Is 17 old for a golden retriever
Old Golden Retriever Caring For Your Dog As They Age
An Old Golden Retriever used to live to around 16 or 17 years a few decades back, nowadays its sadly more likely to lose your dog at 11 or 12 years. Golden Retrievers are therefore considered old from 8 years onwards. Today well share the signs of aging to look out for, and what changes you might need to make to keep your dog happy. Well talk about food, ramps, bedding and veterinary checks. And well share vital health information from sore joints to eyesight, hearing and cancer risks.
Watching your dog age is difficult for any owner. Unfortunately, it is an unavoidable part of life. Older dogs have very different care needs from younger dogs. They face many challenges. Like us, they start to have less energy, more aches and pains, and become more vulnerable to diseases and infections. Today we look at the aging process in Golden Retrievers and what to expect, providing information on how to care for your elderly dog.
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Do you have an old Golden Retriever? Is your loyal companion starting to slow down? Lets look further as to how to you can make your pets golden years more comfortable.
When is a Golden Retriever Officially Elderly?
Larger dogs age quicker than smaller dogs, so they have a shorter lifespan. A few decades ago, Golden Retrievers lived to approximately 16 to 17 years old. These days, their average lifespan has significantly reduced to between 10 and 12 years. This is believed to be because they are more susceptible to cancer than any other breed.
A Golden Retriever is considered officially old at about 8 to 9 years old, which is the equivalent to 61 to 68 years in humans.
Signs That Your Golden Retriever Is Getting Old
Indications that your dog is aging include:
- Increased fatigue
- Difficulty getting around
- Stiff joints and arthritis
- Cloudy eyes
- Incontinence
- Lumps or other skin issues
- Hearing loss
- Slowing down
- Sight loss
- Gaining weight
- Coat losing condition
- Bad breath
- Drooling
- Greying around the face and muzzle
- Muscle atrophy
- Cognitive dysfunction
Many of these changes are normal in an aging dog. However, be careful not to write them off, as some may be symptoms of a health condition requiring veterinary treatment.
Caring for an Old Golden Retriever
Your elderly Golden Retriever will require certain lifestyle changes as he follows the path into old age. As a caring pet parent, it is up to you enhance your senior dogs well-being through specialized care, making lifestyle adjustments as necessary.
Veterinary Care
It is advisable that once your dog becomes a senior, you should visit the vet twice a year for a check-up. The veterinarian will carry out a thorough physical examination of your Goldie that includes a dental check, discussing any changes you may have noticed.
Tests include a blood count, urinalysis, fecal flotation and chemistry screening for the kidneys and liver, identifying and treating any health problems. Many diseases are often only seen in older dogs. These include:
- cancer
- diabetes
- arthritis
- heart, liver and kidney diseases
In between your twice-yearly check-ups, stay alert for any changes in your Goldie such as weight loss or gain, loss of appetite, increased thirst, or difficulty moving around.
Grooming an Old Golden Retriever
Older dogs find it hard to groom themselves as their mobility decreases. Brushing your geriatric Goldie promotes a healthy coat and skin as well as acting as a massage, relieving pressure. It also allows you to monitor any unusual lumps or bumps. Make sure you brush gently as skin is more sensitive on an older dog.
Bathing your Golden Retriever keeps them clean and healthy. However, if they have mobility issues, take your pet to a groomer where they wont have to deal with a bathtub. Trim nails once or twice a month to prevent possible injuries.
Check the toe pads for excess fur as this can cause your Goldie to slip. If you have slippery floors, place rubber matting or use non-slip dog boots or socks if your dog will wear them!
Old Golden Retriever Dental Care
Practicing good dental hygiene is vital, especially with an older Golden Retriever. Brush your dogs teeth regularly, checking for bad odor, bleeding gums or broken dentures. Give him safe toys to chew. Your vet will check the teeth as part of your Goldies regular check-ups.
Exercise
Dogs of all ages need to exercise. Elderly Golden Retrievers are prone to obesity which can lead to more serious medical conditions. Whereas a younger dog can easily walk for 30 to 40 minutes in one go, consider breaking down your Goldies walks to two 15 to 20 minute periods of exercise per day.
