While some breeds can live longer, most American and European dogs live about 12.8 human years. Smaller dogs tend to have a longer life expectancy than the larger ones. This is because larger dogs work their bodies harder and tend to wear out their body and energy earlier than the smaller dogs.

Although there are some factors that determine the dog’s life, just like humans, a dog’s life can be determined by the way they are treated. Similarly, humans who are more energetic and healthy live longer than the sick and inactive ones, dogs are the same. If they are prevented from stress, cold, obesity, lack of exercise and poor diet, they can live longer than their estimated life expectancy.

Unfortunately, health problems have become a common issue in Labrador Retrievers. One main cause of this is due to genetics. Many Labrador Retrievers unfortunately inherit health problems (cancer, epilepsy, autoimmune diseases, and etc.) from their parents. The other main cause is the environment. Labrador Retrievers’ health is affected by anything that comes in contact with their mouth (chew toys, water, and food), anything that is put in their bodies (chemicals, vaccines, sprays, and medications), and everything that they breathe (smoke and fumes).

A Labrador Retriever that have little to no health problems is said to have an average lifespan between 12 and 13 years. This is referred to as the median age, a point when half of a specific dog breed live past this age, while the other are no longer alive. To help a Labrador Retreiver live longer, the owner needs to provide the dog with constant attention. It is important to continually provide your dog with the highest quality pet food that contains nutrients that are easier for the Labrador Retriever to digest. Providing your dog with the highest quality pet food can help your Labrador Retriever avoid indigestible nutrients, high carbohydrate content, and chemicals that are commonly found in lower quality pet foods.