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Labrador Retriever Health Guide

Labs are athletic, food-obsessed, and prone to weight gain—proper diet and joint care are key to keeping them healthy and active.

10-12

Years Lifespan

55-80

Pounds (Adult)

High

Obesity Risk

#2

AKC Popularity

Weight Management is Critical

Over 60% of Labradors are overweight or obese. A genetic mutation makes many Labs feel constantly hungry. Keeping your Lab lean can add 2+ years to their life and prevent joint disease.

What Makes Labrador Retrievers Unique

Labrador Retrievers are America's most popular breed for good reason, but they have specific health considerations:

  • POMC gene mutation: Many Labs have a mutation affecting hunger—they always feel hungry
  • Water-loving breed: Their love of swimming combined with floppy ears leads to ear infections
  • Large breed joints: Prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, worsened by excess weight
  • High energy athletes: EIC gene can cause collapse during intense exercise

Major Health Conditions

1. Obesity

60%+ affected

The #1 health issue for Labs. A POMC gene mutation in ~25% of Labs disrupts hunger signaling. Combined with their food motivation, this makes obesity extremely common and dangerous.

Health impacts:

  • • Accelerates joint disease
  • • Shortens lifespan by 2+ years
  • • Increases diabetes risk
  • • Worsens breathing and mobility

Prevention:

  • • Measure food precisely
  • • Limit treats (count calories)
  • • Regular weigh-ins
  • • Feel ribs easily = healthy weight

2. Hip & Elbow Dysplasia

12% affected

Joint malformation is common in Labs. Excess weight dramatically accelerates arthritis development in affected dogs.

Watch for:

  • • Limping or favoring a leg
  • • Difficulty rising
  • • Reluctance to run or jump
  • • Decreased activity

Management:

  • • Keep weight lean (critical)
  • • Joint supplements
  • • Low-impact exercise (swimming!)
  • • Anti-inflammatory medications

3. Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC)

Genetic

A genetic condition causing weakness and collapse during intense exercise. Dogs appear normal at rest but collapse after 5-20 minutes of strenuous activity. DNA test available.

Signs during exercise:

  • • Wobbly hind legs
  • • Dragging rear legs
  • • Complete collapse
  • • Recovery within 10-30 minutes

Management:

  • • DNA test before breeding
  • • Avoid intense exercise
  • • Moderate activity is fine
  • • Most affected dogs live normal lives

4. Ear Infections

Very common

Labs' floppy ears, love of water, and allergy tendencies create perfect conditions for chronic ear infections.

Signs:

  • • Head shaking
  • • Ear scratching
  • • Odor or discharge
  • • Red, swollen ear canal

Prevention:

  • • Dry ears after swimming
  • • Weekly ear cleaning
  • • Address allergies
  • • See our ear guide

5. Eye Problems

Breed predisposed

Labs are prone to Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), cataracts, and retinal dysplasia. Responsible breeders test for these conditions.

Conditions:

  • • PRA (progressive blindness)
  • • Cataracts
  • • Retinal dysplasia
  • • Centronuclear myopathy

Prevention:

  • • Annual eye exams
  • • DNA testing available for PRA
  • • Buy from health-tested parents
  • • Early detection helps

6. Laryngeal Paralysis

Older Labs

Common in older Labs—the larynx doesn't open properly, causing breathing difficulty. Often part of a broader nerve degeneration syndrome.

Signs:

  • • Noisy, raspy breathing
  • • Voice change (hoarse bark)
  • • Exercise intolerance
  • • Overheating easily

Treatment:

  • • Keep cool and calm
  • • Avoid heat and stress
  • • Surgery (tie-back) for severe cases
  • • Manage other symptoms

Bloodwork Considerations for Labrador Retrievers

  • Thyroid levels: Hypothyroidism is common in Labs—test T4 if weight gain despite diet control
  • Glucose and insulin: Monitor for diabetes, especially in overweight Labs
  • Liver enzymes: Can be elevated with obesity
  • Joint inflammation markers: May help monitor arthritis

Preventive Care for Labrador Retrievers

Daily Care

  • Control food intake — measure meals, limit treats, use puzzle feeders
  • Daily exercise — Labs need activity but watch for EIC signs
  • Dry ears after swimming — essential for this water-loving breed
  • Weekly weigh-ins — catch weight gain early

Recommended Health Screenings

✓
Hip & elbow evaluation
OFA or PennHIP
✓
EIC DNA test
DNM1 gene test
✓
Eye certification
Annual CAER exam
✓
PRA DNA test
Progressive Retinal Atrophy

When to See the Vet Immediately

Emergency Signs:

  • Collapse during exercise (EIC or cardiac)
  • Distended abdomen with retching (bloat)
  • Severe breathing difficulty
  • Sudden hind leg weakness
  • Blue gums or tongue

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Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average lifespan of a Labrador Retriever?

Labrador Retrievers typically live 10-12 years. Chocolate Labs may have slightly shorter lifespans (10.7 years average) compared to black and yellow Labs. Maintaining a healthy weight is the single most important factor for longevity—lean Labs can live 2+ years longer.

Why are Labrador Retrievers prone to obesity?

Research identified a POMC gene mutation in about 25% of Labs that affects hunger signaling, making them feel constantly hungry. Combined with their food motivation and love of treats, this makes weight management crucial. Measuring food precisely and limiting treats is essential.

What is Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC)?

EIC is a genetic condition causing muscle weakness and collapse during intense exercise. Affected Labs appear normal at rest but can collapse after 5-20 minutes of strenuous activity. DNA testing is available, and affected dogs can live normal lives with moderate activity.

Why do Labs get so many ear infections?

Labs are very prone to ear infections due to their floppy ears, love of swimming, and tendency toward allergies. Their ear canals trap moisture, creating an ideal environment for bacteria and yeast. Weekly ear cleaning and drying ears after swimming is essential.

How can I prevent hip dysplasia in my Labrador?

While hip dysplasia has a genetic component, you can reduce severity by keeping your Lab at a lean weight, avoiding high-impact exercise during puppyhood, using joint supplements, and choosing a breeder who health-tests parents. Swimming is excellent low-impact exercise.

Are Labrador Retrievers at risk for bloat?

While not as high-risk as some deep-chested breeds, Labs can develop bloat (GDV). Signs include distended abdomen, unproductive retching, and restlessness. It's a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate veterinary care. Using slow-feeder bowls may help reduce risk.