Golden Retriever Life Expectancy: How To Increase It
There is one thing that all Golden Retriever owners fear the most, cancer. Goldens are incredibly susceptible to cancer, as a matter of fact, it is the number one cause of death for this breed.
A study by the Morris Animal Foundation has discovered that a whopping 60% of Golden Retrievers will be affected by some type of cancer during their lifetime. Cancer deaths in Golden Retrievers are higher than any other dog breed in the world.
The most common types of cancers that impact Golden Retrievers are:
- Bone cancer
- Lymphoma
- Skin cancer
These are devastating data, and it makes you wonder why Goldens are so susceptible to cancer? The main reason is genetics. Years of irresponsible breeding have left the breed genetically weak and predisposed to this deadly disease. However, genetics is not the only culprit, environmental pollution and quality of food also play a big role in this.
Cancer Prevention
Since cancer is a top cause of death in Golden Retrievers, it is only natural to try to prevent it. The prevention of cancer starts with buying a puppy. Buy a Golden Retriever puppy only from a reputable breeder and ask for the health checks of its parents. By doing this, you will not only get a healthy puppy, but you will also promote good and responsible breeding practices and improve the overall health of the breed.
Spay or neuter
Balanced, High-Quality Diet
Other Options For Increasing The Lifespan Of My Golden Retriever
Hygiene
Avoid Stressful Situations
Golden Retriever Lifespan: 9 Great Tips To Prolong Its Life
4How can I make my golden retriever live longer?
It is known that Golden Retriever dogs are very popular, as they rank third most popular in the USA, according to the latest statistics conducted by the Kennel Club of America. So, when we consider adopting a new dog like Golden Retriever, the first question we ask is how long the golden retriever lifespan?, in order to determine the cost of maintenance.
The popularity of Golden Retriever dogs is due to their very friendly and loyal nature and the suitability of their pets for home breeding. But from the beginning, we need to know their average age, to avoid being shocked when we say goodbye to our faithful dog shortly after breeding, especially since not all dog breeds live like humans. Golden retrievers are no exception to this painful fact.
In this article, we will discover the average life expectancy of a golden retriever as well as the factors that can affect its life in order to help it live happily for as long as possible. But before that, lets take a look at the history of the most ancient dogs in the world and the oldest golden retriever.
How Old Examining A Goldens Hearing And Eyesight
Hearing and eyesight are two other things that can give you some insight into the age of your Golden Retriever. Any hearing problems or the appearance of cloudy eyes will most likely indicate your Golden is seven years of age or older.
After seven or eight years of age, a Golden Retriever usually begins to develop some level of hardened lens protein , which leads to an increasingly cloudy appearance over time. The cloudier your dogs eyes, the older he is.
Puppies and young adults will have clear eyes, while more mature Goldens will have slightly cloudy eyes that become increasingly cloudy over time. An older Golden will also have pronounced wrinkles beside their eyes.
Similar to other senior dogs, your Golden Retriever may also develop hearing problems. Reduced responsiveness to commands or loud noises should be a sign that your canine companions hearing is diminishing. By the time your dog can barely seem to hear, you can assume he is ten or more years old.
Look At Your Golden Retrievers Teeth To Determine Age
The number one way to get an idea of how old your Golden Retriever is, is to look closely at their teeth. A dogs teeth will give many clues as to the age range of your dog, and is the factor that a veterinarian will use most often to determine age. Naturally, puppies and young adults will have better teeth than their older counterparts.
A Golden Retriever puppy will reach their adult size in about a year, and will get their adult teeth by around 7 months of age. These new permanent teeth will remain very white, and non-stained until they reach approximately 1.5 to 2 years of age. So, if your full-grown Golden Retriever pup has very bright white teeth you can safely assume he is under two years of age.
After reaching two years old, a Goldens teeth will start to dull, and begin to develop some tartar buildup by the time your dog is three years old. From five years on, most Goldens usually have stained teeth, with a large number exhibiting some damage and cavities.
| Golden Retriever Age Range |
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| Increasing amount of damage and wear Use wear of teeth along with other factorsto narrow age range. |
Therefore, by examining your Goldens dental structure, its possible to estimate his years. Extra white teeth allude to a Golden still in the puppy stage. Strong but slightly stained teeth point towards early adulthood, while extremely worn down, and stained teeth indicate youve got a senior dog.
Recommended Reading: When Do Golden Retrievers Lose Their Baby Teeth?
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.
