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<\/figure><\/div>\n\n\nModern advances<\/a> in veterinary care and canine nutrition have led to many dogs living longer, healthier lives. But it\u2019s still up to us to provide the best golden years <\/em>for our beloved geriatric dogs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In this article, I\u2019ll discuss some things to look for to determine whether your dog is slowing down. And what you can do to properly care for your golden and make his senior years happy and healthy<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Compared to our lifespan, our dog\u2019s lifespan is short. According to the American Kennel Club<\/a>, golden retrievers have a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years of age.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Years ago, in the 1970s, golden retrievers often lived to be 16 or 17 years old. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Unfortunately, many vets today call golden retrievers \u201ccancer retrievers\u201d because of the high incidence of various forms of cancer in the breed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Morris Foundation<\/a> is even conducting a study of over 3,000 goldens to determine why they are dying so young.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Years ago, people believed that a dog aged seven years to every human year. The comparison is more complex<\/a> than that. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, smaller dogs generally live longer than larger dogs do. Larger dogs age at a quicker rate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A 10-year-old golden is about the equivalent of a 66-year-old human. And a 12-year-old golden is the equivalent of a 77-year-old person.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, a dog\u2019s lifespan is also dependent on his genetics, environment, nutrition, exercise, and care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So don\u2019t despair that your still playful 10-year-old golden is nearing the end. With great care, he may see many more happy, healthy years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Augie, the oldest known golden retriever, passed away one month short of her twenty-first birthday!<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many behavioral and health signs that you\u2019ll see as your beloved golden ages.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Around eight years old, your golden is entering his senior years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just like most of us, he\u2019ll start to slow down. He\u2019ll participate in fewer activities and will sleep more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many of these are just normal aging processes. Others will require additional care on our part, including taking our dog for veterinary care. <\/p>\n\n\n\n If in doubt, especially for sudden changes in behavior or health, a vet visit is in order<\/p>\n\n\n\n These include the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wait a second…many of these describe me too! I guess at almost 50 years old I must be entering my senior years too \ud83d\ude41<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are many steps you can take<\/a> to help your golden live a great as he ages. It\u2019s incumbent upon us to take all the necessary steps to ensure his happiness and well-being.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Adult goldens should receive at least yearly veterinary visits. But our senior companions should have visits at least every six months so that your vet can catch any problem before it becomes life-threatening.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A geriatric visit may include: a thorough physical exam; blood work; urinalysis; a thyroid profile; and an EKG.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, whenever you see any major change in your golden, you should take your dog to the vet to be sure it\u2019s nothing serious.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s important to keep our goldens at a good weight. They should have a defined waist and ribs that you can feel but not see.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Too much weight can be a factor contributing to joint and hip problems, diabetes, and some believe even some types of cancer. Obesity strains the body\u2019s systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are diets created for senior dogs that help keep their weight in check.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You want to make sure that you provide the best nutrition for his life stage<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You may want to switch him to a senior diet. A senior diet may have fewer calories so that he won\u2019t put on excess weight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Your golden may need nutritional supplements<\/a> such as glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health or fatty acids for skin and coat health. <\/p>\n\n\n\n He may also need a special diet for any health issues he may have such as kidney or liver dysfunction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Always check with your vet regarding any diet or supplement changes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dental care is important throughout a dog\u2019s life. Eighty-five percent of dogs over the age of six have periodontal disease.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Dental health starts at the gumline. Gums that are loaded with tartar and plaque can easily become infected. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Left untreated, bacteria can enter the blood system and attack a dog\u2019s vital organs, leading to heart, kidney, liver, or respiratory infections.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These potentially can become life-threatening, especially in older dogs with weakened immune systems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Brushing your dog\u2019s teeth daily can help prevent these problems. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Vet checks will also determine whether your golden needs to have his teeth professionally cleaned or any teeth pulled.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just as we need exercise to help maintain good health, so too do our dogs. And it will help keep our senior canine companions fit and happy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Of course, before beginning a new exercise program, your dog should have a veterinary check-up. And you can ask your vet what type of activities your dog can safely engage in.<\/p>\n\n\n\n He may have been a jogging partner in his youth, but that may be too much for his older arthritic joints and bones.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Look into a good walking program and even swimming, which can be easier on his body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Play with him. If he can still fetch, play that game.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Going places to exercise can also help stimulate his mind and keep him from being bored.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For your golden to have a happy, healthy life, you have to stimulate his mind.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep doing obedience exercises he\u2019s physically able to do. Teach him new ones and tricks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Give him puzzle toys<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As long as he\u2019s able and has the golden temperament of loving people, keep taking him places. <\/p>\n\n\n\n He may love going to shopping centers, parks, and pet shops to be petted by new friends. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure that your vet approves of him going to places other dogs are known to frequent such as pet shops. He may have a compromised immune system as a senior and would be exposed to potential diseases. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You want him to have a great quality of life. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When my golden Spencer was a senior, he still loved going places and getting a lot of attention. He just beamed when he was petted and told what a handsome boy he was.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Regular grooming will help keep his coat and skin in good shape. Brushing will also help remove dead hair. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Brushing with an appropriate tool can also stimulate your dog\u2019s skin and give him a massage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A bath as needed is also an important component of his overall care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can also check for lumps, bumps, and skin problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Grooming includes doing his nails so that he doesn\u2019t incur muscle strain or balance issues. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some dogs wear their nails down naturally. Taking a small tip off weekly can do the trick if they need to be clipped.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Checking and cleaning a golden\u2019s ears is important to their overall health too. They can tend to get dirty, waxy ears.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can always have him professionally groomed too if you need to.<\/p>\n\n\n\n As part of his overall health, check for fleas and ticks daily. Use products your vet approves to help your golden remain free of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use harnesses with handles<\/a> or mobility slings<\/a> if needed. He may need some help in getting up and in walking.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Use a ramp<\/a> for him to get into your vehicle. SUVs, trucks, and minivans may pose the most problems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When my golden Spencer entered his senior years, I used a ramp for him to get into and out of my minivan. He loved going places and the ramp made it possible for him to continue to take road trips. <\/p>\n\n\n\n You also want to make sure that he doesn\u2019t slide on smooth surfaces in your house, such as tile, linoleum, or wood. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Trim the hair between his pads so that he has traction. You can also use nonslip products<\/a> on his pads or dog boots<\/a> to help him have traction.<\/p>\n\n\n\nHow Long Do Goldens Live?<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Signs That Your Golden Is Getting Old<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Ways To Keep Your Senior Golden Retriever Healthy and Happy<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Increased Veterinary Care<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Weight Control<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Nutrition<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Dental Care<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Exercise His Body<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Exercise His Mind<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Socialize Him<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Groom Him<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Parasite and Pest Control<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Help With His Mobility<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Make Your Home Senior-Friendly<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
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