There are all kinds of ways that active Labs can acquire cuts, scrapes, or foxtails. For cuts and scrapes, simply clean it with chlorhexidine (Nolvasan), available from your drugstore — unless the wound is deep and requires stitches. (Hydrogen peroxide is out of favor as a wound cleanser because it can cause cellular damage.) Then apply an antibiotic ointment (also available from the drug-store) to help prevent infection. Check the injured area regularly to make sure it's healing nicely and doesn't need veterinary attention. Signs of infection are redness, tenderness, and swelling.

A foxtail is a type of grass with spikes that resembles brushes. Dogs that spend time outdoors — the average Lab, for instance — will most likely encounter foxtails at some point. The grassy heads start to dry in the spring and are most likely to cause problems in summer and early fall. With their sharp ends and microscopic barbs along the sides, foxtails can become embedded in your Lab's eyes, ears, nose, paws, and fur. They can work themselves into the body, causing infection and even death if they migrate to the brain, heart, lungs, or spinal cord.

If you live in an area where foxtails are common, check your Lab for them after every excursion outdoors. Remove any that are clinging to the surface of your Lab's coat or that are outside the ear canal. It may help to soften the foxtail first with mineral oil, vegetable oil, or baby oil. Suspect a foxtail in the ear, eye, nose, or paw if your Lab is shaking his head or pawing at his ears; if he's squinting or his eye appears “glued” shut; if he begins sneezing repetitively or sneezes blood; or if he constantly licks his paw or it appears swollen.