How long do obese golden retrievers live
How Long Do Golden Retrievers Live?
We all want our Golden Retrievers to live a long, healthy life. But how long should we expect our Goldens to live on average? Here we discuss the average life expectancy, and what you can do to help your dog increase their odds of a long life.
Golden Retrievers are one of the most loved dogs in the United States. The breed is a medium-large type dog which is lovable, goofy, sociable and affectionate. When you have a Golden Retriever, you would want to try to keep them alive and healthy as long as you can.
How Long Do They Live?
On average, Golden Retrievers live 10-12 years. Within the last fifty years, the life expectancy has dropped by five or six years. Back in the 1970s, Golden Retrievers lived for 16-17 years.
Golden Retrievers are great dogs, and people do want them to live longer. With all the things that could go wrong, being educated on how to prolong the life of your Golden Retriever is extremely helpful.
Remember, 10-12 years is just the average, your dog could live much longer!
Golden Retrievers Life Expectancy
Golden Retrievers were bred during the 1920s as aretriever dog when hunting. In the 1920s, this type of dog was adopted veryquickly in the United States, and people fell in love. Golden Retrievers areloyal animals that like to be around their owners.
Golden Retrievers, when they were first bred, had a higherlife expectancy. After generations of breeding and genetic issues being passeddown, Golden Retrievers life expectancy started to fall. There was a huge dropoff between the 1970s until now. The Golden Retrievers life expectancy fell to10-12 years instead of 16-17 years.
Issues That Affect Life Expectancy
Several different things go into the life expectancy for aGolden Retriever. Most of these issues are genetic or health issues. There isalso an exposure issue with toxic materials that could cause cancer.
The genetic health issues that have been passed down areusually heart disease, cancer, hypothyroidism, skin disease, ear infections,gastrointestinal illness, urinary diseases, joint dysplasia, epilepsy, andchest condition issues.
The most common issue that Golden Retrievers have when itcomes to health issues is cancer. Golden Retrievers are more prone to cancer,and their owners should be aware of that.
Cancer In Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers are far more susceptible to cancer. This decreases their life expectancy. Cancer can be in several different forms for Golden Retrievers and manifests at different times in their lives.
To learn more about cancer in Golden Retrievers check out our recent article. We go more indepth on the subject there.
Cancer Odds
According to Havon (2006), approximately 60 percent of Golden Retrievers will die from cancer. It is the leading cause of death in Golden Retrievers now. Previously, heart disease was the leading cause of death. Golden Retrievers get many different types of cancer, but there are two that are the most common.
The following types of cancer make up over half of the cases that are found in Golden Retrievers:
- Hemangiosarcoma: Cancer in dogs thatpresents from the cells in the blood vessels.
- Lymphoma: Type of cancer in dogs thatpresents from where the lymphoid tissues are located, such as bone marrow:thymus, lymph nodes, or spleen.
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 (heart disease, hypothyroidism, etc.) 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.
Prolonging the Life Expectancy
There are ways that Golden Retriever owners can help the life expectancy of their dog. Some suggestions are obvious, while others may never have crossed your mind.
Exercise
Golden Retrievers are active dogs. Exercise plays an important role in their lives. A Golden puppy needs about 5min of exercise per month that they have been alive. An adult Golden needs anywhere from 1 to 2 hours of exercise per day depending on the dog. More active working dogs would need closer to 2 hours.
Exercise will help their body remain healthy, and help them to avoid obesity, an all too common problem in many dogs.
Limit Exposure
The first thing you can do is limit the amount of exposureto environmental toxins as you can. There are so many different things that cancause cancer in this world, but the ones that Golden Retriever owners shouldfocus on are below.
Second Hand Smoke
Secondhand smoking around Golden Retrievers is harmful totheir bodies. Golden Retrievers already have problems with their chest cavitiesand sometimes with their lungs. Secondhand smoke could increase their risk oflung or other forms of cancer.
Pesticides
Pesticides are known exposure problems for cancer not only in humans, but Golden Retrievers as well. Pesticides are the chemicals that are put on (usually sprayed) plants to limit the bug exposure to that particular plant. Pesticides have been long ridiculed as dangerous to breathe in and also to be ingested.
Herbicides
Herbicides are another exposure problem for cancer in Golden Retrievers. Herbicides are the chemicals that are put on plants to kill them. These have been used for years in peoples gardens as well as in fields where produce is being grown. Herbicides are again harmful to not only humans, but also Golden Retrievers.
