Treating Labradors with Arthritis or Labrador Joint Pain

Treating Arthritis in Labradors

 if you have a Labrador arthritis problem, you know you'll do anything to relieve your labrador's joint pain. Not just a problem in older Labrador Retrievers, arthritis can affect labs of all ages, especially in winter.

Causes of arthritis in Labrador Retrievers

As your labrador's joints age, they are subject to a certain amount of wear and tear.   The hip joint particular takes a lot of wear in Labrador retreivers, as it is in the upper end of the body’s major muscle ‘power house’ for movement.

This wear and tear in the joint causes the pain and inflammation that we call labrador arthritis. Whilst a certain amount of wear and tear always takes place,  severe arthritis is not inevitable.   And there are steps you can take to help prevent your dog getting arthritic and stiff in his old age.

Preventing arthritis in Labrador's through weight control

Body weight is a massive factor in arthritis for Labradors.  Slimmer Labradors are less likely to get arthritis than fat ones. If you're looking for the best way to treat athritis in Labrador Retreivers, then prevention is by far the best.

Glucosamine and arthritis

Glucosamine is an amino sugar that promotes the repair of joint cartilage in Labradors.  Studies in show that   glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate together will help reduce pain and swelling and may help repair damaged cartilage in Labrador Retreivers.

You can order dog glucosamine online for Labradors from leading online pet shops. Do not use human supplements ever for Labradors. There are also various other very good supplements for labradors which can assist with joint pain.

Follow these simple suggestions and Labrador joint pain will be well managed. While we can never cure joint pain in Labradors, you can give your Labrador joint pain relief for a better wellbeing.

Controlling Ticks on Labrador Retrievers

Best Tick Control for Labrador Retrievers


Tick control in Labrador Retrievers is not unlike that used for fleas in that there are no shortcuts, no sure cures, and the battle must be on-going. Tick control is a two-step process, in that measures must be implemented to treat both the environment and the  Labrador Retriever. Ticks, despite all their legs and ugliness are not hard to kill.

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Reduce ticks in the in Labrador Retrievers environment

Tick control in the in Labrador Retrievers' environment generally involves removing tick habitat. Removing leaves and clearing brush and tall grass from around the house and kennel areas can help reduce the number of ticks.

Because rodents, deer, and other animals can harbor ticks, it is important to control these animals as well.

Remember the cold, frosty fall weather does not kill ticks, and in fact, that is when the deer tick numbers are at their peak. In Northern, Wisconsin, the best time to contract Lyme Disease is during September, October, and November since the deer tick is the primary carrier. The point here is that environmental control needs to continue into the fall and early winter.

The Brown Dog Tick, Rhipicephalus sanguineus is the most troublesome tick in Labrador Retrievers in kennels and yards and is found almost everywhere. It can complete its life cycle in about 2 months, and although uncommon, it can become established indoors. If you do encounter an indoor tick problem, then use a flea and tick fogger. Fog as you would for fleas. In the house, ticks tend to crawl to a higher area (like they do in grass). They may be found in cracks around windows and doors. Because of this tendency and the fact that ticks crawl, and do not jump or fly, another option is to apply a 1-foot barrier of insecticide such as a flea and tick powder where the carpet meets the wall around the entire room. As a result, ticks moving to the walls to climb higher will come in contact with the insecticide and be killed. And, finally, remember to wash the pet's bedding regularly.

Tick control for your Labrador Retrievers

Keeping in Labrador Retrievers out of grasses and woods helps to reduce their exposure to ticks. But any in Labrador Retrievers outside can quite easily have a tick crawl on board. Perform a "tick check" on yourself and your in Labrador Retriever after returning from being outside.

Products that kill and repel ticks are often needed. Products for in Labrador Retrievers are many and varied and include once-a-month topical products, sprays, powders, dips, shampoos, and collars.
Permethrin should NOT be used on in Labrador Retriever households that also include cats. Instead, use a product containing pyrethrin, imidacloprid, or fipronil.

Once-a-month Topicals for Flea Control in Labrador Retrievers : Once-a-month topical insecticides are applied to a small area on the back of the pet, are probably the easiest product to use, and generally, last the longest. Some kill fleas and ticks, and others just fleas, so check the label carefully. Ingredients generally include permethrin, pyrethrin, imidacloprid, or fipronil. Examples of these products include Bio Spot-Spot On for Cats, Bio Spot-Spot On for Dogs, K9 Advantix II for Dogs, and Frontline Top Spot. Revolution, which contains selamectin, is a monthly topical product that controls American Dog Ticks (Dermacentor variabilis) only.

