Do Dogs Get Middle Age Spread?

Labrador Retrievers can suffer from weight gain in the middle age just like people, says study.

19:32 28 October 2015

A study led by scientists at Edinburgh University found that Labrador Retrievers gain an average of 2lb each year putting them at risk of being overweight by middle age.

 

The team assessed more than 4,000 Kennel Club registered Labrador Retrievers and found that those who spent more time fetching, chasing, and retrieving tended to weigh less.

 

The team also found that other than activity levels, weight gain in the animals is affected by other factors such genetics. Their study showed that chocolate-coloured Labradors weigh, on average, 3lb more than yellow and black Labradors.

 

Dr Dylan Clements, of the Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies and The Roslin Institute, who led the study, said: "Dogslife is a ground-breaking study of canine health, which is made possible thanks to the incredible dedication of dog owners."