Observe any changes in your dog such as becoming tired more often, having trouble breathing, or coughing. Swimming is excellent exercise for older Golden Retrievers, especially those with joint conditions or arthritis. Discuss your dogs exercise program with your vet. She may recommend pain medications or hydrotherapy if walking is painful.
Old Golden Retrievers Have Different Temperature Requirements
Older dogs feel the cold more keenly. During winter, give your old Golden Retriever a coat when you go out walking to keep him warm. In summer, watch that your aging pet doesnt become overheated. Exercise during the coolest parts of the day.
Playing with an Old Dog
Food puzzle toys are excellent for helping your old Golden Retriever move around and make him work for his food, as well as keeping him stimulated mentally. Modify any games you play with your dog, such as fetch or tug-of-war, so that he doesnt overexert but still has fun.
Do Old Golden Retrievers Go Deaf?
Loss of hearing is common in older dogs, but many successfully adapt to it by relying on their sense of smell and touch. If your aging Golden Retriever responds well to voice commands, he can also learn hand signals with the correct training, although it is a challenge and requires lots of patience.
When he is outdoors, make sure you keep him on a leash and close to you.
Loss of Sight in Elderly Dogs
If your geriatric Goldie is losing or has lost his sight, keep your furniture, his feed and drinking bowls and his bed in the same familiar places so he doesnt become disoriented. A fountain style dog bowl is a good idea as it makes a sound, enabling your dog to find it.
Look for anything dangerous around your home that your elderly pet could bump into. Cover sharp corners and any other areas that might cause possible injury.
Make a path using floor mats and rugs made from various textures to help him find his way around. Circular halos are now available for blind dogs, worn on a harness or vest. The halo provides protection and gives confidence to a pet when moving around the home.
Incontinence
Your Golden Retriever may become incontinent as he ages. This is something he cannot help. To avoid a mess around the house, you can use diapers specially made for dogs or disposable puppy pads. Trim any hair in the areas which are likely to be soiled and consult your vet about treatment options.
Golden Retriever Ramps
As he ages, your dog may find it hard to climb up steps and stairs or into the car. Golden Retrievers are big, heavy dogs, so it is difficult to lift them. Invest in some ramps for the home and car to make life easier for your pet.
Bed
Golden Retrievers are susceptible to hip and joint problems and arthritis. It is essential you provide a good quality bed to keep him comfortable in his twilight years. An orthopedic bed with memory foam is an ideal choice for your aging pet.
(paid link) Elevated Feed Bowls
Older dogs, especially those with stiff joints or arthritis, may feel pain when eating or drinking from a regular bowl as they must lean forward and down.
Use elevated bowls for food and water to let your aging Golden Retriever have a more comfortable feeding position. This reduces the stress on his back and forelimbs and encourages him to eat and drink as necessary.
Old Golden Retriever Diet
As your Golden Retriever starts to slow down, their nutritional requirements change. Your elderly Golden Retriever requires a balanced diet that is low in calories due to their declining metabolic rate and lower exercise requirements, but with an adequate amount of protein and fat, and which is high in fiber.
You may continue to give their regular food in smaller quantities, or choose a specially formulated senior dog food. Many good commercial brands contain low amounts of calories and carefully balance the nutritional requirements needed for your old friend.
The addition of glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate is good for the joints. When switching to a different food, introduce it gradually by adding it over a period of seven to ten days to avoid causing your Goldie an upset stomach. Always follow the feeding guidelines.
Many dogs have two meals a day, but it is a good idea to feed your dog smaller amounts more often. Speak to your vet about the right diet for your Golden Retriever, especially if he has other conditions such as obesity or joint issues.
Your Aging Golden Retriever
Just like humans, some Golden Retrievers age quicker than others. Lets look at how the aging process progresses in Golden Retrievers and what you can expect.
10 year old Golden Retriever
- The equivalent age of a 75-year-old human, a 10-year-old Goldie will have graying around the face and muzzle, and the coat will either be lighter or darker depending on his coloring.
- Although he may still enjoy long walks, he is not as energetic as he once was and may start to sleep more.
11 year old Golden Retriever
- An 11-year-old Goldie is comparable to an 82-year-old human and shows signs of slowing down.
