How long do overweight Golden Retrievers live

By Isabella Storyclaire

last updated November 18, 2024

Contributions sourced from

How Long Do Golden Retrievers Live? (5 Tips for a Longer Life)

If a Golden Retriever is a member of your family, youll want to keep him happy and healthy for as long as possible. You can make this happen by first knowing the average lifespan of Golden Retrievers and then by taking several steps to help prolong his life.

Golden Retrievers have an average lifespan of 10 12 years. With excellent care, however, these athletic dogs can often live up to 13 years or even longer. But for that to happen, you will need to be proactive when it comes to providing proper exercise, dietary requirements, and healthcare.

If youre a concerned Golden Retriever parent (or prospective pet parent), read on to learn more about the special needs of the Golden Retriever breed and how you can prolong their lives.

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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.

Feed Your Golden Retriever a Healthy Diet

In my opinion, feeding your dog a high quality dog food and providing plenty of fresh, clean drinking water are the two number one things you can do to increase the longevity of your Golden Retriever.

Food

While it might be tempting to buy cheap dog food to cut down on costs, your Golden Retriever will almost certainly struggle on a poor diet. Remember, these dogs are highly active, which means they need a properly balanced diet to maintain their active, all-over-the-place lifestyle.

The trick when buying dog food for your Golden retriever is to check the listed ingredients. High-quality dog food shouldnt contain additives, preservatives, or animal by-products.

Moreover, buying grain-free recipes is also advised to prevent your Golden retriever from becoming obese or developing digestive problems.

You should always consult with the vet when confused about the best dog food to get your four-legged family member. Ideally, you want to buy food thats designed for your Golden Retrievers age. That is, buy dog food meant for puppies if your Golden Retriever is a pup. When he matures, get him adult dog food and the same when he becomes a senior.

Everyone knows that dogs age much faster than humans but its hard to truly comprehend how much faster dogs age until you see it. Heres a table comparing the age of a Golden Retriever to their age in human years.

Golden RetrieverAge	Age in HumanYears
6 months	6 years old
1 year	12 years old
5 years	40 years old
10 years	75 years old
12 years	89 years old
15 years	110 years old

As such, its important that you feed your Golden a diet that corresponds with his age. A Golden Retriever is considered a puppy until hes 12 18 months old and hes considered an adult until he reaches his senior years around the age of 8.

Recommended Food For a Golden Retrievers Various Stages of Life

(Check out our article regarding how much to feed your Golden based on his current stage of life).

Water

You should also check on the quality of water you give your Golden Retriever. For instance, where we live our tap water is very high in calcium, so we give our dogs the same filtered water that we drink. Our view is that if its not good enough for us then its not good enough for our pups.

So be sure to give your Golden Retriever plenty of clean water. Change out the water daily since dirty water can lead to digestion problems. In addition, make sure to wash your dogs food and water dishes with soap and hot water on a regular basis to eliminate the growth of bacteria.

Due to their ability to harbor fewer bacteria, stainless steel water (and food) bowls are preferred to ceramic or plastic bowls. Try these inexpensive stainless steel bowls from Amazon.

This cannot be overstated, the quality of food and water you provide for your Golden retriever over his lifetime will play a big role in how long he lives and how healthy he is overall.

Groom and Observe Your Golden Retriever Frequently

Besides diet, regular (and proper) grooming is key to prolonging a Golden Retrievers life. As a long-haired dog, Goldens require regular brushing to reducing shedding and matting.

You should make brushing a fun activity for your Golden Retriever. And to ensure he gets used to daily brushing, its best advised to start brushing him daily as a puppy. Brush all surfaces, from the back to the sides, stomach, chest, ears, tail and daily. Daily brushing is a wonderful opportunity to inspect for ticks and fleas in the fur.

(Find out how to properly take care of your Golden Retrievers coat in our article here).

The main benefit of daily brushing from a longevity perspective is that it gives you the ability to examine your dogs entire body on a regular basis. Be on the lookout for cysts, bumps, redness, scratches, scabs, or lumps as they tend to signal an underlying problem. In case you identify a problem that warrants professional attention, dont hesitate to call your vet and schedule an appointment.

