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How Many Years Does A Golden Retriever Live

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Bigger Dogs Lead Shorter Lives

Golden Retriever Pros And Cons | The Good AND The Bad!!

Big dogs, in general, dont get to stay around as long as their smaller counterparts.;Why this happens is still a mystery. After all, it flies in the face of other mammals. After all, elephants live longer than mice!

Why doesnt this apply to dogs?

New research has determined that larger dogs simply age more rapidly than smaller ones. They live their lives larger and faster. That being said, this doesnt ring true for all dogs. A;Border Collie lifespan is approximately the same as a Golden, though they are almost half the weight.

Most people equate one dog year to seven human years, but this is a misleading generalization. It all depends on the size of the dog.;Scientists have concluded that for every 4.4 pounds of weight a dog has, their life expectancy is reduced by one month.

Are There Genetic Health

According to studies white goldens and traditional goldens can differ from bone structure and length of fur. I have written a complete post in detail comparing the different colors of a golden retriever.;

Theres no difference in age or how long a golden can live based on color. Size color or gender does not play any kind of role in health-related problems. Every canine has the potential to fall sick just as equally as the other.

Fact #1: Golden Retrievers Live An Average Of 10

The average golden retriever lifespan is 10-12 years, which is about the same as other breeds of dogs their size.

For comparison, German shepherds live between 7-10 years, and labradors live between 10-12 years.

Smaller breeds typically live longer lives , while larger breeds typically live shorter lives .

Of course, these are just averages, and many dogs live longer or shorter lives than these ranges.

Read Also: Healthy Golden Retriever

Do Bigger Dogs Have Shorter Lives

It is still a mystery that the lifespan of a bigger dog is smaller and researchers are searching the link between size and age. Though, new research determines that the larger dogs live shorter and age faster. It is believed that one year of your retriever equals seven human years but this may not be completely true since size also influences the lifespan.

Is It True That Golden Retrievers Love To Swim

Golden Retriever health And Care

Its certainly true that as a breed overall, Goldens love to swim and the majority will seek out even the smallest puddles to get a little wet when possible. But its not true of each one because they are individual with their own unique likes and dislikes.

If a golden has a bad experience with water as a puppy or isnt socialized to it they may grow up to dislike it.

Swimming is a great exercise for Goldens, particularly in very hot weather or for elderly dogs, so its worth getting them used to it when young and letting them enjoy the pursuit of swimming.

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What Is The Average Life Expectancy Of A Golden Retriever

People choose their pets for various reasons. ;It could be the breed they always wanted, it could be the breed’s looks, temperament, or price may even be a factor.;

Not often do prospective owners really consider how long that pet will be a part of their family before they cross the rainbow bridge. It probably doesnt even cross their minds when they see that adorable little golden face.

They do say that smaller dogs tend to live longer and the opposite is true for larger dogs. So, how long does a golden retriever live and what can we do to keep them with us longer?

No Exposure To Toxic Substances

This might seem like something obvious – after all, who would want to do that to their pup? However, the thing is that sometimes you might not even know that you are doing it.

For instance, toys you buy for your Golden Retriever might contain toxins and chemicals due to the way they are manufactured. That’s why before you purchase a toy, you should do some research about the company making it and ensure that they are transparent about how their manufacturing process looks.

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What Product Names Actually Mean On Dog Food

The product name is supposed to tell you the main food that has been used for a majority of the makeup.;So if the product is about chicken then chicken should usually be printed somewhere on the packaging.;This is a great indication to know that the chicken label is;telling you that;around;70% of the food is chicken.

But this can change if you see something like chicken flavor as that will only indicate a whopping;3% is included in the meal.

Genetics Play A Role In Golden Retrievers Longevity

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Genetics will also play a role in a golden retrievers longevity. Depending on their family history, where they were bred, and how many litters the parents had previously, the longevity of your specific golden retriever can vary. This is why you should always check on the breeders before you buy from them.

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A Good Diet Is Key For A Long Healthy Life

Golden Retrievers are considered a large species of dogs. This means that it is going to be very important to consider the dogs current age when buying food.

Since Goldens are already prone to hip disease, any weight gain will put additional stress on the joints and potentially increase the risk even more. ;

Dog foods are also split into puppy and adult categories. Feeding your Golden Retriever adult diet when they are still a puppy can lead to other health issues since adult foods are specifically designed with adult nutrition needs in mind.

Golden Retrievers grow to be full size within two years of birth, though some of them grow to full size around a year. As a rule of thumb, you should not feed your Golden Retriever an adult diet until he or she is fully grown.

It is safe to feed your Golden Retriever puppy this diet for the full two years if you wish, but if you feel they are fully grown and would like to make the switch to adult food, all you have to do is simply ask your veterinarian, and they will guide you.

Taste of the Wild Southwest Canyon

Taste Of The Wild Southwest has been widely reviewed to be a portion of high-quality dog food for Golden Retrievers. A healthy balance of protein and grains is ideal for large species of dogs, including Goldens.