- He will no longer jump around, and stairs will be a challenge due to stiffness in the joints.
- Reduction of exercise is now necessary.
12 year old Golden Retriever
- A 12-year-old Goldie is the equivalent of an 89-year-old human.
- Once a mild-mannered dog, he may become less tolerant when around children and anxious when he is left alone or hears loud noises. Alternately, he may not respond due to vision or hearing loss or the start of dementia.
- The vet will carry out a full range of tests, including for Cushings disease and hypothyroidism, during health checks.
13 year old Golden Retriever
- A 13-year-old Goldie is equivalent to a 96-year-old and will now find it painful and difficult to move around.
- He may require medications to help him stay mobile and remain comfortable.
- He will sleep more and take longer to rouse.
- Behavior changes are likely such as barking or growling for no apparent reason which may be due to anxiety or Cognitive Dysfunction Syndrome, which resembles Alzheimers disease in humans.
14 year old Golden Retriever
- Now the equivalent of a 103-year-old, a 14-year-old Goldie will sleep most of the time and may become incontinent and less interested in food.
- Watch for signs of excessive panting and reclusive or aggressive behavior which indicate pain.
- He may have digestive issues or kidney problems requiring a diet change as advised by the vet. During health checks, the vet carries out other tests, evaluating the organs and heart.
15 + Golden Retriever
- A 15-year-old Golden Retriever is now the equivalent of a 110-year-old and reaching the end of his life.
- Signs that your dog is dying include extreme fatigue, loss of appetite, incontinence, vomiting, twitching and loss of interest in his surroundings.
Golden Retriever Growth Chart (Puppy Weight Chart) The Complete Guide
Last Updated on July 6, 2023
If you already have a Golden Retriever puppy, keeping an eye on its milestones is an excellent way of ensuring that his growth is on track.
Those dogs that experience malnutrition and overfeeding, or growing slowly or too quickly, can have long-term effects on their health and life. So how do you know if your Golden pup is on track?
Youre in the right place if you want your questions answered!
Overview: A Few Fun Facts About the Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers or simply Goldens are medium to large dogs that are characterized by their friendliness and golden coat.
Did you know that this popular family dog comes in three types? Theres the American Golden Retriever, Canadian Golden Retriever, and British Golden Retriever.
This purebred also comes in a show dog and a working-class variety.
Read more: The Different Types of Golden Retrievers
Full-Grown Golden Retriever Size Chart (Height & Weight)
A typical Golden Retriever weighs from 55 to 75 lbs (25 to 34 kg) and will grow to stand 21.5 to 24 inches (55 to 61 cm) tall.
Male Golden Retrievers are generally bigger than females according to the AKC breed standard.They can weigh anywhere from 65 to 75 lbs (29.5 to 34 kg) and are 23 to 24 inches (58 to 61 cm) tall.
Female Golden Retrievers measure 55 to 65 lbs (25 to 29.5 kg) and have a height of 21.5 to 22.5 inches (55 to 57 cm). Its possible to get a dog that grows well beyond or under the average scope. Often, this is the runt of the litter.
Below is the Size Chart for adult male and female Golden Retrievers for a quick reference.
| Golden Retriever | Male | Female |
| Adult Height | 23 to 24 inches(58 to 61 cm) | 21.5 to 22.5 inches(55 to 57 cm) |
| Adult Weight | 65 to 75 lbs(29.5 to 34 kg) | 55 to 65 lbs(25 to 29.5 kg) |
The Ultimate Golden Retriever Weight Chart with Infographic
One of the reasons you should monitor your puppys growth is to make sure that he is healthy.
We have a Golden Retriever puppy growth chart below but bear in mind that it shouldnt be treated as gospel. 1 or 2 lbs, either way, shouldnt matter.
You can see your female and male Golden puppys projected growth below and predict how heavy they would be when theyre fully grown.
If you find that your pup is not gaining or is losing weight, you should consult your vet.
