Labrador puppies are among the most adorable pups you can find. They have a sweet-natured reputation and they thrive on human companionship. But what do you need to know about the fox red lab, known for its unique coloring? In today’s post, let us guide you in caring specifically for the fox red Labrador Retriever.
Origin
In case you didn’t know, the red color among Labs is simply a variant of the yellow color. If you are going to check the accepted colors of this breed, you will find that there are only three recognized Lab coat colors based on the American Kennel Club standards. Aside from yellow, the other two accepted colors are only black and chocolate. Yellow is produced when the recessive gene masked the dominant gene that causes a dog to turn black.
Puppy Checklist Essentials
Life with Labs can be both exciting and overwhelming. Before bringing home your new buddy, make sure you already have the essentials at home. If you are a new pet parent, it helps to have these things ready to make your journey as a pet parent as easy as possible. You might need a few more things along the way but these are the essentials so far:
Feeding bowls – Labs are touted as gluttons because of their love for food so you better prepare the most durable food and water bowls you can find out there. Dog bowls come in different shapes, sizes, and materials used. Plastic is easy to carry and it’s cheap. But if you want something that can withstand wear and tear, invest in human-grade stainless steel bowls. They are more hygienic and they are easier to clean compared to plastic bowls.
Treats – in addition to premium dog food, it will help to have some treats in handy. Treats can be used in motivating your new pup during trainings or just to reward him for a good behavior. Just be careful not to overdo it, especially if you want to share commercially prepared dog treats. Buy healthy treats, like dog biscuits made of natural ingredients. You can also share fruits in bite-sized pieces, like apples and blueberries. Carrot sticks are also a healthy option.
Grooming kit – this should consist of the right brush for Labs, as well as cleaning essentials like puppy shampoo and doggie wipes for instant cleanups when going outside. You can use a variety of brushes for Labs, but to minimize their shedding, consider investing in a decent de-shedding tool. These dogs have undercoats, which become loose and can be removed using a slicker brush.
Collar and leash – in most places, it is essential to put the dog on a leash when walking outside. This is to keep them from running, so they will stay safe especially if there are vehicles passing by. Aside from putting the dog on a leash, don’t forget to put on a collar for your pet’s identification. This should contain your contact number or, if your pet is microchipped, it should contain details about your microchipping company.
Dog bed and crate – make your pup feel more safe and sound while sleeping by buying him a cozy dog bed. An orthopedic mattress will be a good investment for large dogs like Labs that are prone to elbow and hip dysplasia. The bed for your pooch should be the perfect size, meaning not too small that your pet might not feel comfortable and not too large that he might end up messing around on the other side of the bed. You can also start crate training your dog early. Putting your pooch on a crate will make him feel more secure. It will be ideal especially when you have young kids at home.
Toys – in addition to having enough time outside, Lab puppies also benefit from having mind-stimulating games. Just make sure you will buy the most durable toys you can find, because Labs have a strong jaw. They might end up destroying their stuff without them wanting to. Stuffed toys that can be easily ripped are not ideal for Labs because they are strong chewers.
Appearance
A red Lab puppy will show its stunning and unique color right at birth. Because of this, you can easily set a red Lab aside from the yellow ones since the latter have a much lighter color. If you have not seen one before, simply think of the color of Vizsla puppies, which are like a combination of chocolate and rust.
This beautiful color will stay throughout adulthood and usually does not fade. You can take care of it and maintain its shine by using the right shampoo for your Lab. Other than their color, there is no more difference between fox red Labs and other yellow colored Labs. They all have pretty much the same iconic Lab look.
Grooming
To maintain the beauty of your fox red Lab’s coat, make sure it gets the right amount of grooming using the necessary tools. Most Labs do well with just a weekly brushing, as long as it is thoroughly done. Brushing the Lab coat is not just good for stimulating the production of natural oil in their skin but also maintains the health of the skin and coat.
Labs do not need a lot of bathing, but when they do, use it as an opportunity to inspect the coat for signs of fleas and parasites. When washing your Labrador, you should use a shampoo made of natural ingredients like lavender, oatmeal, and aloe. These ingredients can offer relief for common skin problems such as itching and scaling. In case your Lab is suffering from flea infestation, ask your vet for recommendations on medicated shampoos.
Feeding
When it comes to feeding puppies, it is not just a matter of “what to feed your dog.” Most pet parents give their dog kibble since it’s a convenient option. But there are also those who mix it with homemade food to make it healthier and easier to digest for their puppy. In addition to what to feed your Lab puppy, you also need to consider the amount and frequency of each feeding.
Most Labs do not really have a problem consuming a range of foods but in case your pup does, don’t hesitate to consult your vet for other food options. If your pup develops hypersensitivity to dry dog food, you may try offering wet dog food instead. Most dogs with allergies are given wet dog food since it’s easier to digest, not to mention that it is better for pets prone to obesity.
Health tips
It helps to find a good vet who will help you throughout your journey as a parent of a Lab. When it comes to looking for a vet, you can ask your friends for recommendations. It is also important that the vet is nearby, so you can easily reach them in case of emergency.
Before adopting from a breeder, make sure to ask for a health guarantee. When you are given a guarantee, it means you will need to consult a vet about the health of your pooch in a span of three days. The vet will check for any problems, including inherited problems.
Exercise
As a working breed, the Labrador Retriever is known for its high energy levels. Hence, this dog needs lots of exercise per day to keep him happy and to prevent boredom which can lead to anxiety and even bad behavior. Walking is the best option for Labs, although you can also incorporate other exciting activities such as swimming and running to make it more exciting for your pooch.
The amount of exercise a dog needs usually depends on its lifestyle and current health condition. Labs need around 45 minutes of physical activities per day which can be extended to an hour if your buddy is quite active.
Important Reminders before Getting a Fox Red Labrador
The first thing you would want to ask yourself is “Am I ready for a Lab?” You might need to mull over this idea for a few weeks and make your own research about the breed before making the final decision. Remember, Labs are great family dogs but they require lots of attention and time for exercise. If you are a busy person eager to adopt a dog, consider getting a sitter or a dog walker who will accompany your pet while you are not around.
Conclusion
Fox red Labs might be mistaken for another color and not all people know that the fox red color in Labrador Retrievers is simply another shade of the yellow color. The price of a fox red Lab may be more expensive than a typical yellow-colored Lab because it is a rare color.
