Labrador Retrievers are the friendliest, most intelligent, affectionate, and devoted dogs that any dog lover would love to have for a pet. It is not surprising therefore that Labs continue to be at No. 1 of the Popular Dog Breeds list of the American Kennel Club for the 29th year in a row.
Having a life span of between ten and 12 years, you can expect your Lab to be winding down as early as seven years of age. After devoting most of its life to its humans, it is only fitting that a Labrador owner give it the love and care it deserves when this faithful dog reaches its twilight years.
The best way for you to return this love is to always be on a constant look out for any old Labrador health problems that may develop in your dog. While the most common health problems in aging Labs are listed below, it is strongly recommended that you bring your dog into the vet if they show any troubling signs or symptoms, especially pain, for immediate treatment.
Obesity
Labradors have a tendency to become obese. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 55.8 percent of dogs in the U.S. in general are classified as being clinically obese. Aging Labs are no exception. Although they become less active as they age, their appetite does not wane. The problem with obesity is that it exacerbates other health problems, including the following:
1) Reduced life expectancy and diminished quality of life
2) Skin disorders
3) Cancer
4) Heart disease
5) Respiratory problems
6) Metabolic and endocrine disorders
7) Chronic inflammation
8) Orthopedic diseases
9) Kidney dysfunction
If your aging Labrador is overweight or obese, it should still be given exercise, but not too strenuous as to tax its health. The hour-long walks that you and your dog used to take should be shortened to 30-minutes or less. Instead of taking them for long walks once or twice a day, make them shorter walks three to four times a day.
You should control your dog’s food intake. Ask your vet how much food you should give your old Labrador. Because your dog may experience memory problems requiring recall training, do not overdo it with the treats.
Heart Disease
You should watch out for heart problems in your dog especially if it is overweight or obese. Unlike sudden “heart attacks” in humans, heart disease in dogs manifests gradually. The pumping of their heart becomes slower and more erratic. You should take your dog to the vet if it exhibits breathing difficulties, excessive panting, and frequent coughing.
Incontinence and Kidney Disease
A common problem in older Labs, especially spayed females, is urinary incontinence. You may find them having frequent “accidents” inside the home or going outside more often to pee. This problem may be remedied by letting your dog wear washable diapers. However, if other symptoms accompany the incontinence, particularly increased thirst, fever, lethargy, or unproductive urination, you must bring your dog to the vet for treatment.
Cancer
There is a tendency for old dogs, including Labradors to develop fatty lumps. While these lumps are frequently benign, you should always be on the lookout for new lumps, especially along the neck, shoulders, flanks, belly, and legs as they might be cancer.
The most common types of cancers in aging dogs are lymphomas and lymphosarcomas.
Arthritis and Orthopedic Diseases
Same as human beings, older Labs also develop arthritis and joint problems as they age. It is these conditions that are causing your dog to slow down. When you notice your dog crying out, trembling, limping, or having difficulties in standing up or lying down, it is surely in pain because of arthritis or other orthopedic disease.
Have your dog assessed by a vet. Your vet may prescribe glucosamine and chondroitin supplements to ease inflammation and slow down the progression of arthritis. Pain medications may also be given. Another way to ease your dog’s pain is by giving it a thicker mattress or placing additional paddings on their beddings. Install ramps in the home and for the car so that your dog won’t have any difficulties going up or down.
Cataracts and Other Vision Problems
Aging Labradors are also prone to vision problems just like humans. Two eye conditions that may develop in old Labs. Nuclear sclerosis develops when fibers start growing into the lens of the dog’s eyes, giving it a bluish tint. Cataracts, on the other hand, begin appearing in dogs between six and eight years of age. Thankfully, canine cataracts can be removed through surgery.
However, when you have a dog with vision problems, it is advisable to rearrange furnishings in the home so that your Lab won’t bump into things and injure itself.
Hearing Problems
Old Labs may develop hearing problems which are not apparent indoors, but become very obvious when you bring them outside where it’s noisier. In these cases, you can retrain your dog to obey commands by teaching them hand or touch signals, instead of the usual verbal commands.
Senility
Aging Labs may find it difficult to remember simple commands. In some cases, it may appear confused or disoriented, which could be indicative of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction (CCD) similar to Alzheimer’s in humans. To keep their minds sharp, you can give your dog recall training, but keeping in mind their physical limitations due to aging and limiting the amount of treats you give them to prevent them from getting fat.
These are just a few of the old Labrador health problems you should watch out for. Again, if your dog is showing worrisome signs and symptoms, always bring them to the vet for a checkup so that they can be treated promptly.
