Quick Links: Table of Contents
- How Long Labrador Retrievers Live. Labrador Retriever Life Expectancy
- Lifespan of the Labrador Retriever Compared to Other Dog Breeds
- Common Causes of Death in Labrador Retriever, and how to Prevent Them.
- How To Prevent Genetic Problems in Labrador Retrievers
- How Old is Your Labrador Retriever in Human Years
- How Long Do Labrador Retrievers Live in Human Years?
- More Ways to Make Your Labrador Retriever Live Long
- Conclusion on Labrador Retriever Life Expectancy
How Long Labrador Retrievers Live. Labrador Retriever Life Expectancy
Generally, the lifespan of the Labrador Retriever is from 10 to 12 years.
Moreover, a few years back, British Veterinarinan researchers performed a scientific study to determine the lifespan of the Labrador Retriever. In this study, the scientists collected data on how long 574 pet Labrador Retrievers lived.
From the study, it was found that Labrador Retrievers have a average lifespan of 12.2 years. Furthermore, the study found that Labrador Retrievers can live for as long as 19 years.
Furthermore, researchers from the University of Georgia conducted a study to find out what are the top causes of death in Labrador Retrievers.
According to the study, the top 5 causes of death in Labrador Retrievers are:
- Neoplastic Disease: Issues involving tumors
- Musculoskeletal Disease: Refers to any problems with bones or muscles
- Trauma: Issues involving injury
- Gastrointestinal Disease: Any problems that affect the mouth, esophagus, stomach, intestines, colon, or rectum.
- Infectious Disease: Problem caused by bacteria, viruses, parasites, or fungi.
In this article, we will explain each of these diseases and discuss how to prevent the early occurence of each in your Labrador Retriever to make your Labrador Retriever live a longer.
Also, in this article, we will discuss other things you can do to ensure that your Labrador Retriever have a longer than average lifespan.
Do you want to know how old your Labrador Retriever is in human years? Then, check out our Labrador Retriever age to human years calculator
Lifespan of the Labrador Retriever Compared to Other Dog Breeds
See in the table below how the lifespan of the Labrador Retriever compares to the lifespan of other dog breeds.
| Dog Breed | Average Lifespan (Years) |
|---|---|
| Irish Terrier Lifespan | 14.80 |
| Canaan Dog Lifespan | 14.60 |
| Miniature Poodle Lifespan | 13.90 |
| Basenji Lifespan | 13.50 |
| Bedlington Terrier Lifespan | 13.30 |
| Norwegian Elkhound Lifespan | 13.10 |
| Dalmatian Lifespan | 12.50 |
| Golden Retriever Lifespan | 12.20 |
| Japanese Spitz Lifespan | 12.20 |
| Labrador Retriever Lifespan | 12.20 |
| Afghan Hound Lifespan | 11.90 |
| Large Munsterlander Lifespan | 11.30 |
| Basset Hound Lifespan | 11.20 |
| Briard Lifespan | 11.10 |
| Boston Terrier Lifespan | 10.90 |
| Cocker Spaniel Lifespan | 10.30 |
| Akita Lifespan | 9.92 |
| Pyrenean Shepherd Lifespan | 5.79 |
| Grand Bleu de Gascogne Lifespan | 4.54 |
| Black Russian Terrier Lifespan | 1.79 |
Common Causes of Death in Labrador Retriever, and how to Prevent Them.
We will now discuss the common causes of death in Labrador Retriever, according to scientific research. Also we will provide you advice on how to prevent these problems in your Labrador Retriever.
Here are the causes of death, starting from the most common cause
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Neoplastic Disease in Labrador Retrievers
Neoplasms, or tumors, can be benign (like a lipoma), or malignant (cancer).
Neoplastic Disease is responsible for 34.0 percent of all deaths in Labrador Retrievers.
Causes of Neoplastic Disease in Labrador Retriever
Neoplasms in dogs, just like in people, are caused by either a genetic predisposition (like some breast cancers), an environmental factor (like smoking in humans), or a combination of both.
