The Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dogs in the United States.
Thousands are born and adopted around the world each year.
They are known for their playful and laid-back temperaments.
Their delightful personalities make them very suitable as both family and working dogs.
They are some of the most popular guide and service dogs.
But everything is not sunshine and rainbows with these canines.
Their lifespans are sadly very short.
The average Labrador barely makes it to double digits.
This sad reality means that any Labrador owner will have to care for an elderly dog sooner rather than later.
Luckily, there are quite a few things you can do to help your old Labrador age gracefully and live their golden years in comfort.
When Is a Labrador Officially Elderly?
There is not one specific guideline that lays out when a Labrador is considered elderly.
Just like people, some dogs are going to show signs of aging earlier than others.
A dog’s age status depends mainly on their genetics and health.
A dog that develops arthritis at an early age is likely to be considered elderly before a completely healthy dog, for example.
Senior Age Versus Lifespan
Generally, though, Labradors only live to about ten or twelve years of age.
Because of this lifespan, most Labradors are considered elderly around seven years of age.
However, like we previously discussed, this can vary.
Some Labs won’t act elderly at all by seven, while others will begin slowing down long before that.
We recommend keeping an eye on your dog and their behavior to determine whether or not it is time to consider them elderly.
Behavior Can Help You Gauge Life Stage
Often, your dog’s behavior is a better indicator than any predefined age.
Whenever your dog reaches their elder years, you will notice that they will begin moving slower.
It will be harder for them to get up after napping, and they will often start sleeping more throughout the day.
Your dog might be unable to go on the long walks they once did.
And they will likely have to use the bathroom more as their bladder control weakens.
Their slower metabolism might cause them to gain weight.
But it is also not uncommon for Labs to lose weight as they age, especially if they have dental problems.
Luckily, there is quite a lot you can do to ease your dog’s transition to elderhood.
Caring for an Old Labrador
As soon as your dog begins showing signs of aging, you should take steps to ensure their well-being.
Your first step should be to prepare your home for an elderly dog.
As your Lab ages, they will likely experience limited mobility.
Their limbs will become stiff, and their balance will not be as good as it once was.
Recommendations
To prevent unnecessary injuries, we recommend skid-proofing areas your dog spends time in.
Add towels or carpets to hardwood floors.
And be sure your pooch can safely travel to their water and food bowls without slipping.
If your older dog suffers from joint problems, upgrade their leash to a harness.
You might also want to consider investing in a ramp to help them reach higher places.
You should also purchase a bed specially designed for senior dogs. We have a guide to the best Labrador dog beds here.
This type of bed can prevent unnecessary joint pain and make cleaning up possible bladder leaks much more accessible.
If you haven’t already, you should raise your dog’s bowls off the ground.
Raising their bowls will take the pressure of your dog’s spinal column and help them keep their balance while eating.
Additional Help
Your aging Labrador might have difficulty regulating his or her body temperature.
You should move their sleeping area away from drafts and invest in a dog blanket or two for the winter.
Come up with a plan to keep your dog active.
Your old Labrador will not be able to exercise as rigorously as they once did.
But it is still essential for them to be active regularly.
Short exercise sessions will keep your canine healthy and prevent them from gaining too much weight.
Look Out for Changes in Health
On top of general accommodations, you should also keep an eye out for any specific health problems.
Labradors are particularly prone to bone, joint, and eye problems, which can strike as they age.
Kidney disease, heart problems, and cancer are also common.
If your dog begins to show any strange symptoms, it is important to contact your vet.
Even if you think your canine is only experiencing normal aging, it is always better to be safe rather than sorry.
Lethargy, vomiting, frequent urination attempts, incontinence, weight change, wounds that won’t heal, and bad breath are all signs of potential health problems.
Old Labrador Diets
On top of these accommodations, you should consider changing your canine’s diet.
Not all aging Labradors will need to switch to a senior diet when they hit the age of seven.
If your canine is still active and playful, there is no need to change their food.
However, many elderly pets will need to switch to a special diet eventually.
What diet they need to be switched to depends on a lot of variables, however.
Elder dogs do not need different nutrients than adult dogs.
Senior Food
And senior dog foods do not have to follow any specific guidelines to use the label “senior.”
So senior dog foods tend to vary quite a bit. Not every senior dog food is made the same.
For example, some senior dog foods have a decreased calorie count to prevent weight gain, which Labs are prone to.
But this will not be suitable for dogs who are already on the small side.
Sodium and Phosphorus
Many senior dog foods also have lower phosphorus content.
High amounts of phosphorous are linked with kidney disease.
However, if your dog needs a specific diet to avoid kidney disease, it is almost always better to choose a prescription diet for the kidneys instead.
Similarly, many senior dog foods are also low in sodium.
But this sort of restriction is not necessary unless your dog has specific medical conditions.
In which case, it is better to choose a dog food formulated for their particular situation.
