional benefit for your dog, it is better to skip feeding lemon and lime to your dog. Corn on the cob Some dogs are allergic to corn, but some dogs happily eat corn. Feeding your dog with a few tablespoons of corn is okay. Your dog gets all the vitamins, minerals and antioxidants present in the corn. Corn in moderation sometimes is not an issue for your dog. But what about corn along with the cob? I say, always No. Do you think your dog has the capacity to digest the cob as well? Not at all. Your dog cannot digest the cob and there is a chance of intestinal blockage if he swallows the chunks of cob. Many such cases require veterinary assistance along with a surgery to be performed to remove those indigestible chunks. Remember, never give the cob to your dog. Ice cream and sugars Dogs have taste buds and they are attracted to sugars and foods like ice creams just like us. But firstly, your dog does not need sugar for its body. Secondly, ice cream contains milk and your dog cannot digest it properly. Hence feeding ice cream may cause stomach upset in your dog. It may also lead to diarrhea, vomiting and gas formation. Various health issues such as lowered immunity, digestive issues, weight gain, gum problems and various other health problems may arise. A little bit of sugar or ice cream may not harm your dog excessively. Salt Your dog needs sodium for proper cellular function. But you do not have to add salt in its diet to supply the essential sodium for him. Foods that your dog usually eats such as meat, poultry, fish, and eggs are good sources of sodium. Even the commercially prepared foods have the required amounts of sodium for your dog. Hence there is no necessity to feed additional salt to your dog. This additional or excessive salt can be harmful to your dog. It can lead to salt poisoning in your dog. Excessive salt consumption can make your dog extremely thirsty. It may lead to vomiting and diarrhea. Too much salt can finally lead to severe dehydration which can even be fatal to your dog. Hence stop giving chips and other salty foods to your dog. As a loving dog owner, it is difficult to resist giving food to your dog, after looking at its hungry eyes. I have seen people feeding pizzas, sandwiches and even cakes to their dogs while eating them. But junk food which is made for humans to eat is not suitable for your dog. If the junk food that you eat is causing health damage to you, imagine what effects it could have if you feed it to your dog? Unnecessary treats and human junk food can cause serious health complications for your dog such as weight gain, obesity, heart disease and even cancer. Some ingredients such as onions present in the human food could also pose a potential risk to your dog if eaten. Avoid the habit of human junk food as treats for your dog. Research over the past decade shows that most dog owners unintentionally feed poisonous foods to their pets due to a lack of knowledge, as highlighted in this report on household food items toxic to dogs and cats. Therefore, if this article helps save just one Lab, I will be more than happy. Mild alcohol poisoning can cause a dangerous drop in blood sugar, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle incoordination, and poor breathing. Severe cases involve seizures, respiratory failure, and death can occur 12 to 24 hours after ingesting. Alcohol has a similar effect on dogs that it has on humans in that it affects the liver and brain. However, the slightest amount of alcohol can be deadly for your Lab. Remember to these out of reach. If you grow fruit at home, such as apples, be careful once the fruit has fallen from the tree and starts to decompose as it produces ethanol alcohol. There was a sad case of ethanol intoxication from the ingestion of massive rotten apples by a dog who died 48 hours later. Never leave your Labrador Retriever unsupervised where they can have free access to fruit. Avocado Labradors can not eat avocado as it is toxic to dogs. The skin, leaves, pit, and bark of avocados are all poisonous as they contain persin, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal discomfort, and difficulty breathing. Severe cases of poisoning can cause oxygen deprivation and can lead to death. The high-fat content of this fruit can also lead to pancreatitis, and the avocado pit is a choking hazard. If you grow avocados at home, remember to keep your dog away from the plants. Black Walnuts Labradors should not eat black walnuts as they are toxic to dogs due to an unknown toxin. Symptoms include vomiting, restlessness, panting, fever, and lack of coordination. Severe cases of walnut poisoning can result in seizures, tremors, liver failure, and the death of your Lab. Another danger is if old walnuts have been lying on the ground and turned moldy, the mold becomes an additional poison, and you have double trouble ahead. Although some nuts are okay for Labradors to eat, such as cashews or almonds, you must give them in moderation due to their high fat content. Nuts can easily cause a stomach upset in dogs, and feeding your Lab foods high in fat content can also lead to pancreatitis or