Share this infographic on your site or click here to enlarge and download the image
Golden Retriever Female Puppy Growth Chart (lb & kg)
Female Golden Retriever puppies grow faster or get bigger in the first few months, then male Goldens catch up and reach a higher overall adult weight.
| Golden Retriever Age | Smallest weight | Largest weight | Average weight |
| 7 weeks | 5 lb (2.2 kg) | 17 lb (7.7 kg) | 9 lb (4 kg) |
| 8 weeks | 5 lb (2.2 kg) | 17 lb (7.7 kg) | 10 lb (4.5 kg) |
| 9 weeks | 8 lb (3.6 kg) | 17 lb (7.7 kg) | 12 lb (5.4 kg) |
| 10 weeks | 10 lb (4.5 kg) | 22 lb (9.9 kg) | 15 lb (6.8 kg) |
| 11 weeks | 12 lb (5.4 kg) | 25 lb (11.3 kg) | 17 lb (7.7 kg) |
| 3 months | 16 lb (7.2 kg) | 33 lb (14.9 kg) | 22 lb (9.9 kg) |
| 4 months | 22 lb (9.9 kg) | 44 lb (19.9 kg) | 30 lb (13.6 kg) |
| 5 months | 25 lb (11.3 kg) | 52 lb (23.5 kg) | 40 lb (18.1 kg) |
| 6 months | 27 lb (12.2 kg) | 61 lb (27.6 kg) | 44 lb (19.9 kg) |
| 7 months | 31 lb (14 kg) | 67 lb (30.3 kg) | 45 lb (20.4 kg) |
| 8 months | 40 lb (18.1 kg) | 67 lb (30.3 kg) | 52 lb (23.5 kg) |
| 9 months | 44 lb (19.9 kg) | 68 lb (30.8 kg) | 52 lb (23.5 kg) |
| 10 months | 50 lb (22.6 kg) | 68 lb (30.8 kg) | 60 lb (27.2 kg) |
| 11 months | 52 lb (23.5 kg) | 80 lb (36.2 kg) | 65 lb (29.4 kg) |
| 1 year | 55 lb (24.9 kg) | 90 lb (40.8 kg) | 70 lb (31.7 kg) |
| 2 years | 55 lb (24.9 kg) | 90 lb (40.8 kg) | 70 lb (31.7 kg) |
Golden Retriever Male Puppy Growth Chart (lb & kg)
This Golden weight chart below shows what appropriate healthy weight and growth look like for a male Golden Retriever.
| Golden RetrieverAge | Smallest weight | Largest weight | Average weight |
| 7 weeks | 3 lb (1.3 kg) | 17 lb (7.7 kg) | 9 lb (4 kg) |
| 8 weeks | 3 lb (1.3 kg) | 17 lb (7.7 kg) | 11 lb (4.9 kg) |
| 9 weeks | 7 lb (3.1 kg) | 17 lb (7.7 kg) | 13 lb (5.8 kg) |
| 10 weeks | 10 lb (4.5 kg) | 22 lb (9.9 kg) | 15 lb (6.8 kg) |
| 11 weeks | 12 lb (5.4 kg) | 25 lb (11.3 kg) | 17 lb (7.7 kg) |
| 3 months | 16 lb (7.2 kg) | 34 lb (15.4 kg) | 23 lb (10.4 kg) |
| 4 months | 25 lb (11.3 kg) | 55 lb (24.9 kg) | 33 lb (14.9 kg) |
| 5 months | 27 lb (12.2 kg) | 67 lb (30.3 kg) | 42 lb (19 kg) |
| 6 months | 29 lb (13.12 kg) | 75 lb (34 kg) | 52 lb (23.5 kg) |
| 7 months | 32 lb (14.5 kg) | 75 lb (34 kg) | 59 lb (26.7 kg) |
| 8 months | 40 lb (18.1 kg) | 77 lb (34.9 kg) | 61 lb (27.6 kg) |
| 9 months | 45 lb (20.4 kg) | 77 lb (34.9 kg) | 61 lb (27.6 kg) |
| 10 months | 50 lb (22.6 kg) | 77 lb (34.9 kg) | 63 lb (28.5 kg) |
| 11 months | 55 lb (24.9 kg) | 77 lb (34.9 kg) | 66 lb (29.9 kg) |
| 1 year | 65 lb (29.4 kg) | 77 lb (34.9 kg) | 68 lb (30.8 kg) |
| 2 years | 65 lb (29.4 kg) | 80 lb (36.2 kg) | 73 lb (33.1 kg) |
Golden Retriever Puppy Growth Chart and Development with Pictures
Size aside, you also want to make sure they are reaching their milestones. Below are the Golden Retrievers stages of life and what you should expect.
