There are many household products that come in handy for use with our Labs.   Many are akin to the products packaged for dogs, some work even better than anything that is supposed to be for just for dogs. Of course great care must be taken when using any product, whether it be packaged for humans or for dogs.   Common sense should be the rule, not the exception. Read all directions carefully, understand the purpose of the product and then use accordingly. If conditions warrant, then call your Veterinarian or health care professional.

For years we have kept plenty of Desenexâ Foot Spray on hand for use with our dogs. Since this products works great on bacterial outbreaks on skin, we use it on the dogs as soon as a "hotspot" or any other type of skin problem surfaces. Staph infection is very common here in South Florida, where humidity is high year round. At the first sign of the little round, reddish rash, we begin to spray very liberally around the affected site. 98% of the time, the outbreak is contained and drying out of the small patches is evident within 24 hours. For crusty type dermatitis, we use another household product, hydrogen peroxide to cleanse the area first. We then pat dry the area with a towel and spray the Desenexâ . Once again the majority of the times, healing is very evident almost immediately.

Since you are only treating the symptom with the above, it is important to address the cause also. Most Labs that have skin allergies and are prone to skin problem outbreaks might have an immune system problem. We like to boost the immune system with those natural ingredients that have been shown to help in those areas. Vitamins, minerals and anti-oxidants are all known to be great in aiding dogs with allergies and immune system weakness. Our Lab Forte Multiple Vitamin and Anti-oxidant is one of our first line defenses in getting to the root problem of immune system problems, together with our Lab Glo Natural Rice Bran Essential Fatty Acid product that is high in anti-oxidants and natural vitamin E, both are main supplements given to all our Labradors..

Pepto Bismolâ and Kaopectateâ are also indispensable in our arsenal of products to treat our Labradors. We use both the liquid form and the pills. Puppies are frequently getting into everything they can get into; they eat the worst possible substances, usually resulting in an upset stomach, vomiting and very often diarrhea. The Pepto Bismolâ and Kaopectateâ are always kept on hand whenever we have a litter of puppies around. Our Lab Glo Rice Bran keeps the G.I tract working smoothly and naturally too.

Mineral Oil - Just as puppies will get an upset stomach from eating all kind of garbage, they too will consume objects that will bind and constipate their natural bowel movements. Mineral oil is another product we always keep on hand for those moments when puppies will strain to go to the bathroom.

Murineâ and Visineâ are two products that will come in handy for eye irritations during the windy season, especially if there is lost of pollen and other eye pollutants in the air.

Dramamineâ has always been a great help for our show puppies, for those longer than usual trips. Just as it helps people with motion sickness, so too will the puppies and adult dogs benefit from the use of this product.

Benadrylâ Allergy and Antihistamine are ever present at our home and kennel. Allergic reactions are very quick with dogs. Contact with poisonous plants, insect bites frogs and adverse reactions to food and a bevy of our allergic symptoms are the expected, living in a sub-tropical area like Florida. Administration of Benadrylâ will usually take care of most cases.

Pedialyteâ is another indispensable product when puppies are around. Dehydration occurs quickly with the little guys. After a bout with vomiting and diarrhea, their body fluids are severely compromised. Action has to be taken to replace the electrolytes, potassium and other minerals lost.

Aspirin  and Ecotrinâ  are a type of pain reliever that is always present in our medicine chest for our Labs. Both relieve swelling and pain with most sprains and pulls. Our Lab Flex PLUS is also a natural anti-inflammatory and also a great pain reliever, it also has super anti-oxidants and Zinc to help build up the dog's natural immune system.

All the products mentioned above have to be used with caution when administering on a dog, since they are packaged mostly for human use. Bear in mind that most adult humans weigh 2 to 3 times as much as an adult Labrador Retriever, which means that the dog will need a lot less than a person would. Use common sense and if in doubt about ant product, consult with your health care professional.

Another word about these products, we do not receive any compensation for endorsing any of these brand names, however we wouldn't be too contrary if any of these companies were to make a donation in our name to any one of the foundations for PRA, Epilepsy, or other genetic research being done for our breed.

                                                   

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