Is 10 years old for a golden retriever

Aging Golden Retriever Health Problems -What To Expect In Your Senior Dog

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Its no secret that dogs age faster than we do, and large breeds like the Golden Retriever age even faster than small breeds. So, what can you expect as your beloved Golden Retriever gets older?

You can pretty much expect the same things as you would in humans. Slowing down, sleeping more, gray hair, and becoming a bit grumpy!

Along with subtle signs of aging, there are more serious health issues that arise.

Read on as we discuss aging Golden Retriever health problems, as well as offer tips on how to care for your Golden Retriever as he enters his golden years.

At What Age Is A Golden Retriever Considered A Senior?

Golden Retrievers are larger dogs so that automatically shortens their lifespan.

Larger dogs age faster than smaller dogs, the reason why is still a mystery but scientists believe that its simply because large dogs grow faster.

Growing faster can lead to an earlier incidence of tumours and other abnormal tissue developments including cancer.

The lifespan of a Golden Retriever is 10-12 years on average.

Decades ago Golden Retrievers lived to be 16-17 years old.

The reason for their reduced lifespan now is believed to be that this breed is more prone to certain types of cancer than any other breed.

A Golden Retriever is considered a senior at the age of 7.5-10 years old.

Many people believe that 1 human year is equivalent to 7 dog years, but this is not the case and it all depends on the size of the dog.

Scientists have come to the conclusion that for every 4.4 pounds of body mass a dog has, their life expectancy is reduced by one month.

To find out how old your dog is in human years, you can check out this handy chart from the American Kennel Club.

Aging Golden Retriever Health Problems

Getting old is unavoidable, and as much as we hate to see our loyal and loving goldens slow down and show signs of aging, it is something that we must face.

You may own a golden who is considered a senior because of his age but in no way shows any signs of being old.

When a dog is considered a senior they are likely still healthy, and just starting to show signs of aging.

Below are some of the signs you may notice in your Golden Retriever as he gets older:

Slowing Down

This is usually the first sign of aging.

You may notice that your once excitable dog which used to run to greet you and eagerly chase a tennis ball, is no longer that enthusiastic or no longer has the energy.

Your dog is slowing down, the changes may be subtle, but you need to pay attention to how your dog gets up or lays down and uses the stairs.

If your dog shows hesitation or has stiffness, or if a change in weather makes it worse, it could be a sign of early arthritis.

Increased Fatigue

Older dogs tend to sleep more and have less energy.

As your dog ages, you need to lower your expectations of him.

Your dog may not have the energy or desire to do the things that he once did when he was younger.

Your older dog will need longer periods of uninterrupted rest, so its important to avoid disturbing your dog while he is getting some much-needed rest.

Graying Around The Face And Muzzle

Some goldens will start to show gray around the face and muzzle earlier than others, but most will start to show gray during middle age around 5-6 years old.

Premature whitening of the face can be due to genetics. However, there are other reasons that you should be concerned about.

Reduced Hearing

Some dogs will experience hearing loss as they get older.

It is hard to determine if your dog has slight hearing loss, and usually, when you discover hearing loss in your dog it is already pretty severe.

Some of the signs to look out for include:

• Your dog ignores or doesnt obey your commands, because he cant hear you.
• When you approach your dog or touch him, he gets startled, because he didnt hear you coming.
• Having a hard time waking your dog up while he is sleeping, because he cant hear you.

Cloudy Eyes

Its important to pay attention to your dogs eyes, while some cloudiness (nuclear sclerosis) is a normal sign of aging in some dogs, it can also be a sign of cataracts.

Dogs who develop nuclear sclerosis will still be able to see just fine, but if your dog has cataracts his vision will be affected.

It is best to visit your vet at the first sign of any cloudiness.

Change In Nutritional Needs And Weight Gain

As your dog gets older you may notice weight changes.

Your dogs metabolism slows down as he ages, and if you are feeding your dog the same amount of food as when he was younger, you may notice him gaining weight.

If your dog is losing weight, it could be related to certain diseases that come along with aging.

Any changes in your dogs weight should be closely monitored by your vet.

Coat And Skin Changes

The once lustrous coat of your Golden Retriever may become dull and thin, and the skin may become dry as your dog ages.

Older dogs will need to be groomed more often because they might have trouble grooming themselves.

