Labradors are sociable and even-tempered dogs. Their innate hunting instinct has been used by people since ancient times. Thanks to their natural kindness, Labradors also live in families with small children, becoming protectors and friends.
Some skills will be required to keep them in natural home conditions. It is necessary to weigh your opportunities to allocate time for communication and training of the Labrador, to instill the necessary qualities in the animal. Without proper training, both the dog and the owner will suffer.
Taking care of your Labrador's health is the main point of care. Despite the apparent strength of the breed, in fact, retrievers are susceptible to many diseases.
Life expectancy for boys and girls at home
According to official data, the life expectancy of a Labrador is from 13 to 15 years.
But, this figure may fluctuate depending on many factors.:
- Heredity.
- Conditions of content.
- Food quality.
- Number of births (for bitches), etc.
If a dog has good heredity and receives proper care, then the probability that it will live to a ripe old age is 90-95% . In this case, the maximum lifespan will be 15 years.
If conditions are not ideal, the lifespan will be 8-9 years. This figure is the minimum.
It is believed that females live longer than males by 1-2 years . But in practice this is not the case. The fact is that each birth of puppies wears out the bitch’s body, and therefore reduces life expectancy.
According to experienced breeders, Labrador retriever males and females live approximately the same number of years in good conditions.
Joint dysplasia (with x-ray in the photo)
Dysplasia is understood as a violation of the normal functioning of the hip bones or other skeletal joints. One of the causes of dysplasia is considered to be incorrect location of the ball-and-socket joint in the acetabulum. Disorders in the functioning of the joints can be recognized based on x-rays.
Treatment is often performed with surgery. If the disease progresses significantly, then a complete replacement of the joint tissue is performed. During treatment, the animal is given Aspirin to relieve painful symptoms. Very often, the degree of joint release is determined based on the PennHip diagnostic principle. It allows you to measure the deviations that appear in centimeters.
NOTE!
If dysplasia has formed in the area of the elbow joint, then, most likely, the pet’s lameness made this known. Diagnosing the degree of development of the disease is possible only with the help of detailed x-rays.
During the treatment period, the dog should be at rest for as long as possible. The affected area is treated with a special lubricant. For example, Chondroitin sulfate, Aminoglucose or Polyglycosaminoglycan. Aspirin is used as a pain reliever.
How many years has he lived on the street?
Before answering this question, it should be said that a Labrador is not a dog for which life in an enclosure or kennel is the norm.
The dog's body is not adapted to cold winters and bad weather .
This means that living outdoors will negatively affect your pet’s health. Also important are the attitude towards the dog, the quality of food, timely examination by a veterinarian, and so on.
Statistics say that the life expectancy of a Labrador living on the street will be no more than 10 years..
Expert opinion
Kozhevin Semyon Kirillovich
Expert dog handler.
“Labradors are generally energetic, active dogs that need regular walks and exercise. Otherwise, they develop heart problems, arthritis, and excess weight. And this can seriously affect the pet's life expectancy. With proper care and good conditions, the life expectancy of a Labrador can reach up to 15 years.”
Genetic diseases
Perhaps the most dangerous diseases are those transmitted by inheritance. They are more difficult to recognize and impossible to prevent. Curing genetic diseases is a more complex procedure.
Such diseases include:
- obesity;
- dysplasia;
- eye diseases.
Many owners like to pamper their pet with fatty foods. But such a diet very often causes obesity. In cases where the dog overeats, it is necessary to reduce the portions of the animal.
The second cause of obesity is decreased thyroid function. It is very easy to recognize this disease by doing a blood test. This disease can only be prevented with the help of medications. It is also necessary to ensure that your pet exercises regularly.
