Making sure that your Labrador stays in great health throughout his lifetime is one of your top priorities.
Keeping your Labrador healthy
We explore a range of health issues in labs, and we have gathered lots of information to help you keep your Lab in tip-top condition. In this section of the Labrador site you can find sections on:
- Veterinary Treatment: Vaccines, Costs & Insurance
- Inherited diseases and Illnesses
- Neutering
- Diet and exercise
- Parasites
- Breeding
- Emotional well-being, happiness & bonding
Check out our health category Here you’ll find a collection of all our articles on Labrador health articles displayed one one page. They cover a wide range of health topics. You can also find articles on nervous dogs, and on other behavioral problems in our Labrador Behavior section.
Are Labs Healthy Dogs?
In general the Labrador Retriever is a fairly healthy breed. Labs don’t suffer from major conformational defects, they are well proportioned with a good length of leg and muzzle.
There are some genetic issues in the breed that have arisen due to inbreeding. And some of those issues can be tested for. So its important when choosing a Lab puppy, that you go to a breeder with a good knowledge of those tests, and a willingness to make use of them!
What to do when your Labrador is sick
We get many questions on this website from people whose dogs are sick or injured. We are always so sorry to read about dogs that are unwell. People send in their dog’s symptoms and most often ask about
- Vomiting and tummy troubles
- Limping
- Hair loss / falling out
- Failure to grow/thrive
- Rashes
While we can provide information about different conditions that Labradors may suffer from, it isn’t possible for anyone, no matter how well qualified, to attempt to diagnose health problems over the internet. Usually, the best course of action is for you to visit or telephone your own veterinary surgeon. It is especially important to seek help without delay, when a very young puppy is sick.
When to call the vet
Quite a lot of the puppy questions people ask us, are about puppies that need to be examined by a qualified vet. But it can be difficult for new puppy owners to know exactly when to call the vet. And when to wait a while to see if the pup improves on his own For this reason, I am posting up some guidelines as to what is normal for an eight week old puppy, and what might suggest that you need to take your puppy to your local vet.
Normal for puppies
A healthy Labrador puppy sleeps deeply but is lively when awake. He smells lovely, has clean ears and eyes, and pees often (eg at hourly intervals or more frequently) during the day.
He eats hungrily, and may have several bowel movements between waking up and bedtime. Many Labrador puppies cannot last more than four or five hours at night without a wee or a poo. Upset tummies are common in new puppies after rehoming, but need to be taken seriously as small puppies can get dehydrated very quickly.
Puppies bite very hard (it hurts) and growl fiercely while playing. This is not aggression.
All the above is normal. The following is not normal
Not normal for puppies
- Call your vet if your puppy seems listless, won’t eat, has persistent diarrhoea, is sick more than once within 48 hours, or twice in a week.
- Call your vet if your puppy swallows anything you think may harm him, cries for no apparent reason or in an unusual way.
- Call your vet if your puppy’s breathing is noisy or laboured.
- Call your vet if he drags one of his limbs, is unsteady on his feet, or seems to be limping. Call your vet if your puppy has a discharge from any part of his body.
- Call your vet if your puppy cuts himself, falls badly, or just seems generally off colour.
If in doubt, call your vet!
Puppies under eight weeks old
Very young puppies need special care, and puppies under eight weeks old need to be with their brothers and sisters. We strongly recommend that you do not purchase a puppy that is less than eight weeks old. We cannot advise you on feeding underage puppies, you do need to get this information from your vet or from a very experienced dog breeder.
More information
There are lots of articles on puppy care in the puppy sections that are listed on the main puppy page. You’ll find this link on the menu bar at the top of every page on this site. We do try and answer as many of your questions as possible but will always give priority to topics that are not covered in the articles that are already on the website.
My vet isn’t helping
Sometimes people write in because they are not happy with their vet’s diagnosis or prescription. The answer is almost always to go back to your vet and talk to him about your concerns, or to get a second opinion.
Going back to your vet
Some vets, while brilliant with animals are not the greatest communicators with people. If your vet has not clearly explained his diagnosis (what is wrong with your dog) his prognosis (what he thinks will happen next) or his recommended treatment. Get him to spell it out for you. You are entitled to this information! In plain English.
It is very common to leave a vet’s office or surgery, get home with your dog, and think of a whole load of questions you wish you had asked. This is normal. We do it when we go to the doctor too.