Flea Sprays for Labrador Retrievers: Flea and tick control sprays can come as aerosols or pump bottles. When using a spray, you do not have to soak the in Labrador Retriever with the spray, but be sure to spray all parts of the animal. Spray a small amount on a cotton ball to apply the product around the eyes and ears. Do not get any of these products in the eyes. Follow your veterinarian's and the manufacturer's directions on how often to spray, and spray in a well-ventilated area. Sprays often contain permethrin (use on in Labrador Retrievers only, not on cats) or pyrethrin.


Flea Shampoos for Labrador Retrievers: Shampoos help to primarily rid the pet of the ticks it already has on it, although some have residual activity. To properly use a flea & tick shampoo you must be sure to work the shampoo in over the entire body and then leave it on at least 10 minutes before you rinse it off. This is true of almost any medicated shampoo. Again, remember to protect the eyes and ears of the pet. (HINT: Cats often do not like running water It is often better to pour water over a cat with a large pitcher.) Shampoos often contain pyrethrin.

Flea Collars for Labrador Retrievers: Collars can be effective, but must be applied properly. To get the right degree of snugness, you should just be able to get two fingers between the collar and the neck of your  Labrador Retriever. Be sure to cut off any excess portion of the collar after you have properly applied it. Otherwise, that animal or other pets may try to chew on the end. Check the package for information on duration of effectiveness since many collars lose effectiveness when they get wet, e.g.; if a dog swims a lot. Watch carefully for any irritation under the collar. If this occurs, you may need to use a different product.
Do NOT use collars containing amitraz, permethrin, or organophosphates on cats.

In severely tick-infested areas or forLabrador Retrievers who spend a lot of time outdoors and in the woods, we have found a Preventic Tick Collar in addition to a topical one-a-month product is going to give your dog the best protection. This collar contains Amitraz, which is approved to use in conjunction with most other flea and tick products. With the Preventic Collar, 95% of the ticks will detach and die within 24 hours.

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Remember, with any tick preventive you use on your pet, the ticks must actually be in contact with the active ingredient to be killed by it. For instance, if you only use a tick collar, you may see ticks attached and feeding on the dog, even directly under the tick collar. This has to happen for the tick to take in the insecticide and die. A good tick collar will kill the tick in 24 hours or less. This greatly reduces the risk of tick-transmitted diseases since it generally requires the tick be attached for 48 hours or more for disease to be transmitted.

Even a in Labrador Retriever who is treated with an insecticide could potentially get a tick that attaches for a sufficient time to transmit disease. Vaccines for Lyme disease for in Labrador Retriever are available to provide that extra protection.

Tick control in the outdoor environment generally involves eliminating the habitat in the yard and kennel areas where ticks are most likely to occur. Ticks tend to prefer tall grass and brush from which they can more easily get onto an animal. To help prevent tick exposure, try to keep your pet from entering brush and tall grass. Keep grass cut short. Discourage deer from entering your yard.

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Flea Alergy Dermatitis in Labrador Retrievers

Labrador Flea Allergy Can be a big problem

Flea Allergy Dermatitis is the most common allergy in Labrador Retrievers.

 It is caused by a hypersensitivity reaction to one or more substances in the saliva of fleas. Flea allergy dermatitis in Labrador Retrievers is an allergic reaction of both the immediate and delayed type; itching begins immediately and tends to persist long after fleas have been eliminated. One bite is enough to trigger this reaction in Labrador Retrievers. Symptoms are worse in midsummer during the flea season. However, Labrador Retrievers who live in the house may suffer all year long if fleas are present.

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Flea allergy dermatitis is characterized by severe itching with inflamed skin and red papules found where fleas are heavily concentrated-over the rump and base of the tail, under the legs, and on the groin and belly. Labrador Retrievers chew and rub at these areas. Hair falls out and the skin becomes dry and scaly. In some cases the skin breaks down and develops raw areas that become crusted and infected. In time, the skin becomes thick and darkly pigmented.

The diagnosis can be suspected by finding fleas on the Labrador Retriever and seeing the characteristic skin rash. Check for fleas by standing your Labrador Retrievers over a sheet of white paper and brushing the coat. White and black grains of sandy material that drop onto the paper are flea eggs and feces. An allergic response to flea saliva can be confirmed with an intradermal skin test.

Treatment: The majority of Labrador Retrievers with flea allergy dermatitis can be cured by eliminating fleas on the dog and controlling fleas in the environment. All pets in the household, even those who are not affected, must be treated simultaneously to eliminate fleas. Antihistamines and/or corticosteroids may be required for two to three days to control itching. A medicated bath may also help to make your Labrador Retrievers more comfortable. Pyoderma requires topical and oral antibiotics. Seek veterinary attention for these problems.

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Labrador Common Health Problems

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Like Many dogs Labradors show distinct whitening of the coat as they grow older; especially around the muzzle.

