Common Health Problems in Labrador Retrievers

I remember the first time I noticed something felt slightly different with my Labrador. He was still playful, still wagging his tail, still excited for walks, but there were small changes. A little more tired after the activity. A bit slower getting up from the floor. I told myself it was nothing. Just a long day. Just normal aging.

But those “small things” add up. And as pet parents, it’s easy to miss subtle signs when they happen gradually. Labradors are strong and resilient, and they don’t always show discomfort clearly.

What I later learned is that this breed is prone to certain health conditions that develop quietly over time. That's when I started researching the genetic problems that Labrador retrievers face. I have made a complete list of all the issues and I hope this helps you. Because when you notice the signs early, you can act sooner and make sure your Lab stays happy and healthy for years to come.

Most Common Health Problems in Labrador Retrievers

Labrador Retrievers are genetically predisposed to several health conditions. Some are related to their size and rapid growth. Others are linked to metabolism, aging, or inherited traits passed down through breeding lines.

Here are the most common health problems seen in Labradors:

1. Hip Dysplasia – A joint condition that affects mobility and causes pain over time.

2. Obesity – Extremely common in Labs due to their strong appetite and food motivation.

3. Ear Infections – Their floppy ears create the perfect environment for moisture buildup.

4. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) – A degenerative eye disorder often seen in older dogs.

5. Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC) – A genetic condition triggered by intense activity.

Some of these conditions develop slowly and quietly. Others appear suddenly and can feel alarming if you’re not prepared.

The good news? Early awareness dramatically improves outcomes. With proper monitoring, preventive care, and responsible breeding practices, many of these risks can be managed or even minimized.

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a developmental joint condition where the hip socket and thigh bone don’t fit together properly. Instead of moving smoothly, the joint becomes loose and unstable. Over time, this abnormal movement causes inflammation, pain, cartilage damage, and eventually arthritis.

Labrador Retrievers are genetically predisposed to hip dysplasia, especially those from poor breeding lines. Because Labs grow quickly and carry substantial body weight, extra stress is placed on their joints during puppyhood and adolescence.

The condition can appear in young dogs or develop gradually with age.

Signs of Hip Dysplasia

Symptoms may be mild at first and easy to overlook. Watch for:

• Limping or favoring one back leg

• Difficulty standing up after resting

• Reluctance to jump, run, or climb stairs

• “Bunny hopping” gait when running

• Stiffness, especially after exercise

• Reduced activity or fatigue

• Muscle loss in the hind legs

In advanced cases, visible pain and decreased mobility become more obvious.

Treatment for Hip Dysplasia

Treatment depends on severity, age, and overall health.

Non-surgical management (mild to moderate cases):

• Weight management

• Anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs prescribed by a vet)

• Joint supplements (glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3s)

• Physical therapy or hydrotherapy

• Controlled, low-impact exercise (like swimming)

Surgical options (severe cases):

• Femoral head ostectomy (FHO)

• Double or triple pelvic osteotomy (young dogs)

• Total hip replacement (advanced cases)

Early diagnosis significantly improves long-term comfort and mobility.

Prevention of Hip Dysplasia

While genetics cannot be completely controlled, risk can be reduced:

• Check if the parents of the dog have/has Hip Dysplasia 

• Avoid overfeeding puppies

• Maintain a healthy weight throughout life

• Use large-breed puppy food to control growth rate

• Avoid excessive jumping during early development

• Provide regular, moderate exercise such as swimming

Maintaining lean body condition is one of the most powerful preventive tools. Excess weight dramatically increases stress on hip joints and accelerates arthritis progression.

Obesity

Obesity is one of the most common and most preventable health problems in Labrador Retrievers.

Labs are famously food-motivated. In fact, research has shown that some Labradors carry a genetic mutation affecting appetite regulation, making them feel hungry more often than other breeds. Combine that with treats, table scraps, and reduced exercise, and weight gain can happen quickly.

Excess weight doesn’t just change appearance; it increases the risk of:

• Arthritis and joint damage

• Diabetes

• Heart disease

• Breathing issues

• Reduced lifespan

Even being just 10–15% overweight can strain a Labrador’s joints and organs.

Signs of Obesity

Many pet parents don’t realize their Lab is overweight because the change happens gradually. Watch for:

• No visible waistline

• Ribs are difficult to feel under fat

• Fat deposits around the neck or tail base

• Heavy panting with mild activity

• Slower movement or reluctance to exercise

• Rapid weight gain over weeks or months

A healthy Labrador should have a visible waist when viewed from above and a slight abdominal tuck from the side.