Note: Dont ever shave your Golden retrievers fur in an effort to keep him cool during the summer. Goldens have a unique double coat to protect them from extreme weather, be it the scorching sun or inches of snow. Without a coat to protect them, a Golden retrievers skin is just as susceptible topermanent sun damage as human skin is.

You should also make a habit of cleaning and inspecting your Golden Retrievers floppy ears. An ear infection is common in Golden Retrievers, so its best to clean them regularly, especially after a swim or hike.

Ears, Teeth and Nails

Also, be sure to trim his nails and brush his teeth regularly. These grooming tips might not appear important initially; however, they help a lot as the dog matures and ages.Starting these grooming habits as early as possible will help your Golden live longer.

Therefore, try your best to brush his teeth at least once a week as brushing reduces oral bacteria and this reduction in bacteria is good for his heart. In addition, you can also use toys like the Erichome Dog Toothbrush Chew Toy (Amazon) and the Wodifer Dog Chew Toy (Amazon) to prevent plaque and tartar buildup.

Ensure Your Golden Retriever Exercises Enough

Besides their angelic fur, Golden Retrievers are also known for their high energy levels. With a Golden Retriever, you dont have to worry much about overexerting him with exercise. These dogs love their playtime, meaning you should dedicate enough time to keep him physically active.

Discover how to train your Golden Retriever by playing games: 21 games to play with your Golden that will make them smarter and better behaved!

Set aside an hour for evening or morning walks with your Golden Retriever. But if you cant manage to take him for walks, allow him to play around the backyard for an hour or two until hes tired.

Youll also need to get creative and incorporate different physical activities to keep your Golden Retriever in tip-top shape. Tennis balls or frisbees are perfect for playing fetch. And since this breed loves swimming, its only fair that you take him swimming at least once or twice a month or even more often if you can.

Keeping a Golden Retriever active will almost certainly eliminate the risk of obesity. Please note that as puppies, Golden Retrievers should be kept highly active to boost their development and strengthen their core muscles and bones.

Never Isolate Your Golden Retriever (Social Needs)

Golden Retrievers are naturally friendly and social. These dogs love being around their loved ones and, therefore, wont pass the chance to sit next to you during game night. As such, try your best to include your Golden Retriever in family routines.

Isolating a Golden Retriever might leave him stressed out and anxious, which shouldnt be the case if you want him to live a long healthy life. This means that his sleeping area should be inside the house and not somewhere in the backyard. Although Golden retrievers love spending time in the outdoors, they should be considered an inside dog for their overall mental health and well-being.

Its been well proven that having regular healthy social interactions are key to longevity in humans and I think its safe to say the same would be the case when it comes to our incredibly social Golden retrievers.

Take Your Golden Retriever to the Vet for Regular Checkups

Although Golden Retrievers are usually healthy, they can easily develop ear infections among a host of other medical conditions. Hip dysplasia, cancer, skin infections, and respiratory problems are some common health conditions that Golden Retrievers are predisposed to.

Therefore, to ensure your Golden Retriever remains healthy, make a habit of taking him to the vet for regular checkups. Regular vet visits help unearth underlying conditions at an early stage, thus increasing the chances of successful treatment.

Therefore, once you bring your puppy home, be sure to slate a date with a trusted vet and have a file created. From there, the veterinarian will advise you on when youll need to pencil the next visit.

Although regular vet visits might seem costly, the move will come in handy and may even save money in the long run, especially as your Golden Retriever starts to age.

10 Mistakes that can shorten your pets life.

Final Takeaway

Most Golden Retrievers live between 10 12 years. A Golden Retriever, however, can live much longer. By following the practices above, you will ensure that he lives as long and healthy a life as possible.

The key to improving the quality of your Golden Retrievers life is to make sure that youre providing well for his basic needs. Golden Retrievers require balanced diets due to their high energy levels. They also need regular grooming and ear cleaning.

To prevent obesity, its crucial to keep your Golden retriever active. Try to spice up the play, mixing walks with swims, jogs, backyard (or park) fetch, among other games. Regular play is important to maintaining a healthy Golden Retriever.

Finally, dont only take your Golden Retriever to the vet when hes ill. Visit your veterinarian for wellness checks annually as itll ensure you unearth any underlying conditions early enough to treat your best friend successfully.