7-week-old
Seven-week-old Goldens will weigh between 5 and 17 pounds for females and 3 and 17 pounds for males.
The first vaccination for your Golden takes place between 6 to 8 weeks. You should NEVER bring home an unvaccinated puppy. This indicates that hes from a shady breeder and that hes vulnerable to diseases.
Since everything is new to your pup, he might be timid and get easily scared.
Golden puppies just left their source of security and are away from their littermates and mother for the first time. With love and care, theyll gain confidence quickly.
Theyre also learning to control their bowel movements, so you should be patient. Bring your pup out to relieve him after every meal.
You can start feeding Golden pups at this stage with to cups of high-quality kibble for each meal. Divide it into four small meals throughout the day.
8-week-old (2-month-old)
By now, your two-month-old Golden puppy should be settling in since they are highly adaptable.
This is also the recommended age to start training. Housebreaking is especially important to avoid bad habits from developing.
If you want him to be friendly to all, socialization at this age is also essential. This will help him grow familiar with strange sights, smells, and sounds.
For the diet, stick to feeding him four small meals a day with the same amount mentioned for 7-week Goldens.
12-weeks-old (3-month-old)
Get ready for the second round of vaccinations. After the vaccines, keep your Golden pup away from other pets for at least two weeks.
This allows them to have full immunity, especially against the fatal parvovirus.
They are becoming more curious, and you might have a problem with biting.
Stay calm and teach him gently but firmly that he is not allowed to chew on you or anything else, except his chew toy.
You can also acclimate him to grooming. Get him used to being combed and his paws handled.
Introduce him to the blowdryer and praise him when he stays calm.
From here until theyre six months old, theyll be developing lifelong habits. You can start to be more serious about training.
Whats important is to be consistent. Dont punish him as this will instill fear.
You dont want to associate negative feelings, or it might impact her training.
Its also a suitable time to introduce him to larger meals now. Spread 2 cups of kibble over the day, and cut one meal out by the end of the week.
16-weeks-old (4-month-old)
Dont be surprised to see your four-month-old Golden pup losing its puppy features.
Hell reach half his adult size at this age. He should also be picking up basic commands. If your pup is quick to learn, kick it up a notch by teaching him a few tricks.
20-weeks-old (5-month-old)
Your Golden puppy will start her actual teething at around five months.
Offer some chew toys that you can cool in the fridge to alleviate him discomfort.
You may also start exercising him for 20 minutes a day, as this is the stage where he should show excitement for the outdoors.
Make sure to keep the activities low-impact to avoid stressing your pups joints. Swimming, fetch, and walking are great to start things off.
Some Goldens are potty-trained around the 4-month mark, although accidents might still occur.
6-month-old
Golden Retrievers at six months may look awkward and disproportionate. He will have the body of an adult, but the legs and tail of a puppy.
Also, his nose and ears will grow faster, so you end up with a goofy-looking pup.
You need to be careful with him for the next six months because this is when they are most vulnerable to developing hip dysplasia.
Avoid long walks, going down the stairs, and stopping suddenly while running. The pressure from those activities might cause joints to deform.
Your Golden may also start to display signs of sexual maturity in the next few months, if not neutered or spayed.
Hes also beginning to find his role in the pack and might challenge family members, whether human or furry.
1-year-old
Your Golden puppy might look like an adult, but he will still act like a puppy for the next two to three years. Some of them never grow out of it and will stay young at heart into their old age.
You can start more strenuous activities at this point, now that hes reached his full height. To be sure he is free from hip dysplasia, have him checked by the vet when he is two years old.
When do Golden Retrievers stop growing?
Your Golden puppy will reach his full height between 9 to 12 months of age, but hell only fill out by 18 months.
Golden Retrievers grow the fastest between 3 to 6 months of age. Around the six-month mark, their growth starts to taper off.
This will give you an idea of how big theyll grow because they will be their adult size.