Treatment for Obesity

Weight loss must be gradual and controlled.

Your vet may recommend:

• A calorie-controlled or prescription weight-loss diet

• Measured meal portions (no free feeding)

• Treat reduction or replacement with low-calorie options

• Structured feeding schedule

• Regular weigh-ins
  
  

Exercise should increase slowly, especially if your Lab already has joint stress. Swimming and controlled walks are excellent starting points.

Crash dieting is unsafe. Slow, steady weight reduction protects muscle mass and overall health.

Prevention of Obesity

Prevention is far easier than treatment.

• Measure meals with a proper cup; don’t guess

• Avoid frequent table scraps

• Limit high-calorie treats

• Provide daily physical activity (at least 60 minutes for adult Labs)

• Monitor weight monthly

• Adjust food intake as activity levels change

Another underrated part of weight management is monitoring daily activity. Labradors can appear active when we’re home, but their true movement patterns during the day often go unnoticed. Reduced activity, excessive sleeping, or restlessness can all signal changes in weight or joint discomfort.

Having visibility into your dog’s daily routine, even when you’re not at home, can make early detection easier. Tools like the Waggle Pet Cam allow pet parents to check in remotely and observe behavior patterns throughout the day.

Features such as:

• HD live streaming

• Two-way audio communication

• Motion and sound alerts

• Night vision monitoring

• Mobile app access from anywhere

help you notice subtle shifts in movement, scratching, or lethargy that might otherwise go unnoticed.

It’s not about constant surveillance; it’s about awareness. And awareness often leads to earlier action. Keeping your Lab lean is one of the most powerful ways to extend their lifespan and reduce the risk of other diseases.

Ear Infection

Labrador Retrievers are especially prone to ear infections due to their floppy ears. Those adorable, soft ear flaps trap moisture, warmth, and debris creating the perfect environment for bacteria and yeast to grow.

Labs that love swimming or frequent baths are at even higher risk because moisture gets trapped inside the ear canal.

Most ear infections are treatable, but if ignored, they can become painful and recurrent.

Signs of Ear Infection

Symptoms often appear quickly. Watch for:

• Frequent head shaking

• Scratching at the ears

• Redness or swelling inside the ear

• Bad odor coming from the ears

• Dark discharge (brown, yellow, or black)

• Sensitivity or pain when the ears are touched

In severe cases, your dog may tilt their head or seem off-balance.

Treatment for Ear Infections

Treatment depends on the cause (bacterial, yeast, or allergy-related).

A veterinarian may:

• Clean the ear canal thoroughly with a soft cloth material, such as soft tissues or a microfibre cloth

• Prescribe medicated ear drops

• Recommend oral antibiotics in severe cases

• Address underlying allergies if recurring

Never use over-the-counter remedies without a diagnosis; improper treatment can worsen the condition.

Most infections clear within 1–2 weeks with proper care.

Prevention of Ear Infections

Prevention focuses on keeping ears clean and dry.

• Dry the ears thoroughly after swimming or bathing

• Clean ears weekly with a vet-approved solution

• Avoid inserting cotton swabs deep into the canal

• Monitor for early signs of irritation

• Manage underlying allergies

Routine ear checks can prevent minor irritation from becoming a painful infection.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (Older Dogs)

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a genetic eye disorder that gradually leads to blindness. It affects the retina, the part of the eye responsible for detecting light and sending visual signals to the brain.

In Labrador Retrievers, PRA typically develops in middle-aged to older dogs, although it can appear earlier depending on genetics. The condition is painless, but it slowly reduces vision over months or years.

Because PRA progresses gradually, many dogs adapt so well that their owners may not notice the early stages.

Signs of Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Early signs are subtle and usually appear as night vision problems.

Watch for:

• Hesitation in dim lighting

• Bumping into objects at night

• Dilated pupils that don’t adjust to light

• Increased eye shine

• Gradual vision loss in daylight

• Reluctance to climb the stairs or go down 

As the disease advances, complete blindness may occur.

Treatment for PRA

Unfortunately, there is currently no cure for Progressive Retinal Atrophy.

However, the condition is not painful, and dogs can still live full, happy lives with proper support.

