Having said that, did you know that you can take steps to help extend the life of your Golden Retriever? Keep in mind that these tips do not only apply to Golden Retrievers — they are fantastic ways to give any dog a longer, healthier life.
Unless you feel that you would not be able to take care of your dog in the long term, though, this is no reason to deter you from getting one. The Golden Retriever is an amazing breed. They are some of the friendliest, most loyal dogs on the planet. Plus, there are plenty of steps you can take to give your dog the best chance at a longer life. We hope our Golden Retriever Lifespan Guide has given you both new insights and some ideas on how to best care for your furry best friend.
I grew up in a household that was filled with animals. I believe that my fate as a dog-loving person was sealed in early childhood since my parents owned several dogs of varying sizes and breeds.
As a life-long puppy lover, I know a thing or two about dogs and how to go about caring for them in the best way possible. Along with my husband, Dave, I run MySweetPuppy for like-minded dog lovers who want to have a single, clear, and reliable information source about anything and everything related to dogs and their well-being. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Make sure you're adopting your Golden Retriever puppy from a reputable breeder who performs routine health checks and breeds out any possible genetic disorders.
If you're looking to adopt a Golden Retriever from a rescue, ask them if they have their medical history. Feed them a healthy diet. Food is the best preventative medicine, so make sure you choose a nutritious food without fillers or preservatives. Adding fresh food on top of their kibble is also great for longevity!
You can toss some fresh fruit or veggies on top, or you can prepare a healthy, homemade dinner for them. Exercise them daily! Daily exercise is so important not only for your dog's health, but their happiness too! A tired dog is a happy dog, so don't skip those daily walks to the park.
Visit your vet on a regular basis. Unfortunately, she is showing signs of age. She is greyed a lot and has the shakes on her hind legs. She use to play catch but now prefers to chew on the ball or let someone else get it for her.
Our sweet Golden, Einstein, just turned It was in our back yard at a am potty break and we had never seen one and nor did we see or find the one that bit him. Thank God it was a dry bite but it was the next day before we realized something was wrong. It was rough going but with good vets and lots of love and care, he made it through like a trooper.
He is a little slow now with stiff hip joints but he is still sharp mentally with good hearing and sight. I hope and pray he will be with us much longer. Life would never be the same without my constant buddy.
Seeing that sweet face tilted up at me and those precious brown eye shining with so much love makes it difficult to fathom being without him. I try hard not to think about it. Our beautiful girl was She started with diarrhea in January was treated with 3 courses of antibiotics. No known cause of the diarrhea after several tests.
We changed her food to the vet gastro kind as recommended. The diarrhea stopped then about 2 weeks before she passed she developed a cough Took her into the vet and x ray done and blood work done. X ray showed an enlarged heart and fluid around it and also fluid in the abdomen. Vet tried to drain the fluid to see if it was from a bleed or just from CHF.
She was unable to drain any fluid at the time. Treated her with heart meds and Lasix to try and reduce the fluid. Within 2 days she progressively became worse.
She stopped eating and drinking and then she could no longer walk. We carried her back to the vet and put her at peace. It was the hardest thing we ever had to do. Your story sounds all too familiar. Our first golden died from a tumor that bled out around his heart at age He was fine one day, the next day he had difficulty breathing, and died that evening.
Absolutely nothing we could do accept make him comfy while we let him go. We hope they live 20 healthy long years but realize that is unlikely. So, I am reading all I can on how to make them as healthy as possible. It seems the only things we can control are their diet and exercise.
There are so many opinions on what to feed it can make your head spin. Now I read they may benefit from grain after all. My Rosie passed last week.
She was only nine. She started having seizures in January and last week after her ninth birthday she had several in one night.
I am devastated!!! She was the sweetest dog and never leaved my side. I am so sorry. I had to say goodbye to my 11 yr old German Shepherd 3 yrs ago. So heartbroken. But it gets a little easier. Looking at websites for comfort and came across this one.
My sweet Daisy is 16 and tomorrow I made the appointment to euthanize. She had a stroke last summer and we nursed her through it. She even became much of a clown about her limitations grinning as goldens do. But her heart is failing and she is tired. Please keep my family in your prayers. I just read this. So sorry. I know your heart is breaking. You are in our thoughts and prayers. My amazing golden retriever boy Austin is 14 years old.
He was a rescue from the pound whom I was blessed to have come into my life when he was 1 year old. He was recently diagnosed with prostate cancer and I am heartbroken. I started him on chemo — 3 so far — but it makes him very tired and inactive and there is no way of knowing how much or little it is helping. I do not know if I will continue with another 3 chemo treatments as the vet recommended as the outcome of the chemo is unknown. If anyone out there has any experience with chemo to treat prostate cancer please let me know.