Be sure to brush gently because the skin is more sensitive and fragile.

Grooming your golden is a great way for you to check for any skin conditions like lumps and bumps that shouldnt be there.

You may notice skin tags on your Golden Retriever.

Skin tags are common growths that appear on middle-aged to senior Golden Retrievers.

Although they are benign (non-cancerous), you still want to keep an eye on them and have them checked by your vet.

Many owners opt to have skin tags removed by their vet.

Any significant changes in your goldens skin and coat should be discussed with your vet.

A thin and dull coat could be a sign of nutritional deficiency or disease.

Dental Disease

It is extremely common to see some form of dental disease in dogs by the age of 3.

According to VCA Animal Hospitals, 80% of dogs that are over the age of 3, have active dental disease.

If your golden has not received proper dental care during his lifetime, he is at greater risk of developing dental disease as he ages.

Dogs are five times more likely to get gum disease than humans because their mouths are more alkaline which promotes the formation of plaque.

Dogs usually dont get their teeth brushed daily unlike humans.

Look for signs such as bad breath, red or bleeding gums, loose or broken teeth, and any lumps and bumps in or around your dogs mouth.

It is important to practice good oral hygiene by brushing your dogs teeth regularly (daily preferred), and providing appropriate chew toys and treats.

A great all-natural toothpaste to use is coconut oil. Its antibacterial properties reduce plaque bacteria, and dogs love the taste.

While brushing your dogs teeth may be a difficult task, you could also look for hard rubber chew toys. KONGs for seniors are ideal, as they are specially formulated for aging teeth and gums.

Loss Of Bladder Control

Urinary incontinence occurs when a dog that is house-trained loses control of its bladder.

As a dog ages, the muscles controlling the bladder weaken and cause the dog to have accidents.

Urinary incontinence can happen to both male and female dogs as they age, but it is far more common in middle-aged to older spayed females.

The reason is believed to be the lack of estrogen in spayed females.

Your dog could also have canine senility or dementia and he simply forgot to signal you that he needs out.

It is important to remember that your dog cant help it and you shouldnt scold him for it.

Youll want to take your dog outside more frequently for potty breaks, and you could also try pee pads for accidents in the house as well as dog diapers.

Involuntary loss of urine can also be a sign of other issues such as bladder infections, bladder stones, Cushings disease, diabetes, hypothyroidism, and kidney disease.

It is important to monitor your dog and speak with your vet.

The More Serious Signs Of Aging In Your Golden Retriever

The terms senior and geriatric are often used to describe older dogs. Many people think of these terms as meaning the same, however, they are not the same thing!

Golden Retrievers are considered seniors at the age of 7.5 to 10 years old, right around the time when age-related issues start to become noticeable.

Geriatric dogs are at the older age of the spectrum and they experience more health issues. A Golden Retriever is considered geriatric at the age of 10 and up.

Some more serious health problems that can affect your golden include:

Cancer

Golden Retrievers are more likely to develop certain types of cancer than any other breed.

Unfortunately, cancer is the number one cause of death in goldens. According to the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study, 60% of Golden Retrievers are impacted by cancer.

Males have a higher rate of 66% and females slightly lower at 57%.

The 2 most common cancers found in goldens are hemangiosarcoma and lymphosarcoma.

Well briefly discuss them below as well as other cancers goldens may get.

• Hemangiosarcoma: An aggressive malignant tumour of the blood cells that typically form in the spleen, liver, heart, and lungs. This tumour most commonly affects middle-aged to older dogs of any breed, but more frequently affects Golden Retrievers and German Shepherds.

• Lymphosarcoma: Also known as lymphoma. This cancer arises predominantly in the lymph glands. This tumour can affect any breed of dog at any age, but Golden Retrievers are more likely to be affected.

• Melanoma: A type of skin cancer that can be found in the nail beds, footpads, and eyes, but the majority start in the mouth or around the lips.

• Osteosarcoma: Cancer of the bone. This type of cancer is more common in large breeds like goldens, and mostly affects the limbs.

• Mast Cell Tumours: Most common skin tumours seen in dogs. MCTs vary from almost benign, slow-growing, low-grade tumours to very aggressive, high-grade cancers. MCTs at the least aggressive end of the scale are potentially curable, but the aggressive ones are frequently fatal.

