Lab-mix puppies come in a variety of shapes, sizes and colors, depending upon what they are mixed with.
High-energy and friendly, Labrador retriever mixes typically make good pets. If you've just adopted a Lab-mix puppy, you may have some questions on take care of it. Fortunately, Lab-mix puppies are generally easy-going and easy to care for.
Instructions
1. Feed your puppy a high-quality puppy food. If your puppy is a mix of Labrador and another big-sized breed, choose puppy food made for large breeds, as large-breed puppies have different dietary needs than small breeds. If you are unsure of your pup's parentage, speak to your veterinarian about which food to feed your puppy.
2. Feed your puppy a meal three times daily for its first four months, suggests tealwoodkennel.com. Then, make the transition to twice a day.
3. Walk your puppy at least once a day. In general, Labrador retrievers have a lot of energy that needs to be released. Unless you allow your Lab-mix puppy to get plenty of exercise, it will likely misbehave out of frustration. Take it on leashed walks, which provide exercise and also a bonding experience. Start with short walks and gradually increase the length.
4. Clean your puppy's ears once a week. Labs typically suffer from many ear infections because of their pendulum-shaped ears, states tealwoodkennels.com. Therefore, get your puppy accustomed to the process by starting it out young. Pour a cleaner made for dogs into the ears until it comes out, then massage the base of the ear. Wipe out the debris with a cotton ball. Use a different ball each time you wipe and continue until they come out clean. Be gentle and patient, it may take time for your puppy to learn to accept the cleaning, so don't become frustrated.
5. Bathe your puppy with puppy shampoo once a month. Labs tend to have skin problems and bathing with a gentle shampoo can relieve many skin issues. If you start bathing your puppy at a young age, it will get used to baths and be easier to bathe. Since Labrador retrievers are water dogs, your puppy may come to enjoy the experience if treated gently and with patience as a puppy.
6. Provide chewing toys for your lab mix puppy. According to labradorretrieversavvy.com, lab puppies love to chew and it's likely your lab mix will, as well. Therefore, provide your pup with a toy that is appropriate to chew, or else it may find a couch leg or shoe to gnaw on, instead.
7. Take your Labrador retriever-mix puppy to the veterinarian for regular examinations and vaccinations. Puppies receive vaccines beginning at eight weeks of age, and continue to get them until they are about four months. In addition, puppies need deworming and should receive heartworm and flea and tick preventatives, as well.
Related posts
Red-nosed pit bulls are the same as other pit bulls.While the name "red nose" suggests a separate breed or possibly even different characteristics from other pit bull dogs, it is simply...
The appearance of pit bull-Labrador mix pups can vary quite a lot.A pit bull-Labrador puppy is a common breed mix, especially among dogs in shelters. They are typically high-energy dogs that displ...
Siberian husky litters average six puppies.A strong breed of dog, the mature Siberian husky grows to heights between 20 and 22 inches at the shoulder with an average weight between 35 and 60 pound...
Mal Shi puppies make wonderful petsMal Shi dogs are created by crossing the Maltese breed with the Shih Tzi. The result is a sturdy, compact, adorable dog that makes a wonderfully entertaining and...
Housetraining begins on the first day puppy comes home.Labrador retrievers are the most popular dog breed in the United States for the 19th consecutive year, according to American Kennel Club's 20...
