Are you wondering what the average Golden Retriever lifespan is? This blog post will talk about that, and more! So, keep reading to learn some surprising things that can reduce your Goldy’s lifespan.

“Nothing is promised in life, except death.”

Every creature on this Earth will die at some point, that’s the ultimate rule of nature. You have a certain number of breaths in you, and that’s something you’ll have to deal with--even if you try to block the concept of your mortality.

Most people wonder what the average lifespan of their furry companions is.

In this blog post, we will share the average Golden Retriever lifespan with you along with a few things that can reduce it dramatically.

So, let’s get started.

What’s the Average Golden Retriever Lifespan?

5 Things That Reduce a Golden Retriever’s Lifespan

Increased Body Weight

A Diet That Causes Inflammation

Exposure to Common Toxins

Early Neutering or Spaying

Unnecessary Vaccinations

The Bottom Line

What’s the Average Golden Retriever Lifespan?

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

However, do keep in mind that various factors such as proper nutrition, plenty of exercise, taking care of your dog’s emotional needs, genetic factors, etc. play a huge role in determining this for an individual dog.

But, the thing to note is that in recent times, the average lifespan of the Golden Retriever has reduced drastically!

In the 1970s, the average lifespan of a Goldy was 16 to 17 years.

That’s a big change.

So, you’ve got to ask yourself what the cause is behind it.

The incidence of cancer began to spike in Golden Retrievers during the 90s, and statistics suggests that 60% of Goldies get it.

That’s downright scary.

However, did you know that the Golden Retrievers bred in Europe are less likely to get cancer?

Genetics is only one part of the game. The lifestyle, too, is an crucial factor that is often overlooked.

5 Things That Reduce a Golden Retriever’s Lifespan

In this section of the blog, I would like to go over five things that can significantly reduce your Golden Retriever’s lifespan.

Take a look.

1.  Increased Body Weight

Did you know that canine obesity is closely linked to cancer?

Too much glucose in your dog’s bloodstream causes insulin sensitivity, which causes an increase in inflammation and oxidative stress.

This, ultimately, is linked to cancer.

Also, keep in mind that increased body fat causes inflammation, which can promote the development of tumors.

You can reduce your Goldy’s chances of getting cancer by ensuring that he’s getting the right amount of calories. For this, you can visit your vet to figure out the daily caloric requirements.

Your vet will come up with the ideal amount of calories by taking several factors into consideration that include your dog’s age, activity level, genetic issues, etc.

You should follow a Golden Retriever Growth Chart to be sure your Goldie is growing perfectly.

2.  A Diet That Causes Inflammation

If you give your dog a diet that causes inflammation in your pooch’s body, the chances that your furry friend will get cancer increase.

Specialists theorize that cancer is fueled by carbohydrates and the inflammation they cause.

In order to multiply and grow, cancer cells require carbohydrates, so if you reduce carbs from your dog’s diet, you essentially cut away cancer’s lifeline. Studies have suggested that a ketogenic diet is excellent for dogs with cancer.

So, an anti-inflammatory diet acts as an anti-cancer diet.

For a breed prone to cancer, such as Golden Retriever, an anti-inflammatory diet can be a Godsent.

3.  Exposure to Common Toxins

While we do our best to ensure that our furry friends aren’t exposed to toxins, there are a few things that we tend to forget about.

Picture this. You and your dog are enjoying the summer weather by playing fetch in the grass field.

Seems fun, right?

The truth is that this innocent and fun act actually exposes your furry friend to several chemical pesticides such as lawn chemicals, flea and tick preventives, smoke, etc.

Additionally, things like tobacco smoke, household cleaners, flame retardants, deodorants, etc. are also toxic to dogs.

You didn’t know about those, right?

4.  Early Neutering or Spaying

If you’re looking to get your dog neutered or spayed, it is best to wait until your dog is at least 18 months old--it’s even better to wait till your dog is two years old. Various studies show a link between early spaying/neutering and the risk of developing cancer.

Getting your pet sterilized is a much safer option as it doesn’t upset the delicate hormonal balance while ensuring that your dog won’t be able to reproduce.

5.  Unnecessary Vaccinations

Vaccines offer protection to your dog from dangerous, and potentially life-threatening conditions. The benefits associated with them outweigh the risks in most cases.

However, when getting your pet vaccinated, it is crucial for the vet to tailor the right doses for your dog after taking into consideration several factors such as breed, nutritional status, background, etc.

Keep in mind that you need to follow the right vaccination schedule for maximum protection and minimum risk.

The Bottom Line

Golden Retrievers have an average lifespan of 10-12 years. However, in the 1970s, the average lifespan for this breed was 16-17 years.

Cancer affects 60% of Golden Retrievers and is one of the biggest causes of death.

However, there are other things that reduce a Goldy’s lifespan, which include:

• Increased body weight
• An inflammatory diet
• Exposure to toxins
• Early neutering or spaying
• Unnecessary vaccinations

Did we answer your question in detail? Let us know in the comments section if we missed something, and we’ll get back to you soon.