Why does my golden retriever have a limp?

Dogs can’t show when they’re in pain unlike us but if your dog is limping, he is in pain. That’s why he is limping, something is making him uncomfortable. And he could be limping because of a paw injury as he stepped on glass or something sharp so he is injured, or it’s an illness.

What should I do if my golden retriever is getting old?

Any changes in your dog’s weight should be closely monitored by your vet. Coat and Skin Changes. The once lustrous coat of your Golden Retriever may become dull and thin, and the skin may become dry as your dog ages. Older dogs will need to be groomed more often because they might have trouble grooming themselves.

How can I tell if my golden retriever is slowing down?

Your dog is slowing down, the changes may be subtle, but you need to pay attention to how your dog gets up or lays down and uses the stairs. If your dog shows hesitation or has stiffness, or if a change in weather makes it worse, it could be a sign of early arthritis. Older dogs tend to sleep more and have less energy.

Why do Golden Retrievers age faster than other dogs?

Larger dogs age faster than smaller dogs, the reason why is still a mystery but scientists believe that it’s simply because large dogs grow faster. Growing faster can lead to an earlier incidence of tumours and other abnormal tissue developments including cancer. The lifespan of a Golden Retriever is 10-12 years on average.

How can you tell if your golden retriever is getting older?

The following are some signs that your dog is getting older: This is usually the first sign of aging. You may notice that your once excitable dog that used to run to greet you and eagerly chase a tennis ball, is no longer that enthusiastic or no longer has the energy.

How old was my dog when she started limping?

I advocate a very pro-active approach to limping as my girl has ED and first limped at 5 months old and was diagnosed at 8 months after her second incidence of limping. Apart from the limp, which was not constant, she showed no signs of being in discomfort, would run and play happily and always keen to go out for her walks.

What should I do if my labrador retriever is limping?

Apparently this isn’t a good sign in a young dog. He said that after sleep a young dog should bounce up and be totally fine. We have been given some anti-inflammatories and have been instructed to reduce exercise to 2-3 15-20 lead walks a day for the next 7-10 days.

Why does my golden retriever have weakness in her back legs?

However, your golden retriever may develop a problem in its rear legs, even if its parents did not. This genetic predisposition may be unpredictable and skip a generation. The problem of rear leg weakness might be obvious because of the way the dog walks. You might even notice a shake in the back legs and your dog might sit down suddenly.

Are there any problems with an older Golden Retriever?

One of the most common older golden retriever dog problems is helping your senior citizen get into and out of vehicles. This situation arises whether it’s for a trip to the vet or just a fun car ride.

When do Golden Retrievers start to turn white?

Most Golden retrievers are still acting pretty young at that age, but they may be starting to slow down a bit. And their faces can start to become white even earlier than that. As dogs get older, they may develop more issues that we tend to think of as old dog health problems.

How long does it take for a limping dog to go away?

Other times, a dog may start limping and it sticks around or gets progressively worse. In other cases, a dog may limp on and off. By definition, a chronic limp has been present for two weeks or more. Perhaps your dog’s limp was barely discernible a few weeks ago, but now it’s more obvious.

What causes a dog to limp on its front leg?

Many common causes of dog limping can affect any leg, but others are seen only in the front or back legs. Dog Limping on a Front Leg or Paw. Problems that affect only the front legs include: Shoulder instability. Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) of the shoulder joint (joint disease where cartilage does not develop into bone)

When to call the vet if your dog is limping?

When in doubt about your dog’s condition, call your vet or a nearby after-hours clinic for advice. When dogs have mild limps or problems affecting multiple legs, it can be difficult to determine which leg they are favoring.

When do you Know Your Dog has a leg injury?

If your dog is limping on her front paw, showing weakness on her foreleg, or you notice swelling of the ankle, it may be a front leg injury.

Are golden retriever good apartment dogs?

Are Golden Retrievers Good Apartment Dogs? Yes, as long as they are given adequate exercise, are properly trained, are provided with frequent mental stimulation, and are groomed routinely, Golden Retrievers can adapt quite well to apartment living. Some breeds are famous for being really good apartment dogs.

Why is my dog limping on the front leg?