Many people fail to make use of telephone consultations with their vet. You don’t need to go to your veterinarian’s office in order to speak to him. If you have questions to ask, or points that need clarifying, write them down and telephone him. If he isnt available ask him to phone you back. Many vets will do this free of charge provded you don’t make a constant habit of it.
Getting a second opinion
Even experts disagree sometimes, they are only human. And we can’t all get on really well with everyone we meet. I think it is important that we have a good relationship with out vets, and that we understand what is going on when they treat our pets.
If your vet is a poor communicator, you are concerned about the treatment he has prescribed for your dog, or you simply don’t get along, there is nothing wrong with getting another opinion. In fact, it is the right thing to do.
Many people are not aware, that in the UK it is also illegal for anyone other than a qualified veterinary surgeon to diagnose or even recommend treatment for, anyone else’s animals. Any health information given on this website should be used in conjunction with veterinary advice.
We are adding to our library all the time. Let us know if there are any other topics you would like us to cover. We love to hear from you!
I have an 8 year old female black lab who will whine and pant randomly when everyone in the house goes to bed. She typically doesn’t do this until the last light in the house is out. At first, I would run down to take her out but she just sat on the deck and stared out in the yard. It’s not a cry that she does when she needs to go but is a different cry. She shows no signs of limping and is fairly active. She will stop for a couple hours and then start back up again in the middle of the night. It is disrupting my sleep and really looking for suggestions
i have a 1 yr old labrador he is having some rashes in the under arms suggest me somthing… what can i do
Check with your vet Akash, best wishes, Pippa
Gunjan
My female lab is 7 years old and she is showing signs of arthiritis and is a bit overweight. I was wondering what kind of exercise/play activities should be done with her? As of now, she refuses to go for walks and is not too excited about fetching stuff/running. Mostly she likes to sit outside in fresh air.
Hi Gunjan, at seven years old a dog will not normally be slowing down or reluctant to take exercise. You need to get the excess weight off her quickly and talk to your vet about treatment and painkillers for her arthritis. He is the best person to advise on how much exercise she can cope with. Pippa
Thanks!
can any body help me,my dog has been limping his back right leg been to vet she examined him he was in no pain he is fine he had meds for it it started with lol it was pale yellow coulor 40 mls per day but still the same
Hi! We have two 3-year old Labs that were rescues (not from same litter). One, Stewie, has a very animated personality and the other, Mars, is very complacent. They were both housebroken when we got them in March (the rescue center suggested that we take both as they are very close). Mars has started messing on the stairway between first and second floor – always in the same place. This is even after he has been taken out and walked to relieve himself (we walk them together and Stewie has not had any issues). Mars has also started shedding profusely over the past week – clumps at a time. The only change in routine is that I have been traveling more for work … otherwise schedule is exactly the same as my husband continues while I am away. I will say that Mars is more “my” dog while Stewie is more my husband’s dog. Do you think it is anxiety and he goes inside to show that he is upset when I go away? Or even if I am gone for a couple of hours and he was walked right before? Would the heavy shedding be a result of anxiety, too? Thank you for any light you can shed on this. I am very worried about Mars.
Elinor
Hi Elinor, it is possible that Mars is anxious for some reason. Might be a good idea to get your vet to check him over, to exclude and physical problems, and perhaps recommend a behaviourist. Pippa
HI,
My 6months labrador eats rocks when we take her out for her walk, she does it so quickly we can’t stop her… Is this dangerous? A day or two after eating those rocks she vomits them… How can I stop her?
Hi Steph, this can be a dangerous habit, and has been known to result in surgery. I would speak with your vet, but a muzzle may be the way to go. Pippa
Our 8 year old, normally healthy, black labrador Bobby, has a terrible limp. He’s been seen by vet twice and given pain killers and anti inflammatories, for a left shoulder injury. We were told to restrict exercise, which we have done. He isn’t due to go back to vets for another 10 days. Limp isn’t improving & he still yelps on occasion when he’s been lying for a lengthy period and then gets to his feet. His appetite and general mood are good. How long does it usually take for this type of injury to get better? It seems a long time to wait before going back to vets, do you agree?
Thanks for any advice, much appreciated as we are worried sick!
Trish
It depends on the nature of the injury Trish, but recovery can take weeks rather than days. Do give your vet a ring if there is no gradual improvement, or he seems to be getting worse. Pippa
Thanks Pippa, if still no change by weekend I will ring vet as you advised. Trish
Hi Pippa,
Our 6 months old Labrador pup “Sakhi” has started shedding a lot of fur from about 3 weeks. There is fur everywhere…. I have read articles about Furminator. Is that good to use? Is there any thing we can do about diet..currently she is on Royal Canine.
