Thursday, November 6, 2008

A List of Some Labrador Health Problems

By Brooke Sunderland

When people get a Labrador they are not only getting one of the most popular and intelligent breeds of dog available, but also they are also getting one of the healthier breeds of dogs as well. While there are Labrador health problems to be on the look out for if you get your dog medical attention when it needs it and make sure it gets to the vet for regular checkups then there is no reason why the average Labrador should not live twelve to fifteen very happy years.

Knowing what to look for when looking for Labrador health problems is extremely important. If your dog is having difficulty walking then it may be experiencing a chronic disorder known as hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is when the hip joints are not properly formed and are causing the dog pain. They can be treated but the condition does worsen over time so if you notice difficulty walking get your dog to the vet right away.

Problems walking can also be caused by other disorders that usually develop at birth and worsen throughout the dog's life. The elbow joint of the Labrador is an area that could also be experiencing problems and causing your dog to experience pain when walking. This, like hip dysplasia, is treatable with surgery by your vet so this is just another reason to get your dog to the vet right away if you notice any problems in the way your dog is walking.

Another fairly common Labrador health problem is eye infections. You can see an eye infection coming from the excess fluid in your dog's eye. If you start to notice the excess fluid in the eye, and your dog constantly trying to clean their eyes, then you need to get this particular Labrador health problem addressed right away to avoid further complications. A constant attempt to clean an infected eye can lead to many more problems so get the problem addressed immediately.

To some owners a Labrador that is a little plump is a happy dog. The reality is that one of the most avoidable, and problematic, Labrador health problems is obesity and it comes right back to the owner to make sure that their dog is on a proper diet and gets plenty of exercise every day. If they had their choice your Labrador would eat all day long so be sure to regulate their diet properly and get them the exercise they need to stay healthy and happy.

While Labrador health problems may not be as common as they are in other breeds it is still up to the owner to be sure to tend to their dog's needs whenever they arise. Make sure your dog is on a healthy diet, get it plenty of exercise every day, and make regular trips to the vet to insure that you and your dog enjoy many healthy and happy years together.


Brooke Sunderland supports local animal rescue groups and speaks to groups about animal care. You can find good information on Labrador care in this article. If you are unsure about emergency care for your Labrador then check this article.

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