Supplements
Supplements are not necessary unless specified by your veterinarian.
Some supplements can even be harmful to older animals and interact with medications.
Instead of switching your canine to a senior diet only because of their age, we recommend working closely with your vet to choose a diet suitable for your dog.
Your vet might recommend a prescription diet geared towards your pet’s specific medical problems.
Or they might recommend staying with their current dog food.
In some cases, your vet might recommend a specific senior dog food that meets your dog’s requirements.
Your Aging Labrador
In most cases, the first sign of aging is a general decrease in activity.
Your Labrador might not play as much and might sleep for more extended periods.
They could also begin to display signs of muscle stiffness or pain.
Arthritis is common in older dogs and might affect your canine when they get older.
Almost every senior dog will experience a health problem or two when they get older.
Keeping your older dog comfortable requires you to work with this health condition.
10-Year-Old Labrador
At the age of ten, your Lab will begin showing sure signs of slowing down if they haven’t already.
You should make proper accommodations to your home to allow your pooch to get around easier.
Ramps and carpets are particularly helpful.
You should also keep a close eye on your pooch to catch any potential health problems early.
While most dogs experience health problems eventually, finding them quickly is essential for treatment.
Remember to keep your dog on an exercise plan, and pay careful attention to their weight.
A yearly check-up with your vet is essential to keep your canine health in check.
11-Year-Old Labrador
It is not odd to see a Lab live until 11.
But they are often obviously elderly at this point.
Their mobility will be hugely diminished, and they might even begin to have obvious joint pain at this point.
Their eyes could begin to be affected if they haven’t been already.
Accommodations are even more critical at this age as your canine shows clear signs of aging.
An orthopedic dog bed is a must, and a ramp should be considered for any high area.
Many Labradors begin slowing down profusely at this age.
They might not move much at all.
This is also the age that many Lab owners begin considering euthanasia.
While this is never an easy decision, it is essential to consider your dog’s quality of life.
Some dogs at this age cannot do much besides lay around at this point, while others aren’t nearly as bad off.
12-Year-Old Labrador
This is usually the maximum age of a Labrador Retriever, though some do live longer.
Labs at this age can go downhill very quickly.
Many animals will lose their mobility within weeks, if they haven’t already, and develop most of the symptoms of aging.
Any illness your pooch contracts will often have a significant impact on their health.
Their body just cannot bounce back like it once did.
Even a small cold can have a month-long impact.
While younger dogs can quickly bounce back from many diseases, this is sometimes just not possible for aged dogs.
We recommend feeding your dog healthy food if you have not done so already.
Doing this may help prevent illness from occurring or help speed up the recovery from illness.
If nothing else, it may be wise to consider preparing for your dog’s passing if you see rapid declines in health.
13-Year-Old Labrador
Unfortunately, percentages of Labs living past 12 begin to decline sharply.
Hitting the 13-year mark is an accomplishment for a Labrador.
As your dog’s age begins to extend beyond their breed’s life expectancy, more rapid declines in health may be observed, and more extreme cases of illness are possible.
It is very likely that your dog is lying around most of the time at this age, and eats very little.
Other common symptoms are deafness or blindness and lack of interest in some of their favorite activities and people.
Accommodations will be necessary at this point.
Your canine will likely not be able to jump at all and will have severe difficulties using stairs.
14-Year-Old Labrador
It is highly unlikely for a Labrador to live until this age.
However, it is not impossible
A 14-year-old Lab will likely experience significant symptoms of aging.
Their limbs will not work as they once did, and they will have weakened bladder control.
They will likely not be able to see as they once did.
And their mental health might begin to slip as well.
You should not expect your dog to move much at this age.
But you should attempt to get them moving if possible.
Even just a walk around the house for their health can be enjoyable.
A comfortable bed is necessary to prevent aching joints and bed sores.
15-Year-Old Labrador
A 15-year-old Labrador is a rare sight.
But there are a few reports of Labs living to this age.
By this point, a Labrador will likely be experiencing at least one significant medical condition.
Much of their care will revolve around keeping their last days comfortable.
You should carefully follow any instructions your vet gives you.
However, you should also begin thinking about the end of life circumstances for your dog.
Even the slightest sickness can take a toll on these elderly Labs.
Once sick, many will not recover at this age.
Euthanasia is on most owners’ minds at this point.
Your Old Labrador
Labradors typically live to around 10–12 years old.
But many will begin showing signs of aging around seven or so.
Luckily, there are a lot of steps you can take to keep your pet comfortable in their elder years.
References and Resources
Finco. “Effects of dietary phosphorus and protein in dogs with chronic renal failure.” American Journal of Veterinary Research. 1992.
Raffan, Eleanor. “A Deletion in the Canine POMC Gene Is Associated with Weight and Appetite in Obesity-Prone Labrador Retriever Dogs.” Cell Metabolism. 2016.