Front leg limping in dogs can be caused by several other conditions. Other conditions that can cause front leg lameness in dogs include fractures of any of the bones of the foreleg or foot, injuries to the toenail, wounds of the paw pad or other areas of the leg.

Do dogs have ACL on there front legs?

The ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) is the ligament that holds the femur and the tibia together from the front of the knee. It is most commonly torn on the back leg but can be torn on any leg. If your dog tore his ACL suddenly, it most likely happened during play or excited activity.

How old is a 10 year old golden retriever?

The equivalent age of a 75-year-old human, a 10-year-old Goldie will have graying around the face and muzzle, and the coat will either be lighter or darker depending on his coloring. Although he may still enjoy long walks, he is not as energetic as he once was and may start to sleep more.

What are the signs of a 15 year old golden retriever?

A 15-year-old Golden Retriever is now the equivalent of a 110-year-old and reaching the end of his life. Signs that your dog is dying include extreme fatigue, loss of appetite, incontinence, vomiting, twitching and loss of interest in his surroundings.

Why is Charlie still limping on his front leg?

If Charlie is still limping I would be taking him to the vet without any hesitation, to my mind a muscle strain should not be causing a problem nearly a week later. I advocate a very pro-active approach to limping as my girl has ED and first limped at 5 months old and was diagnosed at 8 months after her second incidence of limping.

What to do if your golden retriever is not eating?

Other issues include problems such as being around a dominant or even aggressive dog, the food bowl being at an uncomfortable height for the dog to eat out of it, an unwashed or bad-smelling food bowl, etc. Phone your vet to be sure as to why your dog is eating and never take your pet’s health for granted.

How often should I Have my Golden Retriever checked out?

That’s why vets encourage dogs to be checked out twice a year instead of just annually, after they reach that eight-year milestone. They want to catch older dog problems before they become critical. Keeping your senior dog healthy is your vet’s priority.

Why does Charlie have a limp on his right leg?

Last Saturday we took our 9-month-old chocolate labrador Charlie to the beach, which accidently became quite a long walk, my fitness tracker estimated we walked 4 miles, and if you include the running Charlie got playing fetch he probably went a lot further. Later that evening and ever since Charlie has had a slight limp on his front right leg.

How old is a 15 year old golden retriever?

15 + Golden Retriever. A 15-year-old Golden Retriever is now the equivalent of a 110-year-old and reaching the end of his life. Signs that your dog is dying include extreme fatigue, loss of appetite, incontinence, vomiting, twitching and loss of interest in his surroundings.

Signs your dog is aging include: Many of these changes are normal in an aging dog. However, be careful not to write them off, as some may be symptoms of a health condition requiring veterinary treatment. Your elderly Golden Retriever will require certain lifestyle changes as he follows the path into old age.

What causes limping on the left side of the body?

This leads to limping. Osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, ligament disease, intervertebral disk disease, and osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) all can cause limping on any of the affected limbs.

Where do you find lipomas in Golden Retrievers?

Usually, Lipoma lumps in Golden Retrievers appear on the torso. The chest, the sides or the top of the legs where they join the body are usual places of occurrence. You should know that Lipomas are more common in female golden retrievers that are overweight.

Why does my golden retriever walk really hard?

This disease affects large breed puppies too, and it makes walking really hard for them. It could also develop into other conditions such as osteosarcoma which is a type of cancer and hypertrophic osteodystrophy which makes walking very painful. This condition requires taking your dog to the vet.

Is it normal for a 2 year old to limp?

“In fact, children age two and under may not be able to specifically express that they’re in pain. Limping is the tip-off that something is wrong. “ Dr. Onel says limping is not uncommon and is usually not cause for alarm. A myriad of conditions can cause a limp, and some are much more serious than others.

Why do so many older people have a limp?

In younger people the primary cause is physical trauma, such as sports injuries or motor vehicle accidents. The most common cause of pain in older people, however, is arthritis, which causes pain as well as stiffness. If someone already has a limp, inflammation makes it even more pronounced.

When do people start walking with a limp?