Management focuses on:

• Keeping furniture layout consistent

• Blocking off stairs if needed

• Using verbal cues more frequently

• Maintaining routine and familiar environments

Regular veterinary eye exams help confirm diagnosis and monitor progression.

Prevention of PRA

Since PRA is inherited, prevention begins with responsible breeding.

• Choose breeders who perform genetic testing

• Avoid breeding dogs known to carry PRA genes

• Request health clearances before adopting
  
  

Organizations like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals maintain databases of genetic screening results for breeding dogs.

Early genetic testing helps reduce the spread of this condition within the breed.

Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC)

Exercise-Induced Collapse (EIC) is a genetic neuromuscular disorder seen most commonly in young, active Labrador Retrievers. It typically appears during intense physical activity especially retrieving, running, or high-excitement play.

Dogs with EIC look completely normal at rest. The condition only triggers after 5–20 minutes of strenuous activity. It is caused by a mutation affecting how nerve signals control muscle coordination during extreme exertion.

Most affected Labs are between 6 months and 3 years old when symptoms first appear.

Signs of Exercise-Induced Collapse

Episodes often follow intense excitement or exercise.

Watch for:

• Sudden weakness in the hind legs

• Wobbly or uncoordinated movement

• Dragging back legs

• Collapse while still alert

• Heavy panting

• Temporary inability to stand

Importantly, dogs usually remain conscious during an episode.

Most recover within 5–25 minutes if exercise stops immediately. However, continuing activity during an episode can be dangerous.

Treatment for EIC

There is no direct cure for Exercise-Induced Collapse.

Management focuses on:

• Avoiding intense or prolonged exercise
  
  

• Monitoring activity in hot weather

• Stopping activity at the first sign of weakness

• Keeping play sessions shorter and controlled

With proper activity management, most Labs with EIC live normal lifespans.

Prevention of EIC

Prevention is primarily genetic.

• Choose breeders who perform DNA testing for EIC

• Avoid breeding carriers together

• Request genetic health clearances before purchasing a puppy

The American Kennel Club recognizes EIC as a condition that responsible breeders should screen for in Labrador Retrievers.

Early genetic testing helps identify carriers and reduce the spread of the mutation in the breed.

Conclusion

Labrador Retrievers are strong, joyful, and incredibly resilient dogs. But like all purebred breeds, they carry certain health risks that owners should be aware of.

From joint issues like hip dysplasia to metabolic concerns like obesity, from common ear infections to inherited conditions such as PRA and EIC — awareness is your greatest advantage.

The good news is this: most of these conditions can be managed, slowed, or even prevented with:

• Responsible breeding practices

• Early veterinary screenings

• Proper nutrition

• Consistent exercise

• Routine health monitoring

Labradors thrive when their physical and emotional needs are met. Keeping them lean, active, and regularly examined by a veterinarian dramatically improves both lifespan and quality of life.

Being proactive doesn’t mean being anxious; it means being informed.

When you understand the risks, you make better decisions. And better decisions lead to healthier, happier years with your Lab.

FAQs

1. What is the most common health problem in Labrador Retrievers?

Obesity is one of the most common issues in Labradors. Their strong appetite and food motivation make them prone to weight gain, which can lead to joint problems, diabetes, and heart disease. Hip dysplasia is also highly common due to genetics and body size.

2. At what age do Labradors develop hip dysplasia?

Hip dysplasia can appear as early as 4–12 months in severe cases, but many dogs show symptoms later in adulthood as arthritis develops. Regular vet checkups and early screening can help detect it sooner.

3. How long do Labrador Retrievers usually live?

The average lifespan of a Labrador Retriever is 10–14 years. Maintaining a healthy weight, providing regular exercise, and scheduling routine veterinary care can help extend their lifespan.

4. Are Labrador eye problems common?

Yes. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) and cataracts are among the more common inherited eye conditions. PRA often appears in middle-aged to older Labs and gradually leads to blindness.

5. Can Exercise-Induced Collapse be cured?

There is no cure for EIC, but it can be managed. Avoiding intense exercise and stopping activity at the first sign of weakness allows most affected Labradors to live normal lives.

6. How can I prevent health problems in my Labrador?

While not all conditions are preventable, you can reduce risk by:

• Choosing a reputable breeder who performs genetic testing

• Keeping your Lab at a healthy weight

• Feeding balanced, breed-appropriate nutrition

• Providing regular, moderate exercise

• Scheduling routine vet visits and screenings