Labrador Retriever Lifespan – How Long Do Labs Live?
The average Labrador Retriever lifespan is 12 to 12.5 years. Although a recent study suggests chocolate Labs live shorter lives averaging 10.7 years, significantly less than black and yellow Labradors.
Factors influencing lifespan in Labs include diet, healthcare, management and inherited diseases. Changing these factors can enable you to help your dog live longer.
Contents
- Factors influencing Labrador lifespan
- Genetics, diseases and body shape
- Do pedigree Labs live longer?
- The coat color conundrum
Your Stories
There are over five hundred comments under this article, some are sad, some happy, all about much loved Labradors. Check them out at the bottom of this article, and have a tissue ready.
What Controls Labrador Retriever Lifespan?
Obviously ten isn’t a guaranteed Labrador lifespan for every dog. Some Labradors live a good deal longer than twelve. But some don’t make it to ten.
There are two key categories of factors that influence your Labrador’s life expectancy. And the lifespan of any dog.
- One is the genetic information your dog inherited from his parents.
- The other is the events that happen to your dog during the course of his life. Through puppyhood to old age. Things like accidents, injury and disease.
How Long Can A Labrador Live?
Life span statistics for dogs are often wildly inaccurate, based on outdated information. Luckily, we don’t need to guess. Accurate Labrador life span information comes from data from scientific studies.
Labrador Lifespan Surveys
Two surveys were carried out in 2004 and 2013. The earlier study showed the median age of death in over 500 Labradors was 12.25. The later study gave a median age at death in a group of over 400 dogs as 12.5 years.
A bigger and more recent study published in 2018 looked at over 30,000 Labradors. This one found a median longevity of 12 years in Labradors overall. So the average Labrador lifespan seems to work out at around 12 years.
Is Labrador Lifespan Getting Longer?
The good news is there is evidence that Labrador lifespan might be increasing. One recent study, although it only looked at 39 dogs, suggested the average could be getting closer to 14 years. So our original question “how long do Labradors live” is changing!
The longest confirmed lifespan for a Labrador was 19 years. There are plenty of reports in the comments section below of readers’ Labradors living over 15 years.
You can help your dog to reach these high numbers, but nothing is guaranteed. Let’s look at the genes controlling how your dog looks and behaves. These set broad limits to the lifespan of your Labrador.
Genes & Labrador Retriever Lifespan
Your purebred Labrador inherits a number of Labrador characteristics shared with all other pedigree Labradors.
These genes don’t just control his coat color, the shape of his ears, and the length of his tail. They control aspects of his temperament and susceptibility to disease.
Labrador Body Shape
To some extent Labradors are lucky. They inherit a basically sound conformation or body shape. They don’t have very long spines or short legs that can cause back problems. Their bodies are nicely proportioned and designed for athletic ability, running and jumping.
Labradors have not been bred with shortened faces that can cause breathing problems, or small skulls that can damage their brains. Nor do they have excessive skin or a massive amount of fur. This is great because a good body structure makes a dog naturally healthier than a dog with poor conformation.
Temperament and Labrador Lifespan
Genes control some aspects of your dog’s behavior. And his ability to carry out tasks like running and hunting, or fetching things. However, temperament, including tendency to fearfulness, is influenced by genes and the environment.
One study showed that fear and anxiety has a negative effect on lifespan in pet dogs. Some dogs are euthanized for aggression or behavior problems. So temperament is a factor in life span.
Some dogs inherit a number of genes that improve their chances of good health. Reduced risk of cancer for example. These genes are passed onto their puppies.
How Inherited Diseases Affect Labrador Retriever Life Span
Labradors are relatively healthy, but there are diseases in the breed that can influence how long your Labrador will live and how healthy your dog will be during their lifetime. Some of these diseases, hip dysplasia and CNM for example, we have tests that should be carried out before breeding adult dogs.
There are however no tests for diseases like cancer. A 2004 study showed 31% of Labradors die of cancer, slightly more than the average rate of cancer in dogs overall.
How Size Affects Longevity
Little dogs live longer than big dogs. A quirk of nature we don’t entirely understand. Of course, there are exceptions to the rule. But in general the longevity of dogs is strongly linked to body size.
This is the reverse of what we find when comparing species of mammals, like the long lived elephant and the short lived mouse.
Looking at individuals in the same species, in this case the domestic dog, being large is a disadvantage.
As a medium dog size is a limiting factor for your Labrador. The average Labrador won’t live as long as the toy poodle.
Labrador Lifespan and Inbreeding
Genetic diseases establish in pedigree dog breeds like that Labrador breed due to inbreeding dogs that are closely related. The average coefficient of inbreeding for Labradors is 6.5 %. We see adverse effects of inbreeding in dogs at over the 5% level.
Do Purebred Labs Live Longer?
Purebred Labradors outer limits on lifespan are set partially by their pedigree. Mongrels live on average 1.2 years longer than purebred dogs according to a study published in The Veterinary Journey in 2013. This doesn’t mean your Boxador will outlive your neighbors pedigree Lab however, it’s all about averages.
Comparing Pedigree Dogs
When we consider pedigree dogs as a whole, there are differences in longevity between the breeds. Not just in terms of size, though this is important.
There are also differences between different breeds of a similar size. Sometime shorter life spans are linked to poor conformation. Many very tiny dogs have hormone problems, brain problems through skull compression, and a range of other health issues. In comparison, Labrador conformation is pretty healthy.
Let’s take a look now at that topic we mentioned at the beginning of the article. The recent discovery that Chocolate Labs live shorter lives than their cousins.