Once people reach their 60s, that limping rate has more than doubled. An estimated 10 percent or more of people that age walk with a noticeable limp. In their late 60s and 70s, walkers tend to lose speed, slowing their pace by about one to two percent per year.

Why is my 3 year old golden retriever limping?

My 3 year old golden retriever was playing at the park with my kids and the next day I noticed that my dog started limping a little bit. And I asked my kids if something happened while playing, like an injury or something but they ensured me that he was fine.

Is it normal for a child to limp for a week?

At one time or another, all children have episodes of limping. Usually the limp is caused by a minor injury and will get better by itself. Limping that lasts longer than a week and is not getting better on its own presents several challenges to parents and doctors:

What causes a toddler to walk with a limp?

Congenital abnormalities. Certain problems that develop before a baby is born—such as congenital hip dislocation—can cause limping. These problems often cause a difference in leg lengths, and the limping is usually noticed when toddlers begin to walk.

When to take your dog to the vet for a limp?

Over the next few weeks, the limping should gradually improve, but if your dog is too active, the limp may temporarily worsen. Call your veterinarian if a postoperative limp is severe or doesn’t start improving with a day or two of rest. Can I Give My Dog Aspirin for a Limp?

What are the symptoms of arthritis in Labrador Retrievers?

But it can have other causes, especially in younger dogs. Some common symptoms of arthritis in dogs include: limping, swollen joints, and difficulty moving. In this article we are going to look at arthritis in Labradors as well as in other breeds.

How old is my golden retriever when his leg collapses?

This is the first time he has exhibited any problems at all – he has never even exhibited any arthritis symptoms. The same thing happened with my 12-year-old Golden Retriever two months ago. He was down all day until early afternoon, and then he just up and started walking around again and has never had another issue with this.

When does a golden retriever become a geriatric dog?

Veterinarians usually classify Golden Retrievers as “geriatric” when they reach eight years of age. Most Golden retrievers are still acting pretty young at that age, but they may be starting to slow down a bit. And their faces can start to become white even earlier than that.

What causes a dog to limp for a long time?

Fractures, dislocations, bleeding that does not stop in a minute or two, severe swelling, hot limbs, or dragging limbs should all be evaluated immediately. The most common causes of limping are trauma, sprains, ligament disease, and osteoarthritis.

Why does my golden retriever have leg problems?

Some dogs are predisposed to have leg, hip and joint problems. Veterinarian Scott A. Krick, in an article in the Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue Golden Opportunities newsletter, disputes the theory that joint and limb problems are caused by a rich diet and too much exercise.

What should I do if my child is limping?

Tests 1 X-rays. Your doctor may recommend x-ray images to help determine the exact cause of your child’s limp. X-rays will be… 2 Other Imaging Tests. If x-rays are normal and the cause of the limping is unclear, a bone scan can be helpful to detect… 3 Laboratory Studies. More

Why does my golden retriever hurt his joints?

One probable reason for such behavior is that the Golden Retriever dog or puppy has dog arthritis. That is, every time the dog or puppy moves, pain and discomfort shoots up from his joint.

Is there a cure for arthritis in Golden Retrievers?

Not much can be done by the owner about this. Although there is no cure for arthritis in dogs, the Golden Retriever dog need not look forward to lonely and painful days ahead for the rest of his life. There are supplements and formulations that will help in bringing down the inflammation and reduce the pain produced by the dog arthritis.

Why does my golden retriever have joint pain?

Or perhaps it was a whimper while getting up or chasing his favorite ball. This could be a sign of canine arthritis. Canine arthritis is more common in large breeds like Golden Retrievers, but it also affects dogs of all sizes and shapes.

What kind of cancer does a golden retriever have?

This form of cancer is most common in the German Shepherd, Golden Retriever and other large breeds. Since dogs usually show only mild warning signs, cases of hemangiosarcoma may not be detected until the cancer has reached an advanced stage.

Why does my older dog keep limping and limping?

Lameness in older dogs is often due to arthritis setting in. This is a very common condition in older dogs and affects the joints, mainly the knee, shoulder and hips. Elderly dogs may benefit from nutritional supplements, anti-inflammatories and complimentary therapies such as hydrotherapy, physiotherapy and acupuncture. Lameness in younger dogs

What should I do if my dog is limping and can’t walk?

