The Labrador Retriever ranks first among the most popular dog breeds in the world. This is quite understandable, as these animals become not only loyal companions but also often work in police or as guide dogs. However, according to recent studies, Labradors are at high risk of developing at least 12 different diseases.
Dogs cannot tell us about their ailments, so veterinarians recommend studying in advance what diseases may threaten this breed in order to closely monitor the first signs of illness.
Despite the popularity of Labradors, there has been little information about the health status of this breed compared to others. To gain a more comprehensive understanding, researchers from the Royal Veterinary College compared the health status of 1,462 Labrador Retrievers with 20,786 dogs of other breeds.
During the study, specialists compiled a list of the 35 most common diseases among dogs, including arthritis, ear infections, and obesity. The results showed that Labrador Retrievers have a higher risk of developing 12 out of 35 diseases and a lower likelihood of seven out of 35 disorders compared to other breeds. No differences were found regarding the remaining 16 diseases.
It was identified that the five most serious health threats to Labrador Retrievers are arthritis, lipoma, kennel cough (respiratory infection), wounds with abscesses, and restricted joint mobility or complete immobility. The least dangerous conditions for this breed include patellar luxation, heart murmurs, and flea infestations.