Color vs Lifespan
For a long time it was believed that coat color had no influence on Labrador life expectancy. With the exception of color dilution alopecia in silver Labradors, it was thought that inherited diseases were not linked to any particular color or type of Labrador.
A recent study of over thirty three thousand dogs has thrown that assumption into doubt. It shows us that black Lab life expectancy and yellow Lab life expectancy is around 12.1 years. While chocolate Lab life expectancy is quite a bit shorter at 10.7 years.
The Chocolates in that study were more prone to ear and skin problems. This included self-inflicted “hot-spots” as a reaction to irritants like fleas. And we don’t know if the two main Labrador ‘types’ differ. So we can’t tell you if English Lab life expectancy differs from American Labs.
The study was a very big sample of dogs. So it is likely that the results represent the wider Lab population as a whole.
How Long Will My Lab Live?
Apart from your ability to be selective over the parents of your puppy, genetic factors are largely outside your control. But as your Labrador grows and matures, there will be life events that happen to him which may influence his life expectancy. Some of these are events that you can control. Let’s take a look at those now.
Accidents & Roaming Impact Labrador Lifespan
Hundreds of dogs die each year in avoidable accidents when unsupervised outdoors. Secure fencing around your backyard and a good recall training command will help you keep your dog from becoming a part of that statistic.
Neutering
It was believed neutering increased life expectancy. Older studies showed a higher death rate for unneutered dogs because they were uncontrolled. They had the urge to roam, the ability to leave the backyard, and therefore got into accidents.
Recents studies link neutering to health issues including joint disease and cancer, both leading causes of illness and death in Labs.
The neutering issue isn’t clear cut, but the principles of training and control will help keep your dog safe.
Vaccination
In parts of the world there are serious diseases that kill unvaccinated dogs and puppies. Vaccination enables your pet to avoid the infections that have the potential to kill them
Overfeeding Decreases Labrador Lifespan?
The biggest influence you can control regarding your dog’s longevity and enjoyment of life is his bodyweight. Obesity is increasingly common in dogs, and Labradors in particular. The direct result of over feeding.
Labradors are greedy dogs good at persuading people to hand over treats and refill the food bowl. Some Labrador parents struggle to judge quantities of food fairly in the face of puppy dog eyes.
Don’t slavishly follow feeding guidelines on packets, but feed according to how your dog looks and feels.
What Do Studies Say?
Studies show reducing calories intake in dogs increases life expectancy a significant amount due to the health impact of obesity. Labradors are all capable of maintaining a consistent lean body mass through their lives, according to a 2003 study. Dog owners just need to be vigilant.
Hungry Labrador Eyes!
Your Labrador does not have a tendency to get fat from their breed. Only to eat a lot and be good at persuading their family to provide food. You have the keys to the larder, and you can resist your dog’s charms.
Slim dogs live a longer, more comfortable life. They defer the onset and impact of conditions like arthritis in older dogs, when they retain a youthful waistline. Be firm about the amount of food your dog eats to ensure the benefits of his company for longer.
(paid link)
Is Longevity In Dogs Inherited?
To a certain extent longevity is inherited. Some dogs have an inherently higher potential for long life than others. But this isn’t the whole story.
Line breeding and size go against your dog in terms of life expectancy. But being fit, friendly and well proportioned go in their favor. So the average Labrador has a medium range life expectancy compared with other dog breeds.
You Can Help Your Labrador Live Longer
There are some dog breeds that are longer lived than our beloved Labs. And quite a few that are much shorter lived.
You can help to influence your dog’s longevity to a certain extent. If you are choosing a puppy, choose his parents wisely. Make sure that they are health tested and bred by a responsible breeder. Look for a co-efficient of inbreeding that is below 5%. Consider choosing a black or yellow Lab. And make sure the parents have great temperaments, and have been well cared for.
Socialize your puppy thoroughly when you get him home. So that he is confident and views the world as a happy, friendly place. Above all, keep your dog slim. Really slim. When you look into those pleading eyes, make sure you don’t give in to your dog’s request for second helpings.
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We lost our beloved friend Jaeger yesterday. She was a black lab. 12.7 years old. Full of lumps and bumps, was only on thyroid medication. She was the sweetest girl and I am just full of guilt because she died at home after coming home from a short walk. We always kept her at a good weight, 65-69 pounds and thought that she would live forever! As I write this, tears are flowing after reading all of your stories. We are in shock and so sad, and I only feel good because I was with her when she died.
Labs are the best dogs……so loyal…….so gentle…..you can trust them totally. Would never get another breed of dog ever……….Labs are the best friends….ever.
Very sorry for your loss Justine.
My girl, Riva, is 15 years and 5 months. Slowing down now and getting wobbly on her legs.
Snickers was 14 years and 2 months
In good health but stopped eating or drinking; had i.v.s for 3 days.
The vet said Snickers took the hard decision from me when she passed away in sleep. Miss her
Our white lab hit 13 this summer. He was doing fantastic, literally like he hadn’t aged at all, up until this past winter when he developed diabetes. He suddenly became very still and quiet for a week. My brother has diabetes so we have all the equipment and knowledge to take care of him. But he’s yet to recover even though we’re managing the diabetes quite well.
We own two labs. Calvin will be 14! Years old this September. He still ” ocasisonaly ” jumps into the pool ( we help him get out). He is playful, fairly healthy ( has immune related arthritis, and Lyme disease) Eats like a bear, and is still always trying to please us. He is 93 pounds, but he is tall , and on the thin side. He has slowed down a lot this year…his hind legs get weak by the end of the day. ..and we often help him up he stairs and into our bed.