How to Prevent Neoplastic Disease in Labrador Retrievers
Just like in humans, there is little you can do to prevent cancers that are caused by genetic factors. You can, however, reduce the environmental risks that are associated with cancer. The `environmental` causes of neoplasia are chemical agents, infectious agents, and physical agents. An example of a chemical agent that could cause cancer in Labrador Retrievers (and humans) is asbestos. An example of an infectious agent that could cause cancer in Labrador Retrievers is the virus called canine adenovirus. An example of a physical agent that can cause cancer in Labrador Retrievers is UV radiation from the sun, just like in humans.
Another way to prevent neoplasms in Labrador Retrievers is to vaccinate them against harmful viruses, such as canine adenovirus (DHPP vaccine at 8 and 12 weeks and then once a year, every year). As in humans, early diagnosis is the key to supporting Labrador Retrievers with neoplasms, so talk to your veterinarian if you find any new lumps, bumps, or discoloration on your Labrador Retriever. You should also talk to your veterinarian if your Labrador Retriever`s gums look pale.
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Musculoskeletal Disease in Labrador Retrievers
Musculoskeletal diseases are the common problems associated with bones and muscles. These include arthritis, vertebral issues, loss of skeletal muscle mass, hip dysplasia, trauma and breakages, and more.
Musculoskeletal Disease is responsible for 14.6 percent of all deaths in Labrador Retrievers.
Causes of Musculoskeletal Disease in Labrador Retriever
The causes of many musculoskeletal issues have to do with age, breed, and weight. Older Labrador Retrievers are more prone to musculoskeletal issues, as are large breed dogs, and overweight dogs. Just like people, Labrador Retrievers can get arthritis and other joint-related issues as they get older. Large-breed dogs tend to be prone to a condition called hip dysplasia, which essentially means that their hip joints degrade and get very painful. Overweight dogs tend to put more pressure on their joints, which can cause unnecessary wear and tear as well as serious damage to tendons and ligaments.
How to Prevent Musculoskeletal Disease in Labrador Retrievers
One way that you can help improve your Labrador Retriever`s musculoskeletal health (especially if they are old is by giving your Labrador Retriever joint supplements like this one. You can also help prevent hip dysplasia and slipped discs by not allowing your Labrador Retriever to jump too much, even if they are a puppy. Consider buying young Labrador Retrievers a box or stool like this to help them get on the couch or bed, instead of letting them jump all the way from the ground. The most important way that you can keep your Labrador Retriever`s muscles and bones healthy is by not letting them get overweight. You should avoid letting your Labrador Retriever eat table scraps and make sure that they get plenty of exercise. If your Labrador Retriever is overweight and you know that you are strict with their diet and exercise, you should talk to your vet; they might have hypothyroidism, which is very common. If your Labrador Retriever is overweight and you think you should try managing their diet a little more closely, you can start your Labrador Retriever on a weight-management diet like this to help them get back to a healthier body condition.
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Trauma in Labrador Retrievers
These includes cuts, bites, bruises, broken bones, wounds, scratches, and more.
Trauma is responsible for 14.1 percent of all deaths in Labrador Retrievers.
Causes of Trauma in Labrador Retriever
One of the most common causes of trauma in Labrador Retrievers is getting hit by cats. Another common cause is bites and scratches from fighting or play with other dogs.
How to Prevent Trauma in Labrador Retrievers
The best way to keep your Labrador Retriever from getting hit by a car is by having them on a fixed leash. Veterinarians do not recommend retractable leashes for dogs. This is because, oftentimes, dogs on retractable leashes will bolt into the road before their owners can lock the leash and get hit by cars, even though they were technically on a leash. Having a normal, fixed leash is also a good way to prevent your Labrador Retriever from bolting on walks and getting into fights with other dogs before you can lock the leash.
Here is a good fixed leash that can save your Labrador Retriever from traumatic accidents.
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Gastrointestinal Disease in Labrador Retrievers
Gastrointestinal diseases includes vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, stomach upset, blockages, toothache, constipation, and more.
Gastrointestinal Disease is responsible for 11.2 percent of all deaths in Labrador Retrievers.
Causes of Gastrointestinal Disease in Labrador Retriever
GI problems can be caused by a lot of different things. Often, GI problems like vomiting and diarrhea are caused by things that were eaten. It is best not to let your Labrador Retriever eat human food or anything it finds outside, including garbage, plants and berries, fecal matter from other animals, and more. Vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach upset can also be caused by bacterial, viral, and parasitic infections. Another important sign of GI problems is when your Labrador Retriever stops eating or eats less than usual. This can be caused by many things; sometimes it could be that your Labrador Retriever is feeling nauseous, sometimes it could be that your Labrador Retriever has mouth pain, and more. In these cases, it is best to see a veterinarian to get to the root of the problem.
