Labrador health problems & breed care
While Labradors are traditionally sporting dogs, their intelligence and eagerness to please have made them the go-to choice for roles such as guide dogs, therapy animals, detection dogs, and, of course, family pets.
#Labrador breed profile
Known for their good-natured temperament, Labs generally get on brilliantly with children, other dogs, and just about everyone they meet. That said, no dog should be left unsupervised with young children, and even the gentlest Lab may guard food or react to unfamiliar settings, like a boarding kennel or vet clinic.
Before you fall head over heels, it’s worth taking a moment to consider a Labrador’s needs. With the right care, Labs often live well beyond 10 years – and they do best with plenty of physical activity and mental stimulation. All perfectly manageable in an urban setting, as long as you plan ahead.
Are Golden Labradors and Labrador Retrievers the same?
Yes and no—names, crossbreeds, and official colour terms can cause a lot of confusion here. Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers are two distinct breeds: Labradors have short, dense coats, while Goldens have longer, feathered fur. A cross between the two is sometimes referred to as a Golden Labrador or Goldador.
Adding to the mix-up, some people mistakenly use “Golden Labrador” to describe a yellow Labrador Retriever—one of the breed’s standard colours alongside black, chocolate and liver.
#Common Labrador health issues
Labradors are deservedly popular – but with that popularity has come a few health challenges. The good news is that responsible breeders now carry out health screening to help reduce the risk of inherited conditions. That said, no dog is entirely risk-free, and things like diet, exercise, training and socialisation all play a big part in supporting your Labrador’s long-term health.
##Physical issues
Hip & Elbow Dysplasia
Labradors can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia – developmental joint concerns that may affect mobility over time. The severity can vary from dog to dog. Some cases may require surgical support, particularly with elbows, while others can be managed with supplements, weight management and lifestyle adjustments recommended by your vet.
Responsible breeders use the BVA/KC screening scheme to assess joint health, using X-rays, prior to breeding:
- Elbow scores range from 0 to 3 (lower is better).
- Hip scores range from 0 to 53 per hip (again, lower is better).
Heart health
A puppy’s first health check is an important opportunity to detect any early signs of heart issues. One example is a heart murmur caused by Tricuspid Valve Dysplasia (TVD), a congenital condition that may be picked up during a puppy check.
Labrador eye problems
Labradors can develop a range of eye conditions, including inherited ones:
- Conjunctivitis: Mild to severe itchy inflammation of the tissues lining the eye socket triggered by many things, including dirty water.
- Macular Corneal Dystrophy (MCD): Causes cloudy white spots, usually from 4-6 years old.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): Night blindness beginning around age 3, progressing to full blindness.
- Stargardt Disease (STGD): Gradual vision loss, but rarely leads to total blindness.
Labrador ears
Those adorable floppy ears can trap moisture, especially after swimming – creating the perfect environment for infections. Regularly using a vet-recommended ear cleaner can help keep ears healthy. Follow our guide on how to clean your dog's ears.
##Stomach issues
Labradors can be prone to the occasional tummy trouble – and their love of food doesn’t always help:
- Food sensitivities may lead to signs like itchy skin or digestive upset
- Gastrointestinal upsets from viruses or bacteria can range from mild to more serious such as canine gastroenteritis.
- Eating things they shouldn’t – like socks or leftovers – can cause blockages or illness, so it’s best to keep non-food items and human snacks well out of reach
##Skin issues & allergies
As well as the usual culprit, fleas, Labradors can get a variety of skin conditions:
- Itchy skin conditions: Often allergy-related skin issues (fleas, food, contact, or environmental)
- Non-itchy skin conditions: Thinning fur or bald patches, more common in senior dogs due to hormonal changes.
- Hot Spots: These are localised skin infections — red, sore, and sometimes weepy or crusty — usually triggered by scratching, bites, or grazes.
##Medical conditions in older Labradors
As Labradors age, they can develop new health issues. Knowing what to look out for helps you support them and seek veterinary advice early.
Heart disease and breathing
Signs that your Labrador might be developing a heart concern can include tiring more easily, a persistent cough (often at night), changes in appetite, gradual weight loss or a swollen belly caused by fluid build-up. In later life, some Labradors may also experience a condition called Laryngeal Paralysis – where the soft tissues around the airway become less effective. This can make breathing noisier or more effortful, especially during warm weather or physical activity.
Hormonal Issues
Hormonal (endocrine) concerns are not unusual in senior Labradors:
- Hypothyroidism – Low thyroid levels can cause weight gain, thin fur, low energy, and a preference for warm spots.
- Cushing’s Disease – High steroid levels (hyperadrenocorticism) can lead to increased drinking, pot belly and panting.
- Diabetes – Often linked to excess weight, dog diabetes symptoms include increased drinking and urinating and unexplained weight loss.
Cancer
Like many breeds, Labradors can be affected by various types of cancer as they get older. One particularly serious form is hemangiosarcoma – a fast-growing tumour that often develops on internal organs like the spleen or liver. Unfortunately, it’s often only discovered when it causes internal bleeding. Signs such as sudden weakness, collapse or pale gums should always be treated as an emergency – prompt veterinary care is essential.
##Uncommon genetic conditions
While rare, two inherited conditions sometimes come up in Labrador forums or conversations with breeders:
- Centronuclear Myopathy (CNM) – Causes muscle weakness in young dogs but often stabilises by one year of age.
- Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC) – Can cause weakness or collapse after intense activity, sometimes with dangerously high body temperatures.
#Caring for a Labrador
Labradors might look fully grown by 12 months, but they usually don’t finish maturing until around 18-24 months. Their bones and joints are still developing during this time, so giving them the right balance of diet and exercise early on can really help support healthy growth.
##Diet & nutrition tips
- Use a large-breed puppy formula to support joint health.
- Try slow-feeder bowls – Labs eat like it’s a race!
- Stick to set mealtimes to prevent overeating.
- Adjust diet to life stage and activity level.
- Transition to new diets slowly over a few days.
- Weigh meals for accurate portion control.
Joint supplements may be helpful at different stages of a Labrador’s life – from supporting healthy development during growth, to helping maintain mobility in active dogs or as signs of slowing down start to appear.
##Training & exercise tips
Labradors love to move – and love to learn.
- Puppy play: Encourage exercise, but avoid too much high-impact twisting or leaping until mature.
- Mental stimulation: Puzzle feeders, retrieval games (balls!) and training exercises keep them focused.
- Socialisation: Introduce your Lab to people, dogs and new places early to build confidence.
- Training: Labs are social – recall and lead training keep you in control when they want to say hello.
- Puppy-proof your home – Labs can be chewers, and minimising the opportunity for sock-swallowing and other risky activities is important.
##Grooming tips
Shedding: Labs shed year-round but also “blow” their coat twice a year, when their hair comes out in handfuls. Brushing a few times a week – daily during shedding season – helps manage loose hair. Because of all this shedding, if someone in your household has dog allergies, this may not be the breed for you.
Bathing: Use a gentle shampoo and remember that too many baths can disrupt the skin’s natural balance. Consider skin and coat supplements if your Lab is a mud magnet and needs regular baths.
Ears & Paws:
Dental Care: Start young! Use a finger toothbrush and yummy meat-flavoured doggy toothpaste. Dental treats can also be a tasty way to help with oral health.
##Conclusion
With the right care, Labradors give back everything you put in – and then some. Their loyalty runs deep, their joy is infectious, and yes, they’ll probably leave a few muddy pawprints along the way. But for most Labrador owners, that’s all part of the charm. These affectionate, eager-to-please dogs thrive on connection and become true members of the family.
