Taking care of your Labrador retriever is an important aspect of being a dog owner. Your dog’s Labrador retriever health depends on your ability to take care him. Learning some of the most common ailments that can impact your dog’s health and wellbeing. Knowing what to look for can help you decide when to take your Labrador to the vet for help to preserve his health.

Bowel Obstruction

One of the biggest concerns that can be difficult to identify is a bowel instruction. However, the fact of the matter is dogs like to chew on things. Many of the things they can encounter can cause problems if ingested, though. For your Labrador, some of the most common culprits include rawhide bones, toys, especially those made from rubber, sticks, stones and even socks and undergarments. Symptoms to watch out for include vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, lack of appetite, lethargy, abdominal pain and irritable behavior. Any of these signs warrant a trip to the vet.

Soft Tissue Trauma

Soft tissue trauma is typically one of the easiest problems to identify in Labrador retriever health. Whether your dog has been hit by a car, got into a fight with another animal or was otherwise injured, it is important to take him to the vet as quickly as possible to have his injuries assessed by a professional. Any injury that involves skin, muscles or other soft tissues qualifies under this category, though it is important to also check for broken bones and internal injuries.

Poisoning

Many items that are safe for human consumption and use can actually be deadly for your Labrador retriever. For instance, many people are aware that dogs shouldn’t eat chocolate, especially dark chocolate. Insect bait stations, fertilizers, artificial sweeteners and rodent poison can all have a negative impact on Labrador retriever health. Certain plants can also be poisonous so make sure you check before you purchase any new plants for your home.

As a pet owner, it is important to protect your Labrador retriever health in any way you can. Learning the various injuries that are most likely to occur with your dog can help you identify when your dog needs to go to the vet for proper emergency care. Among the most common issues to watch out for are bowel obstructions, poisoning and soft tissue injuries, allowing you to protect your Labrador in every way possible.