| Most dog breeds possess a breed specific health | | | | problem for dogs however the problem can be |
| problem usually to do with the way their bodies are | | | | encountered for other reasons. Younger dogs can |
| designed. The Dachshund suffers from back problems | | | | also suffer from it especially if they enjoy a life of |
| due to its low set back and the short-necked breeds | | | | jumping over fences, walls and other various |
| such as the Bulldog can be prone to breathing | | | | obstacles. The problem arises in Labrador Retrievers |
| difficulties. | | | | under the age of two years because their actual joints |
| The Labrador Retriever is no exception to the rule and | | | | within their hips have not yet developed properly. |
| probably the most common health issue this dog | | | | When the dog jumps a lot it is literally over stretching |
| encounters is hip dysplasia. Canine hip dysplasia is an | | | | its hip joints and they are being worked by the dog |
| issue for many dog breeds. The problem lies in the | | | | way beyond the Labrador Retrievers capability. |
| dog's hips basically there is a problem when the joints | | | | Generally speaking, and I stress this is only a general |
| that normally make the hip work effectively become | | | | observation, the Labrador Retriever will begin to display |
| loose. | | | | signs of hip dysplasia prior to it reaching a year old. |
| Labrador Retriever information pertaining to the dog's | | | | The dog may limp every so often or appear stiff |
| health will all mention hip dysplasia. Basically the femur | | | | when rising. If a dog is affected at a reasonably young |
| does not sit snugly within the pelvic socket as it once | | | | age then the chances run high that they will suffer |
| used to, the condition can vary considerably from dog | | | | from arthritis when older. A dog's hips can actually be |
| to dog. It could be deemed as very mild right through | | | | x-rayed at the age of four months although most vets |
| to the other end of the spectrum and be very serious. | | | | prefer to leave this until the animal is at least two |
| Occasionally a Labrador Retriever may have hip | | | | years of age, this way the Labrador Retriever's hips |
| dysplasia but not really display any symptoms for | | | | are completely developed. |
| awhile, then as time goes by the dog may start to | | | | You can request to view a puppy's registration papers |
| show signs of arthritis. A dog might show difficulty in | | | | prior to purchasing as these will show that the puppy |
| rising from a sleeping position and they may 'telegraph' | | | | has been hip scored and graded accordingly. There |
| their legs, meaning that they will hold the affected limb | | | | are treatments available to help dogs suffering from |
| out straight. This will be done in an effort to ease the | | | | hip dysplasia just simply research some Labrador |
| discomfort felt in the limb. Information on Labrador | | | | Retriever information specifically relating to the topic. |
| Retrievers very often touches on the subject of hip | | | | Just make sure to buy from a breeder who screens |
| dysplasia. | | | | their puppies for hip dysplasia and gives a puppy |
| Generally speaking hip dysplasia is an inherited health | | | | warranty. |