Morgan. “Bone dysplasias in the Labrador retriever: a radiographic study.” Journal of the American Animal Hospital. 1999.
“Summary results of the Purebred Dog Health Survey for Labrador Retrievers.” The Kennel Club.
Barnett. “Hereditary retinal dysplasia in the Labrador Retriever in England and Sweden.” Journal of Small Animal Practice. 1970.
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Lost my lab yesterday at 13 years. Its still so raw. We could see his strength was diminishing the last few months but we when he wouldn’t get up for a treat I was worried. The next day he went out to eat on the covered patio. We went to see what happened to him and we found him sitting in the rain with no energy to get up. Lucky it was only a couple of minutes. I put him back inside on his mattress and dried him off. He didn’t even have the energy to lift his head. We took him to the vet. It seemed like there was an infection in the blood but as we looked further at the blood test you could tell age was the main factor. Like many dog owners, we make promises to our friend to never let them suffer. I was no different. Dogs will stay alive for the family even if there in pain. My experience is they try to walk away to the corner of the yard or a unused room so they could just lay down and pass. He was showing all the signs. I picked his head up and looked him the eye. The message was clear he was ready to go. It hurts to see my close friend who I hunted, hiked and went on many adventures with, who was part of my families life, go so quickly. I wished he had died in his sleep without the trip to the vet. But it’s our duty to help them pass comfortably. I don’t believe palliative care would have been fair to a dog who once pranced through the fields and ran like the wind. After a decision was made he was gone in a short time. I’ve had seven dogs in my life. My Dad was a reputable breeder of beagles when I was young. But I have never experience such a wonderful Dog as Sharpie. (Black as a Sharpie ink pen) when the hurt leaves their will only be fond memories of him.
So sorry for your loss Ron. It’s the hardest thing
I am just crying so much reading about sharpie, I am so sorry for your loss. My heart breaks for you, my Yellow Lab is 11 years old now, her name is Mya and she’s my whole world. I look at her and just think how lucky I am to be her dog mama, I don’t want to say goodbye… I don’t ever ever want to say good bye. Such a pure loving soul, I just can’t imagine life without her.. I don’t think I’ll ever be ready for that day. I love my girl Mya, I hope and pray she will make it to 13.. again I am so sorry for your loss, I’ll hug my girl extra tight for you
My black lab, was 15 last month and suddenly last Thursday (after a totally normal morning) she started vomiting, lost use of her back legs and bladder control. We brought her to the vet and they did an ultrasound, chest X-ray, gave her an injection of Cerenia, and didn’t find any major issues, and that it was probably a fainting episode. Within a couple of hours she could no longer lift her head (if we stood her upright she could take a few steps, but couldn’t do anything on her own) we brought her back to the vet and they didn’t have any additional recommendations and since she already had kidney disease did not suggest pain medication which would exacerbate that.
After 24 hours she was basically just breathing and blinking, she did drink some water but it was clear to me that she was in pain. I always promised her that I wouldn’t let her suffer, and we put her down the next day. I hope it wasn’t too soon. But if we had waited longer I feel it would have been for me and not for her. Still kicking myself though.
I have been raising labs for 47 yrs. I got into dog breeding and showing about 15 yrs ago and learned mountains more from other breeders and handlers. I have a 10 y/o lab who was grand champion in show in USA and Canada in 2017. I helped deliver her puppies on Christmas Eve 2017. What a joyful experience even thou one female pup was frail and did not make it. I have watch this Lab go thru pup births at 4 y/o, excision of grade II mast cell tumor, s/p MVA which resulted in head injury and fractures of her right radial and ulnar bone fractures, and spay 2 months ago. I rehabilitated her from the car accident which brought her back to 100%
recovery of function. She is very loving and protective of her female pup who is 5 yrs old now. But since the spay, she gets winded earlier then she did before. Most of my labs have lived to 14yrs old. I play catch with them everyday and go everywhere I can with them in my van while they are in crates riding with me. I give my lab vitamins daily and cranberry capsule which helps her control her urination patterns. Even with good genetic markers, labs are like people, we are all subject to our environment. I note that my Lab gets winded much more easily. But the ongoing push to “green energy” have changed our environment where I reside—much more outdoor humidity and worse air quality. These factors make outdoor exercises and endurance much harder. I hope my girl loves to 14 yrs old. I keep reading canine physiology and modifying food, exercise and follow up with my vet whenever I am not certain what to do. I like you hope she lives well until 14 yrs old. She has been an incredible companion and champion,
My pure chocolate lab is 16 years, 2 months and 22 days.
She has slowed down in the last 6 months, I am sure her arthritis is the main reason for it.
She has been getting Cartrophen injections since she was 14 and last month we included a new one “Librela” recently approved in Canada.
Not sure how much longer she will be with us but she is definitely a miracle and we are very happy to still have her at our side.