The top five ingredients in this particular diet are:

;;;;;;Beef

;;;;;;Pea Protein

;;;;;;Tapioca Starch

This also has a zinc amino acid complex, which has been proven to deliver high nutritional value for Golden Retrievers.

Golden Retriever Lifespan: How Long Do Golden Retrievers Live

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If youre thinking about adding a Golden Retriever to your family, then you probably have important questions, like how long do Golden Retrievers live? You may also be wondering if theres anything you can do to increase her lifespan.

Golden Retrievers are the third-most-popular dog in the United States, behind only Labrador Retrievers and German Shepherds.

And for good reason they are amazing family dogs who are intelligent, love their people, and are eager to please. Understandably, you want to keep your beloved retriever around as long as possible.

Determining the Golden Retriever lifespan is such an important question that the Morris Animal Foundation is currently studying the lives of more than 3,000 Golden Retrievers to monitor their lives and deaths and figure out what factors affect how long Golden Retrievers live.

The results of that lifetime study wont be ready for several more years, so in the meantime, lets talk about what we do know about the Golden Retriever life expectancy and what might help your retriever live a longer life.

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Are They Healthy Dogs

While Golden Retrievers are generally considered healthy dogs, they are susceptible to a number of conditions, such as:

Elbow Dysplasia

This is an inherited condition common in larger breeds where the bones that make up the elbow joint develop abnormally. It can be very painful and result in lameness.

Hip Dysplasia

This is also an inherited condition where the thighbone doesnt fit properly into the hip joint. Like elbow dysplasia, it can cause pain and lameness.

Hypothyroidism

With this disease, the thyroid gland produces too much of the hormone that helps regulate metabolism. This can lead to weight gain, skin issues, and heart problems. Luckily, it can often be treated with prescription medication.

Cataracts

Like humans, these dogs can get cataracts as they age, causing a cloudy film to form over the eye. Cataracts typically need surgical correction.

Heart Disease

Golden Retrievers are prone to heart problems, particularly a disorder called sub-aortic stenosis, which causes a narrowing of the aorta and can lead to sudden death. This makes it especially important to schedule annual check-ups, so your veterinarian can listen for heart murmurs and other signs of this disease.

Cancer

Skin cancer, bone cancer, and other variations of this disease can be common in Golden Retrievers. Our illness coverage includes cancer, which can be very helpful since treatments like surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy can be costly.

Allergies

Skin Problems

Ear Infections

Keep Your Golden Retriever A Healthy Weight

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Obesity causes many of the same problems for dogs that it does for people such as diabetes, heart problems, cancer, high blood pressure, arthritis, and other health problems.

In fact, obesity can shorten a dogs life by as much as 2 years!

How can you tell if your Golden Retriever is a healthy weight?

When your dog is standing up, you should be able to feel their ribs.

If you cant feel your dogs ribs, they need to lose some weight. Talk to your vet about the ideal weight for your golden and how you can safely help them lose the excess weight and gain months or years to their lifespan.

Read Also: Why Do Golden Retrievers Eat So Fast

Neutering And Spaying Can Increase Lifespan

Neutering or spaying your Lab could also help them live a longer life.

Neutering and spaying eliminates the risk of testicular and uterine tumors and cancers while also reducing the risk of other diseases like hernias, breast cancer, and various infections.

Spaying your female Lab will also stop her going into heat and conceiving a litter both stressful periods for your dog that may cause other life-limiting health problems.

A neutered male is also less likely to wander away from home in search of a mate, so risks of injuries from traffic accidents or fights with other dogs are greatly reduced.

How Long Do Golden Retrievers Live With Cancer

The occasional time length for dogs to live with cancer is around;2 months if left untreated.;However with chemotherapy and the correct treatment, then you can expect your furry friend to live;up to 12-months plus.

Whilst there is no length of time on how each individual pet will live.;These numbers are taken from averages that have been recorded over the last 5 years.;In the modern world that we live in with fancy new methods of living.

Its no surprise that we say label this with;genetics;as the problem to cover up the real issues that have been created and need to be addressed.;Lets take a look at how each of the genders has changed for Golden retrievers to see if these problems are occurring in both male and female dogs too.

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Golden Retriever Lifespan For Different Sub

If youve ever noticed that some golden retrievers seem darker or lighter gold than others, its because there are 3 different types of golden retriever, falling under the 3 sub-breeds of English or British. American and Canadian. Their life expectancy actually differs between each sub-breed .

Sub-breed
Up to 10 years old
Canadian Up to 11 years old

Subtle differences in the lifespan of each sub-breed are thought to be down to their varied lifestyles and genetics. Each sub-breed has a slightly different build from one another which will affect things like dietary needs, exercise and grooming needs.

English/British golden retrievers, for example, tend to be heavier and with thicker coats that can make them harder to manage, whereas Canadian and American retrievers tend to have shorter, thinner coats and can be taller.

