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New Zealand’s most popular dog is also the one that gets into a lot of trouble.
Labradors fight crime like drug detection dogs, help people like guide dogs and therapy dogs, and are also friendly family members.
But in the past year, a pet insurance company said it had received nearly $ 1.5 million in sick, injury and accident claims involving farmers.
Southern Cross Pet Insurance said it wouldn’t be a surprise to Labrador owners that their pet eating things they shouldn’t be eating was the reason for most visits to the vet.
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In 2019, the most common claims the insurer received were farmers in beach-related mishaps and eating clothes, stones, and poison.
Accidents on the beach were generally due to the swallowing of hooks, sinkers, algae, shells and baits. The injuries also involved hooks stuck in legs, tongues and lips.
Many labrador claims involved pets eating rat poison, the insurance company said.
“Others related to swallowing rubber gloves, broken dishes, toys, tea towels, skewers, cans, plastic, compost, and medications.
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Accidents on the beach were generally due to the swallowing of hooks, sinkers, algae, shells and baits. The injuries also involved hooks stuck in legs, tongues and lips. (File photo).
“His fondness for swallowing everything from socks and rat poison to gravel and even hooks has seen the Labrador named the most mischievous breed of dog in New Zealand.”
Southern Cross Pet Insurance general manager Anthony McPhail said the farmers were playful and outgoing.
“However, they are also very energetic and have a large appetite, so they are prone to eating things they shouldn’t and getting into trouble if they are bored.
“New Zealand has one of the highest pet ownership statistics in the world, but insurance rates here are low compared to other pet-loving nations. It leaves many dog owners worse when something goes wrong.”
Mytchall Bransgrove / Stuff
One in eight purebred dogs in New Zealand is a Labrador and there are currently 41,000 registered (file photo).
One in eight purebred dogs in New Zealand is a Labrador and there are currently 41,000 registered, 10,000 more than its closest rival, the Border Collie.
The New Zealand Veterinary Association chief veterinarian, Helen Beattie, said veterinarians did see the farmers enter with gastrointestinal disorders and intestinal obstructions.
“This is because the dog eats something it shouldn’t, causing vomiting and / or diarrhea and sometimes surgery,” said Beattie.
“Homeowners can reduce the chances of this happening by taking preventative measures to keep their labrador from having access to items that may look attractive but are actually not suitable for eating.
“Labradors are not always good at noticing the difference,” he said.
“Make sure they have other safe things to play with and that they take up their time, enough exercise, lots of interaction with people and other dogs, and always keep an eye on what they are learning in their mouths.”
Luke nola and friends
Olive investigates why and how to behave with dogs. Video first published in February 2020.