Tip #5: Keep Your Golden Retrievers Weight Under Control
Golden retrievers love to eat, so they do have a tendency to become overweight if theyre overfed.
Since theyre already susceptible to joint and heart issues, you definitely dont want them to gain too much weight.
To keep their weight under control make sure that they get enough exercise and are fed the proper amount.
For males, golden retrievers should weigh between 65-75 pounds, and for females, they should weigh between 55-65 pounds.
World’s Oldest Golden Retriever Celebrates Her 20th Birthday
15:46, 23 June 2020 BST| Last updated 10:36, 28 June 2020 BST
Here’s a dose of heartwarming good news for you – a golden retriever has been celebrating her 20th birthday, making her the world’s oldest of her kind.
If you’re not fully up to speed with why this makes her such a remarkable , it basically means she’s reached almost double the average life expectancy of her breed. Lovely stuff.
August the Golden Retriever – known affectionately as Augie – actually celebrated her milestone birthday back in April, but news of the event has only just been made public.
The average life expectancy for Golden Retrievers is 10 to 12 years, but Goldheart Golden Retrievers Rescue in Tennessee – who had previously helped find a home for Augie – confirmed she’d almost doubled that, sharing the news on its Facebook page just a few days ago.
Along with some photos of Augie looking absolutely adorable on her special day, staff wrote: “At 20 years old, she’s just about doubled the expected lifespan for golden retrievers and she’s still kicking.
“She’s lived so long largely because she’s got great genetics, but also her owner, Jennifer, has done a great job of taking care of her and ensuring that they have a good relationship with Augie’s vet.”
And over on the shelter’s , they added: “At 20 years old, Augie is the oldest golden retriever in history!
While her owners say the pooch can be a little shaky when she first stands up, she’s still mobile, and enjoys walks around her garden.
A Golden Retrievers Muzzle: How Much Gray Fur
Another thing you can look for to help you find out the age of your Golden Retriever is gray or white fur, which is a sign of an aging dog. Goldens are known for their beautiful golden fur, but its right around the age of five that a Golden Retriever will begin to get some gray or white fur developing around their muzzle, eyes, and on their face.
If your Golden just has the first signs of white fur, you can assume that they are near the age of five or six. By seven or eight you can expect your Golden to be showing a noticeably white face .
Recommended Reading: Why Golden Retrievers Faces Turn White
Genetic Diseases Reduce The Lifespan Of The Golden Retriever:
There are many different factors that play a role in the development of cancer in golden retrievers, including genetics where Dr. Jeffrey Levy, a veterinarian in New York City: Some dogs often get cancer, but golden retrievers are less likely to develop cancer than other dog breeds but they are more susceptible to lymphoma.
Of course, there are many other factors that also contribute to the Golden Retriever lifespan.
Oldest Living Golden Retriever Turns 20
The world’s oldest golden retriever has recently turned 20 years old – an impressive feat considering the average life expectancy of the breed is 10-12 years.
August “Augie,” who belongs to owners Jennifer and Steve Hetterscheidt, turned 20 years old on April 24th and even had the celebration to show for it. She has lived with the Hetterscheidts in Oakland, Tennessee since she was at the age of 14, the Daily Mail reports.
The celebrations featured a dog-friendly carrot cake as well as other doggie participants, the couple’s other dogs, Sherman, Belle, and Bruce.
Dog named August becomes the oldest living Golden Retriever after celebrating her 20TH birthday
Daily Mail US June 24, 2020
The couple says August still enjoys daily walks despite her old age. She gets SQ fluids twice a week, takes supplements, and eats a mix of wet and dry food.
While many thought she would be difficult to rehome at the age of 14, the shelter admits the new owners had no idea what they would be signing up for. “They figured that most people wouldn’t want such an elderly golden, but they had no idea of the upcoming journey they would be on with Augie,” the shelter said.
Augie was born in 2000 and has been rehomed twice before finding a forever home with the Hetterscheidts.
While Augie remains the oldest known living golden retriever, the oldest dog ever was a 30-year-old Kelpie named Maggie, a 2016 Today article reports.
English Or British Golden Retrievers
The English golden retrievers can live up to 12 years on the average. These English golden retrievers are usually found in Australia and in Europe and are characterized by a balanced muzzle and a more muscle built compared to American golden retrievers . They also tend to be heavier and their coats are usually thicker, so they can be harder to manage, but they are less susceptible to the cold weather.