How to Prevent Gastrointestinal Disease in Labrador Retrievers
An easy way to protect your dog from gastrointestinal problems is to make sure they are on heartworm, flea, and tick medicine all year long (no matter where you live). Many heartworm medications can also de-worm your dog every time you give a dose. This can prevent nasty parasites from settling into your dog`s intestines and causing pain, anemia, and other serious issues. Another way you can keep your dog feeling good is by taking good care of their teeth! This is especially an issue in small dogs. The best way to care for dog teeth is by cleaning them a few times a week. Here is a great brush for cleaning your Labrador Retriever`s teeth. However, if your dog will not allow you to do that, dental treats like these are a good second option.
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Infectious Disease in Labrador Retrievers
There are many types of infectious diseases: bacterial, viral, parasitic, and fungal infections. Different diseases have different causes and they affect different parts of the body. For example, E. coli causes an infection in the intestines which can cause diarrhea in humans and dogs, whereas Demodex is a parasite on dog skin.
Infectious Disease is responsible for 10.5 percent of all deaths in Labrador Retrievers.
Causes of Infectious Disease in Labrador Retriever
All infectious agents fall into two categories: the ones that invade the body from the outside, and the ones that are living in or on the body that experience an overgrowth. For example, staphylococcus aureus is a normal bacteria found on the skin; however, it can cause skin infections if its growth gets out of hand. Both types of infectious agents can be stopped by the body`s immune response. Internal infectious agents can also be prevented by probiotics.
How to Prevent Infectious Disease in Labrador Retrievers
If your Labrador Retriever seems like they are not doing well, you should take them to the veterinarian so they can decide if your dog needs antibiotics, fluids, a dewormer, or other therapies. When your Labrador Retriever is well, you can support their immune health through nutrition, probiotics like this and vitamins.
How To Prevent Genetic Problems in Labrador Retrievers
Every dog breed has a set of genetic problems to which it is predisposed, and the Labrador Retriever is not an exception.
These disease will reduce your Labrador Retriever`s qualilty of life. Also, these diseases can shorten your Labrador Retriever`s lifespan.
The good news is that these diseases can be prevented in Labrador Retriever offsprings by only breeding Labrador Retriever that have been screened and cleared of genetic defects.
The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is one the organizations that keep records of which disease to which a dog breed is genetically prone.
The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.
If you want a Labrador Retriever puppy that will grow up to be healthy and live long, make sure that your Labrador Retriever breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.
If you do not know if your Labrador Retriever has been screened for genetic health problems, then your can use an at-home genetic screening kit like this one to check your Labrador Retriever for genetic health problems at home. This might help you in deciding whether to get your Labrador Retriever a pet health insurance.
The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Labrador Retrievers for:
How Old is Your Labrador Retriever in Human Years
The table below shows your human years equivalent age of your Labrador Retriever. This table is based on a dog-to-human age study conducted by researchers from Purdue University.
Learn more about how old your Labrador Retriever is in human years here.
In 1997, researchers from Purdue University developed a method for converting a dog`s age to its human age. Their method was based on the 1953 work of the French Veterinarian, A. Lebeau that we discussed above.
Researchers from Purdue University took Lebeau`s work further by taking into account two important factors to develop a more accurate method for converting a dog`s age into its human equivalent age:
- The size of the dog: Smaller dog breeds live longer than larger breed dogs
- The lifespan of the dog: Dog breeds that live longer lives will age slower than dog breeds that live shorter lives
The average lifespan of the Labrador Retriever is 12.2 years.
Labrador Retrievers are large-sized dogs. Labrador Retrievers weigh 55 to 80 pounds.
The method developed by the Purdue University veterinarian researchers took into account the lifespan and size of Labrador Retriever in converting Labrador Retriever age to human age.
The researchers used data on the lifespan and weight of 5,608 mixed breed dogs and 17,927 purebred dogs to develop their method for converting the ages of dogs (of different breed sizes and lifespans ) to their equivalent human ages.
