Labrador - Dog Breed Information

Labrador-specific health concerns.

Labradors, like all breeds, are prone to certain health issues. Understanding potential problems is crucial for early detection and preventative care.

Here are some common Labradors health issues¹:

Hip and elbow dysplasia: these are joint problems that can cause pain, arthritis, and lameness. Learn more about hip & elbow dysplasia in pets.

Obesity: Labradors usually love to eat and can easily become overweight, which can worsen joint problems and lead to other health issues.

Ear infections: their floppy ears can trap moisture, which can make them prone to ear infections.

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): this is a genetic eye disorder that can cause blindness.

Heart conditions: these can include things like tricuspid valve dysplasia.

Commonly claimed health conditions for a Labrador.

Just like us, our pets can be affected by different illnesses, health conditions and unexpected accidental injuries. Here are some of the more commonly claimed conditions^{^} that a Labrador can experience.

Conditions.	Symptoms can include.^◇	Highest cost for a single treatment.^>>
Skin conditions (including infections and allergies).	Frequent scratching and biting at skin. Irritation such as redness. Hair loss, flaky skin, texture changes, lumps or an unusual or unpleasant smell.	$6,752.
Ear conditions (including infections and allergies).	Scratching, rubbing, or pawing at one or both ears. Head shaking. Odour or discharge from the ears. Ears may be red or warm to the touch.	$7,835.
Arthritis.	Lameness or limping on affected limb(s). Stiffness on rising. Reluctance to jump, use stairs. Swelling on legs.	$10,168.
Gastrointestinal tract condition.	Diarrhoea, vomiting or constipation. Blood or mucus in stool/vomit. Increased frequency/urgency passing stool. Weight loss. Loss of appetite and interest in food. May seem more tired than usual.	$12,652.
Tumours.	Lumps and bumps on or underneath skin. Abdominal swelling. Sudden weight loss. Change in appetite. Lethargy or depression. Changes in bathroom habits. Evidence of pain.	$13,366.

Other health considerations.

Vaccinations: consult your vet for a personalised vaccination schedule. Typically, Labradors need core vaccinations (distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus) and optional ones (parainfluenza, leptospirosis, Bordetella).

Flea and tick prevention: protect your Labrador from parasites with monthly treatments. Options include topical solutions, chewable tablets, and collars.

Worming: regular deworming is essential. Discuss a worming schedule with your vet, covering heartworm, roundworm, hookworm, and tapeworm. Learn more about worming your dog or puppy.

How Everyday Pet Insurance can help.

Unexpected vet bills can be stressful. Pet Insurance can help cover the costs of diagnosis, treatment, and medication for various health conditions, including those specific to Labradors.

Here are some benefits you can enjoy with your Everyday Pet Insurance policy:

Policy terms and conditions, exclusions and limits apply. Benefit limit amounts vary by level of cover. Please read the Pet Insurance Product Disclosure Statement for full terms, conditions, limits and exclusions that apply.

VetAssist 24/7 online vet chat.

VetAssist connects you to licensed Australian vets via video or chat online. All Everyday Pet Insurance customers get free^† access to vet advice through VetAssist, available online 24/7. Access VetAssist via My Insurance Portal

Learn more about VetAssist

Claim on the spot with GapOnly®.

GapOnly® reviews and calculates your pet insurance claim while you’re still at the vet. You can claim on the spot and only pay the 'gap', the difference between the vet's bill and your eligible insurance benefit.⁼

Learn more about GapOnly®

Get 30% off pet prescription medication**

PetScripts is a leading online Pet Pharmacy for your pet's medication. They're proudly Australian owned and operated by veterinarians, with registered Australian Pharmacists. Offer is valid until 1 July 2026. T&Cs apply. **

Learn more about this offer

Grooming your Labrador.

Labradors have a short, dense double coat that sheds moderately year-round, with heavier shedding during seasonal changes (spring and fall). While their coat type is relatively low-maintenance compared to other breeds, regular grooming is essential to manage shedding, keep their coat healthy, and prevent skin issues.

Labrador grooming needs:

Regular brushing: brush your Labrador 2-3 times a week, or even daily during heavy shedding seasons. You can use a slicker brush or a rubber curry brush to effectively remove the loose undercoat. A bristle brush can be used for a final smoothing pass after.

Bathing: Labradors should only be bathed when necessary, as over-bathing can strip their coat of essential natural oils, leading to dryness, irritation, and potential skin problems. Use a dog-specific shampoo and conditioner, and ensure you rinse thoroughly to prevent residue.

Ear care: Labradors are prone to ear infections, so regular ear cleaning is important. Use a dog-specific ear cleaner and cotton balls or pads to gently wipe away dirt and debris from the outer ear. Avoid using cotton swabs inside the ear canal. If you're unsure how to clean your Labrador's ears, ask your vet for advice.

