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...life expectancy of a Golden Retreiver?

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Question by CARRIE
Submitted on 8/8/2003
Related FAQ: rec.pets.dogs: Golden Retrievers Breed-FAQ
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What is the life expectancy of a Golden Retreiver?


Answer by courtney
Submitted on 8/15/2003
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They probably live from 12 to 15 years, but some have lived up to 20.

I hope that I have helped.

 

Answer by Jenny
Submitted on 8/26/2003
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The average life span is 10-12 years.  Unfortunately, cancer has become so prevalent in the breed. Which shortens the life span further.

 

Answer by ANIMAL LOVER XXL
Submitted on 11/30/2003
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THE LIFE SPAN OF A GOLDEN IS 10 TO 12 YEARS

 

Answer by lucy lu
Submitted on 1/3/2004
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10 - 12 sounds about right!

 

Answer by Brandee
Submitted on 1/3/2004
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A Goldens life span can be 10-15 years,
and 20 -25 years if fed a all natural healthy
dog food.

 

Answer by poppie
Submitted on 2/3/2004
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dbfj seyufejvfg7whfjkebfvwe

 

Answer by Cody's Dad
Submitted on 2/29/2004
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My Golden recently died of lymphoma and he just turned 10. All the vets I have been in touch with agree with 10-15 years, and cancer will likely be the cause of their death, specifically lymphoma. The breed originated with only 4 dogs from a single litter so in my opinion, the gene pool seems questionable.

 

Answer by ukbasketball10
Submitted on 3/3/2004
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I think the lifespan of a golden retriever would be 15 years. If you take care of them correctly and with a healthy diet.

 

Answer by BETH
Submitted on 3/6/2004
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I HAVE A GOLDEN RETREVER I THOUGHT I HAD HIS SHOTS UP TO DATE THE VET SAID THEY WERE DUE MAY 2003,AND MY DOG GOT BITTEN BY A SKUNK AND IT HAD RABIES WHAT DO YOU THINK I SHOULD DO TAKE A CHACE AND LET ANIMAL CONTROL HOLD HIM FOR 6 MONTHS AND PAY 8 DOLLARS A DAY TO SEE IF HE WILL BE OK HE IS 10 YEARS OLD

 

Answer by joooooo_momma
Submitted on 3/8/2004
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wdfwvw

 

Answer by matthew
Submitted on 3/12/2004
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10-12/12-15

 

Answer by shenita mcmichael
Submitted on 5/13/2004
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i think they can live real long if they are good and is being taking care of

 

Answer by Jay
Submitted on 5/30/2004
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I have had two Goldens. One died from lympho at 9 years and the other is still going strong at just over 14 years. She has had some loss of hearing but otherwise is very healthy.
My vet had told me to expect 10-12 years on average.  I had fed both mine Science Diet from the day they came home. I strongly believe that a good diet goes a long ways.  

 

Answer by CJ
Submitted on 6/5/2004
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I think the average lifespan would be 10 to 15 years old. But how you treat the dog, and what you feed him plays a major role in how long the dog lives to be.

 

Answer by me  and my boy
Submitted on 6/25/2004
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My boy was just diagnosed with cancer.  He will be 9 in Dec.  They took out his spleen and a tumor.  I am planning on doing kemo when he gets stronger.  Does anyone know of anything else I can do?

 

Answer by Timmy
Submitted on 6/29/2004
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suck it

 

Answer by BD
Submitted on 7/8/2004
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Contact Homeopathic vet in NC.  We have 12 old golden. Oct. will be 2yrs. since leg amputation from cancer.  U should do as vet says.  We still give her lots of supplements. Do not give her raw meets as will be recommended. For 1 yr. we cooked hamburger, pinto beans,added fresh broccoli,
carrots. Cooked enough for 10 days and froze. Suppliments twice a day: 2 vit C, 2 grape seed extract, 2 Tums for calcium, salmon oil capsules, L-arginine, and a multi.  I may have forgotten something since I am not at home.  You can e- mail me at brendajday@hotmail.com. Identify e-mail with Well Golden.

Prayer helps also!!

My Best Wishes

BJD

 

Answer by rexmylove
Submitted on 8/15/2004
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My dog had hemangiosarcoma. Beginning of June we took out his spleen. Just yesterday, after 2.5 months later it was time for him to go.  I didn't do chemo, but it may prolong his life a little longer. I changed his diet to organic chicken, and bunch of supplements but it didn't work for my dog.

