Labradors at risk of middle age spread
Labradors gain an average of 0.9kg a year between the ages of one and four.
Labrador retrievers can suffer from weight gain in middle age just as humans do, according to a UK canine health survey.
The study, published in the journal Preventative Veterinary Medicine, shows that labradors gain an average of 0.9kg a year between the ages of one and four, putting them at risk of being overweight by the time they reach middle age.
Previous research suggests that, in the UK, labradors are the most likely to be overweight. The dogs are fully grown after 18 months and are regarded as being near middle age by the age of four. Researchers say that putting on almost 1kg every year after reaching maturity puts many at risk of obesity.
The findings form part of the Dogslife project, which seeks to gain a greater insight into links between the labrador's lifestyles and their health and wellbeing.
As part of the project, dog owners provided details about their animal's lifestyle and the team assessed the activity levels and size of over 4000 Kennel Club registered labradors as they grew to the age of four.
Chocolate labs were found to weigh, on average, 1.4kg more than yellow and black labradors. While exercise is important, the researchers say that other factors such as genetics appear to play a role in why some dogs gain more weight than others in early life.
Initial findings from the project will help researchers to carry out further studies into the links between dogs' body size, lifestyle and overall health.
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.”
Veterinary practices are being urged to help owners safely dispose of any unused and expired pet medicines - not just antibiotics - during November's Animal Medicines Amnesty. 
