Aging happens to everyone. Expect natural changes to occur as you age.
The most obvious feature changes that occur to me started on my face.
I was young (about 4 years old) when my White Golden Face started.
As I continue to age it formed a Heart shape but more white fur is forming on my head and the heart shape is fading. You can still see it …
Many natural changes continue to occur on my body.
I plan to discuss these changes on my future posts.
For the meantime, I would like to share an article written by a guest blogger,
Carson Burnett who is a retriever owner and website publisher.
Caring For Your Older Retriever
As with humans, all dogs are going to get older. At some point you will notice that Fido doesn’t seem quite so keen on chasing the cat, or almost overnight, Rover has gotten a gray face. As your Retriever gets older, their needs will change.
Your dog is no longer a playful pup, or energetic adolescent, but a fully qualified geriatric. Your senior Retriever is probably going to need some special requirements including senior dog food, and possibly an orthopedic dog bed. You may start to notice some of these signs of aging with your Retriever:
less energy
worsening allergies
less tolerance for pups and noisy toddlers
stiffness on getting up
stiffness on getting up
problems with stairs
mood changes
loss of hearing and/or vision
sleeping more
a little more willful
incontinence
Special needs of the senior Retriever
Diet As dogs age they often require a change of diet. Often food allergies can become worse, or crop up when none were apparent before. Older dogs need fewer calories, but a higher quality of protein, and a diet higher in fiber to compensate for less activity. The inclusion of wheat bran in your dog’s meals can aid in preventing constipation. Your vet will be able to assist with dietary advice and many dogs in their latter years will be on specific diets appropriate to medical conditions.
Orthopedic Dog Bed Do you want to sleep on the floor? What makes you think it is any more comfortable for poor old Fido and his painful hips? An orthopedic dog bed can provide him with comfort and support, ensuring his snoozes are pain free. These dog beds come in a huge variety of styles, sizes and prices.
Decreased exercise. The older dog is still going to love his daily walk. He may just not be able to walk so far or so fast. If your dog is tiring, call it a day. To keep your dog stimulated perhaps you can take him on more drives in the car to prevent geriatric cabin fever setting in.
Reduced Eyesight may mean that your dog has more trouble navigating the steps. As visual deterioration is often slow, most dogs adjust. Be aware of rearranging dangerous objects if Fido is really blind, otherwise he will bang into them or fall off
Deafness may mean that Rover can no longer hear the car coming. Be careful not to run him over. Avoid startling him when he is asleep
Ramps can be fantastic for dogs who can no longer see the steps and also for any Retrievers suffering from hip dysplasia. As the dysplasia worsens, many senior Retrievers find it increasingly difficult to navigate the steps. Ramps mean that you save your back and Fido is still independent for toilet breaks. Portable ramps can also be used to get your dog in the back of the car or SUV. Dog ramps are available in many sizes and designs.
Peace and Quiet Older dogs, like Grandma and Grandpa, often find small children just too noisy. Ensure that your dog has a quiet place she can retire to for some time out. Train the children and any other dogs to let her rest.
Discipline Older dogs can become just a little headstrong. All of a sudden your well behaved Labrador is not quite so obedient. In fact, there may be commands that she will point blank refuse. You may find yourself repeating commands several times. Is this deafness, selective deafness or plain old lady willfulness? Persist until the dog obeys. Obviously if there is a practical reason for non compliance, eg; Rover can no longer jump in the back of the car because of pain, then you will need to find an alternative solution. Your dog may be old, but you are still the boss.
Incontinence is a problem with many older female Retrievers. Thankfully many of them can be cured with estrogen therapy. If this doesn’t work, start limiting your dog to areas that are not carpeted. Replace all bedding with washable substances.
Glucosamine may become a quality of life saver for your senior Retriever. At the first sign of any hip stiffness this is generally the first line of treatment. Natural and safe, the results can be astonishing. (Glucosamine does not work if you heat it up.) Glucosamine can help alleviate the pain and stiffness of hip dysplasia, which many senior Retrievers are susceptible to.
Senior Retrievers have special needs including senior dog food, orthopedic dog beds, ramps, glucosamine, and possibly incontinence therapy. A little extra care will have your best friend living a longer and better life.
For additional facts about Golden Retriever and information about training Golden Retrievers visit Mr. Burnett website
As a whole, no matter what kind of dog breed you have,
they go through similar process of changes.
Embrace these process of changes, as a reminder of the importance of spending every moment with your very Best Friend canine companion.
Lots of Golden Woofs,
About Sugar: Golden Woofs
A wonderful and most informative post. Thank you for sharing Sugar.
Both Sugar and Dommy are both 9. I can see him slowing down. He used to trot like a horse when he walks. Now he strolls.. and just smiles.. and enjoy the scents.
Changes are constant.
I can still see your heart shaped face. You are one of the most beautiful Golden i've known. May you grow old gracefully and happily.
You still look beautiful Sugar. Thanks fur the info. I am 5 and getting Yikes, I hate to say it, Gray hairs! AWWwwww!!!
wags
Jazzi
A sign of wisdom, as each white hair represents something new thing learned.
That was really informative, thank you! I love her face, she always looks so happy!
I gots lots of gray hairs, but I sure am not old yet. Guess that means I will never look old! BOL. Puppy Kisses, Miss Mindy
I bet your still a big pup at heart!