Whichever sub-breed you have , the lifespan of your golden retriever will rely on your proper care of them as much as their genetics. Next, well look into the common health problems of golden retrievers and what owners can do to keep them at bay.

What Makes Good Food For Your Dog

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Good foods are made up of nutrients that contain a variety of grains, fruit, and vegetables. You will find that a majority of the dog foods are made of meats with fillers which are also just as important for their nutrition too.

Best quality foods currently on the market contain a variety of all of the above nutrients all in one. Not every food will include this, so youll need to take a look at which ones are best suited for your pup.

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What Should I Feed My Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers should be fed a high-quality dog food thats appropriate for their age. Your veterinarian can offer recommendations and advise you on a healthy feeding schedule. Be careful not to overfeed your Golden Retriever. Use a measuring cup to make sure youre providing the right amount of kibble, and dont go overboard on treats, which can be high in calories.

Its important to help your Golden Retriever maintain a healthy weight to avoid problems like joint pain, heart disease, and liver and kidney issues. Like other large breeds, theyre also prone to conditions like hip dysplasia and arthritis, which can become more painful if theyre carrying extra pounds.

Use Sunscreen On Sunny Summer Days

Although Golden Retriever has a doubled-layered skin coat, the pet is sensitive to the sun. Thus, these dog breeds can suffer from sunstroke when exposed to the sun for a longer time. The sun rays can harm the coat of your pet. And that leads to skin disorders, depigmentation, and excessive hair fall.

To avoid such health issues, you should use qualitative dog-specific sunscreen for your pet. The sunscreen protects the skin of your pet from disorders. So, your Golden Retriever will live a longer life.

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Common Signs Of Aging

Goldendoodles, when taken care of properly, can give you years and years of love and affection. However, the signs of aging are several such as

  • Age-based health problems begin to appear.
  • Their behavior changes. They become crankier.
  • Their gums and teeth may bleed
  • Their hip joints can dislocate
  • Their senses are affected
  • They may gain weight or may lose it.

Long May Your Golden Retriever Live

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Before getting a Golden Retriever you need to be aware that caring for a pet is a lifelong commitment.

While these dogs do get cancer more than any other breed of dog, there are lots of things you can do to ensure your Golden Retriever lives as long as possible.

Do you have a Golden member of your family? Let us know how old they are in the comments below.

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Why Are Golden Retrievers Prone To Cancer

So, why are Golden Retrievers prone to all these differenttypes of cancer? There are several reasons for this question. Studies are beingdone on the actual question as this article is being written. However, we dohave to wait for years before the data can truly tell us all the answers.

Genetics

One way that Golden Retrievers get cancer is genetic. Golden Retrievers have genetic issues that stem from breeding and their genes being passed down from generation to generation.

Due to those already pre-existing conditions being bred into the Golden Retriever, they are prone to cancer at a much high rate. Their other complications makes them more vulnerable as well.

Environment

Another way that Golden Retrievers are more prone to cancer is because of the environment in which we live. Some things can not only give Golden Retrievers cancer, but can also cause us cancer as well. Some of these environmental causes are the sun, environmental toxins, or radiation.

Some believe that animals risk of cancer goes up tremendously once their reproductive years are complete. Some call this natural selection.

Learn What To Do In Emergencies

Adequate knowledge to deal with emergencies is essential if you have a pet in the house. For this, you can consult with professionals for suggestions. And read books about the care and grooming of your Golden Retriever to help the pet live a long life.

Furthermore, be aware of the signs of emergencies. Such as:

  • Frequent urination
  • Restlessness
  • Difficulty in breathing.

If your pal shows such unusual behavior, immediately visit the Vet. The prescribed medication and advice of the Vet helps in the treatment, cure, and elimination of the health issues. Thus, your Golden Retriever can live a longer life.

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Scientists Studying Why Golden Retrievers Are Dying Sooner Getting Cancer

If a golden retriever gives birth, gets stung by a bee or sprayed by a skunk, veterinarians want to know.

Scientists are studying the popular breed to find out why their lifespans have gotten shorter over the years and why cancer is so prevalent.

The Colorado-based Morris Animal Foundation recently got the first lifetime study of 3,000 purebred golden retrievers up and running after signing up the first dogs in 2012. The nonprofit says the review of health conditions and environmental factors facing goldens across the U.S. can help other breeds and even people, because humans carry 95 percent of the same DNA.

“Canine cancer has become a dog owner’s greatest fear,” said Dr. David Haworth, president and CEO of the foundation, which invested $25 million in the study. “You don’t see dogs running loose that much anymore, we don’t see a lot of infectious diseases, and the vaccines we have today are very good, so our concerns are warranted.”

The vets haven’t learned enough yet to improve or prolong the retrievers’ lives, but key factors could lie anywhere, said Dr. Michael Lappin, who has 19 patients from Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts, in the study. When he graduated from veterinary school in 1972, golden retrievers lived 16 or 17 years. Today, it’s nine or 10 years.

Golden retrievers die of bone cancer, lymphoma and a cancer of the blood vessels more than any other breed in the country.

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