Labrador retrievers have slightly different lifespans depending on numerous factors, but on average, Labs can live for 12 to 12.5 years. This is not for all labs because life expectancy is contingent on many factors like genetics, diet, stress, depression, etc.

Factors affecting lab lifespan: 

Several factors contribute to the longevity of Labrador retrievers, as they are linked to the health and well-being of labs.

Some factors and their roles are described here.

Genetics and lifespan of Labrador:

Purebred labs inherit many traits from their parents, which contribute to their health and vitality; consequently, they tend to live for longer periods than sick ones. Genetics has a lot to do with the life expectancy of labs, as it directly influences their behavior, temperament, and interactions with others. A happy and satisfied lab will survive longer than a discontented one.

Effect of behavior and temperament on life expectancy: 

Genes control the behavior and temperament of labs, which, according to some research, have impacts on the well-being and lifespan of Labradors. Labs are prone to anxiety, depression, nervousness, and dullness hurt longevity. Labs active for walking, performance, and exercises are more likely to live longer than dull and passive ones. One of the behaviors commonly observed in dogs is barking; why do dogs bark? is a query often posed by pet owners.

Size and weight of labs: 

Size and weight also have been shown to impact the life expectancy of labs; abnormal size due to a medical or genetic defect negatively impacts the longevity of labs. Obese and overweight individuals have serious health complications, which take a toll on the life expectancy of dogs.

Impact of breeding practices on lifespan: 

Breeding practices influence the overall traits of labs due to inbreeding hereditary diseases and complications that persist within the population and have an impact on the lifespan of labs.

Hereditary diseases and lifespan: 

Generally, Labradors are healthy and not prone to diseases of normal occurrence, but they do suffer from some hereditary diseases that are passed on from the parents and cause serious health crises in the lab population. Commonly affecting hereditary diseases are hip dysplasia, CNM, etc.

Lifespan and diets: 

Labs getting a healthy and balanced diet will have greater chances of surviving for a longer period; this rules out deficiency diseases from attacking the labs.

Color and life expectancy: 

Earlier, it was not believed that color had any relation to the life expectancy of labs, but recently it has been revealed that color and life expectancy are somewhat interrelated. Back and yellow land are believed to live an average life of 12.1 years, while chocolate labs can live an average of 10.7 years.

Vaccination and preventive treatment: 

Preventive treatments lessen the chance of getting diseases, and labs will be healthy.

Neutering and life expectancy: 

It is believed that neutered labs have a longer life expectancy, but this is disputed and not accepted by all researchers.

Some common diseases of Labradors affecting longevity:

Comparatively, Labradors are healthy dogs, but they are prone to some diseases, some of which are discussed here: 

Joint dislocation: 

Joint dislocation, like elbow dislocation, is a common occurrence in those who do heavy exercises or physical work.

Hip dysplasia: 

Labradors are likely to be affected by hip dysplasia; faulty hip joint formation is a common cause of hip dysplasia in Labradors. Signs include pain, limping, lameness, etc.

Joint inflammation: 

Inflammation of joints like arthritis is common in Labradors; this takes a toll on the longevity of labs.

Overweight and obesity: 

Labs are greedy and voracious eaters, so they tend to gain weight. Obesity is one of the major health concerns in labs. Not only does it affect their overall health, but it may also change normal behaviors like how they lick their paws.

Endocrine problems: 

Endocrine problems can cause serious and life-threatening conditions in the lab; hypothyroidism is one of them.

Infection of the ears: 

Labs are highly susceptible and prone to ear infections.

Health tips to increase the life expectancy of labs: 

Here some tips and strategies are discussed.

A balanced and proper diet: 

A balanced diet means feed containing all the essential nutrients in a proportion that is required for the growth and survival of animals. Feed the labs with diets containing carbohydrates, protein, lipids, minerals, and vitamins because all these are necessary for the health of Labradors. Proportions of the required nutrients should be figured out before formulating feed for labs. Follow the guidelines of a specialized nutritionist to keep your labs healthy.

Regular physical exercise: 

Keep your labs active by inducing them to do regular exercise; walking, running, and playing are essential for the fitness of your labs.If you have a new lab puppy, you might want to consider this new puppy checklist.

Monitoring weight: 

Keep the weights of labs in check by providing them with what is needed; otherwise, obesity may lead to many problems like joint issues, cardiovascular problems, hormonal changes, etc.

Avoid overfeeding: 

Feed your labs. Two meals daily; fasting is necessary in Labradors. Overfeeding is lethal to the labs.

Provide a stress-free environment. 

The environment and surroundings should be free of noise, pollution, and stress. Stress and depression have a bad have a bad impact on the health of labs.

Vaccination and disease prevention: 

The vaccination schedule should be followed to prevent them from contacting sick individuals. Contagious diseases can spread from infected people to healthy ones; try to keep infected people away from healthy labs.

Neutering and spaying timing: 

Don't perform neutering and spaying before they reach the age of one year.

Conclusion: 

In the end, it is advisable to understand the factors contributing to the life expectancy and health status of Labradors, following the tips and guidelines shared by canine experts and veterinarians, the lifespan of your canine buddy (Labrador retriever) can be improved.