Every dog should be examined annually by a veterinarian. Even if you choose not to vaccinate your Lab every year, he still needs a physical exam to make sure his overall health is good. During this physical exam, the vet will listen to the dog's heart and lungs; take his temperature, pulse, and breathing rate; weigh him; check the eyes, ears, and skin for infection or parasites; look inside the mouth to make sure there's no tartar buildup on teeth or other dental problems; test his range of motion to make sure his movement is smooth (not stiff); and palpate (feel) his body to make sure the organs don't seem enlarged and that there are no suspicious lumps or bumps that could indicate infections or tumors.

Besides this annual exam, your Lab should go to the veterinarian any time he has a serious injury or illness. A small cut or scrape can usually be treated at home, and minor bouts of vomiting or diarrhea usually aren't a problem. A visit to the veterinarian is warranted if vomiting or diarrhea is frequent or lasts for more than forty-eight hours, if the dog's behavior is unusual — say, lack of appetite for more than a day — or if the dog suffers an injury that causes lameness or that you can't treat with your canine first-aid kit. Following are some examples of the common illnesses or injuries that your Lab might encounter and what to do about them.