My golden Retriever will be 7 years old in two days. We got her as a puppy when my husband retired. We knew my husband had terminal cancer and had maybe 4 years to live.
McKenzie was such a blessing for him. He had the time to devote to her. He took her to the dog park one or two times a day. He fed her, groomed her, had her vet checks and gave her preventative meds. As my husbands health started to fail we got him assistive devices so he could still take her to the dog park. Now that my husband passed away its just me and her. She gives me so much love, and even comes running to my side when i start crying. I see her turning grey around her eyes and on her muzzle and i cry.
I cant bear the thought of losing her. Is there some sort of timeline for when they start turning grey? Is 7 years old typical? I am researching anything i can do to keep her healthy as long as i can. Hi Carol, I am so sorry for the loss of your husband. Dogs can turn grey early, just as humans can. Wishing you and her many more loving years together. Our Bonnie turned grey at the age of three and lived to be I hope you keep yours for many more years to come. Our adorable Golden Ariana will be 14 in 6 weeks time.
She is very special and our hearts ache at the thought of losing her. She has just been diagnosed with a nasal tumor. We have set her off on a course of nutraceuticals and have changed her food which has always been high quality to all natural ingredients. We have decided against surgery as we feel she is too old and would prefer to enjoy a shorter life than be subject to fear and pain. She is actually still very motivated to walk and eat so very hard to consider any invasive treatment.
We are trying to apply the same rules we want applied to ourselves in the future. She has had an amazing life and given us such joy. We continue to cherish each day. I had to put down my dog due to a big ball growing above her hind leg very painfull. Our girl Bella will be 13 this year. She started having problems jumping up into 4 wheeler last year.
She loves her rides! So started giving her glucosamine. What a difference it made. Highly recommend it! You wont believe the difference. My sunny turned 23 years this year. Not sure of month all i know is the year she was born We picked her up from the pound, and the dog catcher had been picking her up for 3 years.
She has good days and bad days, but she is happy. And we have enjoyed her alot. Maybe she will make Guinness book some day.? I think that is a record for a golden. Just had to put my Annie girl down January 30, She would have been 12 on February 26th.
She enjoyed her walks and play time right up until she passed. We discovered a mass in her stomach in the summer of The mass burst and caused internal bleeding. She was the absolute best dog we have ever had. We miss her a lot. Bruno will be 12 in April, I hope. He is not doing very well lately. The vet says as long as he eats normally and can walk on his own, it is ok. We got him when he was 8 weeks old. He has brought so much love and joy to our family. Our first, Buddy, was born in and lived to be We fed him Purina Dog Chow his whole life.
He only got rabies and distemper vaccines. He was on heartworm for 6 month per year. That was his preventative for 14 years. Our second Golden, Jak, was born He will be 12 in March. He has had extreme digestive issues his whole life. We almost lost him to a severe intestinal infection last September.
He has been on every kind of dog food available. He has been a perfect weight his entire life He receives all the preventive vaccines out there today, plus heartworm and flea and tick.
Our third Golden, Gracie was born died She had low grade lymphoma and a secondary cancer of liver cancer that spread to her lungs. She was on all the same preventatives as Jak. Fed 1 cup of Iams dog food twice daily. She was about 65 pounds her whole life. She had a serious reaction to a flea and tick medication a year before her cancer diagnosis.
She was 8 when she died. She was sweet, beautiful and loyal. We miss her so much!!! I am so so sorry for your loss of Gracie. There are no right words to console you.
I find it interesting that she had a serious reaction to a flea and tick medication a year before her cancer diagnosis. My baby had a terrible reaction from a flea and tick collar whereby all her skin peeled off.
Before that she was a happy, silly, care free girl. Then IBD set in. No more flea and tick treatments for her the next 2 years but natural things. Two years later my daughter found tick larvae on her and rushed her to vet whereby he put a flea and tick chemical between her shoulder blades.
She developed hives and welts and her IBD turned into small cell lymphoma. Can I ask what kind did she have a bad reaction too? My heart goes out to you. My boy Tex is 14 and doing great! I highly recommend glucosomine sp? It made a big difference and he lost 20 pounds over time. He was overweight. Vet is amazed at his bloodwork and he still loves his walks. Cancer survivor too! My boy Carson turned 12 on Christmas He has slowed down. He does have him and joint problems but with a shot of adequin monthly he is still going strong.
We feed him taste of the wild salmon, which seems to help his skin. We have 2 shepherds in the house as well as a great Pyrenees, so he has plenty of playmates. My Golden is almost 7 and just diagnosed with severe arthritis in his elbows. Our Golden, Dixie, turned 12 yrs old on Jan 11, She still acts like a puppy. She is my 3rd child and I cannot imagine life without her. I had heard about the cancer but did not know about the average lifespan.
