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What do Labs usually die from? It’s a question that many people have, and it’s a topic that isn’t often discussed. In this post, we’ll take a look at the sad truth about what most Labradors die from. We’ll also discuss ways to help your Lab live a long, healthy life.
Table of Contents
Most Common Reasons For Labs To Die Early
1) Unhealthy Weight Gain
Labs that are overweight are at a higher risk for developing health problems such as diabetes, liver disease, and heart disease. Unfortunately, many Labs are food driven and have difficulties only eating what’s necessary for their body to function.
Of course, this isn’t the case with all Labs. But many Labs are known to eat as long as there’s food in front of them instead of stopping when full.
Not only does it put a lot of strain on their organs, but it also puts a lot of strain on their muscles, bones, and joints. It also leads them to have less desire to be active, which results in further weight gain.
Helping keep a Lab at a healthy weight is an excellent start at extending their life.
2) Joint Conditions
As a dog ages, they start to experience wear and tear on their joints just like humans do. This is especially true for large breeds such as Labs.
Joint problems such as hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and osteoarthritis are common in Labs and can lead to a lot of pain. These conditions can make it difficult for a Lab to move around and exercise, leading to weight gain, which is less than ideal, as discussed in the previous point.
Joint problems can be prevented by ensuring your Lab gets plenty of exercise when they’re young.
3) Ear Conditions
Labradors are known for their long, floppy ears. Unfortunately, while they may be cute, they’re also prone to infections.
Ear infections are common in dogs, but they’re especially common in Labs due to their long ears. If left untreated, ear infections can lead to deafness and other serious health problems.
Otitis externa is particularly common in Labs which is an inflammation of the outer ear. Allergies, bacteria, or yeast can cause this.
Symptoms of otitis externa include:
- Shaking their head
- Scratching their ears
- Red, swollen, or painful ears
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to take your Lab to the vet right away. To prevent ear infections, be sure to clean your Lab’s ears regularly and watch for any signs of irritation.
4) Gum Disease
Gum disease is another common health problem in Labs. Gum disease is caused by a build-up of plaque and tartar on the teeth. If left alone for too long, it can lead to tooth loss and other serious health problems.
This is because bacteria builds up in their mouth, and their gums become inflamed as their body tries to fight off the bacteria. However, the inflammation also weakens their gums and allows bacteria to enter their system.
When this happens, it can lead to many health issues like heart disease, liver disease, or kidney disease. The best way to avoid periodontal (gum) disease is to brush your Lab’s teeth multiple times per week.
What Color Lab Lives The Shortest?
According to a recent study, chocolate Labs have the shortest lifespan.
The study found that the average lifespan of a chocolate Lab is just under 11 years. This is roughly 10% shorter than the average lifespan of other Lab colors, such as yellow, black, and silver which is around 12 years.
How To Extend A Labs Life As Long As Possible
1) High Quality Diet
One of the best ways to ensure your Lab lives a long, healthy life is to feed them a high quality diet.
This means choosing a food made with high quality ingredients and avoiding foods high in fillers.
Fillers are ingredients that add bulk to food but don’t provide any nutritional value. They’re often used to make food cheaper and can be found in many commercial dog foods.
Some common fillers include corn, wheat, and soy.
While these ingredients are not necessarily harmful, they’re not beneficial for your dog either. Feeding your Lab a diet high in fillers can lead to weight gain and other health problems.
If you’re unsure what food to feed your Lab, talk to your vet. They can help you choose a dog food that is right for your Lab’s individual needs.
2) Plenty Of Exercise
Exercise is essential for all dogs, but it’s especially important for Labs. Labs are a high-energy breed and need plenty of exercise to stay healthy.
A lack of exercise can lead to weight gain, joint problems, and other health issues. So make sure your Lab is getting at least 30 minutes of exercise per day.
This can be in the form of a walk, run, or playing fetch. If you have a backyard, letting them run around off-leash is a great way to get them the exercise they need.
3) Bi-Annual Vet Visits
Taking your Lab to the vet regularly is important for their health. Labs should see a vet at least once a year, but twice a year is even better.
During these visits, the vet will check your Lab for any health problems and update their vaccinations. This is an excellent time to ask the vet any questions you have about your Lab’s health.
Regular vet visits are important for catching health problems early, which helps ensure they get the treatment they need as close to when something develops as possible.