Stress Reduction
Reducing the stress in your Golden Retriever will allowtheir bodies to be more relaxed and operate properly. Think about when you arestressed and the havoc that stress does to your body. It is the same in GoldenRetrievers.
When a Golden Retriever is stressed, the hormones and body chemistry can be thrown off. This can allow the dog to be vulnerable to illness. Also, stress could cause more heart issues in Golden Retrievers.
Some tips for stress reduction is training your Golden Retriever how to de-stress, as well as teaching them that being alone is okay. Most of the Golden Retrievers stress does stem from separation anxiety. Helping relieve that stress can keep your Golden Retriever healthier and live longer.
Health Precautions
The recommendation for Golden Retrievers is to have annualcheck-ups at their Veterinarian office. During these visits, they will checkfor cancer, illness, and infections. This could help with early detection. Spayand neutering your animal is also recommended by certain veterinarians.
Another recommendation is to give your Golden Retriever supplements and vitamins that will help their bodies stay healthy. These suggestions should come directly from a trained professional on Golden Retrievers, such as your veterinarian.
Brushing your dogs teeth and hair can help with keepingyour Golden Retriever healthy. Making sure that the Golden Retrievers teethare not having plague issues could prevent any gum diseases or teethinfections. Brushing their hair is recommended to keep their skin conditions atbay.
Sunscreen
Lastly, sunscreen is recommended to be put on your Golden Retriever. Many Golden Retrievers are light in color, which allows the sun to penetrate the dogs coat. That would allow the sun to be in direct contact with the dogs skin, and could cause a burn. This could cause issues to the dogs skin and possibly cause cancer.
Conclusion
Not all news about Golden Retriever health is bad. There are also many studies being done to help reduce the risks of cancer and other life ending issues that our dogs may face.
While the life expectancy of a Golden Retriever has fallen over the years, our knowledge has grown. This allows us to take more precautions and adjust our raising of our dogs. Be sure to do your part in helping to increase your Goldens life.
To help with the costs of keeping up with veterinarian bills, be sure to check out our list of Recommended Pet Insurance Providers to get a FREE quote!
How Long Do English Cream Golden Retrievers Live?
Are you curious about how long do English Cream Golden Retrievers live? Since English Cream Golden Retrievers have become beloved family members to millions of households everywhere. It is essential to know their lifespan. Perhaps, you want to know if they live longer or shorter than other dogs of their breed.
In this blog post, we will learn how long do English Cream Golden Retrievers live and how to care for them to extend their lifespan. So, lets get started!
Overview of the English Cream Golden Retriever Breed
Suppose youre looking for a loyal, loving companion that will bring your family joy. Consider the English Cream Golden Retriever. These beautiful dogs have a long history of being loyal friends and family members. They are intelligent, gentle, and easy to train, making them ideal pets for all households. Lets take a closer look at this wonderful breed.
History of the Breed
The English Cream Golden Retriever first appeared in Scotland in the late 1800s. It is believed that they descended from Russian and Czechoslovakian retrievers bred with local retrievers. The result was an elegant, cream-colored retriever with a calm demeanor and excellent hunting skills. They quickly gained popularity in England and soon became one of the most popular breeds in the country.
Appearance
English Cream Golden Retrievers have lovely cream coats ranging from almost white to darker shades of gold or red. Their coats are usually straight and medium, although some may be longer or wavier depending on their genetics. They also have moderately long ears hanging beside their face, dark eyes, and a strong muzzle with large teeth perfect for retrieving things like ducks or sticks!
Personality Traits
English Cream Golden Retrievers have sweet personalities, making them wonderful pets for all families. They are loyal companions who love spending time with their owners and going on walks or playing fetch in the yard. Because they are intelligent, they learn commands quickly and respond well to positive reinforcement methods such as clickers or reward-based training. Additionally, they get along well with other animals and childrenmaking them ideal pets for larger households!
How Long Do English Cream Golden Retrievers Live?
According to theAmerican Kennel Club, the average lifespan of an English Cream Golden Retriever is between 12 and 14 years. It is slightly longer than other Golden Retriever varieties, which typically live between 10 and 12 years. However, different factors can impact their lifespan, such as:
Obesity
It should come as no surprise that obesity is one of the main culprits in reducing a dogs lifespan. According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), nearly 55% of all dogs in America are overweight or obese. That means more than half of all American dogs are not getting enough exercise and eating too much food.