I pray that when she goes, she gently passes in her sleep. I pray that for all of our beloved Goldens. My first golden, Maggie, was the sweetest girl and everyone loved her. She passed away when she was I was sad and cried off and on for days. My golden that I have now, Ginger, will be 13 in May. They always make me smile and love you unconditionally.
Our golden boy Bailey is 16 years and 8 months and I count my blessings every day. We love him so much! My friend in Australia adopted a senior Golden who is celebrating her sixteenth birthday today.
I do not know what they feed her but she lives, along with two other Goldens, on a nice property near the east coast of Australia, large enough for long walks. They do not have city water but use tanks to catch rain. Whenever Zoe seems to slow down or shows her owners she is under the weather, they call a woman who gives her acupuncture or a massage. I am glad that their adopted Zoe is hanging in there especially since the couple lost their two Goldens when they were relatively young, around nine years.
One of them just dropped dead. You are so lucky. What do you feed him. Please, I am very confused at what food shd be given to my golden. My first golden was 15 years old when he died in my arms his name was Brooks. My golden I have now his name is Baxter and he will be 4 in June. I just love the comments I have read and the golden are the best. Dogs ever. Our girl is 14 yrs old starting to slow down. My best friend can go any were in the house without her. I have a Golden who just turned 8. He is active but is already turning white on his face.
My last golden lived to He had adrenal cancer. My one before that was 13 and had liver cancer. It seems that our dogs when I was young were fed table scraps and Purina dog chow. They always lived to 13 or 14 with only a rabies shot Never medication for ticks and heart worm. Maybe the drugs are an issue. Do you still maintain that table scraps are ok?
Love him. We had to put down our beloved golden girl today. She was 15 years and 9 months. She was the very definition of unconditional love. Yesterday we were all together for New Years Eve. I noticed a lack of interest in eating and very unstable in her walk. This was the day our entire family has dreaded. Blessed to have had her for as long as we did but the house feels empty without her. I know the feeling of dread as they age. Skye, our female golden will be 15 next month.
Organs healthy, very selective hearing, I use a flashlight for her going down the steps for her at night. We have another dog who is about to turn 8 and attached at her hip — so we brought in s puppy in July. Best decision ever!
He is a big boy and was afraid of the puppy early on — but Skye was back to the 7 yr old who made Avett feel at home. She plays and plays with Darcey who is 9 months and bigger — adored by both older dogs. We are grateful for ever day. She just got over that surgery and was unwell again, this time with an infected cyst on her spleen. This was another surgery but quicker recovery. In November she had her 6th birthday. Then she started limping badly on front leg so on restricted exercise — vet advised all joints have arthritis.
Christmas Eve she was back to the vet with a bad eye — cloudy and bloodshot. She has to go back Friday for another check as it was too inflamed to get a good like behind it. The vet gave several options — unfortunately opthalmic specialists closed till New Year.
One prognosis was possible tumour behind the eye linked to kidney cancer so at this stage she has drops and painkillers and is being kept inside apart from toilet breaks. The bloodshot look has cleared and she is back to destroying toys and giving us her Goldie smile but her owner is dreading the next appt and possible diagnosis. We have 3 Goldens. All from small family Breeders. Wonderful dogs and our oldest has been an amazing family member. Our sweet boy Luke is 6 years old. He absolutely loves everybody and is the most kind and happy dog you could ever meet.
He has hypothyroid and takes medication for that, chronic skin issues and and chronic ear infections no matter what we do. I worry about him being overweight and it causing future health problems. Does anyone have any tips regarding his weight and chronic ear infections? What worked for you? Any ideas would be appreciated. We want him to have the best life possible. Those that have lost their babies, my heart goes out to you.
I had to put my beautiful boy Noah to sleep on Christmas Eve. He was throwing up blood. I sat with him for two hours before making the dreaded decision to give him peace. My heart aches for him and feel that 8 was not enough time for him. My first Golden died at age 10 from cancer. I will always be thankful for my two wonderful boys.
Our first Golden was a big boy like you describe. He was big boned and tall. He was never over weight. He lived to be He was never a good eater though. We feed 1 cup of dry dog food twice daily. Our breeder told us that would keep them at a healthy weight for life. It has. Just found this post…We also have a wonderful Golden Boy!! Also Hypothyroid…He has had chronic ear infections, terrible itching!! May of …I told the vet I had nothing to loose and said I was going all natural with him…I found a website..
His heart is great…He does take a diretic and now a low dose of thyroid medication…He had A Lot of fat in his blood now none…HE is doing GRRReat…This company is very helpful with their chat option…Hunter is also on slippery elm for some digestive issues that he had later on…His hips are still good, but his hearing and eyesight are becoming poor.