Beautiful to read with my 14.5 yo choc lab also now on Librella. How lucky we are 🙏🏻
We’re on our 3rd yellow lab. The first 2 both lived until 15 and our current one is 10 and still as healthy and active as when she was 2. I guess we’re doing something right. Our second one which we had to put down just 2 weeks ago was in great shape until about a year ago, and she was 120 pounds, so a big girl. Nobody likes to put their dogs down, but we tend to wait until we’re absolutely sure it’s for the best if our family member is in pain. Until then, we make accommodations to make sure they are happy and healthy.
Thank you for all your tips. Tessie will be 18 January 5, 2022 and she has lost most of her hearing.. She has an extremely sensitive stomach and thru trials and errors she has done the best feeding her strictly turkey with vegetables. She is still able to catch a ball, go on short walks and will even play and chase a ball. She has always stayed trim and not over weight. Staying slim has helped her throughout these years with her over all health.
I know my time is limited with her but as long as she is happy and eating then I am happy too.
No matter how long we are blessed to have our animals it will never be enough, but I have been extremely fortunate to have had her this long. I rescued her.
I have a 13 year old Black Lab and I love her so much she is smart and has been a wonderful part of my family, her name is Sheba but her back legs are giving out
she has bathroom problems as well. I will do everything in my power to take care of She She for the remaining days that she has left.
Thank you for the tips of helping them to grow old.
I am so happy that I came across this site. It’s amazing and by reading all these comments it’s helping my broken heart. We just lost our Choc Lab Harley 2 days ago. He was 13.5 yrs which at times he still looked like a pup. Overall, he was a healthy boy, besides some hip issues which made it harder to get up but when he was up, he was moving. He was hesitate to go down the stairs but he managed. He still had his appetite that’s for sure. If he heard you in the kitchen his head would pop up looking at you & next thing you know he was standing right next to you hoping for food to fall. Breakfast and supper time was his most favorite times of the day. If you weren’t fast enough, he’ll start barking just so you know he’s waiting for his food. When you got home from work Harley would follow you around until he was feed his dinner or when dad came home, he would give him tons of doggy kisses. He had no issues with his bladder which must have been big cause he could hold it. So, when we had to make the hardest decision to have him put to sleep it was heart wrenching. It all happened too fast – he was so excited to go for a car ride. Everything was all normal – he did breathe a little heavier when he would move around but when he was a rest or sleeping his breathing was good. Arrived to a appt I had for him to have his hips checked and he started to wheeze, and tongue was turning blue. Thankfully our vet was open, and we got him in right away. We got devastating news that our Harley had heart failure. Making the heart wrenching decision to put him to sleep was so hard but we didn’t want our him to suffer. We are grateful for having 13.5 yrs with Harley but wish we had more time with him.
Our Lab is 14.5 years old now. This will be our last dog. At the age of 67 I have lived through 6 long living dogs small and large breed. Much of the time we had both a small dog and a large dog. My husband always gets too emotionally attached to the pets. I know when I get them I will probably live longer than they do. It is just the way of life. She is still eating good but having hip and bowel issues like many labs her age. I pray she goes peacefully. Pretty sure my 14 year old cat is not far behind her.
Thank you for this information, it was helpful. My yellow lab passed early this morning on the way the ER. He was 11 1/2. He declined sharply within 1 day, so fast and unexpected. Lethargic and inability to stand on hind legs, and finally labored breathing. He was very youthful and energetic for his age so I wasn’t prepared for his rapid decline. I see now he lived to an average life span for this breed. He was a beach goer, redwood trail hiker and an all around best friend who will be missed. Labs are awesome.
My Bella is 12 and she just started really slowing down. She sleeps most of the day and doesn’t really eat very much. She means the world to me. I love her so much. How can I say goodbye. I already get depressed and cry just thinking about loosing her. She has helped me through so much and especially now that I have cancer. I just don’t want her to suffer and I won’t let her. I will do what’s best for my baby. She still gets excited when her friends come over to play, so I think she still has some good quality life in her.
My dog Midnight is a mutt but he is majority Lab. His mix is Lab, Dane, and Malamute. He is 15 years, 7 months, and 12 days… being a new years puppy makes it easy to track. I had his mother before him who only past away six years ago at age 11. Midnight has been in my family a long time and I brought him out to Arizona where I was stationed when he was 7 after my sister had him for the beginning of his life. He enjoyed nothing more than just being by my side. He has been showing some signs of hip issues beginning mid-late last year and has only recently (within the last two months) started getting worse and having bladder issues. He is the best dog I have ever had and will ever have likely. If you are looking for a good breed, Labradors are an excellent one, even if mixed. I just recently decided its time for him after seeing him struggle for the last couple months. I plan on giving him plenty of bacon and steak this week and will be putting him to sleep on Saturday. He has been an excellent dog and I fear I may never find a love towards me greater than his. Day or night, rain or shine, he was just happy to lay next to dad and enjoy my company and I his. Hope this helps anyone looking for a great dog breed.