Obesity can lead to several health risks, like joint pain, diabetes, and even heart disease. So make sure your pup gets plenty of exercises every day and watch their portion size so they dont become overweight.
Neglecting Dental Care & Poor Quality Food
Good oral hygiene is just as important for dogs as for humans! Accumulated plaque on teeth can cause pain and inflammation in gums, leading to complications like infection or even tooth loss in extreme cases.
Additionally, poor-quality food could also lead to dental issues because certain ingredients might be harder on teeth than others. Ensure you brush your pups teeth regularly and provide high-quality food formulated specifically for their breed or size.
Skipping Veterinary Checkups & No Exercise
Lastly, skipping regular checkups with your veterinarian could spell disaster for your pup since diseases like cancer or heart conditions may go undetected until its too late. Exercise is also essential for maintaining good overall health. Since daily activity helps keep joints strong and muscles toned, which will help improve their overall quality of life. Take your dogs on a walk around the neighborhood daily or play fetch in the park if possible! It will benefit both of you.
These are just a few factors that can affect an English Cream Golden Retrievers lifespan.
Common Health Conditions That Can Shorten the Lifespan
Aside from the factors mentioned above, English Cream Golden Retrievers can also be prone to various health conditions that can shorten their lifespan. Some of these include:
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a condition where the hip joint does not fit together correctly, resulting in pain, lameness, and arthritis due to inflammation. While it is more common in larger breeds, it can also occur in English Cream Golden Retrievers. If youre concerned about hip dysplasia in your pup, ask your vet about radiographs (x-rays). Or a physical exam to determine if there is any evidence of hip dysplasia. If so, early intervention is key. Talk with your veterinarian about a diet and exercise plan tailored specifically for your pup to help manage the condition and maintain its quality of life.
Elbow Dysplasia
Elbow dysplasia occurs when the elbow joint does not develop properly during puppyhood or later on due to wear and tear or other factors. As with hip dysplasia, early detection and management are essential. Take your pup for regular checkups to spot any potential issues quickly before they become serious problems.
Additionally, ensure your pup is getting enough exercise but not over-exercising. As this puts strain on developing joints which can lead to elbow dysplasia down the line.
Cancer
Unfortunately, cancer is an all too common problem among dogs of all breeds. However, there are still steps you can take to minimize the risk of cancer in your pup. Regular checkups with a veterinarian will ensure an early diagnosis should any issues arise. While maintaining an appropriate diet and exercise plan will help keep your pups overall health in tip-top shape, Thus reducing their risk of developing cancer.
Additionally, keeping up with vaccinations will help protect against certain types of cancers caused by bacteria or viruses that could otherwise put them at risk.
Heart Issues
Heart issues such as arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), heart failure, dilated cardiomyopathy (enlarged heart), aortic stenosis (narrowing of the aorta), etc., are all commonly seen in older English Cream Golden Retrievers due partly to genetics. But also from lifestyle habits like obesity or lack of exercise, which put extra strain on the heart muscle over time.
In order to prevent these issues from occurring as much as possible, try feeding them healthy food regularly and make sure they get plenty of exercise throughout their lives. Even daily short walks will help keep their hearts strong into old age.
Skin Conditions
Due to their thick fur and sensitive skin, English Cream Golden Retrievers are prone to various skin conditions such as allergies, mange, hives, and eczema. These conditions can be caused by environmental triggers like pollen or dust mites, or they can be caused by underlying medical conditions such as thyroid dysfunction or immune system deficiencies. It is important to visit a veterinarian if you notice any sign of skin irritation in your pup so that they can get immediate medical attention.
Eye Problems
Eye problemsare another common issue among English Cream Golden Retrievers due to their protruding eyes and thin eyelids. Most commonly, eye issues include tearing, cloudiness in the eyes, and corneal ulcers. It can cause inflammation and discomfort in your pups eyes. Pay close attention to any changes in your pups vision or behavior related to their eyesight so that you can take them for an exam with a vet if necessary.
Teeth & Gum Conditions
Poor dental hygiene can lead to gum disease and tooth decay in your furry pal. Regular checkups with the vet and daily brushing are recommended. If left untreated, gum disease can lead to serious infections that could shorten your pups lifespan if not addressed promptly by a professional veterinarian.