Being proactive with vet visits instead of reactive is a great way to give your Lab the best chance at a long healthy life.
4) Help Maintain & Preserve Their Joint Health
Joint problems are common in Labs, especially as they age. Thankfully, there are a few ways you can help a Lab preserve their joint health as they get older.
First, you can give them a cushioned place to rest so they can take some pressure off their joints. For many, this is simply getting their dog an orthopedic dog bed. When a Labrador puppy rests and sleeps on a cushioned bed instead of the floor, their joints stay young and healthy longer.
Second, you can give your Lab fish oil supplements. These are known for helping maintain joint health and are simple to give to your dog. Many are liquids you can mix in with their regular dog food.
Lastly, you can make sure they’re not carrying around extra weight. Extra weight puts a lot of strain on a Lab’s joints which can cause pain and other problems. Keeping your Lab at a healthy weight is one of the best things you can do for their joint health.
5) Keep Their Mind Active
A Lab’s mental health is just as important as their physical health. Keeping their mind active can help them stay healthy and happy well into old age.
One way to do this is by providing them with mind stimulating toys. These toys require your dog to think about how to get the treat or food inside.
Another way to keep their mind active is by ongoing training. This doesn’t mean you need to train them for hours every day. But, teaching them a new trick or two every so often will help keep their mind active and engaged.
Lastly, socialization opportunities are important for a Lab’s mental health. This means taking them to dog parks, on walks in new places, and around new people.
Exposure to new sights, smells, and people will help keep their mind active and healthy.
Bonus: Breeder Selection Is The Most Important
When you’re looking for a Labrador puppy, it’s crucial to choose a reputable breeder. This is one of the most important things you can do to ensure your Lab lives a long and healthy life.
A reputable breeder will have health clearances for the parents of the puppies. This means they’ve been tested for common health problems that Labs can inherit.
This gives a Lab the best chance at a long life as long as their lifestyle remains healthy as they become an adult and eventually a senior.
How Long Do Labs Life On Average?
The average lifespan of a Labrador retriever is around 12 years old. However, this number can vary depending on the individual dog’s health and lifestyle.
The lifespan window that the majority of Labs fall into is between 10 to 12 years.
How Do You Know When Your Labrador is Dying?
It can be difficult to know when your Labrador is dying. They may not show any obvious signs until the very end.
Some signs that your Lab may be dying include weight loss, lack of energy, lethargy, and decreased appetite.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to take them to the vet right away. They may be able to give you more information about what is happening and how to help your dog best.
FAQs
How Long Do Labs Live With Arthritis?
There is no definitive answer to this question as it depends on the severity of the arthritis and how well it’s managed.
In general, arthritis is not a life-threatening condition and is instead more of a life-altering condition. It will likely make moving more uncomfortable and even painful for a dog, which can then lead to weight gain due to the lack of movement.
However, there are treatments available that can help manage the pain and improve the quality of life for a Lab with arthritis. These treatments can help them maintain a good quality of life for several years, even with arthritis.
As long as Labs maintain a healthy weight and lifestyle, regardless of their arthritis, their life shouldn’t be cut short.
How Long Do Labs Live With Cancer?
Some types of cancer are more aggressive than others and can spread quickly. This makes them more challenging to treat and can shorten a Lab’s lifespan.
Other types of cancer are more slow-growing and can be treated more effectively. This gives a Lab a better chance at a longer life.
If you think your Lab may have cancer, it’s important to take them to the vet right away. The sooner it’s detected, the better the chances are for treatment and a longer life.
How Long Do Yellow Labs Live?
The average lifespan of a yellow Lab is the same as other colors of Labs (outside of chocolate), approximately 12 years. However, this number can vary depending on the individual dog’s health and lifestyle.
What Is The Longest a Lab Has Lived?
The longest recorded lifespan for a Labrador retriever is just over 27 years. However, this is an extreme outlier and not typical.
The vast majority of Labs will live to be between 10 and 12 years old.
Final Thoughts
Labs can live a long and healthy life if you take the necessary precautions. Remember to keep your Lab active, feed them a high-quality diet, and monitor their health closely.
Signs that your Labrador is dying can be difficult to spot, but knowing what to look for will help you make the right decision when the time comes. If you have any questions or concerns about your Lab’s health, it’s best to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian.
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