Age compared to human years
Life years of a Labrador retriever converted to human age up to one year:
| Puppy age up to one year | Person's age |
| 1 month | 6 months |
| 2 months | 1 year |
| 3 months | 2 years |
| 4 months | 3 years |
| 5 months | 4 years |
| 6 months | 5 years |
| 7 months | 7 years |
| 8 months | 9 years |
| 9 months | 10 years |
| 10 months | 11 years |
| 11 months | 13 years |
After a year:
| Puppy age after one year | Person's age (years) |
| 1 | 14 |
| 2 | 25 |
| 3 | 30 |
| 4 | 36 |
| 5 | 40 |
| 6 | 42 |
| 7 | 49 |
| 8 | 56 |
| 9 | 63 |
| 10 | 65 |
| 11 | 71 |
| 12 | 75 |
| 13 | 80 |
| 14 | 85 |
| 15 | 87 |
Allergies in Labrador Retriever: types, symptoms, signs, treatment
An allergy is a reaction of the immune system caused by an allergen. Allergens include: food, as well as proteins from plants, animals and insects.
The immune system's response can have a detrimental effect on your Labrador Retriever's body. Over the course of several years or months, periodically the allergen can increase sensitivity and cause an overreaction of the immune system. Most often, the body protects the animal from infections, but the reaction of the immune system will have a devastating effect on it. Allergic reactions are quite difficult to tolerate. Allergen molecules combine with antibodies in the blood and then attach to mast cells. These cells are found throughout the body in animal tissues. The reaction of antibodies and antigens with mast cells causes a substance that has a very strong effect on the body. For example, histamines, they cause inflammation in the form of itching, swelling and redness of the pet's skin. Such inflammation leads to signs of an allergic reaction.
Symptoms in a Labrador Retriever vary, for example:
- Your pet's face, lips, nose, eyelids, ears, or earmolds may become swollen. Possible itching in the ears, eyes, nose. Sometimes sneezing and coughing in a dog is a sign of an allergic reaction. Another symptom is a disease of the digestive tract, a sign of which is diarrhea and vomiting. There may be hives or red, inflamed skin.
- In Labrador Retrievers, skin itching is most common, either in one area (localized) or throughout the body (generalized). Sometimes the symptom is accompanied by wheezing, sneezing, or a completely disrupted respiratory system. Allergies can affect the digestive system, in such cases diarrhea and vomiting are observed. There may also be discharge (liquid) from the nose and eyes.
Allergies are quite common in dogs, regardless of breed and origin. This happens due to the fact that there are a very large number of substances that act as allergens. Most often, allergies appear in dogs that are six months old or affect pets older than one or two years.
Allergens that cause allergies in animals:
There are a huge number of substances that at first glance are completely harmless, but in fact cause allergies in the Labrador Retriever and act as an allergen. Allergies can be caused by small chemical molecules or proteins of animal, plant, or insect origin.
Examples of allergens:
Allergies can be caused by pollen or mold spores. Dust mites are also an allergen. Skin cells that cause the same reaction as allergies in humans to animals. The allergen can be insect proteins, most often flea saliva. Sometimes certain medications act as an allergen and cause allergies in the Labrador Retriever.
How to determine age?
In order to determine age, you need to know the following:
- At 20-25 days of life, the puppy already has milk teeth.
- Milk teeth are replaced at the age of 3-4 months.
- At one year the dog has a full set of teeth. The front incisors have three lobes resembling a trefoil corolla. With age, these blades wear out.
- By the age of two, these blades are completely worn out.
- At the 3rd year of life, the tops of the Dachshund's middle incisors wear off, and closer to 3 years, the teeth begin to turn yellow and fade.
- At the 4th year, the central and middle incisors are completely smoothed.
- Closer to 4 years, the incisors of the upper jaw are erased almost completely.
- At the age of 5, the dog’s fangs begin to grow dull.
- By the age of 6, a dachshund’s teeth become yellow, and the blades of all incisors are completely worn out, the canines are rather blunt and slightly worn.
- By 8-10 years of age, the same thing happens with the teeth on the lower jaw.
- After 10 years, a dog's teeth begin to fall out.
Another sign of determining age is the appearance of gray hair on the pet's face . It begins to appear closer to 6-7 years.
In addition, in old age, the dog's eyes become sunken, and the pupils dilate and become cloudy.
Ear diseases
Labradors often suffer from middle and inner ear infections. Bacterial infections are considered to be the cause of such ailments.
A progressive disease can be recognized by discharge from the ear. The dog constantly tries to scratch the sore spot. If there is a suspicion that the dog is suffering from such inflammation, then an x-ray and a detailed examination of the auricle should be performed.