Grandpa hooman has a senior doggie. She has some stiffness and now that we read it, maybe a little headstrong now a days!!
I never noticed your beautiful white heart on your face!
I am about 13 so life is definitely changing for me. I have lots of gray in my fur and some old age warts (yuck) and my back legs do get very stiff sometimes. Fortunately, my family takes very good care of me as does yours. We are the lucky ones!
Your pal, Pip
Thanks for the great info! Sam is slowly heading towards the great age of 9 (he is still a pup in my eyes)! We've noticed a little stiffness, and the greying face but so far little else. We've also began making changes to his diet. We are hoping for many more years with our special boy!
Sam
Mommy says you are so right. Every moment is precious. You never know when you might lose someone you love. Sometimes it does not happen gradually.
Thanks for reminding us to treasure all of life's golden moments.
Puppy Kisses,
Tanner
Very informative post Sugar! I'm 10 1/2 so am experiencing some of the things on that list. We all love your beautiful white face!
Great article. We know there are some things specific to aging Shelties and some are pretty much what you wrote here. I am not sure we will ever get Katy to sleep in her bed no matter how old she gets. However Bailey, has always demanded comfort.
Our Little Bit is a flat coated retriever and will be nine this October. She is going though the same things that you are going through. We just let her do what she wants. If she wants to work then fine, and if she doesn't that's fine too. We just make her as comfortable as we can. She's our baby.
Have a woof woof day Sugar.
Getting old is a real bummer! Some buddy….turn back da clocks a bit!
Great Post, "Sugar Faces" or as some say "Angel Faces" and Old Gold, the most wonderful dog from puppy to senior.
Love them All.
Sheila & Bob
Sweet Sugar… this is an EXCELLENT Post!!! THANKS!!
thanks for this informative post, sweet sugar!
asa will be turning 9 in october. she started getting white hairs around her muzzle when she was 6, but i have noticed an increase lately. she still loves her walks, but she definitely can not run as much as she did when she was younger. the most important thing to remember is what the queen wants, the queen gets!
the booker man and asa's mama
Great post, Sugar. With a senior dog in our house, it is really important for us to be aware of those points.
But don't worry about your face, you will always be a sweetHEART to us.
Woos ~ Phantom, Thunder, and Ciara
Sugar, that is a very imformative post and great information! Lots of love, Debbie & Holly
This is full of great information for any dog owner! I love your beautiful heart
-Corbin
Yes, but all those white hairs just make you more handsome and distinguished, Sugar! Our Toby is having lots of old-age problems too, so we know what you're talking about.
You're aging beautifully Sugar!
Very good information about caring for an older retriever.
This is really a great post, my mom person is going to print it out. It's important to enjoy every minute we have together!
Have a golden weekend!
Nubbin wiggles,
Oskar
I love the white fur against the red, it's so distinctive and pretty.
I don't have a golden retriever but this is good info for all dog owners.
My captcha word: Bewti (Beauty!)
We love your heart face, Sugar. It makes you special!
Seniors are the best!
Love ya lots
Maggie and Mitch
A fantastic post! Thanks for all the information, Sugar!
take care
Clive and Murray
Sugar
you will always be that young pup to your mum… beauty comes with age 
x x x so good to see you looking so young at heart 
x x x
I think that your face is sweet, Sugar!
All your info is pawsomely impawtent! I sure do appreciate you sharin it, Thanks.
woos, Tessa
Excellent post Sugar and loaded with helpful information. I'm only 4 but I'm sure mom will appreciate this info
Grreat post Sugar!
Woofs and Licks,
Maggie Mae
Sugar I see the heart on your face and i can also feel the love in your heart.
Thank you for the words of wisdom
love
tweedles
You know what is weird? Grey furs make the shape of your head look different. What's up with that? Nothing wrong with sporting some grey. Makes you look more dignified. Thanks for the aging doggie article. Momma read it with great interest although I'm not sure why. No aging doggies here, right?
Slobbers,
Mango
What a gorgeous face you have, heart-shaped and lovely! You're aging beautifully!
Thank you for the great article!
Our Roxie's (greyhound) face started turning white when she was four too. It was amazing how quickly it happened. Sometimes I tell her I'm going to use black shoe polish to make her face look like it used to, but I'm just kidding. I like her just the way she is. Hugs to you Sugar!
You have the most beautiful face with your white and golden fur. We love the post!
Miss Sugar!!
We forgot to mention on your last posty how pretty your eyelashes were in video.
You do have a heart on your pretty face!!
You still are very beauTeefuls no matter how many white hairs.
Thank you for the cool read too!
Hugs,
IzZY, TriXie and Anakin Man
pee-s
our wordy veri is wiser- hee hee
with age comes wisdom!!
Miss Sugar, your beauty is timeless. And I treasure each of my white hairs, as I adore yours.
Your message is an important one, and I appreciate you sharing it. It is ever present in our home, but one that many others don't stop to consider…
with love for the sweet, heart face… from the Bleu!
Sugar, we love your white face. We can the Heart. Great article for any dog owner who cares for a senior dog.
What great post, Sugar! Thanks for sharing!
Thor and Jack
Age becomes you Sugar — you have a beautiful face!
What a beautiful heart face you have Sugar! We enjoyed your article, Bilbo is getting to be a dog of a "certain age" too!
Smileys!
Dory, Jacob and Bilbo