Labrador Genes Automatically Limit Their Lifespan
10 to 14 years old may not sound particularly old, especially for a fit and healthy dog, but there are a couple of factors that will automatically limit a Labs lifespan to some extent.
The general rule of thumb is that smaller dogs live longer than their larger counterparts. Additionally, mongrels live longer than pedigrees by an average of 1.2 extra years.
So, as a pedigree and a medium to large sized dog, your Labs lifespan is automatically shorter than that of a smaller mongrel, for instance.
The exact science behind the lifespan trends in dogs isnt yet fully understood, although its thought that the size and conformity of the body is a significant factor.
While Labs are indeed on the larger side which can limit their lifespan, they are otherwise blessed with an otherwise well-conforming body in proportion, athletic and no mitigating features like a short face, small skull or excess skin, that can cause health problems in later life.
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.
A Long Happy Life With You
Keep a smoke-free home, always feed them proper nutrition, and maintain consistent vet visits. Dogs are going to get older, and health conditions may pop up or worsen depending on your dog. Its not the happiest thing to think about, but its necessary.
As long as youre doing everything you can as an owner to provide a happy and safe place, youre making every single one of their years fantastic, and theyre doing the same for you. Enjoy the moments you have, and look forward to well over a splendid decade of companionship and joy.
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Lifespan Of A Golden Retriever
As previously mentioned, a Golden Retrievers average lifespan is between 10 and 12 years. Having said that, its been known for a Golden retriever to live up to 20 years of age in extraordinary circumstances.
In fact, as recently as the 1970s, Golden retrievers regularly had an average lifespan closer to 16 or 17 years old. What happened!? There is a long-term study being undertaken by the Morris Animal Foundation that hopes to be able to answer that question in the next few years.
In the meantime, well have to use some common sense and anecdotal evidence that indicates there are several factors that contribute to increasing the longevity of our Golden retrievers. These include diet, exercise, social interaction, and healthcare.
What Kind Of Health Problems Do Golden Retrievers Have
Some more serious health problems that can affect your golden include: Golden Retrievers are more likely to develop certain types of cancer than any other breed. Unfortunately, cancer is the number one cause of death in goldens, studies show that 60% of goldens will die from cancer. Males have a higher rate of 66% and females slightly lower at 57%.
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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.
What Makes Good Food For Your Dog
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.
Also Check: How To Potty Train A Golden Retriever In An Apartment
Neutering Can Cause Health Issues To A Golden Retriever
Researchers at the University of California have discovered that neutering has negative effects on Golden Retrievers, increasing your dogs chances of getting joint disorders and cancer. In this post, Dr. Karen Becker talks about alternative methods of keeping your dog from breeding, such as a vasectomy or tubal ligation.
Even if you choose not to neuter your dog shes still prone to a long list of medical conditions, which include:
- hypothyroidism
- eye disorders
- skin problems.
If you own a Golden Retriever you need pet insurance that covers her for a wide range of health issues, besides accidents. This can increase your regular expenses, but its usually a good investment as Goldens are in the top of the most expensive breeds in terms of medical costs, with an average of $961 a year.
What Are The Signs Of A 15 Year Old Golden Retriever
A 15-year-old Golden Retriever is now the equivalent of a 110-year-old and reaching the end of his life. Signs that your dog is dying include extreme fatigue, loss of appetite, incontinence, vomiting, twitching and loss of interest in his surroundings.
Some more serious health problems that can affect your golden include: Golden Retrievers are more likely to develop certain types of cancer than any other breed. Unfortunately, cancer is the number one cause of death in goldens, studies show that 60% of goldens will die from cancer. Males have a higher rate of 66% and females slightly lower at 57%.
Also Check: Can Golden Retrievers Eat Ice Cream
Spay Or Neuter With Caution
Spaying and neutering your retriever may add up to three years to their life span. This is because it limits any hormone-causing cancers within their sexual organs. Not to mention, it also limits the heat factor. .
Its also integral to spay/neuter at the right time. The general age for the procedure is between 3-9 months for most breeds. For Golden Retrievers, however, its 1-2 years.
This is important because of the gonads which produce crucial hormones. These hormones help to develop the long bone-growth plates and set a foundation to prevent major diseases.
What To Do If Your Dog Has Skin Cancer
But just as with humans, spotting the signs early and getting your pup to the vet for a treatment plan is key. Whether youve found a fatty tumor on your dog, or youre suspicious that youve got a case of dog skin cancer on your hands, keep an eye out for these signs of cancer in dogs to help you identify a problem early.
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How Long Can A Golden Retriever Live
Most Golden Retrievers live to be between 10 and 12 years old.
Genetic factors play a large role in how long a particular canine lives.
Genetic factors likely play a role in a pets susceptibility to cancer, which can decrease their lifespan considerably.
Hip and bone problems can also factor into a dogs quality of life as they age.
Genetic factors also play a role in these disorders, though being overweight is also a big factor in Golden Retriever lifespan.
Do you have a Golden Retriever?
Let us know how old they are in the comments below!
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How Long Do Labs Live Average Labrador Lifespan The Oldest
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Its tough to gauge exactly how long your Labrador might live as there are so many factors, both genetic and environmental, that contribute to their life expectancy.
The average Labrador lifespan is somewhere between 10 and 14 years, provided they arent beset by any exceptional health issues or injuries.
But what factors go into determining how long Labradors live? Can you have an effect on this?
QUICK RECOMMENDATION: Weve read many books and magazines about Labrador Retrievers. One of our favorites, Your Labrador Retriever Puppy is a great resource for all Lab owners.