Watch an adorable Golden Retriever pup, Honey Bee, grow below:
Things You Should Know About Your Golden Retrievers Growth
Environment, diet, genetics, sterilization, gender many factors will play a part in any dogs growth. Keeping track of your pups growth by using our growth chart which can help detect any underlying health issues.
Health issues that can influence a Golden puppys growth
Certain issues, such as hookworm or ringworms, might compromise your Goldens growth. This will prevent him from reaching his full potential.
If left untreated, it can cause lasting damage to their bones, muscles, immune system, skin, and digestive system.
Being ill for an extended period might also affect his development. Your puppy may be stunted due to malnutrition.
Dangers of stunted or accelerated growth
Some people prefer bigger Goldens, but some like them small, like Mini Golden Retrievers. This might lead to under or over-feeding, neither of which is ideal.
Accelerated growth can cause hip or elbow dysplasia. It can also be responsible for bone disease and arthritis.
Stunted Golden puppies, whether by illness or under-feeding, are generally weaker, and make them susceptible to falling sick.
What is the best age to spay or neuter your pup?
You can spay Golden Retriever puppies as early as 8 weeks old, but any time before they reach sexual maturity is preferred, which is around one year old.
This will prevent undesirable behaviors such as marking, territorial behavior, or a fixation with toys. All of which are hard to correct when they manifest.
For breeds that are predisposed to hip dysplasia, vets recommend spaying around the 6-month mark.
Will neutering or spaying your Golden pup affect his or her growth?
Yes, fixing a Golden before they reach sexual maturity generally causes your dog to grow bigger. This is because sex hormones suppress growth hormones.
Without growth inhibition, your Golden will continue to grow.
Aside from joint problems, there are also a few issues connected to spaying or neutering. They can become more prone to some forms of cancer.
It might also cause spay incontinence in females when they are older.
Some dogs also experience a change in behavior after the operation. The lack of estrogen can make female dogs more aggressive. Male dogs may also experience an increase in fearfulness.
Sexual maturity usually occurs in Golden around 8 to 12 months. This gives you ample time to decide whether to sterilize or not.
How heavy is a newborn Golden Retriever puppy?
Newborn Golden Retriever puppies should be 1% of their moms pre-pregnancy weight, and this is generally 14 to 16 oz (0.4 0.45). They gain mass rather quickly and should grow 510% each week.
But, puppies as small as 10 oz at birth have been recorded. They usually leave their mom at 10 lbs.
Golden puppies from the same litter wont all be the same size. Also, bigger litters generally have smaller puppies, but they should all catch up by their 8th week.
How to identify an overweight Golden Retriever?
Use your eyes and hands to assess if your Golden is overweight or not. If you can see his ribs, hes too skinny. But if you cant feel them, hes too fat!
A survey in 2012 showed that 62.7% of Golden Retrievers in America are either obese or overweight.
While it might look cute or funny, overweight dogs actually have shorter lifespans. Being excessively chubby shaves off two years and causes health issues.
Also read: What is the Average Golden Retriever Lifespan?
Do Golden Retriever types have different growth rates?
The British, American and Canadian Golden Retrievers do not have a significant difference in growth. Show dogs are often heavier than working dogs.
Dont be alarmed if your working dog is slightly smaller than the projected growth. As long as hes gaining weight steadily, theres no cause for concern.
Also, look at your pups parents, if they are smaller than average, your Golden will most likely be on the small side, and the opposite is true, as well.
The Verdict: Use our Golden Retriever Size Chart as a Guide
Every Golden is different and will grow at its own rate. The key is to ensure they arent growing too quickly or too slowly steady growth is ideal.
Aside from other factors we mentioned, a nutritious diet and an active lifestyle will help keep your Golden healthy and happy.
Remember, their final size will vary from one another, depending on variation and pedigree.
Further reading: Growth Chart Guides for other Dog Breeds
Reference
Cess Gamas( Head of Content Marketing and Editor )Cess is the Head of Content Writing at K9 Web and a passionate dog care expert with over 5 years of experience in the Pet Industry. With a background in animal science, dog training, and behavior consulting, her hands-on experience and extensive knowledge make her a trusted source for dog owners.
When not writing or leading the K9 Web content team, Cess can be found volunteering at local shelters and participating in dog-related events.
