A vet has shared four things people should be aware of before getting a Labrador, as they claim most people don’t know exactly how much work the ‘family dog’ normally requires
Getting a dog is a big decision, and with it comes a lot of added responsibilities. One of the first decisions you need to make is deciding what breed to get, as they all come with different quirks and requirements.
Labradors are often ranked as one of the best dogs to get, as they’re relatively easy to take care of if you’re a first time dog owner, and also usually thrive in a family environment. However, one vet named Amir Anwary has now shared four things people should be aware of before getting a Labrador, as they might not always be the best dog for your lifestyle.
“I’m a veterinarian and these are a few things you have to know before you get a Labrador,” he said in his video. He then went on to share four things people should consider before getting a Labrador.
1. They need exercise
“They need regular exercise,” Amir said for his first point.
He went on to explain: “So many people think that Labradors are just this chilled out family dog, that is not true. They are Labrador retrievers, they will literally break through a tree if they could.
“They thrive on a lot of good quality exercise. That’s what keeps them happy and that’s what, very importantly, keeps their weight down.”
2. They shed a lot
“They’re heavy shedders,” he said for his second point. “They have a double coat, meaning that they will shed all year around, more so during season change.
“So if you’re someone who doesn’t fancy cleaning your house regularly, or is a bit OCD about cleanliness, a Labrador probably isn’t the best choice for you,” Amir advised.
3. Prone to obesity
For his third point, Amir warned: “They will get fat, extremely quickly.”
As most dog lovers might already know, labradors have a big appetite, and they seem to like any food they can get their paws on. However, this indiscriminate eating habit also comes at a cost as it could lead to them becoming obese.
“So they are one of the breeds that are genetically predisposed to gaining weight very quickly, so you have to be extremely mindful about exercise, but also extremely careful about what you feed your labrador, because before you know it, it will be rolling all over the place,” Amir cautioned.
4. They love to be around people
“Labradors are prone to separation anxiety. They’re family dogs, they want to be loved all the time. They want people around them,” Amir shared.
While this often makes them the perfect dogs for families with children, Amir warned that you need to consider your daily schedule to ensure you don’t have to leave your lab alone for long periods of time.
“If you work all day every day, don’t get a labrador. Because if you leave them at home all the time alone, they are gonna be really sad. And nobody wants to see a sad lab,” he said.
Several people quickly took to the comment section of the video, with most viewers echoing the same sentiments about the dog breed.
“Best dogs in the world. I have 4,” one viewer said, while a second person wrote: ” in my opinion the best dogs ever, my girl crossed the rainbow two years ago, best dog to haver walked this planet.”
Regarding shedding, another dog owner shared: “My lab sheds twice a year… jan – jun, and Jul – Dec!”.
Always carry out your own research before committing to a particular dog breed.