Our yellow lab is 4,he was bred for show, but he’s just a pet. He’s very attive and sweet ( although he’s dog aggressive and we can’t figure out why).
I love reading everyone’s stories. I have hope now that maybe with all our love and care, Calvin can stay with us for a little longer.
Our Black Labrador, Phoebe, was 14 in April, and still likes to go out every day, even if we’ve had to stop her a few times this week because of the hot weather. And as for pinching food, she’s got worse! Whereas she was always quite obedient, I think she’s like any old person – doesn’t seem to care anymore… Will miss her so much when she eventually gives up.
Hi all! I just wanted to pass on hope to all of you who seem to think your lab will only live to age 10! We have owned (or been owned by) 4 labs, 2 at a time, 3 black English and 1 yellow American. Our first, a black named Onyx, lived to age 15 1/2, when he told us it was time to let him go. His yellow “brother” Bristol, had never lived without Onyx and we noticed a decline in him within a year. The vet felt he was broken hearted, he had bad arthritis in his back legs and so it was time for him to rest at age 15. Our next 2 were a package deal from the same litter. Sadly, Logan had to be put to rest at age 8 because of uncontrolled seizures which the vet thought were due to a brain tumor. His brother Cayman did just fine and tho old age robbed him of his hearing, he watched our faces when we were talking, maintained his dignity, wagged his tail, ate well and was mobil, tho slow; he still had the puppy face that made me love him. We finally realized, much to my distress, that he was really not living the life he wanted, that I was being selfish and keeping him alive for me, so just last June he went to rest just after his 15th birthday. I’m still mourning him. All of our fur babies got plenty of exercise, were chipped, neutered and up to date on vaccinations, got heart worn and flea protection monthly. I stress these things, along with weight control, because besides genetics, I think they have a great amount of input to how long your dog might live. I hear of more and more labs living well into their teens. When my mourning period is over, we will most likely adopt a rescue lab. I just can’t imagine living without one in my life.
Hi I have a 12 yr old yellow lab named Jade last yr we took her bets and she had water infection and had antibiotics for a week we took her back but we’re then told in the near future she would need a hysterectomy. She has been fine up til a few weeks ago o noticed all her tummy is starting to turn black do you think this is anything to do with it cuz she is fine in herself.
We have a 7-1/2 year old golden lab and 25 days ago she quit eating. Vet gave us an RX for something to stimulate her appetite and after giving her the first pill, she ate some meat. Then she wouldn’t eat again. The vet says about the only thing left it could be is cancer. She is slowly drinking less water. I feel like we should have her put down, but we just keep hoping. She is by far the best dog we’ve ever had. She looks so sad. Any ideas out there?
Did the vet do blood work panel? May be pancreatitis. Feed brown rice and boiled chicken or baby food. Low sodium or no salt chicken broth for fluids. Do you have an update?
We have a lab and twice in her life she went off food and looked depressed. Both times were due to a touch of liver failure. Detox supplements from the vet plus milk thistle pills brought her around both times. Also fed her things like fresh cooked chicken mixed with low salt broth and cooked rice to get her eating along with the supplements. She’s going on 12 now. It would be worth a try if you haven’t gotten another answer.
Hi there! Our pedigree entire, yellow lab Zach is almost 11 years old. 18 months ago he was diagnosed with hip joints in worn condition after over-exercise was allowed at Boarding Kennels ( repeatedly mounting other males and neutered dogs) while we were on holiday and he seemed to have a sore leg.
We were shocked, as until then he had never exhibited any hip pain or difficulty moving. The vet was also shocked as she had not suspected the hip deterioration until she saw the xrays. Vet talked about a hip replacement.
Instead we put Zach on daily glucosamine and 18 months later I can say he has been active and pain free for almost all of that time. He enjoys a 2 km ramble and a dip in the sea with us every day . He does the 11 stairs in our home many times a day with ease. He can jump in and out of the car by himself.
We feed him a diet of cooked rice and braised carrot, cauliflower and broccoli and a small amount of hard dog biscuits every day, raw meat 3x a week and a frozen chicken neck every day. We never ever give him snacks from our table.
He has never been ill in his life and is fit and healthy. He has never been overweight. I am hoping to have him around for a few years yet!
I have a 13 year old golden lab she has never had baby’s as she was spaded when we got her at 6 months old Jessie now has arthritis pretty bad the doctor gave her 6 months to a year to live I don’t know how long she will last it has been 1 year she still going
We have a 15 1/2 year old yellow lab. He is on the smaller side. We have always kept him around 65lbs. We exercise him 2x a day. He can walk about 1/2 mile at a time and can run about 50yrds when he is excited and chasing our 8 year old lab. His name is Bodie. We put Musher’s paw on his paws to keep them from cracking, and have always given him high end food such as Canidae. He is amazing, in great health, good natured! Exercise your dogs a lot and take them places with you, they can stay healthy a long time.
Hi, congrats on your lab!! we have a yellow lab, 14.5 years female, I wonder if you can help us answer some questions..do you give Bodie any medication for arthritis or anything else? our dog is under Vetprofen 2x day, she is hard at hearing and poor eye sight, other than that she is fine, BTW do you still vaccinate yours? we decided this year not to, because of her age. Thanks !
My Lab Cody only lasted 8 years. He was put down due to cancer in one of her a kidneys that ruptured. Still so sad after all these years.