Thankyou .. Ashwini
Hi, I have a choc lab she going to be 3 in 2 months time!
She had her cruciate ligament done on her right side bout a yr ago and now she has arthritis in that knee, she have some cartropen inj to help with that leg.
She also goes to to a hydro pool every two weeks since she had her op less than year ago, we got her weight down from 42kg to bout 34kg but she going back up again?
She is bout 37 kg now, she can only manage bout 30 min walks around the local park once a day, cause her leg gives in!
I was feeding her on royal canin dermercare, but I have now trying labrador retrever royal canin to see if her weight comes back off?
Also I’m giving her two cups of food aday, one morning and one in evening? Am I starving her? Cause I’m going buy a 32kg lab on the bag and it said at 32kg she should be on 4 6/8 aday? What is more than what she having now?!
For a treat she has peice of apple or banana, or half carrot?
Please can you help, and put my mind at rest!
She is a special choc lab cause she comes under as a chunky choc?
Her mum and dad is 50 kg they are both big and chunky chocs!
Thank you Kate x
Hi Kate, there is a wide range into which the weight of a fit, slim Labrador may fall, depending on the dog’s general size, height, bone construction etc. There is also a wide range into which the calorific requirements of a fit, slim Labrador may fall, depending on activity level, metabolic rate, hormone levels etc. If she doesn’t look or feel thin, then you are not starving her.
Pippa
Hi,
I would like an advice about feeding my almost 6 month old labrador. Currentlly he is eathing Royal Canin, but I wanted to know is there something better than that, and what should i do to make his golden fur to shine even more. Thanks in advance,
best marija
Hi Marija, the feeding articles are in the diet and exercise section in the health menu at the top of this page. If you look in the ‘caring for your puppy’ section in the puppies menu, you’ll find an article there on feeding puppies. Pippa
hi pippa i have an 4 months old labrador retreiver female and i give her ROYAL CANIN MAXI JUNIOR,HILLS SCIENCE,AND PEDIGREE PROFF. PUPPY dog food all was going but suddenly she has stop eating royal canin and now she has stopped eating other dog food and else food that we usually give her such as curd ,egg,chicken .i consulted vet. he prescribed her pantaprazole20mg and i am feeling that there is no improvement signs she has became dull and lazy i have checked his motions there are fine but smells really bad
i want to know from your expereience that is it regular in puppies in summer season?
Hi I have a 2 year old golden lab, he seems to have the runs a lot! I give him pasta and chicken to calm it but what food would you recommend?
Hi Jane, you will find information on feeding in the diet and exercise section which you can access from the health menu above.
Pippa
Hi
My black lab, Taj, is seven years old. She has stopped eating, she missed three meals to date but has not been sick. Our other lag, Cassie, is well with no problems although they have shared the same food and walks. Any ideas what could be the problem?
Hi there, you need to get your dog to a vet, hope she is ok. Pippa
I have 2.5yr old black lab.he was infected by ticks, I bathed him with a anti-tick solution the vet adviced but he didn’t completly got free from them.the second time we visited vet he got injected and I was told to bath him with a new anti tick shampoo, now my dog is down with fever and has lost appetite, he looks depressed.what should I do? I am really worried !
Hi Vishakha, you need to go back to your vet, he needs to know that your dog now has a fever and lost appetite. Pippa
My son has a chocolate lab, about 3 years old who is having stomach problems. It seem the muscles in his stomach do not work right, causing vomiting and not being able to keep anything down. Have you ever heard of this. He has been to the vet.
Hi Pippa,
I have a 5.5 year old female yellow lab. She has summer allergies which we give her a daily pill for. She has some fur loss on her chest and some at the base of her tail (looks kind of scaly) and some of her skin has darkened. What can we do?
Thanks!
Kristy
Hi Kristy,
It would be a good idea to have her checked over by your vet.
Pippa
Hi Pippa,
We have, and she says it’s just due o her allergies. I’m wondering if there is something we can do to help the fur come back?
K
I have a 5 week old golden puppy and recently she has bowel movement about 6-7 times a day or even more and right thru the night aswell. And it is all runny. What can it be?
