Here Are 3 Things Every Labrador Parent Should Watch Out For

Labrador retriever pups are one of the most popular breeds of dog. And with their loving, playful, loyal personalities, it’s no wonder that many want to take them into their families!

However, all breeds of pup come with particular health issues unique to their kind, and some breeds are more susceptible to certain illnesses than others. As such, it’s important that if you’re planning to become a parent to a labrador pup, that you know of the issues that they may face as they grow older. Here are the top three things to look out for if you’re a lab Mommy or Daddy!

1. Orthopedic problems

This refers to issues involving the bones, joints, and other similar areas. In many retriever breeds, osteoarthritis and hip or elbow dysplasia are common. These happen due to the wearing out or malformation of the joints in these areas. These diseases can all cause a pup to experience pain or discomfort, and often require lifelong management.

2. Skin allergies

Also known as Atopic Dermatitis, this is essentially an allergy caused by something that is inhaled – like dust, pollen, or mold. Often, these allergens will manifest on the skin and result in scratching and itching, or the licking and biting of paws and nails. This disease can also cause hair loss or result in an odor on the skin. In labradors, this disease often results in external ear inflammation or otitis externa. Luckily, supplements and other methods can reduce their symptoms.

3. Ocular disorders

This means that labrador pups are more prone to developing eye-related conditions. This includes glaucoma and retinal atrophy, both of which can cause blindness. Pups may also experience their eyelids curling inwards or outwards (known as entropion and ectropion respectively), and these conditions need to be corrected surgically.

In order to determine your pup’s chance of developing one of these issues, be sure to try and find out about your pup’s parental history to see what issues his family has. Do also speak to your vet about preventative measures for each of these disorders. Don’t forget to like and share!