"Burns reveals that the most common wellness issues for Labrador retrievers are muscle or joint disease, hip and elbow dysplasia, ear infections, allergies, dental disease, thyroid problems, glaucoma, certain kinds of cancer and obesity. Diet, weight and exercise are critical factors to maintaining a healthy Labrador retriever.
According to the American Kennel Club, the Labrador retriever has been the country's most popular canine breed for more than a decade. The agile sporting breed, known for its loyalty and friendly disposition, can live 12 years or longer.
'Maintaining a Lab's ideal weight and body condition will lower the chance of osteoarthritis by 200 percent and reduce the chance of expensive and painful knee surgery, which could cost as much as $2,000,' he says, noting that an added benefit of ideal body condition is that it will extend the average life expectancy of a Lab by two years.
Burns advises dog owners to 'strongly consider' pet insurance that covers expenses outside of normal wellness care."
According to the American Kennel Club, the Labrador retriever has been the country's most popular canine breed for more than a decade. The agile sporting breed, known for its loyalty and friendly disposition, can live 12 years or longer.
'Maintaining a Lab's ideal weight and body condition will lower the chance of osteoarthritis by 200 percent and reduce the chance of expensive and painful knee surgery, which could cost as much as $2,000,' he says, noting that an added benefit of ideal body condition is that it will extend the average life expectancy of a Lab by two years.
Burns advises dog owners to 'strongly consider' pet insurance that covers expenses outside of normal wellness care."