Hi Christiaan, a five week old puppy should still be with its mother, your puppy needs to see a vet urgently. Good luck, Pippa
My 18 week old lab has had a bit of pale discharge coming from her eyes for the past few weeks. Her eyes are fine and its not bothering her, I just bathe it away. My husband thinks its the long grass she likes to play in. I have read its quite common in labs and I don’t want to get antibiotics if they aren’t necessary.
Hi Ceri, your husband may be right, but I would be inclined to get an opinion from a vet. Best wishes, Pippa
on how much days old a labrador puppy can be given vaccine
Hi Sandipan, where are you located?
Hi Tess, the first season will usually occur anywhere between 6 and 12 months. Pippa
hi…
my son was given a labrador puppy from his boss.
i have zero knowledge of how to handle d little puppy.
1st week, i bath him daily n slowly i found out that its furs start falling which worries me a lot.
And i started to get advise from friends including my son’s boss for not to bath him daily.
2nd week, i started to fed him with rice cooked with chicken and pork bone. i am thinking that it furs fall due to his food was a bit salty amd i also fed him with baby milk powder
on the 2nd week, i saw his body got red spot n my friend told me tp bring it to the veterinery clinic for injection but i have not done so due to i amfraid the fee is too expensive. its furs still falling now.
lastly, is it normal of the labrado puppy like to play with us where it loved to something like biting us.
Hi Rosta, whereabouts are you located? Can you get hold of a commercial puppy food like Pedigree or Royal Canin? The bathing is not making your puppy’s hair fall out, but his diet might be responsible. Only a vet could diagnose this properly. It is really important to get your puppy vaccinated, and yes, all puppies bite. Look at the articles in the puppy section and you will find lots of information to help you.
Pippa
Hi Pippa
My 2 months old lab puppy was having fever on last thursday with temperature 105.4 doctor gave a IV and some antibiotics which is to be continued. Its almost five – six days he is not active as before but he is eats and is also alert. How long it will usually take for a puppy to recover from fever. Please help me..
Priya
Hi Jothe, recovery time from fever depends on many variables, including the cause of the fever, and the condition of the puppy. You need to ask your vet. I hope your puppy is better soon. Pippa
Hello Pippa
This information might help someone else! Our 10 month old labrador Lottie developed very inflamed ears recently. We took her to our excellent vet and he diagnosed otitis – a yeast/bacteria problem. He prescribed
Surolan ear drops to be given twice a day and they have done the trick. We took Lottie back for a check today and all is back to normal. In some cases the drops can take up to three weeks to work.
We thought originally that Lottie was allergic to pollen/grass but this is not the case and we are grateful for the correct diagnosis from our vet.
Annie
One month female lab, she had walking problem can’t stand well and I have discover she is missing few skin in her leg.
Hi… my lab 4 mnth old female black lab named blacky having a littile small projection o a hump in her yop op the head…vet says no problems…but she alway tilting head …. what I do for her???
hi Pippa,
my dog, Riley, whom i got in the beginning of Feb., early March from a apt. in the city, won’t stop running away! we live in the country right beside a busy road. i’m worried about him getting hit by a car. he goes over there because our neighbours on the other side have two male golden retrivers. my other female dog, Belle, used to go with him but now just stares at where he goes. we got her as a puppy, and she is really good. she dosen’t have to walk her on a leash anymore. we have 21 acres and think it’s because he isn’t fixed. but they are both boys! i don’t understand! please help!!
Hi Michelle, how is he getting out? Pippa
we let him out to go pee, or he is with us and we think he’s laying down, but he runs away. or when we have a fire at night. belle is also smart and can open the door if it isn’t locked.
Well we have a one year old chocolate lab and every time if we put her outside she protests and chews something up plus we have a pool and there is a tube for the bottom cleaner and when it gets in her way she bites it which put holes and then it wont work so we got a new one and she put a hole in that i don’t know what to do.
Hi, My Naomi will be 1 year old next month. My problem is whenever she takes a nap or just sit for any period of time when she starts to walk again she always limp….she also has the dry calasus on the back of her front legs. What causes this? Some days they are pink some they are cream in color… poor baby…
Hi Dorise, a dog that is lame or limping, needs to see a vet. Many dogs will get a callous on their legs if they sleep on hard ground. But if these are pink in colour they need to be checked out by a vet.