I have a wonderful 13.5 year-old yellow lab named Odie. She has just this year started to show signs of aging. She still walks 1.5 to 2 miles a day. She is showing signs in one of her eyes of rolling back, but no hip dysplasia. She acts more mature but is disappointed if I go somewhere without taking her. She has been such a good companion.
My dog Lerb came to me at age 12, pregnant with four pups. She was looking old with a grey muzzle and her fur was sparse. Her front teeth were down to the gums from biting fleas her entire life. I immediately took her to the vet and he thought she may have had pyeometriosis. But I knew she was pregnant as her former owner witnessed the end of the breeding. She was defleaed and wormed, she had a bad ear infection and as I said her fur was horrific. After a few weeks on quality food, daily grooming and a lot of love, I took her back to the vet and requested a scout film to see how many pups she would have. I wanted to know because I was afraid of uterine inertia. Well she was making milk now so the birth of the babies was imminent. As I had worried about, she had three and even with pitocin as directed by my vet, refused to start contractions to deliver #4. Unfortunately I was at my daughters home 150 miles from home doing a long time promised house/dog sitting for her. I had to take Lerb to an emergency vet clinic. They saw the pup as I did on ultrasound, it’s little heart still beating. It looked like it was in the center of her belly, no way close to the birth canal. They told me it would die. She was feeling great. Feeding her 3 babies and even took a retrieving break until I said enough. Because I clearly did not have $2500 for a. Emergency c-section, my vet said if I could get her home and to his office, by noon on Saturday, he would do a c-section Saturday afternoon. A very good friend came and got her and she had the surgery. The pup had died but she had three hungry pups and she was really slow recovering. I tube fed the pups with milk replacer for pups for several feedings and then Lerb took over, licking, loving and nursing her healthy pups. She was black and she had one black, one yellow and one chocolate. Amazingly, about ten days later a friend had a litter of pups, one was being rejected by the mom. My Lerb took care of her and raised her to weaning age with her three. Lerb was an amazing dog. She had great energy and retrieved until the summer she was 14 she swam until she was thirteen. She was strong and bright and only the last 6-8 months, her back legs started to collapse under her. She had a fantastic appetite, stayed continent of her bowls and bladder. The last 4 months she slept probably 23 hours a day. Woke up only to potty and eat. He hearing decreased quickly the last few months and she became very farsighted..I had to knock hard on the window to get her attention and then she came in. Otherwise, she just stood out in the yard gazing and sniffing the air. Four days before she was 15. I made the decision for her. She probably had swam 1000 miles in her life and she was sore. I was giving her Metacam for arthritis and Trazadone for sundowners. She was put to sleep in her own home, then removed and cremated. I had 3 amazing years with an amazing dog. We bonded so, it was like we had spent her entire life with me. I grieved so and thinking of my love for her still brings tears. Did I have the best Lab ever, I think so. I think of her honestly daily and she really was phenomenal. We were blessed to have experienced one another, both of us in our golden years. She was my best pal, just the two of us for a little over three wonderful years. I miss you dear Lerb. It has been about nine months and I still see her lying in front of the sofa, dreaming of her love of water and retrieving with her Snow White paws and muzzle.
Lerb sounds like an amazing dog. Facing that time in a dog’s life myself it definitely made me tear up reading your post but also take comfort I’m making the right decision for my lab Midnight. He’s been having issues and his legs collapsing under him daily as well, I’ve waited as long as I could. Thank you for sharing yours and Lerb’s life story Terri.
My beautiful Girl Maisie was 15 2 months, up until a week ago she was going for her short walks, going out in the garden to toilet, loved her food, but Sunday she fell ill and laid down and didn’t get up again. We are devastated, she was my sons dog and my son passed away in 2007 after being attacked and we loved Maisie so much and she helped us through those very dark days. We owe her the world. We are so blessed to have shared our lives with you. Always with us Maisie
We were so lucky to have our wonderful chocolate lab ‘Tash’ for over 17 years until he passed away 11th June 21. He was such a loving/friendly boy who like most labs absolutely loved his food and the park…..he literally sniffed all the way there!! Miss him so much….. The whole family told him how much he was loved before he passed. He had hearing problems/hip problems (sardines and cod liver oil given which we think seemed to help his joints)….lifted him up when his back legs wouldn’t. He couldn’t quite get to the garden for a wee when he needed to either but he was family and we were there for him. Miss and love you Tashey!!!!xxxxx
Scooter. My lab ,Peg, is almost 14 and named after a man who kept all of our equipment up on my college football team, He had one leg thus the name Peg and was a daddy to us all.i got my lab Peg after having 5 bipasses in 2007. Her rear legs give out often and get tangled as well. Very smart,alert, eats well but has lost control of her rear end and legs. Can walk short distances but falls often now. I have to pick her up but she is still so alert and smart Andre eats well. Loves to ride and loves everyone. She has no control when and where she goes to the bathroom. Never loved a pet so much. How do you let go of a lab so devoted to you?