obesity. Blue Cheese Labradors cannot eat blue cheese, such as blue stilton. The fungus used to make blue cheese contains a substance called roquefortine C, which is toxic if ingested by your dog. If blue cheese is eaten in large doses, it can cause vomiting, diarrhea, high temperature, tremors, twitching, and seizures. However, other cheese, such as mild cheddar, is safe for dogs to eat, but some Labs may find it difficult to break down like other dairy products. This is known as lactose intolerance. All dairy products contain different amounts of lactose. Whether your Lab can enjoy small pieces of safe cheese comes down to the individual dog. Remember, too, that foods high in fat can cause a stomach upset. For example, my dog enjoys small pieces of cheddar as a treat, an occasional lick of milk, and plain or Greek yogurt added to her food as a topping. However, she cannot tolerate even an iota of heavy cream, which makes her sick. Caffeine Tea, Coffee, etc. Labradors cannot drink tea or coffee as they contain caffeine which is toxic to dogs. Ingestion of caffeine can be fatal in severe cases as it overstimulates the nervous system, causing a fast heartbeat and leading to death. Less severe symptoms include excessive thirst, vomiting, and tremors. Your Lab will be fine if he just has a lick or two of your drink. However, several deaths of dogs have occurred due to caffeine overdose. Keep your Lab away from coffee, tea, cocoa, chocolate, colas, and energy drinks. Caffeine is also present in some supplements, cold medicines, and painkillers. This report details the sad case of a Yorkshire Terrier who died from ingesting an over-the-counter caffeine supplement. Cherries Labradors can eat the flesh of cherries. However, they should not eat cherry pits, stems, and leaves as they contain cyanide which is toxic. When eaten in large amounts, cyanide poisoning prevents your Lab from getting enough oxygen, and shock and death can occur in critical cases. Symptoms are dilated pupils, bright red gums, and breathing difficulties. Call your vet immediately, as they may advise you to induce vomiting. Additionally, the pit is a choking hazard and, if swallowed, can cause a blockage. Chocolate and Cocoa Labradors can not eat chocolate as it is poisonous. Chocolate poisoning can cause vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, heart problems, tremors, seizures, and death, depending on the amount consumed and its potency. The most toxic types are dark and unsweetened baking chocolate — the darker it gets, the more poisonous due to the concentrated cacao solids. Additionally, beware of other chocolate products that contain different toxins, such as macadamia nuts, raisins, or xylitol. Garlic Labradors can not eat garlic as it is poisonous to dogs. Eating a large amount of garlic will rupture their red blood cells, which leads to anemia. Symptoms of garlic poisoning include rapid breathing, lethargy, weakness, jaundice, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, stomach pain, and loss of appetite. However, your doggo would need to eat quite a lot to get very sick, and fatalities are rare. Also, be aware that signs of garlic poisoning can be delayed and may not be apparent until several days later. Some dogs are also more sensitive than others. Grapes and Raisins Labradors can not eat grapes. This also includes other dried variants like raisins, sultanas, and currants. Even a tiny amount of grapes or raisins can cause rapid kidney failure in dogs. On rare occasions, death can occur, depending on the quantity consumed. Scientists have not discovered the source of the toxicity and the exact dosage is unknown. However, some dogs have died from just a handful of raisins, whereas others have survived after eating a much larger amount. Vomiting within 24 hours of ingestion is typical. Look out for excessive thirst and very little pee. Diarrhea, lethargy, and abdominal pain may also occur. Beware of any foods containing grape extracts, such as grape juice, breakfast cereals, trail mix, raisin cereal, raisin bread, and baked foods like raisin cookies or scones. These are all potential sources of poison to your Labrador. The toxic element of the plant is still unknown. If you suspect your dog has eaten hops, symptoms to look out for are malignant hyperthermia which can be life-threatening , a fast heartbeat, panting, vomiting, and stomach pain. In severe cases, death can occur. Hops are the cone-shaped flowers of the hop plant and are used in the process of brewing beer. They are used as a flavoring in beer and as a stabilizer. If you are a home-brew hobbyist, you must keep hops out of the reach of your Labrador, whether you use dried flowers or pellets. Breeds predisposed to malignant hyperthermia , such as the Labrador Retriever may be more prone to toxicity. Horse Chestnuts Conkers Labradors cannot eat horse chestnuts also known as conkers as they contain a poison called aesculin, which is found in all parts of the tree, including the leaves. Ripened conkers fall to the ground in late summer and autumn, and they are not to be confused with the unrelated edible sweet