Labrador Retriever: health conditions to watch
Labradors are the UK’s most popular dog for good reason, but their size, appetite and active build bring a predictable set of things to watch — mostly joints, weight and, later in life, cancer. Keeping a Lab lean prevents a surprising amount of trouble.
What to watch in a Labrador Retriever
A predisposition is a “worth knowing”, not a diagnosis. Most Labrador Retrievers never develop these — but knowing the early signs means you can act early.
Osteoarthritis
Learn about Osteoarthritis →Arthritis is common as Labs age, often on the back of joint disease or extra weight; early signs are subtle (slowing on walks, stiffness after rest).
Join the Osteoarthritis community →Hip Dysplasia
Learn about Hip Dysplasia →A well-known breed risk; hip-scored parents lower the odds, and early signs in a puppy are worth acting on.
Cruciate Ligament Disease
Learn about Cruciate Ligament Disease →Cruciate (knee ligament) rupture is common in this build; sudden hindlimb lameness is the classic sign.
Join the Cruciate Ligament Disease community →Obesity
Learn about Obesity →Labs are famously food-driven (some carry a gene that increases appetite); weight control is the single biggest lever on their long-term health.
Join the Weight Management community →Laryngeal Paralysis
Learn about Laryngeal Paralysis →Older Labs are prone to laryngeal paralysis; a change in bark, noisy breathing or heat intolerance in a senior Lab warrants a check.
Join the Breathing & Airways community →Cancer (General)
Learn about Cancer (General) →Like many larger breeds, Labs have a meaningful lifetime cancer risk; knowing the early warning signs helps you act promptly.
Join the Cancer (General) community →Start here
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Arthritis in Dogs: Everything You Need to Know
Most owners arrive here for one of two reasons: a dog who's just been diagnosed with arthritis, or a nagging sense that something isn't quite right and a wish to work out what's going on. Either way, you've come to the right place.
Looking after a Labrador Retriever
- Buy from hip- and elbow-scored parents
- Keep them lean — measure meals, resist the begging
- Regular exercise to protect joints and weight
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