T
Hi T, this article on our sister site might be of further interest to you, best wishes.
My beautiful boy passed yesterday, he was yellow Labrador aged 11 . We are distraught.
I am so sorry and I can only imagine your pain. I have a beautiful girl yellow Lab 11 and I dread the day I will lose her. She has slowed down a lot and sleeps a lot, I know that day will come. I love her so much and have spent every day we have had her with her. We stopped going abroad and have had cottage holidays in the UK and she comes with us. I will have wonderful memories of our darling girl.
When she had the seizure did the dog collapse in the floor.My lab is about 11 years old approximately only. Last night my dog had dinner and sat a piece of crust on my lean cuisine pizza .on my way he goes out to potty and he collapsed in floor .couldn’t get up I got rugs under him and pulled him to living room I have him water and Gatorade thru the night.But he can’t get up .any ideas as my veterinarian recently passed away. Been unable to get a new one yet.I love in a rural area so not many set up practice here. Small population.
What an uplifting site – thank you everyone. Our fellow Gabriel is 14 now and so are his 4 sisters – Mia, Gwen, Megan, Purdey. His dad Rupert lived till he was 15 and a half and his mum only till 11 as she so sadly suffered a car accident the year before she died. They are all the kindest most empathic friends we could ever have.
Hopefully they still have a good future. Our friends have the sisters and we have Gabe. He loves swimming at the local beach here in Pembrokeshire, West Wales and has many friends in the area.
Thanks for listening….
My lab Blue, was my mothers. She passed in 2014 of heart failure. I already had a large dog and didn’t really want to keep him, but when no one stepped up to take him I said he could stay with me. He was 10 years old and over weight. I regulated his diet, exercise him regularly and he is now 15. Blue has stolen a special spot in my heart. I am noticing his decline, and I am dreading the day he leaves me, but I have been so blessed to have him.
I have a question, my lab is 15.5 years old and he is a part of our family. We do not support Euthanasia in my family. He does have some energy to walk once or twice a day but his back legs sometimes don’t work correctly. So I’m wondering what type of device can I get to make him safe to walk on the grass. Would a wheelchair work?
My lab turns 15 this month October 2020. Though last year was when we started to see her start to decline. She decided she did not want to go upstairs anymore. Also she has a weaker bladder so we have to take her out a lot more or we will find surprises. Also her fox red coat (Yellow Lab) is All bit gray now except for her tail. Overall she is still pretty healthy besides some joint and some arthritis issues. It’s hard though to see her declining when she use to be so active. She is still my little baby girl though.
Same thing happened with my 15.5 Yellow lab. He started declining couple of months ago, he cant walk or stand up on his own because i have wood floors so he would slip, but I help him with a hardness and a foam helmet from my kids Taekwondo class . He is on diapers all day so we don’t find any surprises and we also use the pee pads from target to have it under in case the diaper doesn’t work.
My girl Kiba is 12.5. She suffers from arthritis and has a fistula that won’t close, but the vet says she’s healthy as can be. While she’s slowing down all the time, she’s happy, hungry and loves cuddles.
I’ll never be ready to lose her she’s been my rock since my father passed 2 days after i got her. I’m prepared to do what ever makes her life the most loving and comfortable even if she takes most of me with her.
Until the time comes that she needs me to make the hard decision, I’ll cuddle and snuggle her all she wants.
You are totally right, you are doing the right thing by keeping her confortable. I’m doing the same thing with my 15.5 year old lab, vet said he is healthy just getting old. We never leave my dog alone anymore literally, he need us 100%.We are always with him and making sure he is fed and have water. I’m a believer that when it is their time they will let us know they are ready to leave us. Good luck.
My best buddy, Arnold, is almost 10 ( november 6 is his birthday ). I can not even imagine my life without him. I revolve my schedule around caring for his needs. He is not a big walker but I still take him out 2-3x everyday. Some walks are better than others especially when the weather is cooler. He would prefer to say hello to people walking by in hopes that they will give him a belly rub. He is a certified therapy dog and really misses interacting with people and other dogs during this pandemic, hates social distancing. He is such a great dog and we are truly blessed to have him in our lives.
I lost both of my elderly labs in 2020, and feel quite depressed about it. The younger, female lab was called Bianca and was 13 years old. She had slowed down a bit and had heart problems, but showed no mobility problems until her death. She was still playful. In April, she was accidentally killed by a motorcycle at a few meters distance from my home.
Her father Ivan celebrated his 15th birthday on 1 August. He was suffering from arthritis, urinary incontinence, and deafness. But until his last days, he was still capable of following us on short-distance walks. He needed some help up the stairs, but could manage them with a bit of an effort. About a week following his birthday, his health further deteriorated and he had trouble even walking within our home. We arranged an appointment for euthanasia with his vet. Ivan died quickly and seemingly without pain. It was better than prolonging his suffering, but we still lost a member of the family.
