Labrador Retriever — Puppy Care
Care recommendations — Puppy stage
During the puppy stage, feed a puppy-formulated diet sized for Labrador Retrievers to support steady growth, and keep vaccinations and deworming on schedule as recommended by a vet. keep exercise controlled rather than high-impact until growth plates close, since large breeds are still developing well past a year old. The short, dense double coat sheds heavily, especially during seasonal changes, and needs brushing a couple of times a week to manage loose hair. Starting a gentle grooming and handling routine now, while a Labrador Retriever puppy is small and adaptable, tends to make care far easier once it's grown, and this is also a valuable window for socializing a young Labrador Retriever to people, other pets, and everyday household sounds.
⚠️ Watch for
Most of the conditions linked to Labrador Retrievers tend to appear later in life, so this stage is mainly about tracking normal growth: steady weight gain, bright eyes, a good appetite, and a comfortable gait. If anything looks off this early — such as a bunny-hop gait, reluctance to jump or climb stairs, or stiffness after resting — a prompt check-in with a vet is worthwhile rather than waiting.
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