Panosteitis
This condition is more commonly known as growing pains because it typically affects puppies between the ages of 6-18 months old when they are going through rapid growth spurts. Symptoms include lameness and stiffness accompanied by swelling around the joints. It can be very painful for young pups who have just begun enthusiastically exploring their world. Treatment includes rest and anti-inflammatory medications prescribed by your vet, depending on the severity of the symptoms present in your pups case.
These are some of the most common health issues that English Cream Golden Retrievers face. Keeping a close eye on their behavior and physical well-being is key to helping them stay healthy into old age.
Helping Your English Cream Golden Retriever Live a Long Life
You can take many steps to ensure your pups longevity and health.
Tip #1: Proper Diet & Nutrition
A balanced diet is essential for any dog, especially for the English Cream Golden Retriever. Make sure that you are providing your pup with the right blend of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients in the correct proportions. Also, ensure you are avoiding foods that could be potentially toxic or harmful to them, like chocolate or grapes.
Tip #2: Exercise
Exercise is an important part of keeping your pup healthy and happy. Take your dogs on walks or hikes at least twice daily so they get plenty of fresh air and can explore the great outdoors. This will also help keep them physically active, which is necessary for their overall health, and help reduce behavioral problems such as excessive barking or chewing.
Tip #3: Grooming
Regular grooming helps maintain the health of your pups coat and skin while also keeping them looking good. Brush their fur daily using a soft brush and give them baths every 4-6 weeks with a mild shampoo made specifically for dogs. Trim their nails regularly and check their ears for signs of infection or wax buildup.
Tip #4: Socialization
Socializing your pup when they are young is essential to ensure that they grow up to be well-adjusted dogs with no issues around people or other animals. Take them out on walks in public areas so they can get used to being around different people and animals while remaining calm and confident in new situations.
Tip #5: Training & Obedience Classes
Training classes will help you teach your pup basic commands like sit, stay, come here, etc., and proper socialization skills so they know how to behave around other people and animals in public settings. It is essential to start training your pup when they are young, so it becomes second nature for them later on in life when you need it most!
Tip #6: Vaccinations & Health Checks
Ensure that you keep up with all of the vaccinations recommended by your vet, such as rabies shots, heartworm tests, etc., and can catch any potential issues with regular checkups with the vet before they become bigger problems down the line.
Tip #7: Mental Stimulation
Mental stimulation helps keep your pups mind active, which can reduce boredom leading to destructive behaviors like chewing furniture or digging holes in the yard. Give them toys that require problem-solving, such as puzzle balls or interactive toys where treats can only be obtained after figuring out how it works!
Tip #8: Quality Time & Bonding
Spend quality time with your pup every day, even if its just 15 minutes throughout the day playing games or going for short walks together; this will help build a strong bond between you two which is essential for a healthy relationship between pet parents and their pets!
Tip #9: Avoid Overfeeding
Overfeeding leads to obesity, which puts extra strain on their joints, making it harder for them to exercise properly, leading to many health issues like joint pain, diabetes, etc. So make sure that you follow the feeding instructions provided by your vet closely!
Tip #10: Monitor Their Health
Pay close attention to any changes in behavior, such as lethargy or loss of appetite, that could indicate underlying health issues; if anything seems off, contact your vet immediately to diagnose it quickly before things get worse.
These are some basic tips to help keep your pup healthy and happy! Of course, all puppies are different, so make sure that you do your research and consult with a vet if needed.
Proper Nutrition in Keeping Your English Cream Golden Retriever Healthy
Nutrition is an essential factor in keeping your English Cream Golden Retriever healthy.
Choose the Right Food
A good diet begins with the right food. Make sure you choose a food specifically formulated for large breed dogs like the English Cream Golden Retriever. Look for foods rich in protein, omega fatty acids, and essential vitamins and minerals that will help keep your pup healthy and strong. Avoid foods with fillers like corn or wheat because these can be difficult for your puppy to digest and can lead to digestive issues later on down the line.
Monitor Caloric Intake
English Cream Goldens need more calories than other large breeds due to their high energy level and muscular build, so be sure to monitor how many calories youre giving them each day. Too few calories can lead them to lose weight, while too many can cause weight gain, leading to complications such as joint pain or arthritis later on in life.
Dont Overfeed Them
While it might seem counterintuitive, dont overfeed your pup even if they beg for more food! The best way to prevent overeating is by portioning meals into multiple feedings throughout the day rather than giving them one large meal at once. It will also help regulate their digestion and metabolism better too!
