About Labradoodles

Happy Labor Day weekend!  Hopefully you have plans to have a great time and take your Labradoodle with you.  Here are a few tips to keep that darling doodle happy and safe over the holiday.  A common Labor Day outing is a picnic—who doesn’t love a picnic?  Be careful that your dog doesn’t follow her nose too enthusiastically and ingest chicken bones or pieces of aluminum foil used to wrap picnic foods.  Summer is the season for insects, so protect your dog against fleas, ticks and heartworm.  The warm weather also promotes allergies to pollen and plants.  If your dog is chewing on himself, seek veterinary attention.


The hot sun can dehydrate a dog or even result in heatstroke—be sure she has a source of fresh drinking water (consider a spill-proof water bowl), ventilated moving air, and shade.    A dog with a fresh water source is less likely to drink sea water, contaminated or chemically lake or pool water, or automobile chemicals on the ground, which can make him ill.  If your dog is in a pen, consider purchasing a fan or a dog cooling mat to keep her comfortable.  Some dog grooming sprays include a sunscreen, and you can apply hypoallergenic sunscreen suitable for babies (30 SPF or higher) on exposed skin areas.  Dog noses are especially prone to sunburn.    If your dog is not a swimmer, supervise him closely—even strong swimmers drown when exhausted.  Never leave your dog in a parked car, where temperatures can reach over 150 degrees Fahrenheit even with a window cracked. (It is a common misconception that this is sufficient prevention of heatstroke or even death in dogs.)  Limit exercise periods to the coolest parts of the day, avoiding surfaces such as sidewalks, asphalt or sand, which may absorb the heat and burn your dog’s paws.  The most common signs of heatstroke in a dog are rapid panting, twitching muscles, skin that feels hot to the touch, and a dazed look.  If any of these symptoms occur, contact a vet immediately and attempt to cool the dog by using towels soaked in cool (not cold) water, hosing her down, or giving him a cool bath. Allow her to lick ice cubes or sip cool water.  In the event of heatstroke, a trip to the vet may save your dog’s life.