In cases of severe pain or swelling: If the dog is large and is able to walk on three legs, allow him to walk to the car and take him to the vet immediately. Small dogs will need to be gently carried. If the dog is suffering from back pain rather than a swollen limb, cradle him while carrying him to the car.

What to do if your dog’s front leg is limping?

When the muscles that support the shoulder bones are overused or injured, you may see front leg limping in your dog. What To Do: Seek veterinary care, as with any ongoing front leg limp or lameness. If there are no breaks or severe tears, rest is generally indicated. X-rays are often used.

When to see the GP if your child is limping?

If your child is limping, it’s usually the sign of a minor injury such as a sprain or splinter. But see your GP if there’s no obvious cause, as there may be a serious underlying medical condition.

What causes an elderly person to walk with a limp?

A new limp in an elderly individual warrants an evaluation by a doctor. Psychological disorders: Occasionally, limping or changes in walking can be associated with psychological disorders. Heart and lung disorders: It is possible that disease to the cardiorespiratory system (heart and lungs) could affect the way people walk, leading to a limp.

What causes a limping episode in a child?

Certain causes are classic and frequently encountered by specialists such as acute transitory synovitis of the hip, bacterial osteoarthritis and Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease [3], [4]. Other etiologies such as tumors are rarer and more or less easily brought out depending on the practitioner’s training and experience [5].

What causes a child to walk with a limp?

Most often, this acute limping is related to lower limb, pelvis or even lower spine pain. Clinically, limping caused by a painful disorder presents as a protective limp [4]. In young children, the list of etiologies responsible for protective limp is long; moreover, the protective limp often corresponds to nonverbalized or poorly verbalized pain.

Why is my 2 year old limping in the ER?

These four patients were all seen initially by the pediatric emergency unit’s surgical team. A 2-year-old boy was seen in the pediatric emergency department for protective limping on the right side, consecutive to lower limb pain that had appeared the morning before.

How old is an old golden retriever supposed to be?

A Golden Retriever is considered officially old at about 8 to 9 years old, which is the equivalent to 61 to 68 years in humans. Signs your dog is aging include: • Increased fatigue

How often should I take my Golden Retriever to the vet?

Veterinary Care. It is advisable that once your dog becomes a senior, you should visit the vet twice a year for a check-up. The veterinarian will carry out a thorough physical examination of your Goldie that includes a dental check, discussing any changes you may have noticed.

What should I do if my golden retriever has bumps?

Be sure to brush gently because the skin is more sensitive and fragile. Grooming your golden is a great way for you to check for any skin conditions like lumps and bumps that shouldn’t be there.

A Golden Retriever is considered officially old at about 8 to 9 years old, which is the equivalent to 61 to 68 years in humans. Signs your dog is aging include: • Increased fatigue

How often should I Walk my Golden Retriever?

Dogs of all ages need to exercise. Elderly Golden Retrievers are prone to obesity which can lead to more serious medical conditions. Whereas a younger dog can easily walk for 30 to 40 minutes in one go, consider breaking down your Goldie’s walks to two 15 to 20 minute periods of exercise per day.

What to do when dog is limping?

There are a variety of treatment options you can give your dog to help with limping. These include applying light heat or cold, massage, adding supplements, restricting movement, and limiting exercise. If you see any protruding bones, or excess of blood, do not attempt to treat your dog yourself.

Why is my dog limping all of a sudden?

Limping in dogs usually indicates a structural problem, pain, or weakness in the affected leg. Limping in dogs can be sudden, or it can be chronic. Occasional sudden lameness is most often caused by an injury, such as a cut on the paw, a torn nail, or muscle strain.

Do Golden retrivers bark a lot?

Common Reasons Why Golden Retrievers Bark A Lot. “Golden Retrievers are not bred to be guard dogs, and considering the size of their hearts and their irrepressible joy in life, they are less likely to bite than to bark, less likely to bark than to lick a hand in greeting,” says Dean Koontz , a prominent trainer of Golden Retrievers.

Are Golder Retrievers good apartment dogs?