Contents & Quick Navigation
What Kind Of Cancer Does My Labrador Retriever Have
My 11 and 1/2 year old labrador cross has just been diagnosed with thyroid cancer and has a large lump in her neck which the vet has said would be dangerous to operate on. Blood tests and chest x-ray show that she is otherwise entirely well and healthy but the lump is pressing on her windpipe.
European Golden Retrievers develop cancer at a lower rate because their genes are different. A few decades ago Golden Retrievers did not have such a high rate of cancer. The lifespan of a Golden Retriever was 15-17 years old in the mid-1900s to the early 2000s. Today their lifespan is 10-12 years according to Wikipedia.
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Other Contributing Factors To The Goldenretrievers Lifespan
While cancer is responsible for 60% of deaths when it comes to the Golden Retriever, it is not the only health problem that Goldens may have. When it comes to cancer and other health issues, genetics influences the likelihood that they will develop it. If you are purchasing your Golden Retriever from a breeder, asking questions about their lineage helps identify whether or not your Retriever has healthy genes. Although it may not directly contribute to their lifespan, Golden Retrievers are also prone to joint and hip problems. This can cause inflammation and reduce their quality of life significantly. Having bad joints and hips can also be a genetic condition so asking questions about the puppys parents in regards to these types of issues is important as well.
Spay Or Neuter Your Golden
There are many theories regarding whether and when to fix your dog. Many experts say that neutering will help prevent certain types of cancer later in life.
Females will have a reduced risk of breast and uterine cancers, pyometra, false pregnancy, uterine torsion, and vaginal and uterine prolapse.
Neutering totally eliminates the risk of many cancers that affect male dogs. It also decreases the risk of several others.
Neutered dogs enjoy zero to a reduced risk of testicular cancer prostate problems, anal tumors, hernias, and testicular infections.
Neutering also helps decrease the risk of territorialism and hormone-driven behaviors such as aggression to other male dogs.
It also ends a male wanting to wander to find females to mate with. Also mounting and marking behaviors will be greatly decreased or ended.
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Things You Should Know Before Getting A Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever is a dog breed that originated from Scotland, bred to retrieve shot waterfowl, like ducks or other upland game birds. Its a medium to large dog at about 20 to 24 inches tall, weighing between 55 to 75 pounds. The lifespan of the Golden Retriever is around 10 to 12 years.
Golden Retrievers are some of the most popular dogs both in the US and worldwide, thanks to their beautiful appearance and their nice characters.
I wrote this article about some of the things you should know about Goldens, because many of them end up in shelters, abandoned as soon as their owners have realized what having a dog really means.
Contents & Quick Navigation
When Is A Golden Retriever Officially Elderly
Larger dogs age quicker than smaller dogs, so they have a shorter lifespan.
A few decades ago, Golden Retrievers lived to approximately 16 to 17 years old.
These days, their average lifespan has significantly reduced to between 10 and 12 years. This is believed to be because they are more susceptible to cancer than any other breed.
A Golden Retriever is considered officially old at about 8 to 9 years old, which is the equivalent to 61 to 68 years in humans.
Signs your dog is aging include:
Increased fatigue Graying around face and muzzle Anxiety Cognitive dysfunction Less tolerant
Many of these changes are normal in an aging dog. However, be careful not to write them off, as some may be symptoms of a health condition requiring veterinary treatment.
Recommended Reading: Are Golden Retriever Puppies Easy To Train
Also Check: How To Draw A Golden Retriever Face
References And Further Reading
- FAQ. Goldheart Golden Retrievers.
- Smith, Gail. Evaluation of risk factors for degenerative joint disease associated with hip dysplasia in German Shepherd Dogs, Golden Retrievers, Labrador Retrievers, and Rottweilers. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association. 2001.
- Genetic Welfare Problems of Companion Animals. Universities Federation for Animal Welfare.
- Vogelsang, Jessica. Golden retriever study confronts heartbreak of cancer with unparalleled veterinary research effort. Veterinary News. 2014.
- Golden Retriever Lifetime Study. Morris Animal Foundation.
- Riva, Gretel. Neutering Dogs: Effects on Joint Disorders and Cancers in Golden Retrievers. PLOS One. 2013.
- Cave. Uterine carcinoma in a 10monthold golden retriever. Journal of Small Animal Practice. 2006.
- Why are Golden retrievers more likely to die of cancer than any other breed? Daily Mail. 2015.
- Golden Retriever. American Kennel Club.
- Kaplan, Joanna . Taurine Deficiency and Dilated Cardiomyopathy in Golden Retrievers Fed Commercial Diets. PLOS One. 2018.
How To Read Dog Food Labels
Reading the label of dog food is a great skill that you can develop as a parent that will provide great help in the selection. In the following section, I will teach you all the tips and tricks I have learned about picking the best food from the American kennel club.
Now you may find that a lot of labels are usually awkwardly written in the smallest writing possible. So you may need a magnifying glass to best utilize this skill haha! There are a few main things that you should be looking out for when reading the labels such as:
- Product name
- Name and address of the manufacturer
- Guaranteed analysis
- Intended animal species
- Statement of nutritional adequacy
- Feeding guidelines
All of the above should be included on every food label that you read. You may find that some are misleading and a great way to spot that is by checking out the guidelines over at the veterinary manual.
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Tip #: To Have A Healthy Dog Start With Healthy Parents
The best way for you to get a healthy dog is to purchase one from a good breeder.
Yes, you may pay more for a high-quality puppy, but it will be worth it.
Do your research on breeders, ask about their dogs health histories, their temperaments, and what theyre bred for.
Unfortunately, many people are breeding dogs with money as their #1 priority, not their puppies health.