American chestnut. Although conkers are toxic to Labradors, they would have to eat several to suffer from any severe poisoning. Nevertheless, if you think your Labrador may have eaten some conkers, symptoms to be aware of are severe vomiting and diarrhea, drooling, increased thirst, restlessness, and convulsions. Symptoms can occur as soon as one hour after ingesting or may even be delayed for up to two days. Macadamia Nuts Macadamia nuts are poisonous for Labradors and, therefore, unsafe to eat. The cause of the toxicity remains unknown, but just a handful of raw or roasted macadamia nuts can make your dog quite sick. Vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, hyperthermia, and tremors are common symptoms. Signs and symptoms usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion. If you suspect your Lab has eaten some, you must take him to the vet as a precaution. Beware of other foods containing macadamia nuts, such as baked goods, cookies, trail mix, and muffins. Moldy Food Moldy foodstuffs such as bread, cheese, fruit, and other decaying produce are toxic for your Labrador Retriever. Food mold is a fungus that grows on aged food and, if eaten, can make your dog very ill. The poisonous substances are known as mycotoxins. Symptoms are vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, incoordination, tremors, high temperature, seizures, and death in acute cases. The main dangers to be aware of are if your Lab eats garbage outside, such as moldy fruit or nuts, gets into a compost heap, or manages to get into the household trash. Mushrooms Wild Labradors should not eat wild mushrooms as they can be toxic. Symptoms of mushroom poisoning in dogs depend on the species eaten. Look out for vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, lethargy, and weakness. Coma, liver failure, and eventual death can occur. There are thousands of wild mushroom species, and while only a small number are known to be poisonous, should your dog eat a toxic one, it could make him extremely ill. Severe cases of mushroom poisoning can prove fatal. Some mushroom toxins will affect your Lab within minutes, while others will not produce signs for up to 24 hours. If possible, take a mushroom sample to the vets, who can help decide the best treatment depending on the poison. A small amount of washed white mushrooms from the store are generally safe, such as the white button or Portobello varieties. Nutmeg Although nutmeg is a popular spice used to flavor various sweet and savory dishes, it should not be ingested by your Labrador as it contains a toxin called myristicin. Mild stomach upset could occur if your Lab were to eat a small amount of nutmeg, and if a very large amount were consumed, myristicin toxicity can cause symptoms such as dry mouth, abdominal pain, disorientation, fast heartbeat, high blood pressure, and seizures. Although your Labrador would need to consume a considerable amount of nutmeg to suffer serious effects, I thought it would be wise to include it here, just in case your dog happens to find his way into a jar of ground nutmeg! Nutmeg is also hallucinogenic, so eating a large amount of it could be a scary experience for your dog. Onions, Shallots, Leeks, and Chives Labradors should never eat onions, shallots, leeks, and chives as they are poisonous if consumed in large amounts. Eating onions and other Allium foods can cause your Lab to suffer from anemia due to ruptured red blood cells. In serious cases, an increased heart rate, and often death can occur. Veterinarians may need to perform a blood transfusion to try to save your dog. Milder symptoms to look out for include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and gastroenteritis. These foods belong to the Allium family like garlic and are popular kitchen staples used to season many dishes. They inflame the GI tract starting with the mouth causing excessive drooling. Symptoms of the poisoning may have a delayed onset which you need to be aware of. Potato Raw or Green White potatoes belong to the nightshade family of vegetables which contain a compound called solanine that is poisonous to some dogs. Green tomatoes are also in this group. Solanine is produced as a natural defense to deter insects. Raw or green potato is toxic to your Labrador, although a large quantity would need to be eaten to cause serious problems. If your Lab consumes a large amount of solanine, his nervous system may become affected and will not function correctly. Symptoms of potato poisoning are vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, confusion, and a slow heart rate. It is okay to feed your Labrador a small amount of cooked potato as cooking drastically reduces the levels of solanine. If you have a vegetable garden, remember to keep your dog away. Rhubarb Leaves Rhubarb leaves are poisonous to Labradors as they contain soluble oxalate crystals, however, an extremely large quantity would have to be consumed to cause the poisoning. But the stalk of the rhubarb plant is safe for your Labrador in small quantities and can be good if he has constipation. Symptoms of this type of poisoning in dogs