Being the human slave to a Labrador puppy is pure joy. They're all ‘big paws, soft ears, wiggly bottoms and boundless enthusiasm for life’. The LAST thing you want to imagine is them being unwell. The good news is that most common health issues in Labrador puppies are mild, manageable and can be prevented with the right care.

Labradors are generally quite robust dogs. But they can be prone to certain health issues, especially when it comes to their joints, skin, enthusiasm for absolutely everything (especially eating), and making unfortunate choices in eating habits.

This guide is written by our team of vets to help you spot common issues early, prevent avoidable problems and understand when it’s time to seek veterinary advice. And along the way, you’ll even discover some fun Labrador superpowers!

1. Parasites

Labrador puppies love sniffing, rolling and socialising with every dog in the park. This makes them more likely to pick up all sorts of parasites, inside and out.

Common parasites in Labrador puppies:

• Worms: Roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms and others can cause diarrhoea, vomiting and give your pup a pot-bellied appearance.

• Fleas: Cause itching and skin irritation. Heavy flea burdens can make small puppies anaemic.

• Ticks: Attach to the skin and can carry serious diseases.

• Ear mites: Cause itchy, inflamed, waxy ears.

Treatment
Your vet will recommend a regular parasite-control plan. Staying on top of this is especially important for outdoorsy Labradors. Wash their bedding frequently (at 40℃ minimum) and check their coat and ears regularly, especially after walks or swimming.

2. Ear infections

Labradors have floppy ears, and most are complete ‘water-babies’. Plunging headlong into any body of water may be great fun, but alas, not so great for ears! Warm, moist ear canals are the perfect environment for infections.

Symptoms:

• Lots of head-shaking or scratching at their ears

• Developing red, smelly or waxy ears

• Showing sensitivity to having their ears touched, such as yelping

Treatment
Most infections cleared up quickly with vet-prescribed ear drops. Ask your vet how to clean your puppy’s ears, as regular cleaning and drying them after swimming can help prevent problems later.

3. Tummy upsets, eating habits and obesity

Labradors are (in)famous for their “Eat first, ask questions later” approach to life. Their super-power noses and equally powerful appetites mean they’re keen to try everything. Not surprisingly, this makes them prone to tummy upsets, gaining weight, as well as eating things they shouldn’t (bins, socks, toys…).

Symptoms of tummy upset:

• Vomiting or loose stools

• Going off their food

• Becoming very tired

• Showing signs of tummy pain, including restlessness and a hunched posture

Treatment

Most mild upsets settle with a few days of small, bland meals. Call a vet immediately if your puppy eats something that’s harmful or could cause a blockage. To avoid serious problems, keep dangerous items (such as chocolate or raisins) well out of reach, choose robust toys and always supervise play.

Obesity

Excess weight in puppies puts a strain on growing joints and increases the risk of arthritis later. To help reduce obesity:

• Measure food carefully and limit treats

• Avoid giving human foods, especially fatty or sugary ones

4. Parvovirus

Parvo is a serious, life-threatening virus, and Labradors may be particularly vulnerable.

Symptoms:

• Severe, foul-smelling or bloody diarrhoea

• Vomiting

• Lethargy, not eating

• Collapse 

Treatment

Puppies with Parvovirus need urgent hospital treatment. Prevention is far easier than a cure. Vaccination offers the best protection, so keep your Labrador puppy’s jabs up-to-date and follow your vet’s advice about mixing safely with other dogs.

5. Respiratory infections (Kennel Cough)

Labrador puppies are sociable, and mixing with other dogs can sometimes lead to coughs and colds.

Symptoms:

• Persistent, hacking cough

• Sneezing or nasal discharge

• Lethargy and eating less

Treatment

Mild cases may only need rest and simple supportive care. More severe or persistent infections may require medication from your vet. Vaccination can help reduce the risk and severity of kennel cough.

6. Skin issues and allergies

Labradors have a double coat—great for cold, wet weather and swimming. Their coats contain natural oils that help protect the skin. But they shed year-round and can be prone to skin issues.

Skin and coat issues to watch for:

• Itchy, red skin or hot spots

• Patches of hair loss

• Flaky or scabby areas

• Smelly, sore ears (often linked to skin allergies)

Treatment

Labradors can be prone to allergic skin disease, especially as they get older, but early good habits help reduce this, including feeding a high-quality diet, keeping up with parasite control, and only bathing if necessary. 

7. Injuries & growing joints

Labrador puppies do enthusiasm much better than judgment. The result is regular bumps and sprains.

Symptoms:

• Limping, not wanting to move

• Swelling around a joint

• Yelping or snapping when a leg is touched

If your Labrador puppy is limping:

• Rest them completely for 24 hours: no walks, no stairs, no jumping

• Call a vet if your puppy’s in pain or there’s no improvement

Prevention

Labradors can suffer significant joint problems later in life, including hip or elbow dysplasia and arthritis. Protect their joints from the get-go.

• Keep them slim and fit: extra weight = extra strain.

• Stick to gentle, age-appropriate exercise. Avoid ball launchers and long runs until they’re fully grown.

• Encourage them to play calmly, without repeated high-impact jumps.

Q&A: Common Labrador Puppy Concerns

Q: How often should my Labrador puppy see the vet?
A: Most Labrador puppies see their vet several times in their first year for vaccinations, parasite control, weight checks and general health checks. After that, regular yearly check-ups help monitor weight, joints, skin, ears and teeth.

Q: When should I seek emergency care?
A: Get urgent help for severe or repeated vomiting, bloody diarrhoea, suspected poisoning, or difficulty breathing, collapse or sudden, severe pain.

Tips for Success

• Observe daily: Monitor their appetite, poo, energy and behaviour. Small changes can be early warning signs.

• Prevent problems: Vaccinations, parasite control, and safe, sensible exercise.

• Protect their environment: Puppy-proof your home, hide tempting foods and hazards, and supervise play.

• Manage food carefully: Measure meals, limit treats, and prevent scavenging - to protect joints and overall health.

• Work with your vet: Regular checks, weight reviews, and early advice help prevent small issues from turning into bigger ones.

Join us next month as we explore how much exercise and sleep your growing Labrador puppy really needs. From mad zoomies to vital nap time, we’ll help you create the perfect daily routine for your energetic best friend.