Pippa
My 6 months old female lab baby seems to be hungry the entire day, I believe the food she eats isn’t sufficient for her growing age. She does have her regular meal of pedigree+rice+meat+veggies etc..However I guess we lack giving her the right quantity. Rice is what she majorly eats with milk/curd/veg. Our previous cross breed lab-retriever had some skin problems due to wheat rotis (Indian bread) hence I fear giving her roti in larger quantities.
Could you please suggest some nutritious home made food for her in 4/5 slots in a day? If you could also suggest the quantity to be served each time, will be helpful.
Thank you for your reply. My pup age is 4 months Whether I can able change the name of the pup and also in this age whether we can able to train the pup.
Kindly help
guna
Dear Lab lover
I am owned a 4 months lab puppy. Let me know what food shall I give and how many times I can give the food and what is the interval between food.
Can you explain about raw food please,. Whether I can give it to my puppy.
Please reply
My 65 day old puppy has done potty 6-7 times in a day. And has also passed blood 2-3 times.. what can be the problem. And what should I do to stop the same
Hi Vidhi,
Puppies may have several bowel movements a day but any puppy that passes blood, should see a vet.
Pippa
Hi there,
I have a 7 Month old Yellow Lab, she was just fixed two weeks ago. We had her right front leg looked at when she was in at the vet because she was limping and crying for a few days before that…
Long story short, the vet told us that she hyper-extended her shoulder and elbow and with rest it should heal on its own.
Two weeks later when she is outside running or sleeps on it for two long it still bothers her and shes back to limping after play time.
Do these injuries heal on their own? Should I go see another vet? Is there something I could be doing to lessen the chance of her hurting it?
I hate seeing her in pain 🙁
Hi Kaitlyn
I recommend you go back to your vet and explain what is happening. He may want to prescribe pain relief and/or investigate further.
Best wishes
Pippa
Also,
she is being fed about 1 cup / 1 1/2 cup of food two to three times a day… of puppy food.
could it be too much and that might be making her grow faster therefore causing muscle pain?
What would you recommend for a 7 month old pure lab who is roughly 50lbs
my 1 year old lab’s hair fall has increased from last 2 months. do I need to chnge his diet which is presently mainly rice 2 times a day ?
My 6 month old puppy is not able to walk,what could be the reason??
Hi Rohit, that is a question for your veterinary surgeon. I hope your dog is ok.
Pippa
hi my one year old male lab is loosing weight very very quick. im really worried about him. he has been wormed and up to date with all his jabs. hes eating and drinking well and still has energy. but has lost over half a stone in less than two weeks ? any ideas?
Hi Leanne, significant and unexplained weight loss is best investigated by a vet. I hope your dog is ok.
Pippa
Thanks Pippa Im worried sick about him the vet thinks it could be a foreign body he has ate but without imaging they are not sure. He was slightly sick today but is ravouneous for food u cannot fill him. Im taking him back on tuesday so i will update this site just to give ppl information. Thank u for replying!
Sorry to hear that Leanne, will keep my fingers crossed for you, and hope he is ok.
Pippa
hi i have a black lab which we rescued 18 moths ago he is a joy to have and has never messed or chewed anything in the house . the last few nights i have found that he has messed in the house in the morning he has never done this in the time we have had him. we leave the door open alday so he is able to go out we have 3 dogs but he is the only one that has started this and i dont want the others to start he knows he has done wrong as he is in his bed looking worried what can i do
Hi Zoey,
There can be lots of reasons why a dog will regress in house training. Very often you never find out why, but it is important to look at any changes you may have made to his diet or routine, something disturbing him during the night, and/or at any other possible causes of anxiety or ill health. If there is something that you can fix or reverse then do that. You then need to treat him a bit like a puppy for the next few days, just to break this new habit before it gets established. Get up very early to let him out before he has chance to mess, and if necessary go outside with him to make sure he empties himself.
Pippa
My mothers black lab is 12 this year and has really bad arthritis.
He has been to the vets over the months which they have gave him pain relief but this does not seem to do much, vet has said that he is old and perhaps the kindest thing to do is put him to sleep . she has tried no Bute but he want eat his food. could you suggest anything for his chronic arthritis just to give him a bit of guilty time. Sam is a big lab in height he weighs 39kg.
