Characteristics and care of labrador puppies 1 month old

Labradors are one of the kindest and most loyal dogs. But for a pet to grow up obedient, it needs to be properly educated and given proper care from an early age. Consider how to properly care for a Labrador puppy at the age of 1 month.

A month old Labrador puppy resembles a teddy bear. He is well-fed, his coat and skin are clean. The male looks larger than the girl. The kid is active, good-natured, cheerful, sees and hears well, loves to play. A distinctive feature of this age is curiosity. The puppy begins to be interested in various sounds, objects, tastes and smells everything.

For monthly puppies of this breed, the following norms are characteristic:

• height at the withers - 23-23.5 cm;
• chest girth - 37-38 cm;
• face girth - 17 cm;
• head circumference - 27-28 cm.

For the rapid growth and development of your pet, you need to establish the correct feeding regimen. Before drawing up a diet, you need to decide whether it will be dry food or natural food. Both options have their own advantages and disadvantages.

Benefits of natural food:

• high quality and fresh products;
• lack of harmful substances;
• the possibility of replacing the product with another one when an allergic reaction occurs.

Disadvantages:

• you need to properly formulate the diet so that the food is complete;
• it takes a long time to cook;
• it is necessary to add vitamin and mineral complexes to the diet;
• while traveling, it is problematic to prepare your own food.

The puppy's diet should include:

• boiled meat: chicken, turkey, beef, lean pork;
• porridge: buckwheat, rice;
• eggs;
• cottage cheese;
• vegetables;
• vitamin and mineral supplements.

Today on the market there is a wide range of ready-made dry food for puppies. It is recommended to use super premium food from well-known manufacturers. Such feeds have a balanced composition, they are nutritious, contain animal proteins, essential vitamins, minerals and amino acids.

Economy class dry food contains soy, corn, skins, feathers, dyes and flavors, they lack quality meat.

Pros of using dry food:

• saving time;
• the serving size is indicated on the package;
• the composition includes vitamin and mineral complexes;
• food is selected taking into account individual characteristics.

Minuses:

• the presence of preservatives in the composition;
• the content of meat of very low quality in the feed;
• the occurrence of allergic reactions;
• high price.

Regardless of which food you choose, first of all, it should be suitable for the age and needs of the dog. Make sure that there is always clean drinking water in the bowl, change it to fresh water if necessary.

The list of prohibited products includes:

• milk;
• meat: lamb and fatty pork;
• raw fish;
• potato;
• refined rice;
• sausages;
• vegetables: cabbage, onions, garlic, tomatoes;
• mushrooms;
• pasta;
• nuts;
• chocolate;
• bird bones.

Cooked food should be at room temperature. It is recommended to remove leftover food immediately after the Labrador has eaten. Dogs of this breed have a good appetite, they quickly gain excess weight, so it is important to monitor the amount of carbohydrates in food.

The daily portion for a monthly Labrador retriever is 5-7% of its own weight, 50% should be for meat, 30% for cereals, 10% for vegetables and dairy products.

The Labrador Retriever, like dogs of other breeds, needs care, attention and care from the owner every day.

Good hygiene is essential to the health of your pet. After a walk, you need to wash your baby's paws and stomach or wipe them with a damp cloth. Labradors are very fond of water treatments, but it is advisable to wash them in warm water using a special shampoo only 2-3 times a year.

Nails should be trimmed regularly using round clippers. The main thing is not to damage the blood vessels. The first time you can seek help from a veterinarian. He will show you how to perform this procedure correctly and safely.

Ears are cleaned with cotton swabs, which are pre-moistened in a special ear lotion, or wiped with cotton swabs. If you have discharge from the eyes or crusts in the ears, contact your veterinarian immediately.

The skin of the dog does not require special care. Several times a week, you need to comb the coat with a metal brush and do a gentle soft massage. Brush your teeth once a week. To do this, purchase a special toothbrush.

To keep all the care products at hand, you can assemble a mini home first aid kit, which includes:

• hydrogen peroxide;
• ear lotion;
• cotton swabs and tampons;
• Toothbrush;
• eye treatment;
• mini syringe;
• elastic bandage.

To fight infectious diseases, a Labrador Retriever puppy is vaccinated. Two weeks before vaccinations, the dog is relieved of worms. The vaccination schedule should be checked with the veterinarian and strictly observed.

You need to walk with a Labrador 2-3 times a day, the minimum time is 15 minutes. The place for walking should be uncrowded, away from the roadway. If the puppy already knows the nickname and responds to the owner's voice, you can let him run by letting him off the leash.

Pull your dog back if he tries to eat something outside. It is also important to remember that excessive stress negatively affects the condition of the joints, so the walking time should not exceed 40 minutes.

For a good rest, the puppy should have a comfortable sleeping place. This can be a bed covered with a clean sheet or blanket. Do not let your dog jump onto a chair or sofa, or onto the owner's bed. Get interesting toys (rubber bones, balls), place them next to the sleeping place.

In the first month of life, a puppy can gnaw on everything that comes its way: wires, shoes, furniture, bags, cell phones. Remove all dangerous items and household chemicals in cabinets, hide electrical cables.

The upbringing of a Labrador retriever begins from the moment it appears in a new home. You need to accustom him to order and discipline, show him the place, introduce him to a temporary toilet (this can be a tray or a diaper on the floor).

The puppy is easy to train, so at an early age you can teach him basic commands: "To me", "Fu", "Sit", "Next", "Place". Commands should be given in a calm tone, without shouting, without showing aggression.

The Labrador is a dog breed that is distinguished by its friendliness and loyalty to its owner. If you devote enough time and attention, the puppy will turn into a well-groomed dog, will become your faithful friend.

How puppies behave in the first days after purchase, see below.