How to Help Your Golden Retriever Dog Live Longer

If you have a Golden Retriever, you probably want to keep him around for awhile. Here are some ways you can potentially increase the lifespan of your Golden Retriever.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Spay or Neuter Your Golden Retriever.
   
   If you don't plan on breeding your dog, have him spayed or neutered. Spaying and neutering can reduce the risk of certain types of reproductive cancers in dogs, including breast cancer in female dogs which is not uncommon.

2. Feed Your Golden Retriever a High Quality Dog Food.
   
   By feeding your Golden Retriever a high quality diet, you'll reduce his risk of becoming overweight which is a risk factor for a variety of diseases in dogs including diabetes. In one study performed on Labrador Retrievers, dogs that were kept lean lived two years longer than the control group. They also were able to avoid developing some of the diseases associated with aging such as arthritis. Many commercial pet foods have additives that may be harmful to your Golden Retriever. If you can't find a good organic dog without dangerous additives, consult with your vet for some guidelines on how to make your own.

3. Avoid Giving Your Golden Retriever Table Food
   
   Feeding a dog high fat human foods increases his risk for pancreatitis, a potentially life threatening condition. It may be okay to give your dog wholesome fresh foods such as fruits and vegetables, but consult with your veterinarian first since certain fruits such as grapes can be toxic to your Golden Retriever.

4. Exercise Your Golden Retriever Daily.
   
   Exercise not only has benefits of its own, it also reduces your dog's risk of obesity. Aim for a thirty minutes walk with your Golden Retriever twice a day. Your dog may also benefit from some organized play time with a ball or Frisbee. Exercise also helps to keep your dog mentally challenged which can reduce his stress level.

5. Watch for signs of illness and schedule regular veterinarian visits.
   
   Check daily for signs of illness in your dog. Look for such signs as skin changes, loss of fur, increased panting, excessive thirst and urination, changes in his stool, vomiting, and personality changes. If your dog shows any of these signs, see your veterinarian. You want to diagnose potential medical problems early for the best prognosis. Be sure to have your dog evaluated by his veterinarian on a regular basis.

6. Learn how to perform canine CPR.
   
   If your dog should collapse suddenly, you'll want to be prepared by know how to perform canine CPR. There are a variety of videos and books that can teach you the basic steps for reviving your dog. It pays to be prepared.

7. Remove potential poisons and toxins from your dog's reach.
   
   Dogs have a tendency to be inquisitive. Ensure your dog's safety by removing any cleaning chemicals, medications, or other poisons from the reach of your dog.