For a more in-depth look at the most common types of cancers that affect Golden Retrievers, as well as the factors that influence cancer in Golden Retrievers, please check out my article, Why Do Golden Retrievers Get Cancer?

Arthritis

As Golden Retrievers age, they may develop arthritis in their bones.

Walking will become difficult and painful for them, as well as getting up and moving around.

It is best to keep the walks short and more frequent to prevent your golden from getting stiff joints.

Keeping your golden at a healthy weight is ideal to prevent any excess pressure on the joints.

Getting your golden out for a swim is very helpful because swimming is a great form of exercise and it is easier on the joints.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism can occur in any breed, but it is most common in medium to large-breed dogs like Golden Retrievers.

It usually occurs when a dog is middle-aged between 4-10 years.

It occurs when the thyroid glands are unable to produce enough thyroid hormone, which leads to a decrease in the bodys metabolism.

Common signs of hypothyroidism are:

• Loss of fur on the chest, back, and tail.
• Dry skin.
• Lethargy.
• Weight gain, without any change in food intake.

The good news is that hypothyroidism is treatable.

Glaucoma

As dogs age, their vision starts to deteriorate and vision changes are common.

Glaucoma is a rise in eye pressure.

It can come on quickly and requires immediate treatment. Without treatment, it will eventually result in blindness.

The early signs of glaucoma are often hard to spot, watch out for the following:

• Different size pupils.
• Watery and bloodshot eyes.
• Your dog shows little interest in food or activity.

Diabetes

Diabetes can occur at any age but is most often seen in dogs who are middle-aged to senior.

Diabetes in older dogs is identified as diabetes mellitus and happens when your dogs pancreas is unable to produce enough insulin to maintain healthy blood sugar levels.

It is more common in middle-aged females who are overweight.

Signs that your dog may have diabetes include:

• Increased thirst.
• Excessive urination.
• Lethargy.
• Weight loss or gain for no reason.
• A sweet sugary smelling breath.

Diabetes in dogs is a chronic condition that requires ongoing treatment and monitoring for life.

With the right care, a dog who has diabetes can continue to live a happy, comfortable, and enjoyable life.

Heart Disease

Heart disease is common in dogs as they get older.

Most heart conditions occur when there is a decrease in the effective pumping of blood. This can lead to a fluid build-up in the chest and abdomen.

There are 2 main types of heart conditions, one affecting the heart valve and the other the heart muscle.

Dogs can be successfully managed through nutrition, exercise, and if needed medication.

Signs that your dog may have heart disease include:

• Fatigue.
• Loss of appetite.
• Shortness of breath.
• Fainting.
• Coughing.

Muscle Atrophy

Common in older dogs, muscle atrophy is when there is a loss of muscle mass.

It is noticeable when parts of your dogs body appear weaker and thinner than usual. Most often seen in the hind legs, hips, face, or neck.

Senior dogs who suffer from muscle atrophy will need to maintain a healthy exercise program that is designed to help them build muscle.

They should also be given appropriate nutrition that meets their age and energy level.

Dementia

Senior dementia is a common problem that affects older dogs.

It is similar to Alzheimers in humans and often results in mood and behaviour changes, and memory loss in dogs.

Signs of dementia in dogs include:

• Disorientation, getting lost in the house.
• Pacing.
• Anxiety.
• Barking for no reason.
• Lack of interaction.
• Loss of appetite.
• Loss of house training.

Sadly there is no way to reverse the signs of dementia, but there are medications and supplements that may help in some cases.

Caring For Your Aging Golden Retriever

As your beloved golden gets older he will require certain lifestyle changes.

As a loving dog owner, it is up to you to make sure his golden years are just as happy and comfortable as before, and that his good health is maintained.

Veterinary Care

Now that your dog is a senior it is important to visit your vet twice a year for a check-up.

Your vet will be able to discuss with you any changes that you may have noticed, as well as perform a complete thorough exam.

This short video demonstrates the importance of regular vet checkups for senior dogs:

Nutrition

As your dog ages, his metabolism will slow down.

It is important to keep your dog at a healthy weight, and not let him become obese. If your dog is overweight it is important to work at shedding off the excess weight.

Keeping your Golden Retriever at a healthy weight will prolong his life, and be much better for his joints and mobility.