 

Answer by Mark Dance
Submitted on 9/4/2004
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I had a beautiful female golden who recently succumbed to cancer.

She was first diagnosed with lymphoma at age 7.  She was very nearly 11 when we had to say good bye because progressing sarcoma was causing her discomfort, and a sudden loss of appetite and general lethargy.

We treated the lymphoma aggressively with chemotherapy.  although it was expensive it was highly effective.  She went into remission nearly immediately and we kept the chemo up for 9 months.

22.5 years later she recurred and we treated again with chemo.  She responded even more favorably the second time.  She was on an immune booster at the same time [recently discontinued product unfortunately] and I believe this had an impact as well.

Her overall attitude was very good to great up until the last 2 months.  Even with this she was swimming and playing 2 days before we had to put her down.

My advice is if you can manage it from a time and investment point of view, and if your golden is strong, agressive chemo treatment works.  I don't regret it at all.  Her lifespan was increased dramatically and her quality of life was great to the end.

If you are facing similar choices I would be glad to discuss what we went through if you think it would help.

mdance@creo.com

 

Answer by Sue
Submitted on 10/15/2004
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I recently bought a golden retriever.  He is 5 months old...I hope I have good luck with him and he lives 20 year...i just love him!

 

Answer by katy
Submitted on 10/20/2004
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Most Goldens live approximately 10 - 12 years.  We had a female that lived for 10-1/2 years -- she died of pancreatic cancer.  Her littermate (her brother) is now 12-1/2 and still going strong. The better you treat your dog, the longer he/she lives.  Give them lots of love -- you'll get it back 100 fold!  Goldens are the greatest breed out there.  They are just as close to real gold as you can get!

 

Answer by josh
Submitted on 10/26/2004
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my golden just died this morning.  she had just turned 8 twelve days ago.  we fed her everything she needed...she just died in her sleep after she coughed a few times.  wtf happened?

 

Answer by POOP
Submitted on 11/2/2004
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You stink

 

Answer by goldenlover
Submitted on 11/7/2004
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I have been giving my golden a raw meat diet with supplements for about 5 years since she got real sick with bladder stones.  It has made a tremendous change in her life.  Raw is the way to go!!

 

Answer by Amie
Submitted on 11/10/2004
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My GV (roscoe) just died 4 days ago and it is the hardest thing my husband and I have gone through. He went in for surgery on his leg from a torn ligament and they said he was doing great and would probably come home in the morning. They called us at 8:30am and told us he had died. They did an autopsy and said he died of heart failure.  I don't understand why. Can dogs die of a broken heart?

 

Answer by Cooper440
Submitted on 11/18/2004
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My golden used to be really good with my kids. She is now 7 and growls if they even walk up to her. She has actually nipped my son. I just don't know what to do. Any answers would be appreciated.

 

Answer by spodie
Submitted on 11/28/2004
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my 7 yr old golden died 1 week ago from nothing the vet could find he was not feeling well so i had taken him to the vet they said it might be his prostate i should have him fixed i did and he lost all feeling in his back legs and bladder and bowel i had to put him down within 3 days of giving my vet 1600.00 it was the saddest day of my life they are the greatest dogs

 

Answer by Rovalert@aol.com
Submitted on 12/7/2004
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I just had "Sam" put down today. He was 121/2 years old. He had lymphoma in his neck and chest and only slowed down in his last month. I had to put his mother down earlier this year. She was 14. Miss them both...:-(

 

Answer by Peaches
Submitted on 12/16/2004
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Hi. I just put my beautiful black labrador retriever Molson to sleep yesterday. He developed lymphoma over the last few days and went blind and had respiratory problems. He had a hemangiosarcoma removed last year,and we thought he was doing ok. But just a few days ago, developed so many problems and was in so much pain. I miss him so much.

 

Answer by cma
Submitted on 1/11/2005
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i think up to 10-18-25 forb a golden retreiver to live.

 

Answer by Dawn
Submitted on 1/13/2005
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I, at one time had four retreivers.  One died at age 8 with luekemia, one died at 11 of lung cancer, one died at 14 of old age, and my last one is now 10. Great dogs, love them while they are here!

