A Golden Retriever’s lifespan can vary greatly, depending on how it’s treated, but there are many things you can do to help ensure your dog lives as long and as happily as possible. Start by following these seven tips, and you’ll be sure to extend your dog’s lifespan by several years, if not more!
1) Give Them Proper Exercise
Proper exercise is important for all dogs, but it’s especially important for golden retrievers. They are a high-energy breed and need plenty of opportunities to burn off that energy. A good way to provide this is to take them on regular walks, runs, or hikes. You can also sign them up for dog sports like agility or flyball. Not only will this help keep them physically healthy, but it will also help them stay mentally sharp.
2) Maintain Their Nails
It’s important to maintain your golden retriever’s nails for their health and wellbeing. If their nails are too long, it can cause them pain and make it difficult for them to walk. You should trim their nails every four to six weeks, or as needed. It’s also a good idea to invest in pet insurance to help cover the cost of any unexpected medical bills.
3) Don’t Let Them Become Aggressive
Just like any other dog, a golden retriever can become aggressive if not properly trained and socialized. While this isn’t necessarily a health issue, it can lead to problems down the road. Be sure to enroll your golden in obedience classes and take them to the dog park on a regular basis so they can interact with other animals.
4) Take Care Of Their Teeth
One way to help your golden retriever live a long and happy life is by taking care of their teeth. Just like humans, poor dental hygiene can lead to all sorts of health problems for dogs. Make sure you brush your golden retriever’s teeth every day and take them to the vet for regular check-ups and cleanings. You might also want to consider getting them dental insurance to help cover the cost of any necessary treatments.
5) Monitor Their Weight
You should monitor your golden retriever’s weight to ensure they don’t become overweight or obese. Obesity can lead to a number of health problems, including joint pain, diabetes, and heart disease. To keep your golden retriever at a healthy weight, make sure they’re getting plenty of exercise and eating a nutritious diet. You may also want to consider investing in pet insurance to help cover the cost of unexpected medical bills.
6) Consider Training Classes
Golden Retrievers are bred as working dogs, so they have a natural desire to please their owners. This makes them very easy to train and means they can learn a wide variety of tricks and commands. You can enroll your Golden in obedience classes, agility classes, or even flyball or dock diving. Not only will this give your pup something to do and help burn off some energy, but it will also strengthen the bond between you and create a well-rounded dog.
7) Train Them Young And Often
Just like with people, training a dog from a young age will help them throughout their life. Dogs that are trained early on are less likely to have behavioral problems and are generally more obedient. Start with simple commands like sit, stay, come, and down. As your dog masters these commands, you can begin teaching them tricks. Not only is this great for their obedience, but it also helps to keep their minds sharp as they age.
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