The calculator below lets you convert your Labrador Retriever`s age to its human age based on the Purdue University method. Just enter your Labrador Retriever`s age in the calculator and it will compute your Labrador Retriever`s human age. If you do not know your Labrador Retriever`s exact age, enter an approximate age in the calculator.
Also, the table below shows how old your Labrador Retriever is in human years based on the method developed by the researchers.
Note that your Labrador Retriever`s human age changes day by day. Therefore, always check back to use the calculator to find your Labrador Retriever`s up-to-date human age.
Labrador Retriever Age to Human Age Calculator (Purdue Uni. Method)
Below is a Labrador Retriever age to human age calculator that is based on the methods developed by researchers from Purdue University.
The calculator will tell your Labrador Retriever`s human age based on your Labrador Retriever`s dog birthday. Also, the calculator will tell you which day is your Labrador Retriever`s human birthday! Try it out!
| Labrador Retriever Age (Years) | Human Age (Years) |
|---|---|
| 1 | 16 |
| 2 | 22 |
| 3 | 28 |
| 4 | 34 |
| 5 | 39 |
| 6 | 43 |
| 7 | 48 |
| 8 | 52 |
| 9 | 57 |
| 10 | 61 |
| 11 | 66 |
| 12 | 70 |
| 13 | 75 |
| 14 | 80 |
| 15 | 86 |
| 16 | 92 |
How Long Do Labrador Retrievers Live in Human Years?
The average lifespan of the Labrador Retriever is 12.2 years. In human years, the Labrador Retriever lives for 71 years.
How Old is 2-year-old Labrador Retriever in Human Years?
A 2-year old Labrador Retriever is 22 years old in human years.
How Old is 3-year-old Labrador Retriever in Human Years?
A 3-year old Labrador Retriever is 28 years old in human years.
How Old is 6-year-old Labrador Retriever in Human Years?
A 6-year old Labrador Retriever is 43 years old in human years.
How Old is 9-year-old Labrador Retriever in Human Years?
A 9-year old Labrador Retriever is 57 years old in human years.
More Ways to Make Your Labrador Retriever Live Long
Here are more things your can do to make sure your Labrador Retriever live a long life:
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Regular Exercise: Research studies have shown that one of the very effective ways to make a dog live long is to ensure that a dog is in good shape. Adequate exercise will make your Labrador Retriever fit and make it live longer.
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Good Diet: A poorly-fed, underweight Labrador Retriever does not have a good chance of living a long life. Similarly, an overweight Labrador Retriever will have a shorter lifespan than a Labrador Retriever that is of normal weight. Therefore, it is important that your feed your Labrador Retriever high-quality dog food without overfeeding your Labrador Retriever. Check out our Labrador Retriever feeding guide here. Learn how you can prevent your Labrador Retriever from being overweight here.
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Proper Hydration: Water is essential for your Labrador Retriever existence. Therefore, you should make sure your Labrador Retriever has access to clean water whenever your Labrador Retriever needs water. However, too much water is bad for your Labrador Retriever. See our Labrador Retriever water drinking guide to learn more on how to properly hydrate your Labrador Retriever.
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Spaying/Neutering: Sterilizing your Labrador Retriever might prolong its life. Check out this guideline to know when it is the best time to spay/neuter your Labrador Retriever.
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Routine Vet Care: Regular preventative visits to the vet can help catch diseases early.
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Vaccinations: Always make sure your Labrador Retriever is up to date on its vaccination.
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Dental Hygiene: Your Labrador Retriever’s teeth can get infected, and if the infection goes unnoticed, that infection can spread to other parts of the body and become systemic. This could lead to a shortened lifespan. You must have your Labrador Retriever teeth cleaned professionally at your vet’s office a couple of times in its lifetime. Talk with your vet about the best ages to have these cleanings done.
Conclusion on Labrador Retriever Life Expectancy
We hope the information we have provided will help your in increasing your Labrador Retriever`s life expectancy.
Tate Ackerman contributed to this article. Tate is a second-year veterinary student at Kansas State University. Tate is also a concurrent Ph.D. student. She has a lot of experience reading scientific literature and communicating that information to a non-veterinary audience. Tate was a veterinary technician for a companion animal practice before she applied to veterinary school.