Labrador Retriever Health Issues: What to Know
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Labrador Retrievers are generally healthy, hardy dogs, but the breed is prone to a handful of predictable issues: hip and elbow dysplasia, obesity, ear infections, and certain eye and joint conditions. Many Labs also carry a genetic tendency to overeat, which makes weight management central to their health. Knowing the breed's common problems and catching changes early lets most Labs live full, active lives of around 11-13 years.
The big three: joints, weight, and appetite
Labs are athletic, food-motivated dogs, and their most common health issues cluster around those traits. Joint disease and obesity feed into each other — extra weight accelerates joint wear, and sore joints reduce activity, which adds more weight.
- Hip and elbow dysplasia: inherited malformations of the joints that can lead to arthritis. Reputable breeders screen parents for both.
- Obesity: Labs are famously prone to overeating, and many carry a gene variant linked to increased food drive. Excess weight worsens nearly every other health problem.
- Cruciate ligament tears: the canine equivalent of an ACL injury, more likely in overweight or very active dogs.
Practical take: Keeping your Lab lean is the single most powerful thing you can do for their long-term health. Use our is my dog overweight guide to check body condition honestly.
Ears, skin and eyes
Those endearing floppy ears trap moisture and warmth, making Labs prone to ear infections, especially if they swim a lot. Routine ear checks and drying ears after swimming help — see how to clean dog ears.
The breed also has some inherited eye conditions to be aware of, including progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), which gradually causes blindness, and cataracts. Responsible breeders test for these. Labs can also develop skin allergies and hot spots, particularly in humid climates.
Common Labrador health issues at a glance
| Condition | What to watch for |
|---|---|
| Hip/elbow dysplasia | Stiffness, limping, trouble with stairs or rising, bunny-hopping gait |
| Obesity | No visible waist, can't easily feel ribs, low energy |
| Ear infections | Head shaking, scratching, odor, redness or discharge |
| Progressive retinal atrophy | Night vision loss, bumping into things, cloudy or reflective eyes |
| Exercise-induced collapse (EIC) | Weakness or collapse after intense exercise (genetic; testable) |
| Bloat (GDV) | Swollen abdomen, retching without producing, restlessness - emergency |
Bloat and other emergencies
Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus, or GDV) is a life-threatening emergency that deep-chested dogs like Labs can develop. Signs include a swollen, tight abdomen, unproductive retching, drooling, pacing and distress. Go to an emergency vet immediately — GDV can be fatal within hours.
Feeding smaller meals, avoiding heavy exercise right around mealtimes, and using a slow-feeder bowl may help reduce the risk. Labs prone to exercise-induced collapse should have intense activity managed carefully in the heat.
Keeping your Labrador healthy
A long, healthy Lab life comes down to a few consistent habits:
- Maintain a lean body weight and measure meals rather than free-feeding.
- Provide daily exercise — Labs are working dogs that need real activity and mental stimulation.
- Keep up with wellness exams and screening, especially joint and eye checks; see what to expect at a wellness exam.
- Choose a responsible breeder who screens hips, elbows and eyes if buying a puppy.
Because joint disease and weight creep in gradually, tracking your Lab's weight, mobility and appetite over time makes it far easier to spot a downward trend early — and gives your vet real data at each visit.
Keep your Lab lean and catch problems early
Tavi tracks your Labrador's weight, mobility notes and vet visits over time, so weight creep and early joint changes show up as a trend you can act on. Free for your first pet.
Frequently asked questions
What health problems are Labrador Retrievers prone to?
Labs commonly face hip and elbow dysplasia, obesity, ear infections, cruciate ligament tears, and certain inherited eye conditions like progressive retinal atrophy. Some also carry genes for exercise-induced collapse. Weight management is central to preventing many of these.
How long do Labrador Retrievers live?
Labradors typically live around 11 to 13 years. Keeping them lean, active, and up to date on veterinary care tends to support the longer end of that range, since obesity and joint disease shorten quality of life.
Why are Labradors so prone to obesity?
Labs are highly food-motivated, and research has linked many of them to a gene variant associated with a stronger appetite and food-seeking behavior. Combined with their love of eating, this makes measured meals and portion control essential.
Do Labradors really need a lot of exercise?
Yes. Labs are energetic working dogs that need substantial daily physical activity and mental stimulation. Without enough exercise they can gain weight and develop behavior problems, though intense activity should be managed carefully in hot weather.
Should I get hip and elbow scores before buying a Lab puppy?
Yes. A responsible breeder screens the parents for hip and elbow dysplasia and for inherited eye disease, and will share the results. This lowers the odds your puppy inherits these painful, common conditions.
Tavi's guides are informational and not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis or treatment. When in doubt, call your veterinarian. Sources: American Kennel Club (AKC); Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA); Merck Veterinary Manual; VCA Animal Hospitals; American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists