In this article
Common labrador retriever health issues include ear disease, excess weight, and joint problems deserve particular attention in Labrador care. Inherited eye, muscle, and exercise-related conditions also matter when choosing a puppy. Knowing the risks helps you ask better questions; it does not tell you which disease an individual dog has.
Start with documented family screening, preventive care, and a record of changes in appetite, movement, skin, and behavior. A Labrador’s willingness to eat is not a substitute for a health check.
Which Labrador health problems are most common?
A 2018 VetCompass study by McGreevy and colleagues reviewed a random sample of 2,074 Labradors receiving UK primary veterinary care during 2013. These were the three most frequently recorded specific disorders.
| Recorded disorder | Dogs affected | Proportion of the study sample |
|---|---|---|
| Otitis externa, or outer-ear inflammation | 215 | 10.4% |
| Overweight or obesity | 183 | 8.8% |
| Degenerative joint disease | 115 | 5.5% |
These are recorded one-year proportions in that population, not lifetime risks or current US prevalence. Conditions can be missed or recorded differently in routine clinical notes. An inherited condition can still be important even if it does not lead this table.
What joint problems affect Labs?
Hip and elbow dysplasia involve abnormal joint development. Cruciate ligament disease affects stability in the knee. Arthritis can arise for several reasons, so “joint problems” is not one diagnosis with one treatment.
Reluctance to rise, altered movement, limping, reduced willingness to exercise, and difficulty with stairs warrant attention. Some dogs keep playing despite discomfort. Do not use enthusiasm as evidence that the joints are comfortable.
Keep activity appropriate to age and condition, and discuss a growth or weight-management plan with your veterinarian. Our growth guide and adult weight guide explain why chasing a scale target can be misleading.
Does the POMC gene make Labradors overweight?
Research by Raffan and colleagues identified a POMC deletion associated with appetite, food motivation, and body weight in some Labradors. It does not occur in every Lab, and it is not the only influence on weight.
A hungry-looking dog does not necessarily need a larger portion. Record meals, treats, chews, and food used in training, then assess body condition with your veterinary team. Genetic findings do not justify applying a fixed calorie cut to every Labrador.
For a measured starting approach, read the Labrador feeding guide. Dogs needing weight loss or treatment require an individualized plan.
Why do Labs get itchy skin or ear infections?
Itching and recurring ear problems can have several causes, including allergies, parasites, and infection. Moisture and an underlying skin problem may complicate care, but a floppy ear or swimming habit does not identify the cause on its own.
Arrange an examination for odor, discharge, repeated head shaking, tenderness, or persistent scratching. Do not put leftover medication into an ear without checking whether it is appropriate for this episode.
Are Labradors allergic to chicken?
Some individual dogs can react to food ingredients, including chicken. Being a Labrador does not establish a chicken allergy. Environmental allergies and other disorders can produce similar signs.
Repeatedly changing commercial foods is not a controlled diagnosis. A veterinarian can advise whether a properly managed elimination diet and subsequent assessment are warranted. “Grain-free” and “hypoallergenic” on a retail label should not replace that process.
What are EIC, CNM, and PRA?
Exercise-induced collapse associated with DNM1 is an inherited condition investigated by the University of Minnesota and collaborating institutions. Centronuclear myopathy affects muscle, while progressive retinal atrophy refers to inherited retinal degeneration. Tests exist for particular disease-associated variants; the abbreviation on a panel is not a test for every possible cause of weakness or vision loss.
A clear result for a tested mutation does not mean a dog cannot collapse for another reason. Collapse, marked weakness, or breathing difficulty requires prompt veterinary attention.
What about cancer and new lumps?
Labradors can develop both benign and malignant growths. A lump’s softness, size, or lack of pain does not reliably establish which it is. Have new or changing masses examined and follow the recommended sampling or monitoring plan.
Do not transfer a cancer percentage from a specialist hospital, another breed, or a small research cohort to all Labradors. Our lifespan article keeps longevity findings separate from individual predictions.
Frequently asked questions
Which health records should a breeder provide?
| Record | What to check |
|---|---|
| Hip and elbow evaluations | Parent identity, actual result, testing method, and age at assessment |
| Eye examination | Current specialist screening records and relevant family history |
| EIC and CNM testing | Both parents’ results and the proposed pairing’s implications |
| Relevant eye-disease DNA tests | Exact variants tested, rather than a vague “clear panel” claim |
| Other club-recommended assessments | Current breed-club guidance, including cardiac evaluation where recommended |
OFA’s CHIC designation means required screening has been completed and made public; it does not mean every result is normal. A carrier of a recessive variant is also not automatically an affected dog. Discuss the combination of results, not just a badge or the word “clear.”
Which warning signs are urgent?
| Sign | Practical response |
|---|---|
| Collapse, severe breathing difficulty, or unproductive retching with a swollen abdomen | Contact emergency veterinary care immediately |
| Inability to bear weight, significant pain, or a painful eye | Seek prompt veterinary assessment |
| Recurring ear trouble, persistent itching, new lumps, or unexplained weight change | Book an examination rather than treating indefinitely at home |
This table is not exhaustive. If your dog appears seriously unwell, call for guidance rather than waiting for a symptom to fit an article.
Evidence and review
Key source: McGreevy et al.’s Labrador primary-care study. Additional checks: Labrador Retriever Club screening guidance; OFA CHIC information; University of Minnesota EIC research; Raffan et al.’s POMC research; Merck Veterinary Manual. Research reviewed September 27, 2026. This is educational information, not a diagnosis.
