In order to ensure the future health of your dog, it is important for him to receive proper vaccinations. These vaccinations, or inoculations, help his body to build immunity against many serious diseases and usually begin between 5 to 8 weeks of age. The breeder should administer the first one, with the others being given by your veterinarian. One injection is composed of several different vaccines: parainfluenza, parvovirus, hepatitis and leptovirus. Shots are given on the chosen starting date, and then given 3 more times with a span of 3 to 4 weeks in between each one, with the last shot given after 4 months. Puppies receive natural immunity from their mother (through breast milk), but it gradually wears off sometime between 5 weeks and 4 months. The doses are spaced apart like this so if the natural immunity does wear off, the man made vaccinations in the body will continue to protect the pup. Because 4 months is the known time when the natural immunity will wear off, the last shot is given then to produce a mature immunity. A booster shot for these vaccines is again given at one year of age, and annually from thereafter.

At 4 months a distemper, or rabies shot, is also given. After that, each state has laws regarding when to renew this vaccine.

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Puppies who have not been vaccinated, or who have not yet developed a mature immune system, are susceptible to catching diseases from other dogs. It is therefore a great idea to keep them from any type of contact with other dogs until their little bodies are ready to be able to protect themselves.

Unless you plan to breed your lab, neutering or spaying is recommended at 6 months of age. Not only does this help reduce the amount of unwanted pregnancies (because there are far more dogs and domestic pets in general than there are homes for them, there are millions in shelters across the country), but it also helps prevent serious health problems. Neutering decreases the chance of prostate problems, while spaying before the first heat reduces chances of breast cancer. Statistics also show unneutered males have the highest numbers of attacks on children, usually when coming into their prime. This benefits your family as well as the dog.

Six months is also the recommended time for heartworm testing. Mosquitoes spread heartworms, which infest the dog's heart. Because mosquitoes are located in many parts of the country, and dogs usually spend a lot of time outdoors, chances are high it will be bit by these pests. Preventive therapy works well and is usually in the form of chewable treats.

 

As long as the dog is healthy, it only needs minimal care from the veterinarian. These visits include: annual physical checkups to insure that the body is working properly, annual booster shot of the combination of vaccines that were given as a puppy, rabies shot every 3 years or when the law states it should be given, heartworm test and preventive medication, and teeth cleaning if needed. If your adult lab has health problems, the veterinarian will know how to diagnose and treat them. Always bring your dog to the vet if she exhibits any abnormal behavior