Your older golden requires a balanced diet that is low in calories but has an adequate amount of protein and fat. A high-fiber diet will help keep your golden fuller longer.

Many people add glucosamine to their dogs diet to help with joint pain.

It is also a good idea to feed your senior dog smaller meals throughout the day, instead of just once or twice. This allows your dog to metabolize the food better.

Grooming

Hopefully, you are already grooming your dog on a regular/daily basis, but older goldens may have difficulty grooming themselves because of decreased mobility.

It is important to brush your golden, trim his nails, and bathe him regularly. This will allow you to spot any skin conditions or changes in the coat.

Brushing will also act like a massage for your golden and help improve circulation.

Keeping your dogs fur trimmed on the bottom of the toe pads will prevent any slips and falls on smooth slippery floors.

Do you know what the best brush for a golden is? Find out here.

Games And Exercise

Just because your dogs endurance level has decreased doesnt mean his desire has.

Senior dogs need exercise and stimulation too, it just means going for shorter, slower walks.

Take your dog out for walks daily to meet people and experience new sights, smells, and sounds.

Older dogs will be more susceptible to cold and heat. Be sure to outfit your dog with a coat in the winter, and avoid walking during the hottest parts of the day.

Swimming is a great form of exercise for senior goldens who suffer from joint pain or arthritis.

Play games with your golden to keep his mind sharp. Interactive puzzle toys are great as well as giving your dog food puzzles to make him work for his food.

Comfort

It is important to keep your aging dog as comfortable as possible. You may need to invest in some supplies to help make your goldens life easier.

Ramps

Senior dogs have a hard time climbing stairs, as well as jumping up into the car. Investing in a ramp will make getting into the car easier, as well as climbing stairs.

The Pet Gear Supertrax Ramps for Dogs is an excellent choice as it folds easily for storage, is lightweight, supports up to 150 Lbs, and has great traction.

Dog Stairs

If your dog likes to rest on the couch or even your bed, investing in some dog stairs will help ease the pain of having to jump up.

I love these wooden pet stairs found on Amazon, as they are foldable and portable. They arent big and bulky as some pet stairs are. Also, they double as a ramp, so you can use them for vehicles as well.

Elevated Food Bowls

Goldens who suffer from stiff joints or arthritis may have a hard time leaning forward and down to eat and drink from a regular bowl.

Having raised food and water bowls will make eating and drinking more comfortable.

These best-selling elevated food bowls from Amazon can be adjusted to 3 different heights, and feature two stainless steel 1.5-litre bowls.

Orthopedic Bed

Investing in a quality orthopedic bed is important for the comfort of your dog.

Golden Retrievers are susceptible to hip and joint problems and arthritis, an orthopedic bed will provide soft cushioning and support.

Doggie Socks or Boots

Older dogs are less stable on their feet than younger dogs. If you have hard floors at home your senior dog may slip and fall. There are boots and socks for dogs that help with traction.

Check out these non-slip doggie socks found on Amazon.

Dog Lift Harness

There are many harnesses designed to help your aging dog stand up, get in and out of a vehicle, go up and down stairs, or just provide some assistance while walking.

Some harnesses are a full-body design with either one or two handles on the top, while others are a sling type that conveniently supports your dog as he needs it.

Either way, a dog lift harness is a great way to provide assistance to your senior dog with mobility issues.

I love the LOOBANI Portable Dog Sling, as its easy to use, it is sturdy, and has a soft fleece lining thats comfortable for your dog.

Conclusion

Witnessing your loving furry best friend get older and enter his golden years is difficult for any owner.

Some adjustments and lifestyle changes need to be made to make life easier and more comfortable for your dog.

Your senior Golden Retriever will rely on you now more than ever to ensure his golden years are enhanced. Keeping an eye on any changes in your dog is important as well as routine vet visits.

There are plenty of great years left in your dogs life. Make sure to treasure every moment, and continue making wonderful memories.

Do you own a senior Golden Retriever? What are some signs of aging that you have noticed? How have you made your aging goldens life easier or more comfortable?

Share your thoughts and comments below, I would love to hear from you!

I am the proud owner of a Golden Retriever named Ellie. She keeps me busy, and when she is resting, you can find me working on my blog. She is always close by though. I live in Stirling, ON Canada with my husband, and we both enjoy the never a dull moment life with our Ellie.