Hi Hayley, I am sorry to hear that your mother’s lab is in pain. I am guessing that if he needed to lose weight, the vet would have suggested this to you. It is always very hard to make a decision to put a dog to sleep, but if his pain cannot be controlled this may be the only option that is fair on him. Most vets will not suggest putting a dog to sleep unless they really feel there is no other choice. So my advice would be to be guided by the vet, and possibly to get the opinion of another vet before making your final decision. I wish I could be more helpful. Pippa
My 12 year old lab had bad arthritis to the point some days she struggled to walk. I started giving her rose hip powder with her meals daily and now you would hardly know she suffers from arthritis at all. It only takes a couple of weeks to start to notice the change. She has been on it for around 9 months now.
My 12 yr old lab is suffering with his back legs, i will try rose hip powder. I do hope it works
How much would i give him and how often? Emma
How much rose hip do you give yours . Mine weighs 96lbs .?
Hi Sharon,
We have 2 Lab brothers, and one is overweight and suffering from arthritis. We noticed certain things, like he stopped jumping up on the bed all the time, or jumping into the van. He constantly licks the front legs(not sure if this is at the knee joints). Stiffness when he gets up and never stands long, but lies down. I would be interested in giving him rose hip powder with his meal. I believe he weighs about 95 lbs. I live in Toronto, Canada. Where can I buy this? And how much do you give. Really appreciate your help.
Sue
daughters year old gold lab. hoarse cough especially in mornings. never ate or drank this morning. first time ever!
Hi Christine, welcome to the website. We can’t offer to diagnose health problems I’m afraid. But it sounds as though your dog needs to see the vet. Hope he is ok.
Best wishes
Pippa
My black Lab is 12 yrs old and has bad arthritis. Lately his fur has been comming out in chunks is this a sign of something nasty going on or just old age?
Hi Clare, there are medical conditions that can cause hair loss, so it is a good idea to get her checked over by the vet. Pippa
I have my first Lab. that is chocolate. He was mistreated as a pupy and I got him when he was a yr. old. He was never trained at all. He is now 3 1-2 yrs. old. and a complete baby. He usued to walk with my other four dogs and I and would sometimes say away for an half-hour, and return home. The other day he first stayed a few hours. Last Sun. he stayed away all day. He is now under punishment of walking with a lease. He is able to walk well without pulling me when I call his attention. I am apprehensive to let him loose again. Rocco is in good health and about 70 kils.
Hi, you need to train your dog, but at over three years old and with his previous history, it could be a long process. Keeping him on the lead will keep him safe, but it is not a punishment for running away. Your dog will have no idea that he has done anything wrong. Pippa
My labrador, Jessie, is nearly 2 years old. Since the beginning she has been an absolute joy to us. Especially because we don’t have children, she became our child. She loves to play ball (throwing and fetching), Yesterday she jumped to catch the ball gave a yelp and fall down. She struggled to get up and walk after that. We have looked at the leg rubbed the leg and massaged it, and after that she was able to walk but with a small limp. She doesn’t cry when I touch the leg and this morning she is fine except for the small limp if you look closely. Should I take her to a vet or will she be alright. Is there something I can do or medicine I can give her to prevent this. Please help!!
Hi Rentia,
That sounds like a nasty fall. Please take your dog to the vet if she is still limping. It will put your mind at rest, even if she is just a little bruised, and your vet will be able to make an assessment as to whether she needs treatment. We cannot suggest medical treatment for reader’s dog I’m afraid. I hope all is well. Pippa
Thank you Pippa I will take her this afternoon. Keep up this wonderful forum. Rentia
Hi, my golden lab is 11 nearly. Lately she has started heaving when she wakes up as if trying to vomit but nothing comes up. She does it twice & atleast once a day. When i walk her in the street she eats anything like dead birds (feathers & all) or any bones thrown down. She does battle with the heat here in South Africa & is more happier with winter conditions as after the walk she pants for ages. I see she has diahrior from time to time. She eats well though & seems healthy & loves her walks. She does drinks alot of water & i do deworm her. What do you think?
Hi Lorna, I think your dog needs to see a vet asap. I hope she is ok. Best wishes Pippa
Hi, I have a 13 year old Chocolate lab who as we speak is at the vets office from having a tumor & mass removed. I had took him in for the mass which he had found a tumor also and his hacking he has been doing. He has done this for a while but has gotten worse over a few months and now to where it is happening 3 to 4 times a day as if he has something caught in his throat all the time and ends up gagging up clear liquid & also drinks a lot of water. During his testing the vet couldnt find anything that would cause this. He’s thinking allergies might be causing his hacking, we are going to try a antihistamine and see if this helps. Hoping to see him have some relief. I will repost with results.
