Copper in Commercial Dog Food: A Simmering Controversy

April 25, 2023 / Cary Unkelbach / Dogs, Health / 4 Comments

The Association of American Food Control Officials (AAFCO) and five internationally known internal medicine liver disease veterinary experts sharply disagree over the acceptable amount of copper in commercial dog food. The AFFCO wants more live animal studies before setting a maximum amount of copper in dog food. These veterinary experts believe there is ample evidence based on previously published data, clinical observations, and diet changes in dogs with copper toxicosis, to set a maximum permissible amount of copper in food. They’ve seen how too much copper in a dog’s diet harms canines, purebreds and mixed breeds alike.

Copper Toxicosis in Labrador Retrievers in United States: New Research

February 15, 2023 / Cary Unkelbach / Dogs, Health / 14 Comments

A recent Michigan State University study concludes that the ATP7B gene mutation may play a lesser role than previously believed in the development of copper toxicosis in Labrador Retrievers in the United States. The good news is that reportedly only a small percentage of Labradors in the U.S. have two copies of that gene mutation.

Experienced Veterinarians Discuss When and If to Neuter or Spay Canines

May 20, 2022 / Cary Unkelbach / Buying a Dog or Puppy, Dogs, Health / 8 Comments

What should you consider before deciding if and when to neuter or spay your dog? Some veterinarians now base their advice on when and if to do so partially on the University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine research studies that show early neutering and spaying of some breeds and sizes of mixed-breeds increases the incidence of orthopedic issues and certain cancers.

Liver Disease Veterinary Experts Say Too Much Copper in Commercial Dog Food

May 28, 2021 / Cary Unkelbach / Dogs, Health, Labrador Retriever Issues / 6 Comments

Canine liver disease experts, who have observed a rise in copper toxicosis (CT) in purebreds and mixed breeds, recommend less copper in commercial dog foods. On other CT fronts, Dutch researchers continue their CT studies in Labrador Retrievers, and state-side researchers conduct clinical trials to assess the effectiveness of one drug used for treating this often fatal disease.

Pet Insurance: Pros and Cons

March 28, 2021 / Cary Unkelbach / Buying a Dog or Puppy, Dogs, Health, Labrador Retriever Issues / 12 Comments

One young California couple fortuitously decided to buy insurance for their young Labrador Retriever pup and saved nearly $15,000. But pet insurance isn’t for everyone: it’s expensive and may not cover much of your pet’s medical expenses. If you opt to purchase insurance, carefully read and compare different policies which often significantly differ from one another.

Caring for Senior Dogs: How Blessed I Am

October 28, 2019 / Erin Furman / Dogs, Health / 22 Comments

Erin Furman, author and Labrador retriever lover, considers herself to be very blessed when she cares for her elderly four-footed family members and can’t fathom why so many owners dump their senior dogs in shelters. In her guest post, she explains why senior canines are so special and shares tips about how she kept her special girl Toby, our beloved Layla’s sister, happy and active in her golden years, and continues to do so with Reese, at nearly sixteen years old.

Copper Toxicosis in Labrador Retrievers: Ongoing Research and Updated Information

March 14, 2019 / Cary Unkelbach / Dogs, Health, Labrador Retriever Issues / 8 Comments

Good news may be on the horizon for Labrador retriever breeders and owners who understand the potential heartbreak of copper toxicosis, an often-deadly disease that attacks some purebreds as well as mixed breeds. Dutch researchers will soon release a study about a controversial DNA genetic test and are working on a biomarker in blood to predict whether an individual dog has the disease.

Haven for Healing: Canine Health Resort

November 6, 2018 / Cary Unkelbach / Dogs, Health, Rescue Dogs and Organizations / 14 Comments

Canine Health Resort offers an amazing opportunity for dogs to heal after undergoing medical treatment at Colorado State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital. Owners with non-aggressive dogs may choose to leave them in this homey country haven during their rehabilitation. These lucky canines heal together as they romp on nearly seventy-five acres, swim in a pond, and sleep crate-free at night in the living room of a cozy farmhouse!

Copper Toxicosis in Labrador Retrievers

September 19, 2017 / Cary Unkelbach / Dogs, Health, Labrador Retriever Issues / 24 Comments

Copper toxicosis can kill purebreds and mixed breeds. Its onset may occur in young puppies and adults of any age. Learn more about this devastating disease, and how breeders and owners alike of Labrador Retrievers can use a recently developed DNA test to learn if their dogs are more at risk for the disease than others, and, if so, what steps they can take to try to keep the disease at bay.

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