include changes in thirst, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, tremors, and bloody urine. Renal failure can occur in extreme cases. You must be careful if you grow rhubarb at home and ensure your Labrador is always supervised. Too much salt intake in dogs results in vomiting within several hours of ingestion. Symptoms can progress to weakness, diarrhea, muscle tremors, and seizures. Excessive thirst or urination may occur and potential damage can be caused to the kidneys. Salt poisoning is a concern as it can cause death in serious cases if not caught in time. As salt poisoning is often directly related to dehydration make sure your dog has access to fresh water at all times. Tomato Green Green tomatoes should be avoided as they are a dangerous food to Labradors if consumed in large quantities. While the ripened red fruit of the tomato is generally considered safe for dogs, the green parts of the plant stems and vines , as well as unripened tomatoes should not be eaten. Green tomatoes contain a toxic substance called solanine also found in raw or green potatoes which can cause severe stomach upset, muscle weakness, tremors, heart problems, difficulty breathing, and possibly seizures. If you grow tomato plants in your garden, be sure to fence it off preventing your dog access. Xylitol is a sugar alcohol mainly used as an artificial sweetener that is not safe for your Labrador. It is found hidden in sweet candies, mints, chewing gum, bread, jams, cookies, other baked goods, and diet foods. If enough xylitol is consumed it can cause life-threatening low blood sugar and leads to acute liver failure. Symptoms can occur within 30 minutes of ingestion and include vomiting, lethargy, coordination problems, seizures, and even coma. Although Labradors can eat peanut butter, be aware that some brands contain xylitol and always check the label first or buy an organic brand. Yeast Dough When yeast dough ferments, it produces alcohol that can lead to alcohol poisoning and ultimately the death of your Labrador. In addition to this, raw bread dough needs to rise and if your Lab eats it, his stomach will act as an oven causing the yeast dough to rise. The dough then swells inside, and as it expands, it causes a bowel obstruction or a bloated stomach which causes immense pain, especially if the stomach twists. This then becomes a life-threatening emergency requiring abdominal surgery. Obvious signs are a distended abdomen and your lab may also suffer from difficulty breathing, retching, weakness, collapse, and shock. If you suspect your dog may have eaten something toxic, you must take emergency action by contacting your veterinarian for advice. Two other helpful resources are also available 24 hours a day. Safely remove any remaining toxic food from their reach. Check to make sure your dog is breathing normally and acting okay otherwise. Collect a sample of the foodstuff and packaging as you may need the information when you talk to your veterinarian or a Pet Poison Helpline expert. Also, never induce vomiting or give hydrogen peroxide to your dog without talking to your vet or Pet Poison Helpline first. Get help. From your experience, what is the most common food involved in accidental ingestion in dogs that causes poisoning that you see in your practice? Xylitol appears to be in so many products these days. Have you witnessed any cases of xylitol poisoning? One I remember was a dog presented to the emergency clinic after having eaten some sort of diet food with xylitol in it. He was brought in because he had a seizure at home. We found his blood sugar was very low. He ended up recovering well after being treated for a few days in the hospital. The best thing to do if you think your dog has ingested something toxic is to call an animal poison control center immediately. These people are amazing! Tell the veterinarian at the poison control center what your dog ingested and how much he got. They will give you specific instructions on what to do next. What have you found to be the most prevalent reason for dogs ingesting toxic foodstuffs? What is your best tip to poison-proof a home? Use child-proof cabinet locks if your dog is very crafty. Keep your garbage containers in a locked cabinet or pantry. Although I make sure my dog has a healthy, well-balanced diet, I like to give her some human food either as treats or as a topping in her food bowl to change things up for her. So, what human foods can Labradors eat? These include proteins such as lean meats and fish, some fruits and vegetables, dairy foods, and plain cooked rice and pasta. Ensure the foods you give your dog are safe, cooked, lean, and plain, with no salt or seasoning. Below is a brief synopsis of the foodstuffs that are safe for your dog to eat. Lean Meats Labradors can eat lean cuts of cooked meat as long as all the visible fat is removed. My dog enjoys chicken, turkey, pork, beef, and lamb. Avoid processed meats like bacon, sausage, and ham due to their high levels of salt or seasoning. Make sure that there are no bones in the meat before you feed it to your dog as cooked bones are dangerous. If you like to give your Lab a bone make sure it is raw and larger than his muzzle, such as a large beef shank bone. Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Slices of apples or bananas make tasty treats for your dog. Berries such as strawberries and raspberries are also fine and you can even freeze them in summer to help keep them cool. You can also feed your Lab apricot, nectarines, peaches, and plums but you must take out any seeds or pits as these contain cyanide and can cause poisoning if eaten in large amounts. Most vegetables should be cooked as your dog will find them easier to digest, although raw carrots and green beans are fine. Vegetables are a healthier option than fruits due to their lower sugar content. To discover exactly what vegetables Labradors can eat, check out this article. Cooked Rice and Pasta Dogs can eat cooked plain rice and cooked pasta. Cooked, plain white rice can be a good option if your Lab has an upset stomach as it is easy to digest and quick to prepare. Dairy Products Dairy products, such as cheese, milk, or plain yogurt, are generally safe for Labradors as long as they are fed in very small quantities. Eating too much dairy can cause diarrhea or vomiting in some dogs if they are lactose intolerant as they cannot break down the sugars in these foods. As a special treat for my dog, I like to give her fresh salmon which she adores. There have been some concerns about longer-living species of fish such as tuna and mackerel containing higher levels of mercury, so if you choose these types, only occasionally feed a small amount. Are you looking to buy something for your dog? Make sure to check out my favorite dog gear below. You might have gone through this process a few times, eating very healthfully sometimes, eating more junk than you care to admit at others. The fact is, you have a choice about what you feed yourself. You can choose what, when, and where you eat. Even just a little bit of chocolate, especially dark chocolate, can cause diarrhea and vomiting. A large amount can cause seizures, irregular heart function, and even death. Every part of the fruit has a strain of fatty acid called persin, which is toxic to your pup in large quantities. Onions and Garlic. Staples in the human diet, these beloved veggies can cause anemia in your dog by killing her red blood cells. Even a little bit can be detrimental to her health. Grapes and Raisins. Eating this seemingly innocuous fruit in either the fresh or dried form can cause kidney failure in dogs. Milk and other Dairy Products. While dogs can drink milk from their mothers, any other type of dairy cow, goat, etc. Macadamia Nuts. Sugary foods and drinks. The same thing will happen to her that happens to people when they ingest too much sugar: weight gain, tooth decay, and even diabetes. It contains a stimulant that is toxic to dogs. While you may enjoy a morning cup of joe, your dog should stick to tried-and-true water. Yeast dough. So the next time you make a homemade pizza, avoid giving those leftover dough bits to your pooch! Too much salt can lead to dehydration and even sodium ion poisoning. While a little bit of salt is fine, be aware of how much your dog ingests, to keep the quantity at a minimum. But just as certain foods affect people different ways, the same happens with dogs. Signs of poisoning or an allergic reaction include vomiting, muscle shakes, fever, intense scratching, weakness in the limbs, diarrhea, breathing problems, and sluggishness. If your dog shows any of these symptoms, get him to the vet immediately. By avoiding these foods, your dog will automatically be happier and healthier. And with an overall healthy diet and regular exercise, your pup will definitely thank you. If you have any questions about specific foods not mentioned in this article, please call us. If your pet is experiencing signs of poisoning or allergic reaction, seek emergency care immediately. Thank you for submitting the form. Though it's considered a healthy fat for humans, for dogs, they are affected by a toxin in avocado called persin, which can be poisonous. Caffeinated beverages including tea can turn your dog reckless, including muscle twitches, feeling heavy, fast breathing - and can be potentially fatal. Onion, Garlic and Chives Whilst the above can bring rich flavour to many human-based meals, think of your dog as a creature of simple tastes. Stick to bite-sized dog treats instead. Alcohol and yeast Alcohol and yeast such as bread can be poisonous to dogs, so think of them as your children — no beverages from the top shelf! Cooked bones e. It's important to make sure you are feeding your dog only the best! Image: Getty. Dairy, including chocolate Come dessert time, your dog may be looking up at with their big eyes ready for a lick of ice cream, a square of chocolate, or the remainder of the milk in your cereal bowl. Unfortunately like many humans, dogs are lactose intolerant which leads to diarrhoea and stomach problems, meaning dairy is off the table and bowl. Bacon and other fatty meats While many dog owners may have been guilty of slipping their dog some bacon, ham or chops