Labrador Retrievers lead relatively healthy lives when they have sufficient exercise and a healthy diet. However, there are several health conditions that Labradors can be particularly prone to and that certain pups, sadly, can’t help developing.
In this guide, we’ll take a closer look at the health-related issues that the Labrador Retriever breed commonly suffers from.
Labradors are prone to several health concerns, and all owners should know how to spot the signs. However, Labradors don’t suffer from anything particularly serious or immediately life-threatening. All of their primary health problems can be treated accordingly, and they can sometimes live a normal life, even with an illness.
The main health-related issues that Labradors suffer from include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, ear infections, progressive retinal atrophy, and heart disease, amongst others.
Joint issues are a problem for several dog breeds, and Labradors are particularly prone to suffering from hip and elbow dysplasia. Hip dysplasia, in particular, can cause severe mobility pain for Labradors and is one of the most common Lab health-related issues.
Being a highly active dog, you’ll be able to spot signs early. Whenever they struggle to run, display difficulty walking up and down stairs, or simply pick up an abnormal gait, you should take them to see a vet.
The probability of your Labrador developing hip and elbow dysplasia can be reduced if you ensure they maintain a healthy diet throughout their life and get well over one hour’s worth of exercise per day. Once your dog has developed joint problems, a vet will be able to prescribe appropriate supplements that will hopefully ease the pain and help them to walk.
Arthritis often develops after a Labrador suffers from elbow joint dysplasia. It develops as a result of the dog putting too much strain on its joints, which is made worse if the dog is not kept at a healthy weight. Although it cannot be cured, the pain can be alleviated through medication. Physical therapy is also available.
As they grow older, Labradors may suffer from progressive retinal atrophy, an eye condition that many older dogs develop. Signs of progressive rod-cone degeneration (as it is sometimes referred to) include your dog appearing uncertain of its surroundings, night blindness, or regularly bumps into things. Sadly, it will eventually make your dog totally blind.
There is no cure for this health issue at present; however, it does not threaten your dog in any other way other than their vision.
Labradors are prone to developing infections in their ears. Whenever you groom your Lab, always check their ears for a build-up of debris or clear signs of infection and clean as appropriate. Alternatively, if your dog appears irritated by their ears, check them for an ear infection!
Ear infections can come in the form of your dog scratching its ear, a bad smell, or a discharge from the ear. Always relieve fluid retention when you notice it.
Heart disease is amongst the most serious health and welfare concerns for Labradors and is particularly prone in elderly dogs. You can spot the signs of heart disease if your Lab suffers from weight loss, struggles to breathe, is often fatigued, or doesn’t have an appetite.
It cannot be cured, but its effects can be curbed through a special diet and exercise plan. Plus, diuretics can be prescribed by a vet to ease the pain.
Let’s be honest: vet costs can be high at times, especially if our dogs get a serious disease or injury. So, with that in mind, insuring your Lab should be considered a long-term investment more than just a simple expense. So yes, you should insure your Lab. Tips for choosing the best insurance for Labradors
A Labrador lives for 10-12 years on average, but a healthy Labrador with no common Labrador health concerns will likely exceed this bracket.
When picking a Labrador to add to your family, make sure to only buy from a reputable breeder. A responsible breeder will give you full disclosure on what if any, common Labrador health conditions that the parents suffer from. From there, you’ll be able to predict what the pet’s health will be like in the future.
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