Nail trimming: keep your Labrador's nails trimmed to a healthy length. Trim them regularly with dog nail clippers, being careful not to cut the quick (the pink part of the nail containing blood vessels and nerves). If you're unsure how to trim your dog's nails, ask your vet or a groomer for a demonstration.

Advanced coat maintenance tips:

Shedding management: consistent brushing is key, especially during shedding season. Use a slicker brush and curry comb to remove loose undercoat. Consider a de-shedding tool for heavy shedding.

Coat health: a healthy diet supports a shiny coat. Omega fatty acids are beneficial; consider fish oil supplements. Talk to your vet about dietary options.

Grooming tools: invest in quality tools: slicker brush, curry comb, bristle brush, nail clippers, ear cleaner, cotton balls, and dog shampoo.

Learn more about grooming your dog at home. You can also consider professional grooming every few months for a trim and deeper coat care.

Nutrition and diet to fuel your Labrador.

A balanced diet can be essential for your Labrador's health and well-being.

High-quality food.

Choose a dog food with high-quality protein as the main ingredient. Avoid foods with excessive fillers and artificial additives. There are 3 different diet types:

Kibble: convenient and affordable, but choose a high-quality brand.

Raw: requires careful handling and preparation but can be beneficial for some dogs.

Home-cooked: allows control over ingredients but requires careful planning to ensure nutritional balance.

Learn more about human foods dogs can and can't eat.

Tip: like many dog breeds, Labradors can experience food allergies and sensitivities, with common culprits including chicken, beef, dairy, and wheat. Maintaining a healthy weight is also extremely important for Labradors, as they can be prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as other joint problems, and excess weight exacerbates these issues. A proper diet and exercise are key to managing their weight and supporting joint health.

Keeping your Labrador engaged.

Labradors are intelligent, eager to please, and highly trainable, making them enjoyable to work with. They thrive on mental and physical stimulation.

Enrichment activities.

Puzzle toys: keep your Labrador mentally stimulated and prevent boredom with puzzle toys that dispense treats or require them to solve a problem. This can help with problem behaviors like chewing.

Interactive games: Labradors love to retrieve! Play fetch, frisbee, or other interactive games to engage their minds and bodies. Swimming is another excellent activity they often enjoy. Hide-and-seek with toys can also be a fun mental workout.

Training: Labradors usually excel at obedience training. Teach your Labrador basic commands (sit, stay, come, down) and consider advanced training like agility, dock diving, or field trials. Their retrieving instincts make them naturals for some of these activities.

Socialising: socialise your Labrador puppy from a young age to ensure they are well-adjusted and comfortable around people, children, and other animals. Continue to reinforce positive social interactions throughout their lives.

Labrador community and resources.

Connect with other Labrador owners and enthusiasts! Online forums, breed-specific social media groups, and local kennel clubs are great resources. Search for Labrador Retriever clubs or groups in your area or online. These communities can offer valuable advice, support, and information about the breed. You can also often find local Labrador events, training opportunities, and recommendations for vets or other services.

While there isn't a single, centralised "Labrador owners" website like some smaller breeds have, a quick online search will reveal numerous resources dedicated to Labradors, including breed information, care guides, and owner communities. If you're unsure about any advice you find, make sure to consult your vet.

Everyday Pet Insurance is here for you.

Caring for a Labrador is a rewarding experience, filled with love, laughter, and endless cuddles. By understanding their specific needs, from health considerations to grooming and nutrition, you can help your furry friend enjoy a happy life by your side. Remember, proactive care is key to preventing problems and catching any potential issues early. This includes regular vet checkups, a balanced diet, appropriate exercise and consider having protection in place for unexpected events.

Thank you for being part of the Everyday Pet Insurance family.

Just like your Labrador relies on you for their well-being, Everyday Pet Insurance can help protect you and your furry best friend.

We process 90% of claims within just 1 day.^»~

We don't keep you waiting. Make a claim online whenever you need with MyPet Portal via My Insurance Portal.

Learn more about making a claim

Pet Insurance with treats for you and your dog.

Save up to $600 a year on your groceries with 10% off an in-store Woolworths shop every month.° Plus, get up to 5% off on Woolworths eGift Cards.*

Learn more about this offer

Access your cover information anytime.

Read the PDS for more information about your cover and easily access forms for your policy in our Useful Documents section.

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We're here when you need us.

Contact us Monday to Friday, 8am-8pm (AEST/AEDT) (except public holidays). Chat with Mandy and find answers in our Help & FAQs section.

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Important Information.

