What Diseases Are Labradors Prone To?
Labrador Retrievers are known for being healthy, lively, and loving dogs that can enjoy a long, active life. Still, like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues that owners should watch for.
Some of the most common problems seen in Labs include hip and elbow dysplasia, weight-related conditions, ear infections, eye troubles, heart disease, and inherited disorders such as exercise-induced collapse (EIC) and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).
Catching these issues early, and taking steps to prevent them, can make all the difference. With the right care, attention, and lifestyle, your Lab can stay happy, strong, and full of energy well into their golden years.
Why Labradors Are Prone to Certain Diseases?
Several factors explain why Labs tend to face certain health issues more often than other breeds:
Genetics: Over many generations, They have been bred for qualities like energy, strength, and a friendly nature. While this has made them wonderful family dogs, it’s also passed down some inherited weaknesses, especially in their joints and eyes.
Structure & Growth: They grow fast and reach a fairly large size. That rapid growth puts extra pressure on their bones and joints while they are still developing.
Lifestyle: They absolutely love to eat, and without careful portion control, they can gain weight easily. Carrying extra pounds can worsen nearly every other health problem they are prone to.
Environment: Their natural love for swimming and water play can cause moisture to build up in their ears, often leading to ear infections.
Genetic & Hereditary Diseases
1. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
These are among the most common hereditary problems in them. Dysplasia occurs when the hip or elbow joint does not fit together properly, leading to pain, stiffness, and arthritis.
Common Signs:
1. Trouble standing after rest
2. Stiff gait or “bunny hopping”
3. Reluctance to climb stairs or jump
4. Audible clicking in joints
Prevention & Management:
1. Keep your Lab lean and fit; extra weight worsens symptoms.
2. Choose low-impact exercise like swimming.
3. Add joint-supporting supplements such as glucosamine, chondroitin, and omega-3 fatty acids.
4. Use non-slip flooring and orthopedic bedding for comfort.
🔗 Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) – Dysplasia Information
2. Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC)
EIC is a genetic neurological disorder found primarily in young, active Labradors. It causes sudden muscle weakness or collapse after intense physical activity.
Signs:
1. Rear legs wobble or give out during strenuous play
2. Collapse after 5–10 minutes of heavy exercise
3. Recovery within 15–30 minutes
Care & Prevention:
1. Ask your vet for a DNA test before breeding or adopting.
2. Avoid extreme play like fetch marathons in hot weather.
3. Maintain steady, moderate activity instead of high-intensity bursts.
🧬 University of Minnesota – Exercise-Induced Collapse Research
3. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
PRA is an inherited eye disease that causes gradual vision loss and eventual blindness. It’s painless but irreversible.
Early Signs:
1. Night blindness (hesitation in dim light)
2. Clumsy movement in low visibility
3. Cloudy or dilated pupils
Management Tips:
1. Reputable breeders should provide PRA-clear certifications from OFA or CHIC.
2. Keep furniture and layouts consistent for dogs with vision loss.
3. Feed antioxidant-rich diets (vitamins A, C, E) for ocular health.
Lifestyle-Related Diseases
1. Obesity and Its Ripple Effects
Labs are famously food-driven, which makes obesity one of their biggest health threats. Overweight individuals are at higher risk for arthritis, diabetes, and heart problems.
Signs of Weight Gain:
1. No visible waistline
2. Heavy panting or low stamina
3. Difficulty feeling ribs under fat
Prevention:
1. Feed measured portions (avoid free-feeding).
2. Choose large-breed formulas with balanced protein and joint support.
3. Limit treats to under 10% of daily calories, try carrots or green beans.
4. Use slow-feeder bowls for enthusiastic eaters.
2. Ear Infections
Labs’ floppy ears and love for swimming make them prone to chronic ear infections caused by trapped moisture, yeast, or bacteria.
Symptoms:
1. Head shaking or scratching
2. Odor, redness, or discharge
3. Sensitivity when touched
Prevention & Care:
1. Clean ears weekly with a vet-approved solution (avoid alcohol-based).
2. Dry thoroughly after swimming or baths.
3. Use Zymox Ear Cleaner, a gentle enzymatic formula trusted by veterinarians.
3. Heart Disease (Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia)
A congenital condition affecting the heart’s tricuspid valve, this can cause leaky blood flow, leading to fatigue and, in advanced cases, heart failure.
Watch For:
1. Coughing or labored breathing
2. Reduced stamina
3. Swollen abdomen (fluid buildup)
Care Tips:
1. Annual vet exams with cardiac auscultation.
2. Keep weight optimal and salt intake minimal.
3. Some dogs may require medication or specialist care.
Age-Related Diseases
1. Arthritis and Mobility Issues
As Labradors age, their joints naturally wear down, especially if they have been overweight or very active.
Signs:
1. Stiffness after rest
2. Slower movement
3. Reluctance to play or climb stairs
Supportive Care:
1. Regular gentle walks and hydrotherapy
2. Joint supplements (green-lipped mussel, glucosamine)
3. Massage and physical therapy
4. Comfortable orthopedic bedding
2. Cancer
Senior Labs are predisposed to mast cell tumors (a type of skin cancer that can appear as lumps or bumps), lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system that affects the body’s immune function), and hemangiosarcoma (an aggressive cancer that forms in blood vessel walls, often in the spleen or heart), the most common cancers seen in this breed.
Warning Signs:
1. Lumps or bumps that grow or change shape
2. Unexplained weight loss
3. Lethargy or decreased appetite
What Helps:
1. Monthly home checks for new lumps
2. Yearly vet exams with bloodwork
3. Biopsy any suspicious growths early
3. Cognitive Decline (Canine Dementia)
Older Labs can experience cognitive dysfunction, similar to Alzheimer’s in humans.
Signs:
1. Pacing, confusion, staring at walls
2. Changes in sleep patterns
3. Forgetting commands or routines
Management:
1. Keep a consistent daily schedule
2. Use enrichment toys and gentle training
3. Ask your vet about dietary support for brain health (omega-3s, antioxidants)
Prevention: How to Keep Your Lab Healthy for Life
🩺 Core Prevention Tips
1. Schedule annual vet visits and bloodwork.
2. Maintain an ideal weight (you should feel ribs easily).
3. Provide low-impact daily exercise, swimming, walking, or fetch in moderation.
4. Regularly clean ears, teeth, and coat to prevent infection.
5. Choose breeders who perform genetic testing for PRA, EIC, and hip/elbow dysplasia.
🦴 Healthy Lab Checklist
| Category | What to Do | How Often |
|---|---|---|
| Vet Check | Full health exam | Every 6–12 months |
| Weight | Monitor body condition | Weekly |
| Joints | Joint supplements or fish oil | Daily |
| Ears | Clean & dry after swimming | Weekly |
| Eyes | Watch for cloudiness | Monthly |
| Exercise | Moderate daily activity | Daily |
Frequently Asked Question(s)
What is the most common disease in Labs?
Hip and elbow dysplasia are the most common, followed by obesity and ear infections.
Are chocolate Labs more prone to disease?
Some studies suggest chocolate Labs may have slightly higher rates of skin and ear issues, but all coat colors share similar risks overall.
How can I tell if my Lab is in pain?
Look for stiffness, reluctance to move, whining, or a sudden behavior change; they often hide pain until it’s advanced.
Do Labradors have shorter lifespans because of these diseases?
Not if cared for properly. With early detection, balanced nutrition, and routine vet care, most of them live 10–14 healthy years.