We had a similar problem with our dog from about 10 years old – we swapped him onto food for sensitive stomachs and it seemed to settle down
I am curious Cindy what happened to your 13 year old Lab. My 12 year old yellow female lab pants alot drinks tons of water and have several bumps/masses on her body. I havent taken her to the vet yet because she seems happy otherwise. She eats well and loves to play but tires out quickly and pants alot and recently has started to hake a few times a day.
Hi! I have a 10 week old labrador puppy. Recently, i saw a big white pus on her belly. I can even send a picture of the pus. I am so worried what could be the cause of that and what treatment should i do. I have been feeding her puppy dog food and milk plus vitamins. Thanks
Hi there Mitch, you need to contact your vet. Pippa
hi, can any one advise me,our lab is 17 month old and a couple of times a month he will eat his food which is wagg, then drink his water then ten minuits later he brings all his food and water up, we have wormed him ,cut down the amount of food a littlt bit but still have the same prob x
It would be a good idea to have your dog checked over by your veterinary surgeon.
Ive had that problem with my lab and two cats certain types of food swells up in their stomach when mixed with water making them vomit
Hi, can you recommend a joint specialist in Sussex, I have a 3 year old male lab which limps now and agian on one leg. My local vet has done X-rays , scans eat with no success
Hi Mike, I am sorry but we are unable to recommend individual healthcare professionals. Your vet should be able to offer you the name of an orthopaedic specialist. Failing that a consultation with another vet is probably the way to go. Best wishes, Pippa
hi!,
I was wondering how much food i should be feeding my 7 year old labrador retreiver.
Thanks!
-Sam
What are you feeding him on Sam?
How do I stop my black lab from snoring..is this a problem they have..it is really bad..if anyone has any ideas I would be very greatful..
B
Hi Barbara,
A very common reason for snoring in dogs with a normal muzzle (like a labrador) is being a little overweight. The extra weight helps to collapse the soft palate. Another common cause of snoring in dogs is inhaling cigarette smoke.
Age is another factor and one that you cannot do anything about. Getting a dog to sleep in a tight fitting round basket is said to help as the dog is more likely to snore if he can stretch out and lie on his back.
It might be also be worth getting your dog checked over by your vet to make sure that there are no other health problems that are contributing to the snoring.
Hope that helps, Pippa
Hi i have a male puppy who is 5mths old his gentials seem to be in his willie at present and not in his sacks at the back is this normal??????
Hi Tina, pop your puppy along to the vet to make sure everything is ok! Pippa
Can anyone please tell me the ill-effects of the falling hairs of labradors to humans?????????
Hi Rahul, are you thinking about allergies to dog hair? I am afraid I do not have any information on that subject.
Pippa
I would like any ideas as to how I can get my Black Labs coat shining again we have been too the vet and he doesnt know what is making her coat scurfy and brittle he has told me to give her corn oil for three weeks have seen little improvement so back tomorrow if anyone has had same problems please let me know Thank You
Hi there, what food is she on? Some dogs seem to improve in coat is a wheat based kibble is replaced with a rice based on, or with raw food. Pippa
Since we have fed our black lab some decent food, (James wellbelloved kibble/nature diet), along with a cod liver oil tablet each day his coat is really shiny!
we put fishoil in our dogs food. 2 – 1000 mg tablets with their meal. after a couple weeks you will see the difference. Mine both have a beautiful coat and they are both black labs. very shiny coats.
I have given my 7 year-old lab two 1,000 mg (w 300 mg Omega-3), burpless, liquid softgels FISH OIL for the last three years, and his coat is just beautiful. (He thinks its a treat!) I buy it at WalMart’s (Nature Made) or at Sam’s. Yesterday, I took my car in for an oil change and EVERYBODY in the waiting room commented on how shiny and beautiful his coat is. When I had my 10-lb. Australian Silky Terrier he felt left out if I didn’t give him at least one softgel too, so I gave it to him, as well. Truthfully, his coat didn’t look much different but at least his risk of coronary heart disease was reduced and it made him happy. Hope this helps.
Glenda
hi!
I would like to ask, what are we going to do if our dog is experiencing vomit in three days, our dog don’t want to eat..
please help me!! 🙂
Hi Shiela, and Jack, please read this message.
My Lab had the same thing with a dull coat So I went to our health store he gave me Cod liver oil I found it very good ,we feed our dog’s on Purna Proplan salmon Rice ” when its on offer other wise very pricey ” around £34/5.oo
Max .