Are Golden Retrievers Good Apartment Dogs? Yes , as long as they are given adequate exercise, are properly trained, are provided with frequent mental stimulation, and are groomed routinely, Golden Retrievers can adapt quite well to apartment living. Some breeds are famous for being really good apartment dogs.

Why does my golden retriever have hip dysplasia?

Do keep in mind that there’s a complicated pattern of inheritance for this disorder, because multiple genes involved. Generally, hip dysplasia happens because your dog’s hip joints fail to develop normally and deteriorate gradually which leads to the loss of function of the hip joints.

When to know if your golden retriever has joint pain?

The best time for you to read this article is 5 years ago. The second best time is right now. That’s because the sooner you recognize and react to signs of joint pain in your Golden Retriever, the better the quality of life your dog will have. Maybe you first noticed your dog not running to greet you as you walked in the door after a long day away.

Where do lipomas appear on a golden retriever?

Most lipomas appear on a golden retriever’s torso, such as her chest or sides, or at the top of the leg where it joins the body. Lipomas are more common in overweight female dogs. When one lipoma occurs, others usually show up as she ages. Lipomas can show up at any age and in male or female dogs.

How to tell if your dog has a front leg injury?

Front Leg Injury in Dogs 1 You may observe your pet limping or appearing unable to bear weight on… 2 Symptoms of Front Leg Injury in Dogs. Dogs will exhibit the following symptoms as the result… 3 Causes of Front Leg Injury in Dogs. 4 Diagnosis of Front Leg Injury in Dogs. Choosing to self-evaluate,…

What do lumps on Golden Retrievers back mean?

These lumps in Golden Retrievers can occur on the legs, on the back and even below the neck. These are basically fatty cell tumors. They appear on older dogs and can grow between deep tissue muscles as well. They can become large enough to interfere with the dog’s movement and comfort at times.

What kind of dog has a swollen leg?

Breeds that are predisposed to this condition: 1 Labradors 2 Golden Retrievers 3 Rottweilers 4 German Shepherds 5 Bernese Mountain Dogs 6 Newfoundlands 7 Basset Hounds

Why does my golden retriever have a lipoma?

Because these fatty tumors appear more often on obese dogs, a diet high in carbohydrates may be a factor in lipoma growth. Changing to a high-protein, grain-free diet can reduce carbs and help your golden girl lose weight.

What should I do if my puppy is limping?

Front leg: The head nods down when the good leg hits the deck, or “Down with the sound.” Back leg: The hip jerks up when the bad leg goes to the ground, or “The bad hip hikes.” If you think your dog has a muscle sprain, allow rest and see the vet if the pain persists. By: pattispetperfection

What should I do if my labrador retriever limps?

Mostly, limps just clear up but the rare times they are something serious, then not waiting is best. Plus, your vet will advise you on appropriate exercise and so on, or whether some anti-inflammatories would be a good idea.

What kind of dog is a golden retriever?

The St Bernard golden retriever mix is a really well-mannered and sweet dog, they are gentle giants that have the largest hearts and make for superb family dogs. Obviously, they are a mix between… The golden retriever Irish wolfhound mix is exactly what you can expect to get from mixing two very special dogs like Goldens and Irish Wolfhounds.

What should I do if my golden retriever has leg pain?

If the problem is minor, treatment probably will not be necessary. The veterinarian might advise the owner to give the dog supplements, such as glucosamine sulfate or glycoflex. Sometimes, painkillers or steroids will be prescribed, but these treat the symptoms rather than the cause. In some situations, surgery might be necessary.

Even though it may seem fine, your dog is experiencing pain if it is limping. You should try to see the vet immediately if your dog has any of the following symptoms: Please note: it is not always possible to determine the exact cause of a dog’s limping without seeing the vet.

What should I do if my dog is limping on his back?

Look for signs that the dog is avoiding putting weight on its back legs or using its hips (like gait abnormalities or a reluctance to run or go up stairs). There are a variety of treatment options depending on your dog, the severity of the condition, and its age. Your vet will be able to advise.

What’s the average age of a golden retriever?