My dearest Lab Dan, is 15 years 3 months old and he’s got congestive Heart Failure for which he’s talking many medicines including diuretics. He’s always in a nappy and his hip arthritis means he can’t get up on this own and needs help peeing or pooping. But he’s still active enough to go for 20 minute walks three times a day and he’s crazy as ever for food. He’s survived some major health scares including UTI, food poisoning etc in the last year but he’s such a resilient doggo. His kidneys aren’t working perfectly but he’s doing ok!
Only wish is that he goes in this sleep, painlessly and peacefully.
Is he still.here
our lab Chloe is 14, we now have her on Royal pedigree hepatic diet, playing for her longevity. she te over from a babeosis attack 8 months back. now hind less seem week, any suggestions on how to handle. I cook for her every second day some vegetables and she is a designer and u derstands everything
My beautiful Chocolate Lab Nola just past away 5 days ago, she was 14.5 years old. She was lovely and we will missed her.
I am sorry that your Lab passed. I know you are experiencing great pain from such a loss. I have a Yellow that’s over 11 now and still doing good. I have times of sadness occasionally thinking of that dreaded day. Even though we hurt over saying goodbye, our lives and souls are much richer having raised and loved a dog. I firmly believe that we will be reunited with them one day. I wish you peace and healing during this time.
Sorry for your loss! I am just back from the vet with our 12 yr old golden girl, Bess, who sadly has leukaemia. We are keeping he till she stops smiling! The loveliest dogs! My last lab lived to17, but sadly Bess is ageing at a younger age.
I have a 14 year old girl. The most beautiful placid thing. She struggles to walk up stairs or for to long so she comes to my house on weekends for a break. She loves the attention follows me everywhere and if I’m not in sight she find someone else to follow and beg for a pat. Her son is 10 and has really bad arthritis and needs frequent antibiotics and pain relief the vet said surgery may be an option but he’s probably too old to recover but he’s still so happy and grandmar can’t bare to put him down, I’m dreading for the day, but I am so blessed to have them in my life. Labrador’s are truely the most kindest loving and happy natured animals ❤️
Harley my black lab is now 13 1/2 years old. A terrific dog and great companion!! He’s had one instance with an oral melanoma growth. Working closely with my veterinarian my Labrador is still going. I cannot stress enough the importance of a regular morning and evening walks, and cooking batches of food for three to four day supply. Use good protein such as chicken, fish, beef, and vegetables like broccoli, peas, rice, (discuss with your vet for approved ingredients). Supplement fish oil pill on a 2-3 day period. Recognizing and managing food allergies with is key.
Our Jazz is nearing 13 yrs and she’s been amazing! She never wants to be alone and she’ll let you know that! She’s slowing down these days and sometimes doesn’t want to eat, but fortunately still loves her walks and her pool days! My wife and I are fortunate to have Jazz in our lives!
Our Chocolate Lab is 9yrs old. I’m so happy to read these posts that many labs live up to 14-17yrs old.
We moved from the U.K. to the Caribbean 2yrs ago and she loves the sea.
I would love to have her with us at least another 5yrs ❤️
Ours is now 14 years 2 months and sleeps a lot.
She has ataxia in her back legs. It is going to very difficult to let her go for us.
She does however turn into an 8 year old when food is involved.
My chocolate lab is over 11 and a half now. What an amazing dog he has been. Ruptured his cruciate ligament when he was 3 but apart from that he’s brilliant. Sleeps a lot now a days and I have to limit his exercise as he just wouldn’t stop then struggles to walk for 2 days. Still loves a swim in the river to fetch a stick!
He is my best mate and I am dreading “the day”
Jim, I am so happy to hear about your 11 1/2 year old lab. I also have a lab the same age, Remi. He is also an amazing dog and I don’t want that day to come. He has arthritis and we have him on meds and CBD which really helps, keep up the swimming, it’s great for their arthritis. Remi loves it
I have a Lab Molly 11 now. She has slowed right down and sleeps a lot. We have had her from a pup and a beautiful darling dog she has been. She has just started to have hydrotherapy to help her joints, but it takes her 2 days to recover. I love her so much and I dread the day, but I know it is coming. She takes pain killers and a supplement.
Oh jeez … goin thru that now with an almost 12 yr old choc lab not mine but have known him since a puppy who belonged to family and we took him in when their circumstances changed … seems happy in himself still likes to get out and sniff etc but his appetite is decreasing and his drinking increasing which are usually signs of kidney failure and there is no fixing that but as he is not visibly in pain still seeks out human comfort etc so we are giving him his best life for now sleeps on bed etc yes best dogs in world are labs have only ever pts one much loved dog and I was a sobbing mess but got to step up for the old lad when the time comes as it’s the last thing I can do for him ❤️
My lab chance will be 17 years old on Wednesday, April 1.