We just lost our beautiful yellow lab three days ago. She was 7.5yrs old and seemed a bit off and sad. I took her to the vet and found out she had a non operative cancerous mass on her spleen and also on her liver. We are so devastated and heartbroken, such a shock. She has been there while we had two children and has been like the big sister.
Natalie I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. I also just lost my 14 1/2 year old chocolate lab Mickey. He also had a cancerous growth on his spleen and liver. The vet suggested I put him down Easter weekend and I couldn’t do it. He ended up passing on his own, in his bed at home in my arms. I’m heartbroken.
My dog Maurita had kidney cancer too. She died after surgery to remove the kidney with cancer, at age 9. Miss her so much.
My sweet yellow lab Soda only lasted 8 years as well. Mast cell cancer. Such a short life for such a sweet dog. I’m sorry about your Cody.
My golden lab Barney passed away last year at 16. He was a wonderful pet and I miss him so much. He was so faithful and a great watchdog. I am 74 and not sure about caring for a young pup again. This is the first time in 54 years that we have not had a dog. I am really grieving for him. Many happy memories to remember though.
You might want to consider adopting an older shelter dog. Then you can both enjoy your golden years together.
Valmai have you given some thought to adopting a senior Labrador dog ? Many are passed over and over again due to their age but still need love and want to give love. They tend to be very grateful loving and loyal dogs when given a good home. You need not go thru the work of a new puppy.
My black British Lab, Bailey is 14 1/2 years old. She is an amazing old girl, still retrieving the newspaper each morning.
Our Black lab Rudy will be 17 this year. He doesn’t hear well anymore and his eyes are getting little cloudy but he still gets around pretty good. We’ve had a lot of dogs over the years but Rudy is the best.
My yellow lab, Sadie is 13 1/2. She has always been a lap dog and prefers to lay around and be pet. She was getting heavy so we switched her to a salmon based food and she looks like a puppy again. She has trouble walking on her back legs when it rains but other than that she seems to in great health. She had a fatty lump that has been decreasing in size since we switched her food. Her Sister, Sedona, a chocolate lab will be 13 in June and she is just as hyper and still goes for a 2 mile run every day. She used to do 5-7 miles but this past year we realized those runs were just too long for her. I think when loved and fed properly labs can live as long as their smaller counterparts -unless cancer or a genetic disease takes them too early. Btw-both dogs are purebred champion line dogs. Sadie was a show dog champion Line and Sedona a duck hunting champion line. Neither of them ever had pups, Sedona was spade at 7 months by previous owner and Sadie wasn’t spade until 6 years. I’m not sure if the fact that neither of them have ever mated has anything to do with their great health. I just hope they continue to be happy and healthy.
Hi! My black lab River, is 9 1/2 years old, and will be ten on August 4. He used to be super crazy, but now is a little less crazy and sleeps more. I’m very scared knowing they can live to only be ten. Any tips?
He’s also a healthy dog other than he hurt his leg last year
My daughter, Kai will turn 10 on March 23rd this year. She has had 3 different types of cancer in the past 6 years, removed with surgery. A growth on her eye lid, removed with surgery. Now she has to go in for surgery again this Wednesday to remove what they are pretty sure is another cancer in her 2nd mammary on her left. Her very first tumor was in her 2nd mammary on her right. She is still so active, playful and loving. I pray she does well and they get all of the tumor. Could everybody pray for my sweet KaiYasha? That she makes it through surgery Wednesday, Feb 15th, and that the surgery is completely successful. She has been thru so much, but my human daughter and I CAN NOT imagine life without Kai! I have had many dogs in my lifetime, but she is the first lab, and there is something amazingly beautiful and special about her. Please pray for her because I believe prayer is strong and works. Thank you to all who do. KaiYasha from Midvale Utah.
Praying hard for your sweet Kai!!
I must state, after recent experience, how important it is to get your dog microchipped.
March 13, 2016, I let my dog outside in the fenced yard. I went back inside to use the bathroom and when I went to check on him, he was gone. I searched the neighborhood for him. I plastered the area with flyers with his picture and my contact info but heard nothing. I thought he was gone for good.
January 30th of this year, an animal control officer came to my house and asked if I was missing a dog. Apparently, someone found him when he got out of the yard. They did not report it, but when they tried to get vaccines for him, the vet scanned him and discovered his microchip. The vet then called animal control and I was reunited with my dog. If he wasn’t microchipped, I would probably never saw him again.
Glad you got your dog back John 🙂
As I sit here reading these wonderfull and touching stories about our lab children I am torn in my decision for palliative care or doing all that I can for my Kai. My yellow lab has been slower than usuall lately with very decreased diet when normally he woud be voracious. Kai is now 12.4 years of age he has splenic tumor less than favorable renal function and anemic. The vet told me maybe one month without medical intervention. I work as an emergency trauma nurse so my critical assesment and plan kicked in. I asked if we can address the anemia with blood transfusion and revist the issue in two weeks. If it improves we can proceed to surgery and remove the splenic mass. Kai’s renal function is on the upper end but can me managed with fluids and diet. I have not been able to sleep much less think since yesterday. I am in my masters program for nursing and that seems to be of no concern to me now. I was told that Kai is the one going through this, I keep thinking that I am being selfish by exploring every option when I know anasthesia can take Kai just as well. Kai has gotten me through the roughest part of my life and I feel that I owe it to him to try. I really do not know what to do.