 

Answer by Shortay
Submitted on 1/15/2005
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I have a 15 week golden and hes a doll! I say that if you get one never lift it up all the time let it jump into the veicle and couch by his self their legs will tend to get weak if you help it LOTS !!!

 

Answer by nicole
Submitted on 1/26/2005
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i have a golden that is about 10 and a half and he is in pretty good health but he has arthritis.Goldens live, on average, 13 years but some may live longer if fed the right diet and exersized frequently. The best type of exersize for ANY dog over the age 7 is swimming because there is no stress on the dogs muscles and joints.

 

Answer by MarkAss
Submitted on 2/7/2005
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My family got a beautiful pure breed golden from My Aunt when I was a child. We have spent the last 14 years spoiling her, and she Has a voracious appetite for Human Food, to which she has always helped herself to. She is 14 years old, and probably in her last year now. I think with goldens all they need is enough love.

 

Answer by dsc319
Submitted on 2/24/2005
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2/24/05 My beloved golden, 13 yrs. 7 months, had to be put down last night because of mast cell tumors (3 walnut-size) in her ear.  1 1/2 yrs ago we operated on a tumor behind her ear; 1 yr ago we operated on a tumor inside her ear.  At that point our vet suggested daily doses of benadryl (less money from the vet than over the counter)could slow the reoccurrence of tumors.  It worked for a full year!!  They didn't become a problem again until 2 months ago.  She still had a terrific appetite and no bowel problems. It was a very difficult decision, but we know she is no longer in misery. We had also given her liquid glucosamine (from ActivexAmerica.com)for the past few years to help with her arthritis...it really made a difference in her ability to get up.  

 

Answer by Becky
Submitted on 2/27/2005
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I've heard mostly that about 10-12 years is average.

 

Answer by Aubrey
Submitted on 3/11/2005
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My last two goldens lived to be 15 and 16. That is longer than average. Most pass away between 10 and 13 from my experience. Both passed away from cancer. Not sure on the accuracy of feeding a dog all natural foods and them living to be 25. I would bet on 10-13 years.

 

Answer by kristie
Submitted on 4/27/2005
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20years

 

Answer by no 1 animal lover
Submitted on 5/12/2005
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i think that they live to be at the most 24 years of age. and the least would be 6

 

Answer by stuck
Submitted on 6/7/2005
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I THINK THAT A GOLDEN WHOULD BE 10-15 IF IT HEATHLY.

 

Answer by D
Submitted on 6/13/2005
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We have a Golden and she is 17 years old. She has never been on Natural Food, just ordinary Dog Kibble and table scraps. She now enjoys her daily pigs ear, because we agree that as an old girl she can enjoy her treat every day. She used to swim all of the time in the summer in our pool, and dive off of the diving board. Up until a few years ago we couldn't keep her away from the water! We try to keep her away from table scraps now because it upsets her stomach, but that didn't stop her last night when we were clearing off the dinner table  she nudged my 4 year old daughter and knocked the plate out of her hands. That dog gobbled two whole hamburger patties in a second!! So she still has spunk that old girl!

 

Answer by Sammers
Submitted on 7/24/2005
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I had a Golden Retriever he lived for 14 years and had arthirites so we had to put him to sleep!! we gave him meds but it wasnt helping and he couldnt hold his bladder so we decided to go that way!!! but it was the hardest thing we ever did!! he was the best dog ever!!

 

Answer by Zeek
Submitted on 7/29/2005
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We just saw a 7 yr. old G.R. and were told he cannot be put in a kennel, period, for any length of time. He would growl, bark a lot more and generally "not handle the situation."
Question, "is this a common thing with retrievers?"

 

Answer by Sammy
Submitted on 7/31/2005
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goldens usually live between 10-15 years if fed and treated properly

 

Answer by lanpuppy
Submitted on 8/4/2005
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i have had three goldens my oldest lived to be 17 her daughter lived to be 15 i have one left he will be 14 in oct. he just had a fatty tumor removed but doing well all three of my dogs were raised on cheap dog food(which probably accounts for the fatty tumors all three had he is the only one that actually had it surgically removed i think it all depends on the dog and alot of love i'llbe lost when i loose my last one but so so so thankful i have had them all this long without serious problems the most important thing above everything else is your dogs life is the love you give them because they give 10X more back to you

 

Answer by Heather
Submitted on 8/9/2005
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Our 11 year old Golden was diagnosed with a bone tumor in his mouth which doubled in size in 4 days.  He is no longer with us.

