If your best furry friend is a Labrador retriever, we know that it’s impossible to imagine life without them. After all, who else brings the same gusto to a sluggish afternoon as they coax you into a spontaneous game of fetch?
On average, Labrador Retrievers live 10 to 12 years.1 Of course, this life expectancy can vary largely based on the Labrador puppy’s unique dog health conditions, canine genetics, and other factors.
Whether you’ve been pals since puppyhood or just met last week, here’s what you need to know about your Labrador Retriever’s lifespan and what you can do to ensure they brighten up the planet for as long as possible.
Labrador Retriever Lifespan Records
As we mentioned, while the average Labrador today lives to be between 10 and 12, that’s certainly not a firm limitation on their life span.
The oldest recorded Labrador (his name was “Adjutant” and he lived in luxury on the Revesby Estate in the UK), reached the ripe old age of 27.2 In human years, that comes to a whopping 121 years old!
So, while a little over a decade may be the most likely average lifespan for your lab, there’s definitely a chance they could achieve the rank of “super senior.”
The Recipe For Lab Longevity
There’s no magic formula for a long life, but there are a few key ingredients:
- Genetics
- Lifestyle
- Diet
- Safety
- Socialization
While it is important to keep in mind that every animal is unique and has their own individual needs, understanding these factors and how they fit together is the best way to provide a firm foundation for a long life.
#1 Genetics
For most of their history, humans bred Labs to serve as hunting dogs. Because qualities like speed and endurance are so important to hunting, Labrador Retrievers have developed phenomenal genetics compared to other breeds.
There are lots of pesky genetic problems Labs don’t have to deal with, such as3:
- Short snouts – Breeders raise some dog varieties (like the English Bulldog) to have short faces. This can cause all sorts of breathing problems. Labradors are a healthy dog breed that has not been exposed to this practice—they have longer snouts and, as a result, fewer respiratory issues.
- Long spines and tiny legs – These characteristics can cause back troubles and limit mobility as a dog ages. Labs, however, have well-calibrated bodies which lend them a natural athleticism. This enables physical exertion for optimal cardio health.
As far as individual genetics, however, there isn’t much you can do as a paw-parent.
If you haven’t adopted your lab yet, potential dog owners should research reputable breeders and, if possible, spend some time with your prospective pup’s parents to get a feel for their health and temperament before choosing a puppy.
#2 Lifestyle
While genes are important, lifestyle probably plays the biggest role in reaching super-senior status.
To extend the Labrador Retriever lifespan, you’ll want to get your pup:
- Daily exercise (but not too much) – Regular walks, fetch, and playing with other dogs support heart health and keep Labs running full steam ahead. Excessive exercise can cause joint problems and hip dysplasia, however, so don’t let them overdo it!
- Annual checkups – Your pup may not be thrilled to head to the vet, but routine exams help identify common Labrador Retriever health issues before they turn into major problems. Experts recommend getting a check up at least once per year.4 For elderly dogs, up it to every six months.
- Regular teeth cleaning – Teeth and gums are a prime pathway for bacteria to sneak past your dog’s defenses. Support dental health by brushing your pup’s teeth every day and taking them for a dental cleaning every six months.
- Continuous flea and tick prevention – Besides giving your pup a major case of the itchies, flea and tick bites can evolve into infected sores called “hot spots.” Stay up-to-date on flea and tick medication, use flea and tick collars if you live in rugged or wooded areas, and understand common Labrador Retriever skin problems.
Because you have so much control over your dog’s lifestyle, this is an area where a little loving attention can make a huge difference in a Labrador’s lifespan.
#3 Diet
We humans have a saying: “You are what you eat.” This is just as true for dogs as it is for people. A balanced and nutritious diet can work wonders for your dog’s health and longevity.
A few tips for designing a nourishing diet for your Labrador retriever:
- Choose AAFCO-certified food – AAFCO is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to clarify the ingredients used in pet food. When selecting food, look for an AAFCO “Nutritional Adequacy Statement.” This means the food contains all essential nutrients for your dog’s wellness.5
- Avoid giving them table scraps – While it can be tough to say no to those big ol’ begging eyes, it’s best not to share human food with your Lab. It can introduce unnecessary fats and put them at risk of developing pancreatitis.6
- Say no to overfeeding – Obesity is a major threat to your dog’s health. Labs are naturally food-motivated and aren’t likely to turn down chow, so it’s up to you to ensure that their weight remains within a healthy range. Go easy on treats and keep portions limited to your vet’s recommendation on dog nutrition.
- Boost with supplements – When added to a healthy diet, supplements like ALL-IN 1 by Vetericyn can promote overall health. ALL-IN 1 comes in puppy, adult, and senior blends meant to meet your dog’s evolving needs.