Praying hard for your sweet Kai!! Our 12yo chocolate lab, Lil’ Girl, was diagnosed with bone marrow cancer 8 months ago. She also has several fatty tumors covering her body, as well as low liver functions. When she was diagnosed with the bone marrow cancer, our vet also instructed us to bring her home for palliative care and comfort until her time came. She was given less than a month to live. It’s been almost a year and she’s as spry as ever!! I understand the heartache that comes with being told to prepare to lose your best friend, but please don’t give up hope just yet. I do not think you are selfish at all for wanting to explore all options. You want to give him another chance. And I would absolutely do the same. God Bless and I’ll be thinking of Kai! ❤
our Black Labrador is 16years in June. still loves life, and loves her food and likes to go out for very short walks.
Has trouble with her back legs due to muscle wasting.
She has never been over weight ,and we have always been strict with her diet. She is a medium sized Labrador.
We take her in the car to France twice a year. Now have a doggy pram so she can have short walks and then put her into her pram which she loves and loves to see people.
She is such a happy dog and hopefully will continue for sometime yet.
So glad your lab is still going strong. My 12yo yellow lab has trouble with his back legs and hips, he’s also quite a big lab although I’ve always managed to keep his weight down. I was very interested in your doggy pram as I’ve been searching for one so we can go on longer walks. Can you give me some info on your pram please.
Our eldest black lab is 18. He has been an active hunting dog, primarily water fowl, his entire life. He has never been overweight and is generally fed less than what most sites recommend. I attribute his longevity to good genetics, and an overall disciplined lifestyle. He’s an amazing dog. Our vet calls him the Brad Pitt of labs.
Fantastic 18 how much food food do you give please my golden lab is only a pup my husband says I underfeed I just don’t want her fat .the vet says she is just right .
Hi Janet – you might find this article helpful https://www.thelabradorsite.com/feeding-your-labrador-puppy/
I hope you still have him and I hope you bred him to pass on those great genes. Labradors are the BEST. Good Luck to all readers of this web site. I feel as if I know and identify with you all. I had to stop typing as my yellow 12 year old just brought me a ball which needed to be thrown, of course.
I suddenly had the urge to check a page like this in order to see if my beloved black lab would live for a long time. After seeing this It makes me feel sad after realising that she is 6 years old and that most labs only live for 10-12 years. She is my life, my family’s life, everything! And the years in that we’ve had her have passed much quicker and smoothly than before. The cats we had before her were also the best but eventually time caught up with them and they died despite being healthy.
When our family had arrived to collect her from the breeder, I was very sceptical since our last dog was mentally traumatised and would react around men, unfortunately my Dad, who loved dogs couldn’t get near him so we gave the dog to another owner who could take care of him, But when we saw the little puppy we had come to collect our family could hardly say no and since then she changed my perception of dogs. I can’t even imagine what it would be like for me to lose her.
She currently suffers from hip problems since her leg joints were never fully formed so she can’t run.
She is extremely gentle, soft and as my mum always called her “a big teddy bear” since she put up with everything you did to her. She plays around a lot, and is sometimes a nuisance but she, like I said is the greatest part of our life. I cannot bear to lose her.
Hi! I have just acquired a lab puppy. Really, Maxine’ mother is a yellow lab and dad is a Brittany Spaniel. Maxi is a very special friend who I hope will live out her allotted years of 10-12. But, from what I am hearing from all these comments, she may live a lot longer. She is working on being my therapy dog so she is in puppy school and then I will send her to therapy school.
Dear Lucy. Sorry about your baby. I say baby because that’s what my lab of 14 and a half was. He was my life, the centre of my universe. How time flies when you are in love, but how it drags on now that he went to be with God on the 6th of January 2017. I will not tell you how he went. I believe the decision must be yours. Leo lost use of this hind legs…neurological issue and that dreaded arthritis together with a tumour below his tail. Nevertheless, I carried him everywhere. Whatever the time of day or night. Whatever the reason. Didn’t care if he messed me in the process. Kissed and hugged him always. Spoke to him and prayed together. Kept hoping for a miracle because I couldn’t let go of him…my son. But, they are not meant to live forever, like us. I promised him that I will also leave this earth also, and he’s not going to miss out too much. I admire you. Carrying your lab(child) is an act of extreme love. Your love radiates from your hand to his heart. Aa long as he is happy, don’t worry what the world says. Keep going. If he becomes distressed and unhappy, he will tell you better than humans can. I will pray for you and him. Take care and give him all my love!
My beautiful boy Gandhi turned 13 in December. He has Geriatric Onset Laryngeal Paralysis. He had the tie back surgery 16 months ago so apart from his persistent cough and hacking he breathes easily again. Unfortunately the nerve damage has progressively ncreased and he is now completely paralysed in his back legs. He also has arthritis in his lower some and front legs He is also completely incontinent both feacal and urine and wears a nappy all the time and we have to keep him clean. He cannot get up at all , cannot walk and has to be lifted and carried everywhere which is difficult since he is 40 kg. Because of his condition he cannot be left for longer than 4 or 5 hours because of his incontinence and even with a bowl of water left beside him he always seems to wiggle away from it. It is full on nursing care for us – changing his nappy, bringing water to him, lifting him to move him around, holding his food bowl for him etc Despite the obvious reduction in his quality of life he is still a happy dog and loves going out for a walk in his trolley every day. But it is just so hard caring for him not knowing how long it will go on for. His vet says that 99% of her clients would have had him put to sleep by now. I just do not know what to do anymore . On the one hand I love him so much he has been through so much with me but in the other the caring responsibilities are placing a huge strain on us and our marriage. How do I know what the right thing to do is? How can I possibly have him put to sleep when he seems so happy and adapted to his immobility. Has anyone out there cared for a paralysed dog or had experience with Laryngeal Paralysis once it has affected the hind legs? Any advice or support please as this is truly destroying me not knowing what to do
Hi Lucy, I am so sorry to hear that you are having to make this difficult decision. You might find this article of help at this tough time: https://www.thelabradorsite.com/knowing-when-to-let-go-of-your-labrador/ Wishing you all the very best. Lucy.
