Labrador Dog Health Problems: 7 Key Concerns

Labrador Retrievers are one of the most common breeds of dogs that have found their place as our beloved companions.

Although classified as working dogs, Labradors are generally known for their loyalty, playfulness and gentleness of temperament.

If you are the proud owner of a Labrador Retriever, these are the most common health concerns you should be familiar with:

Similar to many large breed dogs, Labrador Retrievers have a predisposition to this condition of the hip joint.

Hip dysplasia often contributes to early signs of arthritis, such as limping or painfulness when going up or down stairs. Many breeders will have their Labrador Retrievers certified through the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals to ensure hip dysplasia is not present.

This condition is caused by a change in the muscles found either within or surrounding the larynx. Laryngeal paralysis causes an impairment or restriction of airflow through the larynx.

Common clinical signs include a change in the dog’s bark (often reported as a honking sound), increased respiratory effort or breathing sounds, coughing and exercise intolerance.

Arthritis is frequently observed in older Labrador Retrievers, due to their size and strain on their joints.

It is very important to keep your Labrador at a healthy weight, through exercise and proper feeding, in order to help delay the onset of arthritis.

Your veterinarian can prescribe supplements, such as glucosamine and chondroitin, and medications to alleviate the clinical signs related to arthritis. Your veterinarian can also advise whether surgical or medical management should be pursued if your dog suffers from arthritis.

Hypothyroidism is an endocrine disorder that results from a lowered production and release of T4 and T3 hormones by the thyroid gland.

Clinical signs frequently reported include weight gain, hair loss, cold intolerance and lethargy. Diagnosis of this condition is usually achieved through blood testing and medical therapy is the most common treatment option, utilizing a synthetic hormone to replace the body’s lack of adequate thyroid hormones.

This condition is usually present since birth and diagnosed early in life.

It is caused by abnormal growth and development of the elbow joint, which leads to lameness in the forelimbs, pain when flexing the elbow, possible joint effusion and diminished range of motion.

Treatment for elbow dysplasia depends on several factors, including the dog’s age and degree of dysplasia. Surgery and physical therapy are often recommended to facilitate healing and alleviate the dog’s pain.

Labrador Retrievers are somewhat predisposed to suffer from seizures.

There are different underlying causes for this condition, such as masses in the brain, electrolyte or metabolic disturbances in the body, and exposure to certain toxins.

Keep in mind that if your veterinarian is unable to determine the underlying cause of your dog's seizures, your dog may be diagnosed with idiopathic epilepsy, which means that the origin of the seizure activity is unknown.

Cancer in Labrador Retrievers

Labrador Retrievers are among the breeds most commonly diagnosed with cancer, and it's one of the leading causes of death in the breed as dogs reach their senior years. The most frequently seen cancers in Labs include:

• Osteosarcoma (bone cancer) — an aggressive tumor that most often affects the long bones of the legs
• Lymphoma — a cancer of the lymphatic system that can affect lymph nodes throughout the body
• Mast cell tumors — skin-based tumors that range widely in severity and behavior

Across dogs and cats broadly, cancer accounts for nearly 50 percent of pet deaths each year, and advancements in veterinary oncology — including improved diagnostics, surgical techniques and targeted therapies — continue to expand the options available to pet parents facing a diagnosis.

Know the warning signs. If your Lab shows any of the following, schedule a veterinary visit promptly:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Reduced appetite or refusal to eat
• Vomiting that persists or recurs
• New lumps, bumps or swellings anywhere on the body
• Lameness or reluctance to bear weight on a limb (a potential early sign of osteosarcoma)

Early detection makes a meaningful difference in outcomes, so don't wait to see if a symptom resolves on its own. Your veterinarian can determine whether a lump or clinical sign warrants further testing and walk you through the options that make sense for your dog.

Frequently Asked Questions

At what age do health problems typically appear in Labrador Retrievers? The timing varies by condition. Hip and elbow dysplasia signs often surface between 6 and 18 months of age, while arthritis and laryngeal paralysis tend to develop in middle-aged to senior Labs (generally 7 years and older). Hypothyroidism is most commonly diagnosed in dogs between 4 and 10 years old, and cancer risk increases significantly after age 8. Because some conditions are present from birth and others develop gradually, routine wellness exams at every life stage are essential for catching problems early.

How can I help prevent health problems in my Labrador Retriever? Maintaining a healthy body weight is one of the single most impactful things you can do. Excess weight accelerates joint deterioration, worsens arthritis and increases the strain on your Lab's hips and elbows. Feed a complete and balanced diet formulated for large-breed dogs, keep treats to no more than 10% of daily calories and provide consistent, low-impact exercise. Regular veterinary checkups, genetic screening through programs like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals and keeping your dog's environment free of known toxins all support long-term wellbeing. https://wsava.org/global-guidelines/global-nutrition-guidelines/

What are the early warning signs that something may be wrong with my Lab? Watch for limping, stiffness after rest, a change in bark quality (a raspy or honking sound), labored breathing, unexplained weight gain or loss, hair thinning, new lumps or bumps, reduced appetite, vomiting and unusual fatigue during exercise. Any of these signs warrants a prompt call to your veterinarian — many of the conditions Labs are prone to are most manageable when caught early.

Is cancer really that common in Labrador Retrievers? Unfortunately, yes. Cancer is reported as the leading natural cause of death in dogs and cats, accounting for nearly 50% of pet deaths each year. Labs are specifically predisposed to osteosarcoma (bone cancer), lymphoma and mast cell tumors. The encouraging news is that veterinary oncology has advanced considerably, and early detection meaningfully improves outcomes. Monthly at-home body checks — running your hands along your dog's body to feel for new lumps — paired with annual or semi-annual vet visits are your best tools for catching cancer sooner.

Can my Lab's diet affect his joint and thyroid health? Yes, nutrition plays a meaningful supporting role. Diets that meet AAFCO nutritional standards for large-breed dogs help ensure your Lab receives appropriate levels of protein, fat, vitamins and minerals without excess calories that strain joints. https://www.aafco.org/consumers/understanding-pet-food/ Your veterinarian may also recommend joint-supporting supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin for dogs showing early arthritis signs. For hypothyroidism, diet alone is not a treatment — medical management prescribed by your veterinarian is required — but keeping your Lab at a wholesome weight helps reduce the severity of associated symptoms.

When should I contact a veterinarian versus monitoring my Lab at home? Contact your veterinarian promptly if your Lab experiences a seizure for the first time, shows signs of respiratory distress (labored or noisy breathing), develops a rapidly growing lump, loses significant weight without a dietary change or collapses during exercise. For milder concerns — occasional stiffness after a long hike, for example — monitor closely and mention it at your next scheduled visit. When in doubt, a quick call to your veterinary team is always the right move. If your dog has been exposed to a potential toxin, contact the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately. https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control

This article was created with assistance from AI tools and reviewed for accuracy by Petco's content team.