Keep in mind that dogs are omnivores, and their diet should reflect this fact. If their daily menu is too restrictive, your lab could be missing out on key nutrients.
#4 Safety
A Labrador Retriever’s zany enthusiasm is one of the best qualities of this popular breed, but in the wrong setting (such as an unfenced yard near a busy road), it can also put them in serious danger.
When outdoors, protect your lab by taking the following steps:
- Keep them on a leash at all times.
- Inspect your fence for holes or gaps and ensure all gates lock securely.
- Train your pup to obey commands such as, “Come!” and “Stay!”
- Avoid chasing your pup if he escapes. Stay calm and try to lure him back with treats.
While a road trip with your Lab can be a blast, it’s important to put safety first when traveling with your pup. You should:
- Always use safety restraints – This is for passenger security as well—a bouncy pup leaping from seat to seat can easily distract the driver.
- Never allow dogs to ride loose in a truck bed – This practice puts your pet in danger of a fall and leaves them without protection if an accident occurs.
It’s okay to let your Lab stick their head out the window and enjoy the breeze, but make sure the window is rolled at least halfway up so there is no risk of jumping or falling out.
#5 Socialization
Just like humans, strong social bonds keep dogs connected to life. Pups who don’t get enough playtime with other dogs often struggle with fear and anxiety, which can negatively impact their health.
It’s best to begin socialization during puppyhood, but old dogs can still learn new tricks. Get started by:
- Taking them to training classes – This is a great opportunity for them to learn how to interact with other dogs as well as improve their relationships with people.
- Scheduling playdates – Reach out to any fellow dog lovers in your social circle and try to set up a regular calendar of get-togethers.
- Letting them make friends – Let your lab stop and greet other dogs you meet while out on walks or at the park.
It’s also important to give your pup plenty of personal attention when you are together, as this will help them feel calm and assured when faced with new situations.
Caring For Older Labrador Retrievers
Providing a safe environment, a nutritious diet, and a healthy lifestyle will go a long way toward extending your beloved companion’s life.
But what if your lab is already a senior citizen?
Older Labradors have some additional needs. Try these practices to make their days easier and more engaging:
- Keep the feng shui consistent – As dogs age, their eyesight may start to fail. Avoid rearranging furniture if possible, as this may disorient your senior Lab and make it tough for them to navigate around the house.
- Supervise when outside – Along with eyesight, your older dog may also lose their hearing. This combination makes the outdoors riskier than when they were younger. Always keep an eye on older dogs when outside, as they may be unaware of potential dangers.
- Stimulate their mind – It’s not uncommon to see an aging Lab staring blankly into space or taking an extra second to recognize people. Keep their mind sharp by playing puzzle games or going on a “sniffari” (a walk where their nose leads the way).
If your Lab begins to have serious mobility problems, you may also want to modify their environment. Slippery wood floors, for example, are tough for stiff paws to navigate. Try installing carpet runners to give them more traction.
Vetericyn: From Day One to the Golden Years
We hope this Labrador Retriever breed information guide has inspired you to take action toward supporting your Labrador Retriever’s health and happiness. By cultivating an active, safe, and social lifestyle for your Lab, you can ensure many more years of tail-wagging fun together.
At Vetericyn, our mission is to design world-class animal wellness products so that every pet can enjoy a long and joy-filled life. Discover fresh ways to support your pet’s health today!
Reviewed by C. Scott Van Winkle
Scott has been with Innovacyn for the past 11 years and has been working within the Burlingame portfolio of companies for the past 23 years. Scott brings a diverse background to Innovacyn. With an upbringing as the 5th generation on his families cattle ranch, Scott has a passion for animal health and the continuous improvement surrounding agricultural practices. Scott earned marketing and business management degrees from the University of Idaho and holds an Executive MBA from Pepperdine University.
Sources:
- Potiki. What’s the average life span of a Labrador? https://potiki.com.au/blog/whats-the-average-lifespan-of-a-Labrador/
- Embrace Pet Insurance. 7 Fun Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About Labrador Retrievers. https://www.embracepetinsurance.com/waterbowl/article/7-fun-facts-about-Labrador-retrievers
- The Labrador Site. Labrador Retriever Lifespan – How Long Do Labs Live? https://www.theLabradorsite.com/Labrador-life-span-how-long-do-Labradors-live/
- Forbes. How Often Should I Take My Dog To The Vet? https://www.forbes.com/advisor/pet-insurance/pet-care/how-often-to-take-dog-to-vet/
- Wag! AAFCO: A Guide to Pet Food Standards. https://wagwalking.com/wellness/what-is-the-aafco-a-guide-to-aafcos-pet-food-standards
- Pet MD. 11 Ways You’re Shortening Your Dog’s Life. https://www.petmd.com/dog/slideshows/11-ways-youre-shortening-your-dogs-life