Lucy ,it is a very difficult position to be in ! We also had a black lab named Murphy who went through the same thing. Murphy had Larngeal Paralysis and later Lost control of his hind quarters . Unable to use his rear legs and lost all control his bowels and your function . Like you I carried him outside using a towel around his abdomen like a sling to do his Business but soon he soon lost all control . For about a year he laid on a Queen size inflatable air mattress in our den . We kept four towels under him and we would change them up to four times a day. I also slept next to him to keep him comforted . But one day we just knew it was his time and we called a mobile veterinarian that would come to the house and put him down! We cried and cried but we knew because we loved him it was the right time . Please know you to will know when it’s the right time to let go of you’re beautiful boy Gandhi !
Thanks al for the stories and the hope that our boy will live a long life. We have a healthy 6 year old English lab named Strider…turning 6 onSt. Patrick’s’s Day. Good to know we are not alone in the pure adoration and love we have for our Lab…He’s like another child to us, it’s so comforting to know he could live into his teens!
Our female yellow lab Lillybeans turned 14 years old on December 16 and is still very active and food motivated. She also has 5 living siblings! Although she’s not as fast as she once was (who is when they get older?!), she still enjoys chasing her ball in the yard and still loves wrestling with my son. I’m so happy to read that some of your labs have lived to be 16+. I’m hoping she’ll be with us that long.
We’ve never fed her anything special. Just Bueniful dry food. Has always agreed with her. She’s mostly been an indoor dog. . . only likes to be outdoors if we’re outdoors. We’ve always paid close attention to her weight, made sure that she’s current in her vaccines, and we provide her with an orthopedic bed to sleep on (when she’s not sleeping with us) for her joints. Just normal dog raising habits. We love her spirit and loyalty. Thanks for sharing your stories.
My yellow Lab Tilly is 16.5 next week, she has Cushings disease which the vet discovered when I was investigating from her hair loss on her tail, the treatment with Trylostane for almost 2 years has been successful, her coat is now so thick we need to hose her daily to keep her cool. (Australia) Tilly has never had hip dysplasia, with old age her back legs started to go under her as she walked, I bought an Orthodog hip brace from th US which helps, doesn’t wear it all the time only when hips joints are very loose it seems to straighten her gait.
Had to have another of my Labs euthanised last week, so I put Tilly on what remained of his Cartrophen tabs, she can now get herself up (unless she is stuck under a chair) and she can squat to pee and get up again, rather than sitting in the pee. I’ve used Metacam previously on old labs with much success, but I
mistakenly thought Tilly was past it, seems I was wrong!
Tilly has never eaten commercial dog food in her life.
A trick I’ve learned to get old Labs to drink more water to help their kidneys and liver is out is to put a splash of milk in a bowl of water, she has this every night before sleep she goes to sleep, some dogs are lactose intolerant in which case a sprinkle of powered milk is best.
My family recently lost our amazing and beloved black lab, Misty, after being blessed by her presence for 16.5 years. I miss her dearly and not a day goes by when I don’t think about her. I have thought about why she lived such a long life and besides the apparent good genetics and lots of love, I attribute her lengthy life to a quality diet (no junk food at all) and lots of exercise which always kept her very trim and in good shape. I see a lot of overweight labs(and dogs in general) and I really believe, just as in people, this leads to all kinds of health issues. We gave Misty many treats, but all were healthy such as apple slices, carrots, etc. and no sugary or high calorie treats or table scraps. She had the usual “elderly dog” problems, but was beautiful, active, and alert until just before her death.
Hye! I am over in Philadelphia and just joined the Lab site yesterday. I am so in love with my lab, Teddy. It is heartening to read of such longevity in all of your Labs’ lives. Teddy is a tall, yellow, 110lb, 6 yr old rescue Lab. He certainly appears to be full lab – super handsome with light brown eyes. We’ve had him since very young but he developed elbow dysplasia at 2 years of age. He’s already had surgery, all the usual meds – Rimadyl, Dasuquin, Amantadine, Grizzly Salmon oil in his food, and now Adequan shots and yet the limping still breaks through all this. I am constantly thinking he is maybe in pain and I feel I need to prepare myself for possibly a shorter life span. Pippa, have you any sense of this? He gets good exercise but can only run for a few minutes. He limps all the time now.
I’m sorry to hear your dog is still limping Judith. It’s a good idea to keep reporting back to your vet on this situation, he or she needs to know that your dog is still having problems and they’ll be able to discuss the available options with you. Good luck with Teddy’s progress.
My Luki is not yet in his teens. We will be celebrating his 9th bday next month, and I have some questions for all of you senior lab owners!!! Luki’s energy and stamina is unmatched. I mean, I cannot stress to you enough the hyperactivity this dog possesses. Recently, I took him to a new vet located inside a pet store. The seasoned vets exact words- I have NEVER seen a 9 year old dog with this degree of energy in my entire career. My questions are, were any of your seniors insanely hyper past midlife? Do you suppose this means he will live above average? His hyperactivity is indeed a handful, but hes family, and I want him around as long as possible! Thanks!!
Hi Cassie!
