What Kind of Health Clearance Should an English Lab Puppy Have?
At Smoky Mtn Labradors, we breed dogs with their health and longevity in mind. As such, we ensure that every English Labrador we bring into the world is not only checked and tested but has healthy parents. If you're planning on welcoming an English Lab puppy into your family and would like to learn more about the importance of health clearance for dogs, here's some important information.
What Is Dog Health Clearance?
Health clearances are a comprehensive assessment aimed at identifying and mitigating potential health issues before they can affect a breed line. In the case of English Labs, obtaining health clearances involves a series of health tests and screenings to ensure that these dogs are free from genetic diseases and conditions that can impact their quality of life.
Doing so not only benefits the individual dog but also contributes to the overall health and longevity of the breed. Adhering to protocols established by organizations like the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals and the Canine Health Information Center helps promote a standard of excellence — and, most importantly, ensures that the English Labs live healthy lives free of genetic disease and other health concerns.
It's Important to Test English Labs for
Elbow and Hip Dysplasia
Testing and screening for hip and elbow dysplasia in English Labs is of utmost importance due to the breed's susceptibility to these conditions. Hip and elbow dysplasia results from an abnormal formation of the hip or elbow joint, leading to pain, lameness, and other severe issues.
Since these conditions have a significant genetic component, health screenings such as screening elbow X-rays and receiving final elbow certification are vital for identifying affected dogs.
Heart Diseases
Heart diseases, like Tricuspid valve dysplasia (TVD) are another health risk that English Labs. Testing and screening for these conditions — including conducting normal cardiac exams — are vital in detecting early signs of heart issues that are primarily inherited and prevalent in the English Labrador breed.
Organizations like the American Kennel Club advocate for these health tests to identify and manage heart disease effectively. By ensuring that only dogs with clear health certificates are bred, we minimize the occurrence of heart-related health issues in Labrador puppies.
Arthritis
Arthritis can severely impact an English Lab's quality of life. Testing and screening for conditions that contribute to arthritis, such as severe hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia, are crucial steps in mitigating the onset and progression of arthritis.
Recognizing and addressing these conditions while they're still very young puppies through health screenings and genetic testing allows for early intervention with treatments such as weight control and dietary supplements. This preventative approach ensures that English Labrador Retrievers can lead a more comfortable and healthy life, free from the debilitating effects of arthritis.
The Importance of English Lab Health Clearance
The importance of obtaining a health clearance for an English Lab cannot be overstated. Health clearances serve as a benchmark for responsible breeding, ensuring that only healthy dogs with no genetic predispositions to breed-specific health problems are bred.
Closely following health testing requirements and obtaining necessary health clearances, breeders contribute to the health and well-being of the breed. This diligence helps produce healthy puppies that are less likely to suffer from conditions like progressive retinal atrophy, exercise-induced collapse, or other genetic disorders — thereby ensuring the vitality and longevity of the breed for generations to come.
Helpful Resources for New English Labrador Owners
The Smoky Mtn Method
Health & Nutrition Information
New Puppy Owner Advice
Contact Smoky Mtn Labradors Today to Learn More About Health Clearances
We have decades of experience breeding dogs, meaning that you can have confidence in choosing us as your English Labrador breeder. If you'd like to learn more about Smoky Mtn Labradors, the English Lab breed, and other information every pet owner should know prior to the arrival of their furry friend, reach out today.