Treatment often consists of antibiotics and vaccinations. If the disease progresses, surgical intervention will be necessary. Typically, a small incision is made into the eardrum. In some situations, the pinna is completely removed.
Main causes of premature death
The most common causes of death among Labradors:
- Gastric volvulus. This is an acute dilatation of the stomach due to weakness of its wall. The disease is characterized by an increase in the size of the stomach (bloating), which entails compression of the diaphragm and impaired circulation in the internal organs, which leads to death.
- Tracheal collapse is a chronic disease with common causes. It is characterized by a narrowing of the lumen of the air tube that connects the larynx and lungs (trachea).
- Tumor of the spleen and its rupture. With any tumor of the spleen, rupture of the tumor can often be observed. Even the most minor injuries can cause this.
- Entry of a foreign body into the throat. It can be anything: bones, wood chips, broken glass, pieces of toys, etc. In this case, the animal lies with its mouth open, breathing is difficult, and suffocation develops.
- Heart diseases. The most common of them is delegation cardiomyopathy.
- Poisoning. In most cases, dogs are poisoned to kill mice and rats.
Skin diseases
Labradors are especially susceptible to skin infections. Diseases associated with the proliferation of bacteria or fungi are often observed.
NOTE!
Eczema is one of the most common diseases. If this pathology is not cured in time, then most likely it will develop into dermatitis. Eczema progresses under the influence of external factors, especially when swimming in dirty water. Only an experienced veterinarian can cure eczema, and you should consult him when the first signs of the disease are detected.
Seborrhea is associated with hyperfunction of the sebaceous glands. Excessive sebum production causes the fur to stick together and cause an unpleasant odor. You can often see dandruff on your dog's fur. The pet begins to scratch the inflamed areas. Prevention of the disease is associated with the use of degreasing and astringent agents.
Skin parasites (fleas, ticks, lice) provoke follicular alopecia - hair loss in the area of the hind and front legs. In addition, parasites cause mange, which most often develops in puppies or animals with weak immune systems. For these pathologies, a wide spectrum of treatment is used; antiparasitic drugs are used, which simultaneously kill both adults and their larvae.
To prevent skin diseases, it is necessary to monitor your pet’s diet and also brush its fur regularly. Only proper care for your pet will ensure a carefree life.
How to extend the life of a pet?
What to do to make your Labrador live as long as possible:
- After your pet celebrates its seventh birthday, try to give it low-calorie food, as older animals become lazy, sleep a lot and spend 3 times less energy than young dogs.
- Give your dog digestive aids, as older dogs often suffer from constipation, indigestion and other gastrointestinal disorders.
- Be sure to give your dog vitamins and micronutrient supplements throughout his life.
- Walk your dog daily, but try to protect him from overexertion. Do not allow the dog to run a lot, jump from heights or walk on uneven surfaces. Remember - the joints and musculoskeletal system of an older dog are very vulnerable.
- Visit your veterinarian at least twice a year. This is necessary in order to detect diseases in the early stages and take timely measures.
- Bathe your dog less often and protect it from occasional drafts.
CAREFULLY!
If the dog begins to limp, this may indicate that it is developing arthritis, and this is a reason to consult a veterinarian.
Proper nutrition
The basis of the Labrador's diet is meat products. The large size of the dog requires a fairly large amount of food, rich in proteins, vitamins and microelements.
Labrador is allowed to give:
- Chicken fillet.
- Beef and veal tenderloin.
- Turkey poultry.
- Horse meat.
- Rabbit meat.
- Offal.
Another important component in a Labrador's diet is porridge . It could be buckwheat porridge, oatmeal or rice.
In addition to cereals and meat, the dog needs to receive foods rich in nutrients, vitamins and macroelements.
This:
- Sea fish.
- Boiled eggs (2-3 per week).
- Dairy products.
- Vegetables.
All meat products that a dog receives must be heat-treated to avoid infecting the pet with worms..
Quality content
Basic rules for quality Labrador care:
- Be sure to give your pet all necessary vaccinations. Moreover, the vaccine that is administered to the dog must be of high quality, and the vaccinations themselves must be done on time.
