John Lewis Pet Insurance for your Labrador

• Choose from six levels of vet-fee cover, up to £12,0000

• Lifetime cover, when you renew your policy with no break in cover

• 24/7 access to vetfone™ helpline

John Lewis Pet Insurance is arranged, administrated and underwritten by Pinnacle Insurance Ltd.

Terms, policy limits, exclusions and conditions apply.

Why we love labradors

Labradors (or Labrador Retrievers) are a traditional family pet. They often have friendly and outgoing personalities. This helps them bond easily with their owners and other dogs.

• A common choice for guide dogs and search and rescue animals

• Originally found in Newfoundland, Canada, as a fisherman’s companion

• They’re born with ‘otter tails’ and slightly webbed feet that help them power through the water

Labrador facts

Common health problems for labradors

Every dog is different, but there are a few health issues that do appear frequently in labradors. Just like all dogs, labradors can suffer from a variety of health issues.

We hope that your friend doesn’t experience any of these conditions. But by knowing what health issues might develop, you can catch them early.

This list is not exhaustive, and any concerns you have for your pet's health should always be raised with a vet.

Obesity

Weight problems can be common in labradors. They like to eat their food quickly and aren’t afraid of begging for snacks! Obesity in dogs can lead to other health conditions that affect their heart, liver and joints.

Signs to look for:

• Sagging around the abdomen

• Reluctance to go for walks

• Finding it difficult to feel their ribs or spine when applying gentle pressure

• Panting more than usual

What to do:

Weight issues can be managed by making a few small changes. A good exercise regimen and a well-managed diet can help you keep your dog healthy by putting a plan in place. For advice on food and exercise plans for your labrador, you should consult your vet.

Hip dysplasia

This joint problem occurs when the ball and socket that make up your dog’s hip joint grow at different speeds. When the ball and socket are different sizes, the joint can be loose and may cause osteoarthritis.

Signs to look for:

• Difficulty climbing stairs

• Struggling to go from lying down to standing

• Limping or wobbling

What to do:

If you’re worried about your labrador's hips, you should consult your vet for advice. Treatment for hip dysplasia can involve exercise routines, anti-inflammatory medication, or surgery.

Arthritis

Just like humans, dogs can also experience arthritis. It’s more common in older dogs and larger breeds. Arthritis is a term for inflammation of joints. Inflammation develops when the cartilage around the joints wears away.

Signs to look for:

• Unwillingness to run or jump

• Difficulty climbing stairs

• Struggling to stand up

What to do:

If you suspect your labrador may have arthritis, it’s advisable to take them to your vet so they can be examined. Treatment for arthritis can consist of anti-inflammatory medication, an exercise plan or joint supplements.

GDV (Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus)

Larger dogs (most often males) can experience a condition called GDV. This is the bloating and then twisting of their stomach, which can be very serious.

Signs to look for:

• Swollen abdomen

• Shallow breathing

• Retching or vomiting

What to do:

If you suspect your labrador may be experiencing GDV, you should always take them to the vet, as it can be fatal. To help reduce the risk of GDV, you can try leaving a gap between your dog's meal times and exercising. You can also reduce their portion sizes.

Ear infections

Labradors can suffer from ear infections, which are most commonly caused by allergic disease. This can cause inflammation of the ears, allowing bacteria and/or yeasts to overrun them and cause infections. Swimming can make infections worse, allowing bacteria and yeasts to grow faster.

Signs to look for:

• Inflamed or red ear

• Excessively scratching at ears

• Repeated head shaking

What to do:

Your vet may treat the infection by cleaning out the ear canal and then administering medication. To help prevent ear infections from happening again, you can regularly clean your dog's ears to check for trapped debris and always dry them well after swimming or bathing.

¹ As long as you renew your policy with us and there is no break in cover
² Cover forms part of vet fees
³ Covered if you cannot look after your dog or cat due to personal injury or illness that results in a hospital stay for more than 48 hours

What's not included with John Lewis Pet Insurance?

• Treatment for any pre-existing medical conditions

• Vet fees following an accident in the first 3 days of your cover start date

• Any new illnesses or symptoms that occur in the first 14 days of your cover start date
  

Pet insurance with six levels of vet fee cover

We understand that every owner’s situation is different. But this shouldn’t affect the quality of care for your pet. You can choose a level of vet fee cover that suits your budget — when you get a quote.

There are six levels of vet fee cover options available under lifetime insurance:

• up to £2,000

• up to £3,000

• up to £5,000

• up to £7,500

• up to £9,000

• up to £12,000

If you’re looking to reduce your premium costs, you can choose an excess fee to pay each time you claim. Choosing a higher excess means you will pay a lower monthly or yearly price, but you will need to pay the higher excess amount if you need to claim for Vet Fees. If you choose a lower excess, you will pay a higher monthly or yearly price, but you will pay the lower excess amount if you need to claim for Vet Fees. You will need to consider if a lower price would benefit you more than having to pay more towards the cost of a claim.

Average treatment costs for labradors

Exact costs for vet treatments can vary. Factors like the severity of your labrador’s condition and the vet you visit can affect the total bill. If you know the amount you may have to make a claim for, it can help you work out the level of pet insurance you could need.

Looking for insurance for your labrador?

Pet insurance could help if your furry friend were to become unwell. John Lewis Pet Insurance offers six different vet fee cover levels, ranging from £2,000 - £12,000 per policy year.

Our pet insurance

This article is for promotion or information purposes only. You must not rely on it for advice.