Golden Retriever Life Expectancy and Health Issues

Known for their friendly, intelligent, and devoted nature, Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular family dogs in America. Originally bred as Scottish gun dogs, they are great working dogs and their hunting genes make them a natural in the water and at retrieving  (hence the name!). If you’re thinking of adding one of these outgoing, trustworthy dogs to your family, you may be wondering about their life span and common health issues. In this article, we’ll discuss both, as well as ways to tips on keeping your Golden healthy and in your life years to come!

What is the Life Expectancy of a Golden Retriever?

The average life expectancy of a Golden Retriever’s is around 10-12 years, which is standard for a dog of their size. Smaller dogs generally tend to outlive larger dogs by a couple years, and at an average 65 pounds, Goldens are considered a larger breed. While you can’t do anything about your dog’s genetics, there are many health factors that are within your control. These include diet, exercise, and supplements, which we’ll go over in a later section. The important thing to remember is that you have the power to help your Golden enjoy a long, happy, and healthy life.

Common Golden Retriever Health Issues

Here are a few of the common Golden Retriever health issues.

• Hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia occurs when the ball and socket joint of the hip forms incorrectly. This leads to a bad fit of the ball of the leg into the hip socket. Instead of moving smoothly, this can lead to the cartilage cushion that protects the joint to wear away. Bone starts to move against bone which can cause pain and will eventually lead lameness. This is a genetic condition that affects many larger dog breeds. There are a variety of ways to manage symptoms, which include medications, nutritional supplements, and lifestyle modifications such as walking on soft ground. There are surgical options as well, particularly for younger animals.

• Cancer

Unfortunately, Goldens are at a high risk of developing cancer in their lifetimes. Hemangiosarcoma is a fast-growing and aggressive cancer that affects all dogs, particularly Goldens. Vets also see lymphosarcoma, osteosarcoma, and mastocytoma cancers in Goldens. The key to beating cancer is early detection and early treatment, which is why regular vet check-ups are so important.

• Skin problems

Goldens have a dense, double coat that can create the perfect environment for infesting pests like fleas, mites, ticks, and other harmful parasites. This is especially unfortunate if your dog already has skin issues; parasites can aggravate existing conditions. Goldens are also sensitive to environmental allergens like pollen and dust which can lead to aggravated skin.

One skin issue that is common among Goldens is granulomas or granular non-cancerous tumors. These are benign growths. Another is sebaceous cysts, which are inflamed oil glands in the skin. Also common are lipomas fatty tumors, which are generally benign as well. These skin issues may require treatment from your vet.

• Ear infections

While all dogs can suffer from ear infections, Goldens are particularly susceptible as their big, floppy (and adorable) ears make the perfect ecosystem for bacteria to multiply. Signs of an ear infection are a bad odor coming from your dog’s ears, shaking of their head, itchy ears. Ear infections are easily treated at home but are best caught early. 

• Cardiovascular and respiratory conditions

Similar to other large breeds, Goldens have health risks concerning their heart, lungs, and circulation. A common and unfortunately dangerous example of this kind of condition is subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS), which is when the aorta, the blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the body, starts to narrow. When the aorta narrows, it causes the heart to work harder which can damage the heart muscle and even lead to death. Signs of SAS are lethargy, weakness, and difficulty breathing. Take your dog to the vet immediately if you suspect SAS.

How to Improve Your Golden Retriever’s Health and Lifespan

• Responsible breeding

If you’re still in the process of adopting a Golden Retriever, then you have the opportunity to go through a reputable breeder. Using a trusted breeder ensures you are more likely to have a healthy dog. Here are some signs that you’ve found a good breeder to adopt from. 

1. They show you where the mother and litter are living. It should be clean, warm, and comfortable. The mother should seem relaxed and at ease interacting with her puppies. Ideally, it is inside the breeder’s home since puppies who grow up around a household will better adapt when moving into your home.
2. They interview you just as much as you interview them. A good breeder would never re-home a puppy to an unsuitable home. 
3. They perform adequate health testing before breeding any dogs. A reputable breeder will never breed unhealthy dogs or dogs who might have unhealthy puppies.
4. They space out their litters a healthy amount and never breed a dog more than once a year, or three litters in a lifetime. (This could mean you will be put on a waiting list!)
5. They keep the puppies with the mother for an adequate amount of time, (at least 8 weeks.) Puppies need that time with their littermates to learn good canine manners, which is essential for a well socialized dog.
6. A good breeder will require a contract that includes a return to breeder clause if the family or person adopting is unable to care for the dog. This shows that they are responsible for all the animals they bring into the world and are not contributing to the population of dogs who need rescuing.

• Nutrition

Simply put, feeding your dog high-quality, high-protein food is the best way to improve your Golden Retriever’s life span and health. Consider the higher cost of quality food an investment in your dog’s health and a way to avoid vet bills down the line. Choose food with real meat, as one of its top three ingredients. Read dog food labels carefully and beware of ingredient splitting, when one ingredient, usually corn, is listed in three different ways, to avoid being a top ingredient. 

• Exercise

Goldens are highly energetic, playful dogs and require plenty of daily exercise. Without proper exercise, a Golden is likely to get into mischief. Since they’re so friendly, they make great partners for long walks, hikes, or bike rides. But please take care of their joints, and don’t let the exercise get too strenuous!

• Grooming

It’s recommended for all pets to be on monthly parasite preventative treatments, but it’s especially important for Goldens. Their dense double coats can make a great home for parasites, so it’s best to prevent them as opposed to having to cure them. 

Most of the year, all Goldens need is a good brush down once or twice a week with a slicker brush. This will capture dead hair and prevent excess shedding. They are moderate shedders, however, once or twice a year, Goldens will go through a full shed and require daily brushing to keep up with hair. Baths will help to loosen the dead hair during a full shed, but its important to wait until the dog is completely dry before brushing for it to be effective.

To keep your Golden’s coat healthy and shiny all year round, consider adding Pet Releaf’s CBD grooming line to your routine. Their CBD-infused products can help soothe and nourish the skin, reduce itching, and promote overall skin and coat health—perfect for keeping your Golden comfortable during their grooming sessions.

• Veterinary care

Regular vet checkups are very important for all dogs, especially Goldens with their high risk of cancer. Another way your vet can help your dog live a longer life is through regular dental cleanings. There is a link between poor oral health and kidney disease in dogs, so in addition to regular cleanings, regular brushing or other oral care is going to keep your dog healthier all the way around.

• Supplements

The right supplements can support your Golden’s overall health and well-being, especially as they age. Since Goldens are prone to joint issues, heart health concerns, and inflammation, adding the right supplements to their routine can make a big impact. Pet Releaf’s Rituals Fish-Free Omega-3 is an great choice for supporting your Golden’s health. This plant-based supplement offers nutritional support for a healthy heart, joint function, and skin health, without the use of fish oils—making it ideal pets with dietary allergens. Consistent use can of our Fish-Free Omega 3 may help support joint health and reduce inflammation.

CBD is a natural anti-inflammatory and when combined with other ingredients like devils claw, this supplement makes an excellent choice for supporting your Golden’s mobility and overall joint health.

Pet Releaf’s CBD-infused Hip & Joint Releaf. may be another great supplement to consider. Their full-spectrum CBD oils and edibites are specifically formulated to support mobility and may promote ease of movement. CBD is a natural anti-inflammatory, and when combined with ingredients like devil's claw, it makes an excellent choice for supporting your Golden's mobility and overall health.