He has been my constant companion since I adopted him {rescued him} in 2006.
My love for him knows no boundaries. He is nearing the end of his life on this earth. I thank him for everything he has given and taught me. He has made my life better than it would have been without him.
When he does go home, I will miss him so very much.
Elliotm Lab Olive passed away 2 weeks ago, I also have had her since she was 6 months old. I miss her every day and thank it will become easier, but it does not. She was sweet, beautiful and a therapy dog and gave so many people Happy. I wake up and she is not there and it breaks my heart. I knew it was time when she was having time walking and taking meds for pain. I always said I would not let her suffer, so on Oct. 8th my vet came over and we put her to sleep in the yard in her favorite place. She deserved the best because she gave me the best. Olive I miss you so and I thank you for the joy you gave me for 17years.
I have a 15 year old lab. She is the same age as my son. She had a seizure the other day and I got really scared she would be gone but after 5 mins she asked to go outside.
She is getting more and more tired, still goes outside to do her business and still has a good appetite…
I have a 14 year old lab.. He had a seizure and got aspirating pneumonia but was stable when I took him to the vet and was able to take him home the same day. He’s currently on antibiotics but is getting better. Wants to go on long walks and sit outside for hours and still eating.. But his seizure did scare me and I was afraid I would have to let him go.
I have an 11 years black lab, I will have to rehome him with somebody else due to my departure. I feel very sad and don’t know if he will be able to adapt. He is a bit agressive in nature. Give me some hints please.
I have a 15 year and 2 months female Black Lab named Gigi. She still goes on short walks and has a great appetite but is also dealing with a thymoma, arthritis and has a thymoma. Great dog and one tuff lady.
When she had the seizure did the dog collapse in the floor.My lab is about 11 years old approximately only. Last night my dog had dinner and sat a piece of crust on my lean cuisine pizza .on my way he goes out to potty and he collapsed in floor .couldn’t get up I got rugs under him and pulled him to living room I have him water and Gatorade thru the night.But he can’t get up .any ideas as my veterinarian recently passed away. Been unable to get a new one yet.I love in a rural area so not many set up practice here. Small population.
Is she still okay?
Thanks I have a 12 yo Lab is not the dog he is well taken care of it’s the dog mom I want to prepare. This will help!
Thank you for this bit of information. Our dog Diesel is 13 years old. We thought he would’ve matured from a puppy mentality but he has surely surprised us. He’s a rare one for sure! Was just playing ball with him today and he is like the Energizer bunny. I had to stop so he didnt collapse on me. Hoping he makes it another year or 2.
Thats whats happening with my 15 yr old lab Sweetie he is a pup in a seniors body he goes for 2 walks a day and plays with his young brother Rufus (australian sheppard)
Our Marty is now 24 and still pretty energetic. However she’s slowing down and can now only walk for about 25 minutes. She’s always been lean and fit. She’s showing signs of aging this year. She’s a great dog!
Did you say 24?
My girl Bella is 14.She’s definitely an old gal but still pretty spry at times. As long as she can still get around and doesn’t have any issues causing a lot of pain we just let her do her old lady things. My hope is that when she does pass it’s peacefully and not some last minute dash to the vet.
24 come on really
Think that is an error unless it is a small dog and not a lab.
Small dogs might live to 24.
My family dog Bradley died last year at 20, he was a mix of allsorts, not a pedagree, such a lovely dog. He still ate well, managed to get outside to do his buisness but did loose a lot of weight and his eyesite wasn’t great. With regular check ups at the vets we were suprised they kept saying he was fine to come home. He passed away peacefully in his sleep. Bradley the wonder dog 🙃
I found this information helpful, and I’m very grateful! I’m left with a question though, because apparently my 11-year-old lab is an exception to the rule.
He has not yet needed any assistance getting up or down off the bed. He is still able to run and play fetch occasionally, and we still go for long hikes. He is definitely slowed down a bit, and has a couple of health issues we are looking at. I’m curious if he’s just aging really gracefully, but the aging is still happening? I mean of course the aging is still happening, he’s a biological creature. We all age and we all die.
My question is this: what of a Lab who doesn’t demonstrate the normal characteristics of aging? He displaced some, but not nearly the lengthy list that is listed for his age range.
I mean I would love it if he lives well past the normal expected age. He’s a dear loving friend. I hate to think he only has about a year left or so.
My Lab all most 14 I had to put to sleep this Oct 12,2023 and that was the hardest thing my wife and I ever had to do and never left his side through the process.He was such a great companion and did everything and so smart.Well I have been crying for a few days now it is so so hard and just feel sick but in my hard and the way the last few living days having a hard time with his rear legs and hips as he was on meds it was time .Having a hard time just loved that lab he was the best .
Thank you. Just about 11- born on the day, my mom passed away 31 years ago!
Most perfect dog: KOA