My lab is now 12 years old! And he is still hyperactive as first day 🙂 He has so much energy and all of people told me he will settle down with years, but this is not case by my lab! I love him so much, he is adorable. He eats healthy food always with good long yard to run as well as daily walking so I know he is happy and hope he is going to be happy for many many years. Also posts here give me hope he will live a long life. He needs a little eye surgery to remove a little cancer on eye lip, but hope it is just a little one as doctor told.
Also Cassie I hope your Labrador will live as long as those here with 16+ years, especially because we have those hyperactive babies even at this “old age” 😉 😉
Cheers!
Yep. My Murphy is 14 and until her knees and nerve damage in her spine started failing her, she never slowed down. She’s still here, healthy except for these issues and her quality of life has been declining, but her personality, enthusiasm and love of people has held steady, which is making the decision for when it’s time incredibly hard.
Im so glad to hear these stories. My Daisy girl is turning 12 this year. My oldest son turns 11. I have a 9 and 7 year old as well all boys. She us my only daughter ???? They’ve had her their whole lives and love her like their older sister. I’m terrified of something happening to our sweet DG ❤ Thank you for giving me hope
Daisy Mae of the Redwoods was the runt of her litter. She camped and swam and ate Ralston Purina. We used to have BBQ’s at the house and the band members would feed her ribs, chicken bones, and whole hot dogs. Had an open bowl policy her whole life. Was raised with two girls dressing her up and riding her around the house like a little horse.
I am convinced that it was the love that let her see past her 17th birthday.
I took her to the beach for the last time. She had lost bladder control, and the flys were starting to annoy her. It was time.
We called the Vet, and Daisy died peacfully in my arms, at home. She is buried next to her favorite tree.
She has a new little sister, 20 years later and my 4th lab.
I can only pray that this one has the same life!
What a sweet story! Best wishes to you and your new pup!
I have a yellow lab now 17 years old July. She’s always vbeen a sleeper not a hunter very timid. She never had a weight problem and she never had any discipline problems. Didn’t chew, bark, scratch or jump up in people. She clapped her teeth together to talk. She is having major problems now. Loosing bladder and bowelsall the time. Started a little over a year ago when she sleepy, the
Last 4 months she has really declined. Now her apathy is beginning to become more paralysis. Back feet want to roll over when I’m helping her walk. She lays down to eat and is still eating and drinking well. Almost seems she eats a lot more then ever. In addition she has always been a shedding machine all year in handfuls no matter what we did with diet and grooming which was the only complaint I ever had. Strangely enough in the last 3 months as she’s declined she does not shed at all.? She has been on gabapentin for a couple episodes she had had with stroke or seizure. I could tell she was starting to hurt or become weak with very slow standing up and laying down. I’ve been lifting her into my SUV for four years now. And up and down stairs. Now she seems to be loosing her sight and hearing and even acts confused. Like the one lab owner I’m not getting the sense she’s ready to be put down. She has always been very dependent on me and never did well separated for any amount of time. Now she’s right at my feet all the time except for this last few days with the paralysis problem. She gets stuck between things or under bed and wines to be saved. It’s truly 24/7 this last two weeks. Just hoping to get through the holiday if I’m going to have to decide for her. She and I have been inseparable for years now she even went to work with me. I’m alone so it’s definitely going to be a tragic loss for me. I only hope she isn’t suffering and that God takes her in her sleep so I don’t have to be the one to decide. July she would be 18 and she had been between 45 and 60 lbs throughout her life. So smaller bread but her coat is almost white she’s technically a cream colored lab. She will be a hard act to fallow. Best dog ever! She is loved and will be missed!
Melissa V
Central Michigan
Molly is 14 and 3 months. She takes glucosamine and green lipped mussel supplements and her weight is low. I still feed her on a working dog mix which is high in calories. I think she is pretty deaf now as well as having poor vision. She really drags her right back paw now and walks very stiffly. Perhaps she needs a stronger arthritis drug now? Accidents do occur now.
Just would like to keep her going for a few months. Big exam year for the children A levels and GCSEs. I don’t want to think of her not being here but I do need to be sensible…
My son – puppy Hansi -lived to be 13.5 years. He had prostrate cancer and t was horrible. He was so healthy before this.. He was my son and I loved him with my heart and I did all I could, but prostrate cancer is very aggressive and he was unable to poo..he was a lab colie cross with a bit od Staffs in him, but very lab slim-line..I will love him always and he was my life. Life does not seem the same.
We had a male labrador who passed away on 4th Dec 16, was close to completing 17 years of age. Had been through some operations during the course of last 3 years, but he made it through hale and hearty but due to old age he was unable to eat or see properly for last 1 year and last Sunday he passed away leaving a big emptiness in our family. We are again looking forward for a lab puppy as my daughter was very much attached to him. one thing i learnt that dont let labrador gain weight and make them exercise well, if everything goes fine they can live for 17-18 years also.
cheers
Saurabh Gautam, New Delhi
I adopted a chocolate lab who was a 2 year old rescue. We fed him premium grain free food. He got lots of exercise…running, swimming, hunting and lived until he was 17 years old. He was a big boy, weighing in at 100 lbs. for most of his life. Towards the end, he lost weight and had painful arthritis. He took Rimadyl for the last few years, but finally even that gave him little relief. Tough decision to say goodbye, but his life had deteriorated so much. He couldn’t “load up” any more, not even on a ramp, was lethargic and had just lost his zest for life. He was such a part of our family and though we love the dogs we have now, he’ll always hold a special place in our hearts.