- Be sure to walk your dog at least 3 hours a day (1.5 hours in the morning and the same in the evening).
- Do not overfeed your pet, because Labradors are prone to obesity, and this can lead to many different diseases. Under no circumstances should you give your dog: sausage, smoked meats, candy, flour products, sweets and other prohibited foods.
- Be sure to take care of your dog's coat, bathe it regularly, use special shampoos, conditioners and other care products. Groom your dog regularly to prevent tangles from appearing.
- Give your pet anthelmintic drugs once every 3 months.
- Once every six months, treat your Labrador with antiparasitic medications (for fleas, ticks, lice and other parasites).
- Your dog's nails should be trimmed approximately once every 3 weeks.
- Labrador's ears are cleaned once a week. The inside of the ear is cleaned with a cotton swab dipped in warm vegetable oil. The outside is cleaned with a cotton swab soaked in hydrogen peroxide or boric acid.
Veterinary medicine and vaccination
The first vaccination is given to a Labrador at the age of 8-9 weeks. 10 days before this, the puppy needs to be rid of worms. Vaccination is carried out only for healthy dogs.
A month later the vaccination is repeated. Only 2 weeks after the second stage, the puppy can be taken out for its first walk and introduced to other dogs.
Vaccination is carried out strictly according to a schedule from which one cannot deviate.
At 6-7 months, after a complete change of teeth, the Labrador is given a third vaccination and an anti-rabies drug is administered.
The dog will be given a veterinary passport, which will indicate which vaccine and at what age it received.
After the procedure, the puppy is quarantined for 10-14 days. He should not have contact with other animals. Do not wash your pet or get the injection site wet.
Then the vaccination course is carried out once a year at the discretion of the owner. Only a rabies injection is required.
If the owner provides the Labrador with the right lifestyle, then his health can be called good. However, there are a number of diseases to which they are susceptible:
- obesity;
- dysplasia of the hip and elbow joints;
- Panostitis is an age-related disease caused by an inflammatory process in the internal canal of long bones. Puppies aged 6 to 18 months are affected;
- osteochondrosis;
- licking granuloma - an ulcer on the leg caused by idiopathic licking;
- retinal atrophy, cataract;
- ear infection;
- epilepsy.
Caring for an older dog
Older dogs often resemble old people; they become slower, do not tolerate changes in environment well, and are sometimes disobedient and irritable. All this means that they require special care, taking into account the needs of an older animal.
How to care for an elderly pet:
- Try to provide your dog with a balanced diet, remember - an elderly pet is prone to obesity and gastrointestinal diseases. Therefore, choose high-quality food for him, intended for adult or aging dogs.
- Try to relieve your pet of stress. Hunger, extreme temperatures (cold or hot), severe pain, separation from the owner cause severe stress in the dog.
- Never allow your dog to lie in a draft or be in a damp, cold room.
- Don't let your dog jump from great heights.
- Don't let your dog become overweight.
- Provide your pet with regular walks without unnecessary stress.
Infectious diseases
Most infectious diseases are caused by viruses. It is best to prevent the progression of infections, since curing the disease will be much more difficult.
First of all, it is necessary to observe the rules of hygiene. Timely vaccination of the animal is required. While walking in the fresh air, you need to make sure that the animal does not drink from puddles, and also does not eat foods of unknown origin.
IMPORTANT!
One of the most common infectious diseases is parvovirus enteritis. The pathology develops as an acute contagious disease of the gastrointestinal tract. The disease is accompanied by vomiting and diarrhea. If preventive measures are not taken in time, the dog may die. You should seek help from a professional veterinarian.
What is the average life expectancy of a Labrador?
The Labrador Retriever is a large breed of dog. As you know, the lifespan of large purebred animals rarely exceeds 12 years. Thus, the life expectancy of Labradors is on average 10-12 years.
However, there are cases when these dogs lived up to 15 and even 18 years.
The most famous long-livers of this breed are the Labrador Adjutant (Great Britain) who lived 27 years and 98 days, as well as a cross between the Labrador and the Australian shepherd Chilla - 32 years.
Obviously, many factors influence a dog's lifespan.
