How to LIVE LONGER

HOW TO HELP YOUR GOLDEN LIVE THE LONGEST, HEALTHIEST LIFE

1) PROVIDE A PREMIUM DIET

Health starts from the inside out. A premium diet is paramount. A raw diet is by far the healthiest choice you can make for your golden (you can check out our article on RAW food soon to be posted). Dogs that are fed raw do not suffer many of the ailments brought about by commercially processed food and are documented to live longer lives. You can tailor a raw food diet to be as easy or as complex as you would like it to be. The key concepts to remember are variety and balance over time. Feeding a raw diet has never been easier with all of the resources now available.

If you are uncomfortable with or not able to feed RAW, feed a PREMIUM, GRAIN-FREE kibble such as Fromm's Four Star, Wild Calling, Orijen, or NOW Fresh and compliment this with real, whole food whenever you can (Such as a bit of cooked lean beef, turkey, fish, mashed carrots/veggies etc. ). It is also suggested that any diet be supplemented to maximize nutrient absorption and boost the immune system. Our top picks are WELLY TAILS ADULT LONGEVITY and WHOLISTIC PET CANINE COMPLETE (with joint mobility). Regardless of whether you choose a raw or kibble diet: one raw, meaty bone (beef marrow bone/soup bone - not cooked) a week is of utmost benefit. Dogs fed a raw bone will never have evidence of plaque build-up nor dental issues (which can create additional health problems and major veterinary costs).

2) PROVIDE REGULAR EXERCISE and CAREFUL WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

Your golden depends on you to provide the amount of daily exercise he/she needs for optimum health. Typically a moderate amount of aerobic exercise (30 minutes) morning and afternoon is sufficient. A slow paced walk through the neighbourhood does not constitute aerobic exercise. Exercise that involves multiple muscle groups such as running, playing, fetching on natural surfaces (such as grass or trails) is more beneficial than repetitive exercise on hard surfaces such as concrete pavement.

Without regular exercise you must decrease food amounts, which in turn decreases the amount of nutrients your dog receives. Regular exercise is correlated to the administration of proper food/nutirent portions and also plays an important part in body condition. Without proper exercise muscle groups grow weak which opens the door for improper joint development in a younger dog and ligament injuries in an older dog. Proper exercise also plays an important role cardio vascular health and MENTAL health. Dogs that are overweight (even by as little as 5 pounds) are recorded to have a lifespan that is 2-3 years shorter than a fit dog. A well-exercised dog is also less likely to feel stress from exterior circumstances, which greatly aids overall health.

3) FOLLOW A CONSERVATIVE VACCINATION SCHEDULE

Over-vaccination can suppress the immune system instead of stimulating it. Without debate CORE vaccines are necessary but follow a conservative schedule. THE DAP vaccine series should initially be administered at 8-9 weeks, 12-13 weeks and 16 weeks with rabies vaccine at 20 weeks. Bordatella, Leptospirosis and Lyme vaccines are NOT considered core vaccines (Dogs in endemic Lyme areas are instead best to test for Tick borne diseases and treat accordingly). Whenever possible follow Dr. Jean Dodd's recommendations for a vaccination schedule.

4) LIMIT EXPOSURE TO TOXINS

Our world is increasingly filled with chemicals and toxic substances. Be aware of when and how your golden may be exposed to un-natural products. For example: don't wash your floors with heavy chemical cleaners, don't spray your yard with toxic pesticides, and don't place your golden's bed or crate close to microwaves, Televisions or electronics. Eliminate exposure to chemical flea/tick repellants (Both collars and topical ointments). Use filtered water when possible and avoid toys, treats or chewies that are produced with foreign, synthetic, or possibly contaminated products.

5) PROVIDE AN ABUNDANCE OF HUMAN COMPANIONSHIP

Goldens LOVE their family and thrive on human interaction more than many other breeds. Without human interaction, care, companionship and TIME spent together a golden will most certainly go through periods of depression, which will and does affect overall health. Emotional stability, love and nurturing are essential for the golden retriever and long-term well-being.

6) FOLLOW A ROUTINE

Goldens thrive on predictability. Routine is the safety net that gives every dog a sense of security. As much as possible, keep a regular regime when it comes to rising and going to bed, meals and exercise. When a golden feels secure in what to expect they are less likely to produce stress-related hormones, which can have long-term impacts on overall health.

7) AVOID SURGERIES whenever possible

This includes spay and neuter surgeries. Surgery is not a natural part of any life. Anything that is unnatural has the potential to upset the balance of things. In particular, spaying and neutering procedures alter hormones that affect many other areas of wellness, NOT JUST THE AREA OF REPRODUCTION. UC Davis has carried out extensive studies in the area of spaying and neutering and how it affects goldens. Goldens that are neutered/spayed early have a much higher incidence of cancer, thyroid issues, ACL tears, diabetes, and urinary incontinence. Delay surgery when possible for females and avoid completely if possible for males. Follow this link to the UC DAVIS STUDY for full details. In addition, senior goldens may sometimes develop small bumps or tumours which are best left untreated unless they are deemed malignant or are interfering with quality of life.