 

Answer by mo
Submitted on 8/26/2005
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to beth.
i also was in a situation where i thought my dog had its shots.  it got entangled with a skunk and the vet told me to quarantine it for 6 mths and not have any contact with it (she was 10 yrs old) i took the risk and let her be with the family.  it turned out fine.  hope this helps.  god bless.

 

Answer by rr
Submitted on 8/27/2005
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I've had 2 goldens. they both died very young. The first one developed cancer before he was 2, and the cancer got so bad that we had to put him down just after his 2nd birthday. We recently lost our second golden to cancer at the age of 7.

 

Answer by linksys
Submitted on 9/22/2005
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10 -12 years. ours are 2 , 10 and 7 all healthy as can be.

 

Answer by missy
Submitted on 9/24/2005
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My family is full of Golden Retriever lovers, we have had a total of 8 in our family and 6 have had Lymphoma.  Our dogs were all very well taken care of, fed quality food and regularly exercised.  I think the breed lines are bad and Goldens should stop being bred.  That will never happen though.  I will never get another Golden Retreiver and I advise you to never get one or you will pay thousands like we did and still end up in tragety.  

 

Answer by kin
Submitted on 9/28/2005
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i did not have one

 

Answer by Sandee's owner
Submitted on 10/8/2005
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SANDEE IS THE BEST DOG EVER!

 

Answer by MANDI
Submitted on 11/29/2005
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MY GOLDEN IS 7 YEARS OLD AND HAS RECENTLY HAD A TUMOR REMOVED, OTHERWISE HEALTHY. ANY SUGGESTIONS ON KEEPING HER HEALTHY? I CURRENTLY FEED HER LIGHT SCIENCE DIET, ANY SUPPLEMENTS OR VITAMINS SUGGESTED?

 

Answer by N.M.N.
Submitted on 12/15/2005
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hat4yanue57a357a35nf 10-20 Yrs

 

Answer by Mike
Submitted on 12/22/2005
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My Golden died early this morning. I think he had a heart attack. Ziggy was 9 1/2 years old and had a great life.

 

Answer by karin
Submitted on 12/31/2005
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my golden is 15 and going strong.  we have taken very good care of her, but she still has some problems, like sore muscles and bones and significant loss of hearing.  

 

Answer by AAA
Submitted on 1/2/2006
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I have heard that goldens can live anywhere from 10-12 years to 12-15 years, but it probably depends on how well you take care of your dog. Such as if he/she is getting enough exercise and the right diet. And if you want specific answers, just ask your current vet.

 

Answer by marty
Submitted on 1/4/2006
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I think if a golen or any dog gets lymphoma, it is because it is in his/her DNA.  I think as long as we love them and feed them and keep them healthy that is all we can do.  As a person who has just lost a golden , 9 y/o to lymphoma My heart goes out to anyone else who is going through it.

 

Answer by upoopuscoop
Submitted on 1/16/2006
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well everyone, i really dont mean to brag, but i have 6 beautiful golden retreivers on my huge eqestrian farm. 3of them are puppies, and the rest are fully grown. One of my dogs just past away, but he lived to be 30 years old! In conclusion, I think the life span of your dog comes to one thing- whether you have the money to buy all the top quality foods.  

 

Answer by JST
Submitted on 1/18/2006
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12-15 YEARS

 

Answer by kathy
Submitted on 2/11/2006
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my 11-1/2 year old golden recently died of what was believed to be nasal or brain tumors.  my vet had told me to expect between 10-12 years.  i realize that many goldens are now dying from different forms of cancer.  this is based on articles i have read and information from other friends who own goldens.

 

Answer by salvatore
Submitted on 2/12/2006
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Goldens are known as having a short life expectancy. Just when you start to love it, its going to die. I wouldnt even bother getting one of those. 10 years TOPS, and its dead. 7-8 is about average. Thanks.

 

Answer by Braden
Submitted on 2/12/2006
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Everything I've read says goldens live 10 - 12 years.  Some people are saying here they can go 20+ years which sounds way too old, thats only achieved by some of the small breed dogs.  