for being a 'very good dog', this is one habit that should be broken, fast. Fatty meats can lead to very sore stomachs and pancreatitis in dogs, which can be very painful. Raw meat and eggs While there may be those who subscribe to raw meat diets, on a general scale, vets for animal bodies such as the RSPCA or The Human Society discourage feeding dogs raw meat and eggs, which can lead to salmonella poisoning, e coli infections, parasites and skin conditions. Handing your dog one of your chips or salty snacks is no good either — the high sodium content can lead to thirst and dehydration. Stick to doggo treats instead — your pup will be none the wiser! Mushroom Toxic mushroom ingestion in dogs can lead to liver failure, and even death. Corn on the cob Many of those with dogs will know they can be extremely food-motivated, and therefore not know when to stop when it comes to dinnertime. A corn on the cob is not safe, as overly enthusiastic hounds may look to swallow it whole, which can get lodged in their intestines. Make sure to give them plain kernels like you would a small child instead. What if my dog accidentally has these foods? If your dog does accidentally ingest any of the foods above, you should immediately contact your local vet or animal hospital for treatment. A healthy dog is a happy dog! What human foods can my dog eat?

Similar services:

akc german shepherd puppies for sale in illinois - Black and White Boxer puppies There are quite a number of myths about the color of the black and white boxer puppies. The genetic combination of a black boxer puppy will play a huge role in determining its overall color. White boxer puppies lack melanin, the hormone responsible for the black pigmentation that ideally black boxer puppies ought to have. Mostly, white boxer puppies are associated with some deformities like deafness and are more prone to sunburns due to the lack of melanin. Black Boxer puppies Many dog lovers search for the pure black boxer puppy. It can be a bit hard to judge from photos of dogs that breeders claim to be pure black boxer puppies. Black boxer puppies have a very dark coat naturally that is also very thick. In the case of getting pure black boxer puppies, you need to look very carefully because the color can deceive your eyes. Never judge the color of the boxer in the first look. There are some black boxer puppies who are black in color and some just have a dark brindle. Image Source 3. Health of the black boxer dog Just like any other dog breed, the black boxer dog breed is also prone to some health issues. Some of the leading health issues that affect this breed is that they are likely to suffer from cancer, heart conditions like boxer cardiomyopathy, hyperthyroidism, hip dysplasia and even epilepsy. The main cause of death being stillbirth and infection. Remember, the original black boxer puppy was a hybrid of the English bulldog and the Bullenbeisser , which is now an extinct breed. The sole cause of infections among the current black boxer dog is as a result of inbreeding with other dog breeds. About .The lifespan of the black boxer dogs was therefore estimated to be an average of 10 years. Before you make your purchase from any breeder, make sure that you screen the black boxer dog to find out if he is likely to have any of these health conditions. This will greatly determine the lifespan of the black boxer puppy. Diet and nutrition of the black boxer dog The black boxer dog is a very energetic breed. This essentially means that you have to be very keen on the quality of dog food that you feed your furry friend. High quality wet dog food is recommended for the black boxer dog. Their diet should generally contain high amounts of calories because of their energy expenditure. You should mostly feed your black boxer dog meals which contain lean animal protein like lean chicken or fish which is a good source of omega-3 fatty acids. You also need to be aware of the fact that black boxers may be vulnerable to dental issues hence have a high likelihood of developing bad breath. This is one of the reasons why you need to avoid dry dog food, especially cheap and low quality food. Always give your dog plenty of clean and fresh water to help maintain good oral hygiene and to keep him well hydrated. Weight and height of the black boxer dog The black boxer dog is generally a medium-sized dog. The male dog weighs approximately between kgs and the female counterpart too. The only difference between the male and female black boxer dogs is the height. The male can grow to a height of between cm and the female between cm. Image Source 7. The black boxer dog is quite a harmless one when it comes to family and has a very warm and social personality. However, this dog can be distrustful to strangers. The black boxer dog is the perfect family dog because of their patience and protective nature, especially around children. This dog breed is a very playful and energetic one hence a favorite of many children. Boxers can also be quite headstrong so you need to take them through thorough obedience training. Naturally, boxers are not an aggressive breed and they