Golden Retriever lifespan- 6 Amazing Tips to Increase It
Golden Retriever lifespan is an average of approximately 10-12 years. The oldest pets live for 20 years which seems sometimes quite unrealistic but that is the reality. I will share some interesting facts about the lifespan of the pet and some tips that will help in better health in this article.
Sometimes we know about the traits and other features of the pet but one of the main questions arises about the probable life expectancy of the pet. Golden Retriever is no exception to this. We know that German Shepherds live approximately an average life of 7-10 years whereas a labrador’s life expectancy is believed to be 10-12 years. So, what is the life expectancy of a Golden Retriever?
Facts about the Golden Retriever Lifespan
Here is a detailed list of some interesting facts about the lifespan of the Golden Retriever:
Average Age of the Pet
The pet lives an approximate age of 10-12 years. It is believed that larger breeds of the dog mostly live long ranging from 7-10 years. On the other hand, shorter breeds tend to live, long the same is the case for the Golden Retriever class.
Maximum Age
One dog lived for approximately 20 years. The dog named Augie was born on 24 April 2000.
Main Cause of Early Death
Cancer causes almost 60% of deaths among all Golden Retrievers. In other breeds ratio of death due to cancer is usually around 30% which is almost half of the Golden Retrievers breed.
Study Over 3000 Pets
Volunteers from all across the World gathered for analysis about health issues finding other trains in approximately 3000 pets. Morris Animal Foundation launched research and study back in 2012an on an annual basis.
Common Health Issues
The pet suffers from some known and unknown diseases which impact differently on the health state. Here is a list of some common known Golden Retriever health issues that your pet may suffer:
Puppies for Life
Some owners of Golden Retrievers believe that their pets may be treated as “Puppies for life”.
Face Color Change With Age
Golden-colored pets may turn their facial color to white or gray with age. So, you can judge the pet’s age with the help of the face color as well.
Signs of ageing in Golden Retrievers
We know the average lifespan of a Golden Retriever now look at a few signs of ageing them:
Low Energy:
When your Golden Retriever grows older, it is not uncommon for it to start showing signs of low energy and sluggishness. If your dog becomes lazy and shows these signs, it is a natural part of the ageing process for your senior dog. If you notice that your dog isolates itself, prefers to stay quiet, and also doesn’t show interest in playtime as it did in its olden days, then it means it is growing older.
In such a situation, you need to take care of your dog’s nutrition requirements and also provide the right medical attention.
Loss of Appetite:
When your dog ages, its appetite is slower than that of puppies and adult dogs. If you notice that your senior dog is not hungry, it might be getting old. It is normal for him to not be hungry, but you should ensure that he receives all the nutrition he needs. If necessary, consult with a vet.
Troubled breathing
If you notice heart respiration and heart illness in Golden Retrievers, it is a common problem. As dogs grow older, they experience breathing difficulty due to a lack of energy. If you notice that your dog is taking heavy breaths or panting, it is a very serious situation. It is very important to get them for a checkup to prevent any serious respiratory issues.
Isolation
When dogs age, they often seek more peace and quiet than when they were puppies or younger. If you notice that your dog tries to find a cozy spot away from all the clamor, it means that your dog is ageing.
Weight loss
When your dog feels low energy and doesn’t feel hungry then it plays an important role in rapid weight loss. As a dog parent make sure that your Golden Retriever maintains a healthy diet and gets the proper attention they need. It is also provided to prioritize their nutrition and well-being.
Tips to Increase the Life Expectancy of the Golden Retriever
Here are some practical measures that can help in the probability of life expectancy of your pet:
Serve High-Quality Food
Another main reason that impacts good health and probable life expectancy is the food quality. Low-quality food directly affects the health of your puppy and may cause below life age of your pet compared to an average age. On the other, well-known and ingredients-rich puppy food impacts positively on the overall health of the puppy.
Daily Grooming of the Pet
Cleanliness and grooming help a lot in achieving good health and prevent from occurrence of various diseases. Try to brush your dog daily to immediately remove any insects or germs. Trim the nails of the pet because long nails disturb the dog while running and doing exercise.
Search for Healthy Parents
Inheritance matters a lot as far as the health and other traits of the puppy are concerned. Money is mostly the top-most deciding factor when purchasing a dog. It’s recommended to do your complete research and find a puppy that has a strong legacy with good health.
Exercise is an Important Precaution
Dogs gain similar types of benefits as humans do. Exercise keeps health, lungs, heart, and liver strong. It also keeps its temperament cool and stable. Obesity does not cause any kind of damage to the dog if the pet goes for exercise regularly.
Swimming, playing with other pets, dogs, and kids within the house, and even walk as well can be categorized under exercise. The puppy becomes attached more to its game partners whether they are pets or humans. Try to do so daily or at least on alternate days.
Controlling the Weight of the Golden Retriever
The pet loves to eat almost everything you will give him for feeding. It’s your job to ensure proper feeding time and make a 24-hour diet plan for the dog. You can favor your pet by giving him a cheat day and feeding him some crispy food items.
A male dog should maintain a weight between 65-75 lbs whereas a female dog should maintain a weight between 55-65 lbs. With age, the pet may gain some extra pounds. But it shouldn’t exceed 80 lbs to live a healthy life.
Maintain a Healthy Company
Achieving good health isn’t possible without a healthy and amazing company. Keep your pet calm and comfortable by him him enough time to express his feelings. The pet can’t manage well being alone. So, try to maintain a healthy company with your puppy.
Conclusion
Golden Retriever lives an average life of 10-12 years of age. Some known health issues of the breed sometimes become a reason for the early death of the dog. With proper care and grooming of the god, the lifespan of the dog sometimes exceeds the average lifespan. Try to take maximum care of your pet in routine to prevent it from diseases.