Sources

7 Crazy Facts About Golden Retriever Lifespans (And 7 Tips To Increase It)

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click on a link and purchase the item. This comes at no extra cost to you.

Want to know how long golden retrievers live?

In this post, youll learn the average lifespan for golden retrievers.

And not only that, but Im also going to share with you 7 tips to help your golden live a long and happy life and hopefully increase that life expectancy!

Ready to give your golden the longest, healthiest life possible?

Lets dive in!

Fact #1: Golden Retrievers Live An Average Of 10-12 Years

The average golden retriever lifespan is 10-12 years, which is about the same as other breeds of dogs their size.

For comparison, German shepherds live between 7-10 years, and labradors live between 10-12 years.

Smaller breeds typically live longer lives (Yorkies live an average of 11-15 years), while larger breeds typically live shorter lives (Great Danes live an average of 7-10 years).

Of course, these are just averages, and many dogs live longer or shorter lives than these ranges.

Fact #2: The Oldest Golden Retriever Is 20 Years Old

Augie, a golden retriever who lives in Tennessee, is currently the oldest golden retriever at 20 years old.

She was born on April 24, 2000.

Learn more about Augie here.

Fact #3: 60% Of Golden Retrievers Are Impacted By Cancer

One of the biggest causes of death for golden retrievers is cancer.

According to the Morris Animal Foundation Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, 60% of golden retrievers are impacted by cancer.

This is about double the rate of any other breed of dog.

Fact #4: 3,000 Golden Retrievers Are Participating In A Study To Help Increase Golden Retriever Health

The Morris Animal Foundation launched the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study in 2012.

Together with veterinarians and the participating golden retrievers and their owners, theyre collecting data about their health, environment, and behavior to find potential risk factors for cancer and other diseases.

Fact #5: Golden Retrievers Suffer From These Health Issues Most Commonly

Here are some of the most common golden retriever health issues:

Hip and elbow dysplasia
Hypothyroidism
Sub-aortic stenosis (SAS)
Eye disorders
Mast cell tumors
Seizures
Lymphoma
Osteosarcoma
Hemangiosarcoma
Skin problems

Dont worry, in the next section, well show you how to prevent these!

Fact #6: Golden Retrievers Are Puppies For Life

Most golden retriever owners say their goldens are puppies for life.

Their playful puppy attitudes often last well past their puppy years, so if you have a golden at home be ready for a lifetime of fun!

Fact #7: Golden Retrievers Faces Turn Gray Or White As They Age

Whenever you see a gray-faced golden retriever its fun to think about how many smiles theyve sparked, or how many happy faces theyve licked.

Although a gray face may give one indication of a goldens age, their playful demeanor usually says otherwise.

7 Tips To Increase Your Golden Retrievers Lifespan

This next section will cover seven tips to help increase your golden retrievers life expectancy.

Of course, they arent foolproof, but they will give your dog the best shot possible at having a long and healthy life.

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.

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.

Tip #3: Groom Your Golden Regularly

Maintaining your golden retrievers coat, nails, paws, teeth, and ears can not only keep them looking sharp, but also keep them healthy.

By not brushing their teeth, they can be at a greater risk to develop dental diseases, and by not cleaning their ears, they can develop ear infections.

Grooming them also gives you a chance to check them for lumps or painful spots.

Tip #4: Exercise Your Golden Retriever Regularly

Like people, dogs benefit from regular exercise.

It keeps their bones, muscles, and heart strong, as well as keeps their potty habits regular.

Good forms of exercise include walks, swimming, playing fetch, and playing with other dogs.

It also helps a lot with tip #5

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.

Tip #6: Have A Good Relationship With Your Vet

Having a relationship where you talk about whats going on in your dogs life will help them get to know your dog and care for them the best they can.

Theyll be able to tell you whats best for your pup so that theyre living up to their healthiest potential.

Tip #7: Fix Your Dog, But Not Too Early

According to this research article, dogs that are fixed may live longer than those who are not.

And, according to this article, dogs that are fixed a little later in life (after their first heat cycle for females and between 12-24 months for males) may be better off than dogs who are fixed too early (usually around 6 months old).

Interestingly enough, theres also evidence that suggests fixed men may live longer than intact men, if were using canine terms here.

Ill let you decide how you want to process that information!