have natural guardian instincts too. Socialization The black boxer is a very friendly dog, which makes it easy for you to socialize your puppy. The dog gets along well with both humans and other animals. They generally love companionship and will immediately get along fine with strangers once their natural instinct assures them it is okay to do so. However, you need to know that black boxer dogs may not be very patient when it comes to larger adult dogs, especially those of the same sex. Boxers are generally patient with smaller dog breeds. In case you take your boxer out the dog park, one that is frequented by smaller dog breeds will be a good place to begin socialization. Recommended: Check the brain training for dogs program here 9. What is the price of a black boxer puppy? The price of the black boxer puppy is expected to be relatively higher than the price of other dog breeds. This is because of the fact that the black boxer is a rare breed and they are not very easy to get. Breeders who sell black boxer puppies sell them a bit expensive because this dog has a really beautiful black coat that is very thick and dark hence making him a very attractive breed. You need to be prepared to dig deep in your pockets to get one of these lavish black boxer puppies. Are black boxers rare? Getting a pure bred black boxer dog can prove to be quite difficult due to the extinction of one of the parent species, the Bullenbeiser. However, you can get black and white boxer puppies as well as crossbreeds of the black boxer dog. Real black boxers do not exist anymore. The gene that is responsible for the rich dark color is extinct and not available in the existing breeds. Never be misguided by some greedy breeders who claim to have the pure black boxer dog breed. Conclusion In conclusion, the black boxer dog was one of a kind. The current breeds are a crossbreed between the black boxer dog and another breed. This existing breed may have a fur coat that is a mixture of black and white, hence a black and white boxer dog or brown. The boxer is a great family dog and has a warm temperament too. The breed is also a friendly one hence very easy to socialize with both humans and other canines. Always give your boxer plenty of physical exercise because this dog is very energetic and needs the exercise to develop healthy and strong bones. Good nutrition is also very important to lower the risk of your boxer suffering from illnesses that can be avoided. Featured Image Credit: Source. Chopped carrots or celery make great little healthy treats. Your vet can help you develop a care routine. Boxadors love to eat and will rapidly gain weight if they are allowed to free feed. Pick a high quality dog food and stick to a feeding schedule; two feedings per day could be ideal to keep this pooch happy. They also need an exercise schedule. A 30 minute hike, walk, or game of fetch, plus an hour of active running around a yard will help burn off pent up energy. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. Keeping them clean and dry is the best way to avoid doctor visits. If your dog develops a pungent aroma or is scratching their ears excessively, they may have an ear infection and will require a vet exam. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. You should brush their teeth a minimum of three times a week. Clean your dogs eyes as you would your own. You can use a cloth or your fingers to wipe away discharge or debris that collects in the corners. Boxador Feeding An ideal Boxador diet should be formulated for an active, medium- to large-sized breed. Limit their amount of treats, as well. The main colors of Boxadors are; black, brown, brindle, and white. Rarely solid, their coats typically have a blend of two or more colors. Luckily, their coats are very easy to groom. A good brushing per week will probably do. They may self groom and are considered a pretty clean dog. Always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any tail pulling or biting on the part of either party. No dog should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Learn more about this pup by reading about their parent breeds, the Boxer and Labrador Retriever. Boxador Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed specific rescue for Boxadors because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Boxer or Labrador Retriever breed specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. There is a lot of talk about black Boxers dogs; some potential puppy buyers will actively seek out this colored puppy, but their searching is in vain. It may be hard to believe it when you see photos, but black boxers do not exist — the color gene responsible for black coat color does not exist within the breed. Brindle is a pattern of color, it is a striping effect. With most brindle Boxers, the dark stripes are clearly over a fawn background. However, with Boxer dogs that appear to have a black coat, this is due to super heavy reserve brindling. In fact, it can be so dark and so thick, that you cannot see any fawn beneath it. This gives the dog a very dark coat that does indeed appear to be