January 20, 2012
Posted in Common Pet Conditions, Pet Health

Labrador retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds because of their friendly demeanor and passion for exercise outdoors. It may seem like your Lab physically cannot get enough exercise, but owners have to be the judge of this. Many dogs will slow down or stop when they become tired during fetch or another game, but Labs tend to become so engrossed in the activity and the attention they are receiving from it that they will run until they become weak and collapse from exhaustion.

This is a real condition that is called exercise induced collapse in Labrador retrievers. You may first start to notice these symptoms in young Labs between the ages of five months and three years of age. These pooches are more excitable in general, and once they become more mature may understand that it is a good idea to stop and rest. Not all Labs are the same, and those that are more easily excited are more likely to encounter this issue.

The weather can also be a factor in this condition. When the temperature and humidity are high and the dog is running hard or playing intensely, you may start to notice symptoms after five to 20 minutes of extreme exercise or excitement, the news outlet reports. The Lab's back legs may become weak and may drag. It may also stand with its legs too far apart or pick them up too far when running or walking. The pooch may fall over while running, or be unable to move its head and all fours after exercise. However, these dogs are usually not in pain and are still alert.

If this happens to your Lab, make sure you bring it up at your next veterinary appointment. Your vet may ask for a history of your pet's health and will likely ask about possible incidents that may have led to the condition. The vet may also do a physical examination and some blood tests to rule out other illnesses that could be causing the symptoms.

Treatment for this condition generally involves you monitoring your pooch during the types of activities that cause it. You should always watch your dog for signs of exhaustion while tossing the Wing-A-Ball or Durable 10-Inch Football Dog Toy. You should always have fresh water in your dog's Durapet Dish & Bowls and encourage it to drink after playing. Your vet may recommend some pet meds to treat this condition, and may recommend a joint supplement like Dasuquin or Glyco-Flex III to keep active Labs healthy. 

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3. Prepare for risks at the dog park
4. What makes Labrador retrievers so special?