My black lab boy is 13 years old and doing very well. We adopted him from a rescue group when he was 2. He began limping quite a bit about 1-1/2 years ago, and so we put him on Rimadyl, after a course of Glucosamine really didn’t help. The Rimadyl has been like a miracle drug! He is enthusiastic and wants to do everything, but we have noticed that more vigorous exercise or walks that are long leave him limping afterwards. So, we don’t run or bike with him anymore, but he can walk up to about 2 miles at a time (once or twice a day) without any issues, and he swims in our pool everyday. Over the past year, he had a couple of small tumors removed, which turned out to be benign. We feel very fortunate! 2-1/2 years ago, we adopted a rescue, mixed breed puppy. She has been great for him. They are the best of friends and truly love one another, play all the time! He’s close to 80 pounds and the young doggy ended up being 53 pounds fully grown, although the rescue group thought she would be closer to 100! She’s calm, but playful, which suits his sometimes overly enthusiastic attitude perfectly! I’ve always fed my dogs high quality food, so I am sure that helps. I hope my boy is with us for a number of years more.
My LAB just turned 13 had a vet check up and is in good health. 50% hearing loss and have to wear a doggie diaper at times but other then that still plays catch and eats like she did when she was a puppy. I am getting nervous about how much more time we have with her. Labs are mans best friend.
My 11.5 male yellow lab has just been diagnosed with Diabetes.
I am wondering at 11.5 years, if he will still have a good life.
For the past week he has been peeing in the house, which he has never done before and excessive thirst and just found out today from the vet.
I am not sure what it will cost me to give him insulin everyday, I hope I do not sound cold and heartless, but not in my budget to pay 300 a month extra for Insulin.
It is something I have to talk to my son about.
I will have to price out the drugs required and will have to cost compare from vet or drug store direct, which I have heard is cheaper.
It is a struggle I was hoping I would not have to decide.
This is not a decision I take lightly or without tears and thought.
I am single mom and my son is off to university next year.
This hurts my heart.
Hi Andicece, There are charities who help people struggling to pay their veterinary bills. You can find a list of some of them here. I recommend that you talk to your vet about the local support available, and find out what they expect your dog’s additional requirements to be going forward. They are the best person to give you advice on the right way to proceed.
Peeing in the house and excessive thirst were your clues to the diabetes. Once his insulin is regulated this will stop. My lab is 12 and has had diabetes for about 4 years. We get insulin at Sams Club for $24.88/vial.
It lasts us about a month depending on dosage. Shop around for it, because we found It to range from $75-$25/vial depending on the pharmacy. It’s Novolin N so it’s the same insulin people use.
Good luck, all will be fine!
My yellow lab, Sally, is 15 years and 9 months. She’s the queen of the house. She still has a great appetite and her tail wags just like when she was a puppy. Her hips and elbows hurt, she’s pretty deaf and she’s losing bowel control. But she hasn’t told me she’s sad or ready to go. I hope I will know when the time is right.
I have a yellow Lab & Golden Retriever mix (he’s mostly Lab) who will be 16 in one month. He survived osteosarcoma (with removal of his back leg & 4 months of chemo) when he was almost 3 years old. He has arthritis and needs help going potty with the help of a harness, but is still a very strong & happy boy. He is our little miracle! People are always surprised when they find out his age because he still looks so good. He has begun to have accidents in the house, but that’s okay, it comes with age. Hoping he stays happy & healthy for more time to come!
We have a 7 month old chocolate lab that was just diagnosed with osteosarcoma. Your story gives me hope!
I have two female yellow labs. One is going to be 12 and has survived a cancerous parathyroid tumor. My other girl will be 14 next month and has survived laryngeal paralysis with tieback surgery three years ago and cancer of her nose with nose removal and reconstruction two years ago. Both are the loves of my life and both have been minimally vaccinated and raw fed. Here’s to keeping your dogs immune system strong.
Hi Cindy hope your doggies are still doing ok I have Sparky black male lab going to be 13 years old in may we are thinking to do tieback soon I just want to ask did your 14 year old girl had anyb problems with food and water getting into her lungs which could cause broblems and by the way how are they doing ? Nadia
My “Goose” just turned 13! He is just as young at heart as he was the day we brought him home 13 years ago! Aside from lots of fatty tumors all over his body and a little arthritis in the hind legs he is extremely playful and still loves to eat his treats! Prior to this black labrador that I’ve had for 13 years I had another Labrador who lived to be 17 years old and I actually had to put him to sleep. He was an old man and probably had another year or two and him but he was becoming debilitated and it was difficult for him to walk so I made the tough decision to put him down. I didn’t do anything special with diet or exercise. However, both dogs were bathed in lots of love!
You don’t mention quality of food, which very important.Cheap food is not good for dogs. Dogs did not eat grain in the wild and shouldn’t now.
I have a yellow Lab that is now 15 years and 9 months old. She has definitely slowed down this past year, but still slowly makes the steps in our bi-level home to go out in backyard. She was spade and we’ve never used her as an active dog; just likes to lay around all day, and very lovable. Seems to be hard of hearing, and does have quite a large lump behind her left front leg, although it doesn’t seem to bother her. She has started to urinate on carpeting this past year due to old age. Eats well, drinks well…..no problems. We also have a very active 4 year old black Lab. My husband hunts her for birds, which she loves.
My chocolate lab Mickey is 14 years 3 months old and is doing very well for his age. I also had Mickey’s sibling, black lab, Rocky that I had to let go just 3 days past his 13th birthday due to a rapid cancer. Mickey has always been a good weight and gets anti-inflammatory meds every day for the past year.