black. Here, we'll go into the facts a bit more to talk about why black cannot exist with the breed and some myths are swirl about regarding this perceived coat color. Why Colors are Misinterpreted It is very easy to see a dog and immediately assume that he is a certain color, based on what your eyes are telling you. However, with some breeds, the Boxer included, you must take a second look. It is sometimes only when you realize how brindle can cause an effect of sorts, that makes a first impression of black, that it starts to make sense. In addition, some Boxers are given the term of black; however, in many cases, this is a shortened term that comes from longer 'black brindle'. The base color of all purebred Boxers is fawn. Brindles are actually fawn with a brindle marking. Those markings are made of a pattern for fur consisting of black striping which covers the fawn… Sometimes just a bit lightly brindled and sometimes a lot a heavily brindled dog. A black Boxer with white flash? Your eyes are playing tricks on you. This pup is super dark reverse brindle with white markings. Cassandra, 5 months old Photo couresty of Christopher Many wonder if perhaps there were black Boxers that were mostly bred out of the lines and that perhaps now and again a dog with a black coat shows up somewhere. However, if we look to the record keeping of the past century, we can see that this is not the case. In this year time period, a black Boxer appeared once, however there is a catch to this. In the Germany, in the late 's a Boxer was paired with a mixed dog that was part Bulldog and part Schnauzer. The resulting litter had puppies that had black coats. Since another breed was introduced into the bloodline, they were not purebreds. These dogs were not used for any further breeding and therefore did not have any influence on genetics going forward. Once in a while there will be a breeder that claims to have black Boxers and will point to this one incident long ago as evidence that black does indeed run in the bloodline. However, since those mixed dogs with black coats were never used for any sort of develop program this simply does not hold true. Another element that shows that this coloring does not exist in the Boxer line is the rule that the Munich Boxer Club created in .This group had stringent control over breeding and development of Boxers in Germany and set the guidelines for the standard, conformation and all elements regarding appearance including coloring. This group did not wish for any experimenting to be done that would introduce the color black and for this reason they made a clear rule that black Boxers would not be accepted. Some make the argument that programs may have ignored this ruling and still attempted to breed black Boxers. However it would have not been in their best interest to do so and additionally, any resulting dogs would have not been part of the Munich Boxer Club since they couldn't have been registered there. This means that any such hypothetical dogs could not have genetically been included in the Boxer's bloodline since they would have been barred from any programs that were developing and perfecting the breed. So, now that we know: This color does not exist in the line The only record of any black Boxer in the last century was a mixed dog and not a purebred Guidelines and strict rules of of the club in Munich that was the foundation of today's Boxers clearly excluded black Boxers.And it is also fair to say: The chance of there being some odd, rare gene mutation that brings black into the coat is extraordinarily rare; mathematically the odds are so low that this can be ruled out Black Boxer puppies cannot be born due to a hidden gene; this is because black is dominant over all other colors. It cannot be recessive, it always comes out over others Why are some people still adamant that this coloring exists? Diesel, at 2 years old Photo courtesy of Brittany Calvert This leads us to the conclusion of only two possibilities in this regard: A 'true' black Boxer simply cannot be a purebred. It is assumed that in this case, it would be done to sell the pups at a higher cost. Some elements to ponder.Their registration papers do not have that color code as an option. Therefore, even if someone verbally dubs a Boxer to have a black coat, the dog - if registered with a recognized club - would officially be another color; and that would most likely be brindle. Since the pup would be handed over to new owners with papers stating he was not black, how can they simultaneously claim to have black Boxer dogs? And this of course, is very unethical. In Summary Every being whether it is a mammal, like a dog, human, etc. These genes determine everything about the being, from skin color to the number legs to where the eyes are.Genes control coat color in dogs, too. In order for a dog to be black, that breed of dog must contain the gene for having a black coat. Boxer dogs do not have that gene. So, there cannot be any black Boxer dogs. It is genetically impossible. A Boxer that is black, or true black with brown points, for example, MUST be a mixed breed or a heavily brindled dog.