In The United Kingdom
Golden Retrievers were first accepted for registration by The Kennel Club in 1903, as Flat Coats Golden. They were first exhibited in 1908, and in 1911 were recognized as a breed referred to as Retriever .
In Scotland
In July 2006, the Golden Retriever Club of Scotland organized a gathering of Golden Retriever enthusiasts at the ancestral home, Guisachan House. A photograph taken by photographer Lynn Kipps to commemorate the occasion captured 188 Golden Retrievers, and so holds the record for the most Golden Retrievers in one image.
Tip #1: 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.
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!
Tennessee Dog Celebrates 20th Birthday As Oldest Golden Retriever In History
Theres no question that we all love our pets like theyre our children. Most pet-owners are aware, however, that our animals are not with us for a long time, so we have to enjoy them as much as we can while we have them.
One couple has been lucky enough to enjoy their dog far longer than anyone expected, and now are the proud owners of the oldest golden retriever in history.
Tip #2: Feed Your Dog A Quality Dog Food
Like choosing a breeder, dog food is definitely not something you want to go cheap on.
Plus, if you pay a little more upfront for food, youll likely save down the line in vet bills.
When trying to decide which food to feed your golden retriever, check out this article about puppy food and this article about adult food.
And read this to learn more about how much it costs to feed golden retrievers.
A Healthy Lifestyle Equals A Longer Life
A poor lifestyle can also contribute to shortening the lifespan of your canine friend, therefore its important to live a healthier lifestyle by giving them quality food, bathing them regularly, giving them plenty of exercise and adding more TLC to them. Your dog needs to be physically, mentally and emotionally fit to stay healthy through the years.
Breaking A World Record
Even at 20, Augie is just as happy and full of life. Her family never expected that they would have her with them for so long, but theyre extremely grateful. They love caring for senior Golden Retrievers. In fact, Augie has three Golden Retriever siblings: Sherman, Belle, and Bruce.
To celebrate this exciting event, Jennifer and Steve threw a birthday party for Augie. They set up some adorable birthday decorations and they even gave her a dog-friendly carrot cake. She also got to spend some quality time with her dog siblings. It was the perfect day for any pup. The Guinness World Records doesnt usually give out awards for the oldest dog of a certain breed, but Augies family knows she has set a record, and thats enough.
Jennifer says the key to keeping their Golden Retrievers healthy is taking them to the vet often. She has a very good relationship with Augies vet, so theyre able to tackle any potential health concerns right away. After all, she wants to make sure all her furry friends live long, healthy lives.
We care for them as long as we have them, and love them forever, said Jennifer.
20 years old is nearly twice Augies expected lifespan, and shes still going strong. Shes lucky to have finally found a family that cares about her so much. We dont always get a lot of time with our loving dogs, so we need to make the most of it and ensure that they stay as healthy as possible.
Happy Birthday, Augie!
The Oldest Golden Retriever In The World
In April this year, a very special 20 year old celebrated her birthday. As everything was shut down due to the coronavirus pandemic, she spent the day with just her close family, much like any of you who had birthdays in the last two months. August is special as she is the worlds oldest known Golden Retriever.
August was already 14 years old when she came to live with Jennifer and Steve Hetterscheidt at their home in the United States . They thought they would have only a few years with her as she was so old when she came to them but are delighted to be celebrating this special milestone with her. milestone with her.
August lives with her parents Steve and Jennifer and her siblings Sherman, Belle and Bruce. And yes, you guessed it they are all Golden Retrievers! August is pretty active for her age she still takes walks and even a swim from time to time!
So, how old can dogs get?
A Tennessee Dog Became The Oldest Golden Retriever In History When She Turned 20
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August, a golden retriever living in Oakland, Tennessee, recently became the oldest golden retriever to ever live, according to GoldHeart Golden Retrievers Rescue.
The dog’s owners, Jennifer and Steve Hetterscheidt, call her “Augie.” The elderly golden retriever turned 20 on April 24.
The Hetterscheidts adopted Augie when she was 14 years old, the GoldHeart Golden Retrievers Rescue told . Golden Retrievers usually live to be about 10-12.
GoldHeart Golden Retrievers Rescue said on Facebook that Augie celebrated the big day with a safe-for-dogs carrot cake and a hangout session with her siblings, Sherman, Belle and Bruce.
Related video: Maine woman fosters hundred of pets
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 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.
Levi Is Putting His 2000 Hours Of Comfort Dog Training To Use Virtually To Help Healthcare Workers And Others Affected By The Covid
The kidney problems dont take much toll on Augusts daily life. She loves going on walks and playing fetch in the family pool.
Shes got some lumps and bumps, some skin tags, but she can move so fast when you open the refrigerator door, Hetterscheidt joked, adding that despite being a little wobbly when she first gets up in the morning, August walks well and loves taking walks around the property.
August isnt the only dog at the Hetterscheidt home. The couple own three other golden retrievers, whose ages range between seven and 10, and a cat. Hetterscheidt said that August loves having so much company to play with.
The family owns several other pets, giving August plenty of company.
Shes happy doing something, shes happy doing nothing, she said. Shes showing her age, shes slowing down, but shes got gusto, this old girl.
Keep Eyes On Their Blood Sugar
Diabetes is a fatal health issue for your pet. Diabetes damages the immune system of the pet. So, your pal becomes more prone to several health hazards. And due to the lack of defense mechanism, your pet may die even due to minor health issues.
Therefore, regular monitoring of the blood sugar level is essential. For this, take your pet to the veterinary every three months for glucose monitoring. Or use a diabetic monitoring device to test the sugar level of your Golden Retriever in the home. Since this prevents the health hazard, your Golden Retriever can live a longer life.
Do you think all these ways might increase the lifespan of your pet?
Are there any more ideas that you want to add to this list?
Regular Checkups Before Illness Strikes
Unfortunately, a dog owner generally takes their furry friend to the vet only when signs of illness are present. While this might help treat an injury or underlying ailment, it wont be as effective as taking your Golden for regular checkups. Taking your Golden to the vet ensures that underlying diseases or organ complications can be detected early enough, which increases the chances of successful treatment.
How Long Do Golden Retrievers Live Other Factors
Of course, there are other factors that also contribute to the Golden Retriever lifespan.
Golden Retrievers are prone to hip and joint problems.
While these will probably not cause the death of a Golden Retriever, joint and hip pain can greatly reduce their quality of life.
Luckily, there are some things you can do to increase your Golden Retrievers likely lifespan.
Keeping your dog at a healthy weight can decrease their risk for joint and hip problems, and might even decrease their risk for cancer as well.
This study found a link between commercial grain-free diets and health problems like taurine deficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy in Golden Retrievers. Their development is often multifactorial, and influenced by a number of things. But its still important to ensure your Golden has a healthy balanced diet.
Choosing a Golden Retriever puppy that is not genetically disposed to health problems can also help.
While it is sometimes difficult to identify dogs with healthy genes, you should always check on the health of a puppys recent ancestors to ensure that they do not have hip problems.
A puppy whose parents have bad hips is more likely to have bad hips itself.
Nutrition Affects The Golden Retriever Lifespan:
Through this , scientists discovered a link between commercial grain-free meals served to a group of dogs and health problems affecting Golden Retrievers, such as taurine deficiency and dilated cardiomyopathy. So nutrition is sure to play an important role in the Golden Retriever lifespan.You must, therefore, ensure that your dogs diet is balanced.
I thought you had a clear idea of the reasons that could shorten the life of your dog, but fortunately, you still have a lot to do to increase a Golden Retriever lifespan.
Meet Augie The Oldest Golden Retriever In The World
If you own a dog, you know that dogs mature more quickly than humans.
You also might have heard that one year of your dogs life is equal to seven human years but as it turns out, the math isnt that simple and the age of your dog actually depends on the size and breed.
Meet Augie, the oldest Golden Retriever in the world after celebrating a record-breaking birthday, according to GoldHeart Golden Retrievers Rescue.
Not only has Augie made history books, but she has also doubled the life expectancy of her kind!
Most Golden Retrievers only live up to be 10-12 years of age, while some have reached beyond that age, Augie is the first known Golden to reach the big two-oh.
In humans years, this pup is 145 years old, phew thats old!
Augie has lived with several different families throughout her life, has been adopted and rehomed twice before she met her forever owners Jennifer and Steve Hetterscheidt in Oakland, Tennessee.
Augie found her forever home at the age of 14 and even though she was considered old, the pup was very healthy considering her age!
Similar to old age in humans, Augie was diagnosed with a health problem regarding her kidneys but has since, been eating a mix of wet and dry food along with some supplements to help mitigate the issue!
To celebrate her birthday, her owners organized a fun-filled party with a banner that says Happy 20th Birthday Augie with her picture and a carrot cake, dog friendly of course.