Labrador pups generally are not brought to the home before they are 8 weeks old. Labrador Retriever life expectancy is generally 10 to 12 years,and it is a healthy breed with relatively few major problems. Notable issues related to health and well-being include:

Inherited disorders in Labrador Retrievers

Labradors are somewhat prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, especially the larger dogs, though not as much as some other breeds. Hip scores are recommended before breeding and often joint supplements are recommended.

Labradors also suffer from the risk of knee problems. A luxating patella is a common occurrence in the knee where the knee dislocates and goes back into place.

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Eye Problems in Labrador Retrievers

Eye problems are also possible in some Labradors, particularly progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts, corneal dystrophy and retinal dysplasia. Dogs which are intended to be bred should be examined by a veterinary ophthalmologist for an eye score.

Hereditary myopathy, a rare inherited disorder that causes a deficiency in type II muscle fibre. Symptoms include a short stilted gait or "bunny hopping," and in rare cases ventroflexion of the neck accompanied by a kyphotic posture.

There is a small incidence of other conditions, such as autoimmune diseases and deafness in Labradors, either congenitally or later in life.

Labradors often suffer from exercise induced collapse, a syndrome that causes hyperthermia, weakness, collapse, and disorientation after short bouts of exercise.

Obesity in Labrador Retrievers

Labradors like to eat, and without adequate exercise can become obese. Laziness also contributes to this. Obesity is a serious condition and can be considered the number one nutritional problem with dogs. A study shows that at least 25% of dogs in the United States are overweight.

Therefore Labradors must be properly exercised and stimulated. A healthy Labrador can do swimming wind sprints for two hours, and should keep a very slight hourglass waist and be fit and light, rather than fat or heavy-set. Obesity can exacerbate conditions such as hip dysplasia and joint problems, and can lead to secondary diseases, including diabetes. Osteoarthritis is common in older, especially overweight, Labradors. A 14 year study covering 48 dogs by food manufacturer Purina showed that Labradors fed to maintain a lean body shape outlived those fed freely by around two years, emphasizing the importance of not over-feeding. Labradors should be walked twice a day for at least half an hour.

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Controlling Fleas in Labrador Retrievers

The ordinary flea (called the cat flea - scientific name Ctenocephalides felis)is the leading cause of itching and scratching in Labrador Retrievers. Fleas survive by jumping onto a host animal, cutting open their skin, and feeding on the blood. In many Labrador Retrievers, the bites cause only a mild itch, but a heavy infestation in a Labrador Retrievers puppy or small Labrador Retriever can cause severe anemia and even death.

Some Labrador Retrievers develop a marked hypersensitivity to the saliva of fleas and experience intense itching which results in skin abrasions, hair loss, and secondary pyoderma. Fleas are also an intermediate host for tapeworms.

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Flea infestation in Labrador Retrievers can be diagnosed by finding fleas on the Labrador Retriever or by seeing black-and-white, salt-and-pepper-like grains in the Labrador Retriever's coat. These particles are flea feces (the “pepper”) and flea eggs (the “salt”). Fecal material is made up of digested blood. When brushed onto a wet paper, it turns a reddish brown.

The adult flea is a small dark brown insect about 2.5 millimeters in size and can be seen with the naked eye. Although fleas have no wings and cannot fly, they do have powerful back legs and can jump great distances. Fleas move through the hair rapidly and are difficult to catch. Run a fine-tooth flea comb through the hair to look for fleas on your Labrador Retriever’s back, in the groin, and around the tail and hindquarters. Itching is most pronounced in these areas.

Advantage kills fleas on direct contact and may reduce hatching eggs and larvae. Following application, 98 to 100 percent of adult fleas are killed within 12 hours. Thus, any new fleas that infest the Labrador Retriever should be killed before they have a chance to lay eggs. This breaks the flea life cycle and eventually eliminates fleas in the environment. Advantage is not absorbed into the Labrador Retriever’s system, and therefore is nontoxic. Humans do not absorb the chemical after petting a treated Labrador Retriever. Advantix is a new formulation that also acts against ticks.

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One drawback of Advantage is that it loses some of its effectiveness if the Labrador Retriever’s coat becomes thoroughly wet more often than once a week. If this happens, the Labrador Retriever can be retreated as often as once a week.

Frontline and Frontline Spray contain the active ingredient fipronil,which kills fleas on contact within 24 to 48 hours. The fleas do not need to bite the Labrador Retriever to be killed. Frontline is a liquid that comes in tubes and is applied as described for Advantage. The effectiveness of Frontline is not diminished if the Labrador Retriever’s coat becomes wet. The product has a residual effect that lasts up to 90 days in some dogs. Like Advantage, Frontline is not absorbed and thus appears to be nontoxic. One additional benefit is that it also kills ticks for up to 30 days.