He lost 30 lbs. He has low protein snacks now. Hunter could NOT loose weight and I felt like I was starving him…Now he is eating well and has lost weigt and I do not feel like I am starving him…I would be hard pressed to feed any dog any combination of dog food that you purchase…If I had not taken control of his health and what I fed him Hunter would not be with is today…Vets DO NOT know nutrician..
For the ears, you might try Hills ZD which has hydrolized protein. Low thyroid can cause weight problems. Good luck! She was the sweetest dog ever! I was unaware that Goldens used to live much longer or has an increased prevalence toward cancer.
What eventually took her was kidney disease which made her sick and not wanting to eat or drink. It was so painful to watch her turn away from food she used to gobble up. But she was a trooper and a gift from God. My first Golden Emma lived only to 8. She had brain cancer or strioke which caused her to suddenly lose function on her left side and have seizures. Our second Golden Cassidy passed 6 days shy of his 9th bday.
He had lymphoma and leukaemia. We tried a few chemo sessions but had to do the humane thing as the chemo was not helping. Both have a great bill of health. How did you treat his arthritis? We have an almost 14 year old Golden and he limps on one front leg and has a hard time to lay down or to get up. Zum h love from one dog lover to another! I give my golden 1 capsule of turmeric with black pepper. Must get the kind with the black pepper! This has helped my 13 year old golden a lot for her leg stiffness.
My 4th Goldie is now 12 She is happy and healthy…I dont thnk of her age as she doesnt seem old. She has always been fed a raw diet and never any preservatives of processed food. This was the diet she was on when she came to us as a rescue at 20 months. It has been great. My first Goldie died aged 8 the vet diagnosed Lupus after many many tests. My second died aged 14 in poor health and wirth a skin complaint. I made the decision then I would always make a decision when they my future dogs got sick as I had delayed being responsible for selfish reasons.
My third goldie died aged 14 after suffering seizures. She was so scared and disorientated that after her third seizure I made the decision and hugged and told her how loved she was as she passed. Goldies are magnificent dogs. My sweet girl is She lost her vision cataracts a year ago and has become a lot less active since then. When she was less than a year old we had a lump removed under her ear that we never had tested for cancer.
She has had a few more lumps appear over the last 6 years that have not seemed to bother her or slow her down. After losing her eyesight though she has started to show her age. We recently got a lab puppy who is now 6 months old. She loved playing with him the first few months but now just lays down all day and growls any time he comes near her.
She must be tired and weak but still loves walks and attention from her humans. My golden turned 12 in Sept. As a pup he had 3 different personalities one different for each grandchild.
In the past 2 months 2 unexpected trips to the vet. He has a almost white face now. Has some good days and bad. When he leaves us it will be hard to handle. He is truly my baby. My Golden Retriever is 15 years old Nov She came from a small family breeder in Massachusetts. She loves her food and tries to be involved in everything although sleep is her best friend these days.
Not a mean bone in her body. Her food is grain free. Car rides were always a favorite activity for her. I simply consider each day with her a gift. He is oblivious of his age and still does everything he always did. Running, jumping, and acting like a pup. His only deficit is vision that is fading.
He takes care of his girl grooming her tenderly. I got to experience the unconditional love, and brightness my golden retriever, Angus, brought to my Family and I for almost 9 years. My husband and I got him at exactly 8 weeks old.
We had him to ourselves for 2 years and we then had our daughter Angus was a a very emotionally intelligent and attuned animal. His presence was calming and he was so gentle. Especially with children. Angus also an exceptionally handsome Golden very thick wavy golden fur with a big square head.
I took My boy to the vet on October 29 because he had a slight limp which I assumed may be arthritis. Nothing major. Vet did an exam felt an enlarged spleen did a blood test. There was no viable treatment options. We used the week to say good bye. Of course the morning of Angus decided to eat and is able to have a short stop at the park then he was wagging his tail inside vet right till the end.
I wanted to reechedule the appt but my husband reminded me that we were warned soMething traumatic like a bleed or seizure could happen. So We gathered around our precious golden love and let him as he fell asleep on November It was one of the hardest if not the hardest things if ever done. It has been a week now and my heart still aches for him.
My house feels empty I see Angus everywhere arouud our home and the parks I took him to. Angus was a truly exceptional dog and my best friend thank you for saving us my good boy. And thnk you for always being happy and always loving us back. You will never be forgotten. Golden Retrievers are the purity and epitome of what love is supposed to be! We adopted our Scooter almost 10 years ago from our elderly neighbor that could no longer care for him.
He was welcomed into our home and the other dogs welcomed him into their pack.
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