Sources:

¹https://www.akc.org
https://www.petobesityprevention.org

text: ^** Offer is valid until 1 July 2026 (Offer Period). This entitles you to a 30% discount off your prescription medication purchase from PetScripts Pty Ltd ABN 73 610 444 427 (PetScripts) whilst your policy remains in force during the Offer Period and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. This offer only applies to medication prescribed to the pet insured under Everyday Pet Insurance Policies. Services provided by PetScripts are separate to your pet insurance policy. The 30% discount offer is subject to PetScripts' general Terms and Conditions, including the Privacy Policy which are available online at www.petscripts.com.au. Everyday Pet Insurance may withdraw or extend this offer at any time without notice.

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^{^} Pre-existing conditions and certain illnesses may be excluded. Policy terms, conditions, exclusions, limits, benefit limits, sub-limits, annual condition limits and excess may apply. For details, please refer to the relevant Product Disclosure Statement (PDS).

^◇ Symptoms listed are indicative only, others can apply.

^>> As at 31/12/2023 based on the previous 12 months of PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd claims data.

text: ^†Offer available to new Everyday Pet Insurance policyholders, and is limited to 1 membership per eligible policy. The free membership offer (valued at $199p.a) is from the date of your policy commencement, provided your Everyday Pet Insurance policy remains active. You are not eligible to redeem the free membership subscription for cash or credit. VetAssist is a separate subscription based service to the Everyday Pet Insurance product, and is provided independently by Everyday Insurance third party service provider, VetChat Services Pty Ltd (VetChat). Click here for full VetAssist Service terms and conditions. Everyday Insurance reserves the right to vary or remove this offer at any time and will provide reasonable notice of any such changes.

text: = The gap is defined as the difference between the vet's invoice and the claim benefit under your policy. Policy terms and conditions apply. GapOnly^® is only available at participating Vets. Please visit GapOnly^® to search for GapOnly^® enabled vets. GapOnly^® is a trademark owned by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd (PetSure) (ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183).

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^>>Once all required claims documentation has been received.

^~Based on PetSure data February 2023 to January 2024.

text: ° This offer is only available for policyholders who have a registered Everyday Rewards Card linked to their eligible active Everyday Insurance policy. This offer is limited to one in-store Woolworths Supermarket transaction up to $500, with a maximum saving of $50 per Everyday Rewards Card, per month, regardless of the number of Woolworths services you use. For full T&Cs click here.

text: * On Everyday WISH eGift Cards, Woolworths Supermarket eGift Cards and BIG W eGift Cards purchased via the Everyday Insurance My Insurance Portal only. Discount amount depends on the type of eGift Card purchased (3% off Everyday WISH eGift Cards, 4% off Woolworths Supermarket eGift Cards and 5% off BIG W eGift Cards). Offer available until 23:59 AEST 01/12/2025. Valid for Everyday Insurance Policyholders only who have a registered My Insurance Portal account linked to their policy. A minimum of $5 and a maximum of $500 can be loaded onto an eGift Card when purchasing online via My Insurance Portal. Maximum of 5 eGift Cards per transaction. Woolworths Group Ltd ABN 88 000 014 675 is the issuer of the Everyday WISH, Woolworths Supermarket and BIG W eGift Cards. Everyday WISH, Woolworths Supermarket and BIG W Gift Cards have no expiry date and are redeemable at participating stores only. For a list of participating stores and full Gift Card Terms and Conditions visit https://www.everyday.com.au/gift-cards/terms. Discount will not be applied to purchase of eligible eGift Cards purchased directly through https://www.everyday.com.au/gift-cards or Woolworths Gift Cards. Woolworths reserves the right to vary, withdraw or extend this discount or an offer at any time, and will provide reasonable notice of any adverse changes.

text: Everyday Pet Insurance policies entered into for the first time prior to 17 July 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by The Hollard Insurance Company Pty Ltd ABN 78 090 584 473, AFSL 241436 (Hollard), arranged and administered by PetSure (Australia) Pty Ltd ABN 95 075 949 923, AFSL 420183 (PetSure) and promoted and distributed by Hollard’s Authorised Representative (AR) Woolworths Group Limited ABN 88 000 014 675, AR 245476 (Woolworths). Everyday Pet Insurance policies entered into for the first time on or after 17 July 2023 and subsequent renewals of those policies are issued by PetSure and promoted and distributed by PetSure’s AR, Woolworths. Any advice provided is general only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Please consider the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) to ensure this product meets your needs before purchasing, or choosing to continue with the product. PDS and Target Market Determination available at insurance.everyday.com.au/pet-insurance.

Labrador owner's guide: loving and caring for your furry companion.

We're looking forward to continuing to protect your Labrador with Everyday Pet Insurance.

Here's some information about providing great care for your furry friend.

Labrador-specific health concerns.

Here are some common Labradors health issues¹: