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Labradors are truly man’s best friend – these lively, loving pups make great dogs for active families as they like to be in action all the time!
As pets, they are friendly, cooperative, loyal and active. They need a large, fenced yard and plenty of daily exercise.
The Labrador Retriever’s lifespan is comparable to that of other large breeds at 10-12 years. Some Labradors live shorter lives than this, while many well-groomed dogs also live much longer. The oldest Labrador lived to be 27 years old.
In this article we will talk about these beautiful puppies, how long Labradors live and the stages they go through from birth to their senior years.
How Long Do Labradors Live?
On average, Labrador Retrievers live 10-12 years. The oldest Labrador to ever exist was called Adjutant. He was 27 years old and was far from the oldest dog in the world!
Longevity can vary based on their genetic health, care, and other factors. For example, most labs will eat until they vomit if you allow them – then go back for more!
Overweight dogs tend to have shorter lives, so it’s important to keep your Labrador on a balanced diet to avoid this.
When purchasing a Labrador from a breeder, always ask for veterinary records and make sure the dog has been bred responsibly and ethically. Dogs that are poorly bred are also at risk for more health problems and a shortened life.
There are also plenty of Labradors and lab mixes in shelters, awaiting adoption!
Labrador development
newborns
Newborn labs are born without the ability to see or hear. They are completely dependent on their mother for warmth and food.
After about two weeks, the puppies will begin to see, hear and even stand on their own! They will start communicating more with their environment, mother and siblings.
When puppies reach four weeks of age, the first major socialization period begins. They have to get used to being held by people for short periods of time, while spending most of their time with their mother and siblings.
Never adopt a Labrador puppy until he is eight weeks old. Even when they are weaned, they still need this time to learn how to be a dog!
Their mother and siblings will teach them essential skills such as bite inhibition, getting along with other dogs and more.
puppy time
After 8-12 weeks, Labrador puppies usually go to their new homes. This is an exciting, but sometimes overwhelming time in their lives!
Things should be taken at the puppy’s pace, without crowding around or pushing them into new situations before they are ready.
Begin basic training at about three months of age. Keep training sessions short and fun and use only positive reinforcement methods.
If necessary, discipline your dog by curbing bad behavior or quietly walking away and ignoring them for a few minutes at a time. This will teach them that they are not getting any attention (negative or positive) for misbehavior.
Remember that puppyhood lasts until your dog is one to two years old – only then are they fully grown and mature.
maturity
One to two year old Labs are considered adult dogs. They stop growing in height when they are one year old, but can continue until their second birthday.
This is the best time of your dog’s life. They need plenty of exercise to stay fit, which includes at least one daily walk, playtime and space to run around outside.
seniors
A Labrador is considered a senior dog at age seven. They can be healthy and active for years to come, but they can also develop health problems such as hearing problems, arthritis or tumors.
Dogs over the age of eight are at 80% risk of arthritis. They can still live full, happy lives, but may struggle with strenuous exercise such as running, jumping, or climbing stairs.
Labradors are also prone to developing lumps and bumps, which can range from harmless fatty tumors to life-threatening cancerous masses.
Take your senior Labrador to the vet for regular checkups to keep them as healthy as possible.
What Are the Most Common Causes of Labrador Death?
tumors
Tumors are unfortunately common in Labradors. Female Labradors are most likely to develop tumors, with skin tumors on the chest and legs being the most common.
Tumors are not always cancerous or terminal. Your senior lab may develop a few lumps and bumps as they get older, and your vet can advise on how to treat them. They may take a biopsy, opt for surgical removal, or suggest other options.
Arthritis
Labradors are prone to developing arthritis as they age. This in itself is not a death sentence for a dog, but unfortunately it does affect their freedom of movement.
In the early stages, arthritis can be treated with supplements, pain medications, and other treatments as recommended by your vet.
However, it can get to the point where the dog has a very hard time getting around, possibly losing the function of its legs altogether.
It is ultimately up to the owner and veterinarian to decide when the dog’s quality of life is severely affected enough to consider euthanasia.
heart disease
Heart disease in Labradors stems from many factors, including diet, weight, and genetics. While keeping your dog on a healthy diet may reduce his risk, it won’t eliminate it.
If you notice any symptoms of heart disease, such as fatigue, coughing, or difficulty breathing, see your vet immediately.
Kidney failure
Labradors can die of acute or chronic renal failure.
Acute renal failure often occurs when a dog eats something poisonous and his kidneys shut down very quickly.
Chronic renal failure, on the other hand, happens more slowly over time. It can have several causes, including poor oral hygiene.
Some ways to reduce y
our dog’s risk of kidney failure include regular dental cleanings and dog-proofing your home so your dog doesn’t have access to anything poisonous.
How does Labrador’s longevity compare to other dogs?
In the animal kingdom, small animals like guinea pigs live shorter lives while larger animals like whales live longer.
This is often reversed when looking at a specific animal, as is the case with dogs. Scientists don’t yet understand all the reasoning behind this, though we’re starting to get a clearer picture.
Big dogs grow faster than small dogs or even wolves. Breeding large dogs may have caused the shortened lifespan.
Labradors live shorter than smaller breeds, but they live just as long as other popular large breeds breed dogs as:
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