My golden just turned 15 in January and she's doing amazingly well. She doesn't see well at night anymore, and her hearing is pretty degraded, but other then that she's still doing great.  My wife takes our golden to work with her at the Nursing Home once a month or so, where our golden will spend most of my wifes 16 hour shift following my her from room to room to check on the patients.

 

Answer by QWERTY
Submitted on 3/7/2006
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My golden is 9 and he suffers from hip displasia. Other than that he is quite healthy, I have read that the generally accepted age is 10-12 years old.

 

Answer by cheryl
Submitted on 3/8/2006
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our golden is almost 20 now.  has a cancerous tumor on back but is still kicking.  she is the most compassionate dog I have ever seen . she also is deaf adn almost blind.  best dogs ever.  so calm and comforting to have as a pet.

 

Answer by Brittany
Submitted on 3/18/2006
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I would say the average is anywhere from 10-16 years depending on the diet and care given. My oldest Golden died at 14 from cancer. But our youngest is 10 right now and has never been sick before. Life expectancy depends on the dog and most importantly, the owner.

 

Answer by mo
Submitted on 3/21/2006
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10-15 or 15-20

 

Answer by foreverevil
Submitted on 4/23/2006
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I don't think a healthy diet matters in the life span of the dog.  My golden retriever just died after living fourteen years on table scraps.  She wouldn't even think about eating dog food and the vet said feed her scraps or a bullet. So we feed her scraps for fourteen years.

 

Answer by Trisomy21
Submitted on 5/6/2006
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10-12 years seesm to be the average. Unfortunately this breed is prone to both cancer and hip dysplaysia. Mine was actually put to sleep today from surgical complications.

 

Answer by Jenny
Submitted on 5/27/2006
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I was reading that if you feed an animal grapefruit that it would help surpress tumors!  I am going to try it out on my Golden!  Hope that helps some!

 

Answer by pattyo
Submitted on 7/1/2006
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i think my golden will live up to 15 at lest the only thing that has happend to her is her hair is going away but that normal for her age so ide say 10-15 years

 

Answer by LC
Submitted on 7/7/2006
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My dog is 9 years old and is very healthy. I think she will live to at least 13. I THOUGHT they live till 12 or 13 but I don't know.

 

Answer by realist
Submitted on 9/1/2006
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uhhhh guys it is a dog not a person.  Extensive medical work on a dog is ridiculous.  Maybe give that money to people.  

 

Answer by chicken noodle
Submitted on 10/11/2006
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A golden Retriever can live up to 10-15 years if it doesn't get feed.And 1-105 years with food,water,and shelter.

 

Answer by Slippy
Submitted on 10/19/2006
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doggy is 4 and his name is DREW!

 

Answer by paul g
Submitted on 12/1/2006
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My Golden retriever Henry dies today at the age of 10. He was extremely well looked afer all his life, was fed healthy diet (eukanuba), and exercised daily. He will be sorely missed by all who new him. He died very suddenly of Splenic hemangiosarco - a ruptured tumor of the spleen. There was absolutely nothing we could do. I am shcked to have lost him so suddenly, he was a wonderful friend.

 

Answer by Vicky
Submitted on 1/2/2007
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They live about 10-15 years.They shed way too much!!

 

Answer by marcia
Submitted on 1/6/2007
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I want all of the dogs!

 

Answer by Dog Lover--well, who isn't
Submitted on 1/7/2007
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To Me and my Boy;

First, I am so sorry for both of you. My girl and I are going through chemo right now. She will be 10 on 2/4/07. We are doing what the vet says to do, and I am just praying it works.

The chemo does not affect them like it affects humans.  They don't get sick like humans. However, the antibiotics made her lose her appetite and gave her nausea. Use the anti-emetics!  Don't think he is okay....he is nausaus.
It is hard...talk to your friends.  You will need all the support you can get.

Good luck.

 

Answer by Sam forever
Submitted on 1/7/2007
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I agree that 10-12 years is probably average, but if they are well taken care of and are given good food they should live longer. I wouldn't expect them to live to much longer then 15 though. My golden is 4 and I sure hope he lives to 15.


 

Answer by Henk's girl
Submitted on 1/15/2007
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My boy just passed away Jan 12 with cancer. He was 12...lived a good life.  10-12 yrs is the love life.

 

Answer by Denes