Supplement Their Diet
You may want to supplement their diet with fresh fruits and vegetables such as apples, carrots, greens, and sweet potatoes for added nutrients not found in commercial dog food formulas and provide variety for their taste buds! Be sure not to give them any onions or garlic; these can be toxic for dogs!
Stay Hydrated
Ensure they always have access to clean water throughout the day to stay hydrated! This is especially important when they play outside or go on long walks/runs with you during hot summer days!
How to Tell Your English Cream Golden Retrievers Age
Now that you know how to keep your English Cream Golden Retriever healthy, its also important to be able to tell their age. Its not as easy as with other breeds, but there are some ways to help make a general guess. Heres how you can tell:
Teeth
Puppies have 28 temporary teeth that start coming in around 3 weeks old and usually fall out between 4 and 6 months old. Around this time, the permanent adult teeth should start poking through. By 8 months old, most dogs should have 42 adult teeth. You can compare your pups mouth to photos or diagrams of different stages of puppy development to get an idea of how old they are.
Behavior
The behavior of puppies changes as they age and mature. At 2 months old, puppies will begin to play with each other and explore their environment more independently. By 4 months old, they will become more independent, playful, and curious about everything around them.
From 5-7 months old, theyll start to exhibit signs of rebellion against authority figures, like barking at people or other dogs when scolded or said no. This rebellious phase often ends around 10-12 months old when most puppies have grown into adults who understand boundaries and interact with humans in a friendly manner.
Muzzle Hair
Puppies typically lose muzzle hair around 4-5 weeks old as it starts being replaced with adult fur; this happens gradually for several weeks until all the baby fur has been replaced by adult fur (known as a blowing coat). So if your pup still has some baby fur on its muzzle and some adult fur mixed in, its probably between 4-7 months old.
Sounds and Sights
Another way to estimate your pups age is by observing their behavior when hearing loud noises or seeing strange sights. Older pups will tend to be less startled than younger ones since theyve had more time to become accustomed to these types of stimuli. In comparison, younger pups may bark or cower away in fear due to a lack of experience with similar situations before.
Body Shape
An older pup tends to look bigger than a young one because older dogs have filled it out more physically and mentally. So if you want an accurate estimation of your dogs age based on body shape alone, then it would be best for you to consult with a vet who can assess them directly rather than relying solely on pictures online since size can vary greatly between individual dogs regardless of their age group (e.g., larger breeds vs. smaller breeds).
It is crucial to know your English Cream Golden Retrievers age to ensure they receive the proper nutrition, care, and exercise for their age.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are English Cream Golden Retrievers Healthier Than Other Breeds?
Generally speaking, English cream golden retrievers tend to be healthier than other breeds because they have fewer genetic conditions than their counterparts. Its important to note that all breeds of golden retrievers can suffer from certain health issues, such as hip dysplasia or eye problems. Its essential to research and consult with a veterinarian if you are concerned about any medical conditions in your dog.
What is the Longest Living English Cream Golden Retriever?
The longest-living recorded English cream golden retriever was August (nicknamed Ausie). He lived until he was 21 years old! Generally speaking, golden retrievers can live up to 12-15 years with proper nutrition and care. It is also possible for them to live longer if they receive regular exercise and visits from a vet regularly.
Are Cream Golden Retrievers More Expensive?
Yes, cream golden retrievers tend to be more expensive than other types of golden retrievers due to their rarity and popularity. The average price for a purebred puppy ranges from $100-$3500, depending on where you get it from and which type of parentage it has. However, rescues may be available at lower prices if you can search around!
How Are English Cream Goldens Different?
English cream goldens are typically bigger than American goldens, with a thicker coat and lighter coloration than their American counterpart. Additionally, they tend to be calmer in temperament while still having plenty of energy when playing outdoors or going on walks! They make excellent family pets but require plenty of grooming due to their dense coats making them better suited for homes with people who have time for regular brushing sessions!
Final Words
So how long do English Cream Golden Retrievers live? English Cream Golden Retrievers can live long and fruitful lives with proper care and nutrition. Depending on their lifestyle and environment, these loving dogs can reach up to 14 years or potentially more. With good healthcare regimens, these dogs will be cherished companions for many years. So let them run free and frolic till they wantthey may be with you longer than you think!