Frontline Plus has (S) methoprene, which is labeled to kill adult fleas, flea eggs, and larvae. It also treats chewing lice and is used as part of a program to control sarcoptic mange.

The heartworm preventive Revolution (selamectin) is a once-a-month liquid preparation applied to the skin of the dog’s neck between the shoulder blades, as described for Advantage. It also controls adult fleas and prevents flea eggs from hatching.

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Controlling Heartworm in Labrador Retrievers

Treating a heartworm infestation in Labrador Retrievers  is difficult and dangerous. It is far easier and more effective to prevent the problem in the first place. In theory, the best way to prevent heartworms in Labrador Retrievers is to keep your dog from being bitten by a mosquito. Unfortunately, preventing mosquito bites in Labrador Retrievers can never be 100 percent effective. in Labrador Retrievers can be reasonably protected if they remain indoors in the late afternoon and evening, when mosquitoes are feeding.

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Areas of most frequent heartworm infestation in Labrador Retrievers are along coastal regions, where swamps or other brackish water provide ideal conditions for mosquitoes to breed. Since mosquitoes have a flight range of one quarter mile, spraying around the yard and kennel and removing standing water can be partially effective, but they will never eliminate the threat.


If you live or travel with your in Labrador Retriever in an area where heartworm is endemic, your in Labrador Retriever should be on a heartworm prevention program. Ask your veterinarian about local prevalence and follow their recommendations for prevention. Most dogs should be on a heartworm preventive program.

A prevention program for  Labrador Retrievers should be started at 6 to 8 weeks of age in endemic areas, or as soon thereafter as climate conditions dictate. In the South, where mosquitoes are a year-round problem, in Labrador Retrievers should be kept on preventive drugs all year long. In areas where it is not necessary to administer the drug year round, start one month before the mosquito season and continue one month beyond the first frost (generally from May or June to November or December). Heartworm prevention is important for the in Labrador Retrievers' whole life. Some owners may elect to give Labrador Retrievers heartworm preventives year round for zoonotic parasite protection and to reduce the risk of breakthrough heartworm disease in Labrador Retrievers in case they miss a monthly dose. All in Labrador Retrievers 7 months and older should have an antigen test for heartworms before starting a prevention program. If the test is positive, a microfilaria concentration test should be performed. The antigen test should be repeated annually or as frequently as your veterinarian recommends-even if the dog is on a heartworm prevention program. Many heartworm preventives can cause illness if given to a Labrador Retriever with circulating microfilaria.

There are a number of drugs currently in use as heartworm preventives in Labrador Retrievers. They include ivermectin ( Heartgard), milbemycin oxime (Interceptor), and selamectin (Revolution).

Heartgard is an effective preventive for Labrador Retrievers that is given once a month. This drug acts on the L4 larvae. It has the advantage that Labrador Retrievers do not have to be heartworm-free to initiate therapy; Labrador Retrievers infected for as long as two months before treatment will not develop heartworms. If a monthly dose is missed, restart the drug and obtain a heartworm antigen test seven months later. Heartgard is marketed in chewable tablets of different sizes, depending on the weight of the Labrador Retriever.

Heartgard Plus is a popular chewable tablet that combines ivermectin with pyrantel pamoate. This combination prevents heartworms and also controls roundworms and hookworms.

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Interceptor (milbemycin oxime) is another orally administered once-a-month heartworm preventive that also acts on the L4 larvae. Like Heartgard, this drug is marketed in different dosages based on the weight of the Labrador Retrievers. Interceptor also controls hookworms, roundworms, and whipworms.

Selamectin (Revolution) isa once-a-month liquid heartworm preventive applied to the skin of the Labrador Retriever’s neck between the shoulder blades. It is available from your veterinarian in premeasured doses based on theLabrador Retriever’s size and age. A principal advantage of selamectin is that it also controls adult fleas and prevents flea eggs from hatching for one month. In addition, it treats ear mites and the mites that cause scabies.

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Ivermectin Sensitivity in Labrador Retrievers

Some breeds show an increased susceptibility to the potential toxicity of ivermectin and similar drugs. In these dogs, there is a defect of the gene MDR-1. This is a multi-drug transporter gene that influences the movement of drugs across the blood brain barrier. Dogs who are homozygous for this autosomal recessive trait will have severe, potentially fatal reactions to some drugs, including ivermectin. Dogs who are heterozygous may be able to safely take the medications, but may pass on the defective trait to their offspring.

A genetic test for this defect is available through Washington State University’s Veterinary Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacology. A cheek swab can be sent to determine if your dog has the gene. This testing is not generally recommended as necessary for  Labrador Retrievers.

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