However, only decades ago Golden Retrievers lived to be much older, usually around 16 to 17 years. For a long time, scientists were baffled at why the Golden Retriever lifespan was dropping so quickly without an apparent cause.

How long do Retriever live?

Today, the average lifespan of a Golden Retriever is between 10 and 12 years. However, only decades ago Golden Retrievers lived to be much older, usually around 16 to 17 years.

What can cause a golden retriever to die?

Golden Retrievers are prone to hip and joint problems. While these will probably not cause the death of a Golden Retriever, joint and hip pain can greatly reduce their quality of life. Luckily, there are some things you can do to increase your Golden Retriever’s likely lifespan.

When do Golden Retriever puppies start to walk?

At about 2-3 weeks, golden retriever puppies go from the army crawl to waddling, to walking. Puppy teeth (called “milk teeth”) come in around three weeks. And as you know (or will soon find out), they are very sharp. They also start to eat “solid” food around this time.

What kind of skin does a golden retriever have?

Golden retrievers are particularly susceptible to a skin condition known as congenital ichthyosis, which causes the growth of scaly skin on a dog’s abdomen. Its name comes from “ichthys,” the Greek word for fish, because the rash is similar in appearance to fish scales.

What causes a golden retriever to flip over?

If your golden retriever eats a big meal before or after exercising, the exertion can cause the dog’s stomach to twist and flip over. This twisting causes the stomach to fill with air and prevents blood from returning from the dog’s hindquarters to the heart.

What kind of eye problems does a golden retriever have?

Cataracts are often hereditary in golden retrievers. Dogs with a genetic disposition may develop clouding of their lenses even at a young age, typically between 1 to 3 years old. Though these cataracts can leave the vision unimpaired, they can also cause vision trouble and blindness.

What kind of arthritis does a golden retriever have?

These are quite common in multiple dog breeds, including the Golden Retriever. It is a type of arthritis that involves abnormal development of the joints in a dog’s hips and elbows. In a dog that does not suffer from these conditions, the bones fit well into their sockets and can move smoothly as your dog moves around.

When do Golden Retrievers start to have health issues?

The process becomes more laborious over time and leads to the death of your dog. This is more common in large dogs, such as Golden Retrievers, and it seems to be a genetic issue. It usually appears at birth or before the dog is one year old.

What kind of muscle wasting does Golden Retriever have?

This muscle-wasting ailment resembles amyotrophic lateral sclerosis in humans, a condition known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Genetic testing beforehand helps you avoid the heartache of this fatal condition.

What are the signs and symptoms of limping?

If you’re experiencing limping, it’s also likely to experience: Pain in the foot or leg; Hip pain; Weakness or numbness in the legs or feet; Difficulty standing from a seated position; Shooting pain down the backs of the legs; Frequent falls; Feeling of imbalance; Inability to flex the toes

How old does a dog have to be to start limping?

Typically this condition shows up in dogs six to nine months of age, though it may be found in dogs up to 18 months old. Pano can be thought of as “growing pains”; the marrow found in the long bones develops abnormally for a time. Typically the dog presents with sudden limping without any known injuries.

What to look for when your dog is limping?

What to Watch For With Limping. In most limping cases there will be no external sign of damage. Pets may bear weight on the limb, tap the toe on the ground, or completely refuse to put any weight on the limb.

Why is my dog limping on their back leg?

This is because if one leg has become injured and the dog continues to walk, the other leg will have all of its weight put upon it. If we leave it late and go to the vet later rather than sooner, it can serious affect the prognosis. It is not uncommon for the other anterior ligament to break, especially if the dog is aged.

How old does a dog have to be to walk with a limp?

There are several degrees of dysplasia with mild cases often going unnoticed at first by their owners. However, in moderate to severe cases, symptoms should be noticeable at around 5 to 6 months of age. The dog will walk with a wobble at the hips.

What does it mean if your dog is limping on his back leg?

Defined technically as “deviation of normal gait”, canine lameness is simply hobbling or limping. If you discover that your dog suddenly finds it hard to walk, there is a chance it is canine lameness. Why is my Dog Limping?

When to worry about your dog’s back legs?

You might even notice a shake in the back legs and your dog might sit down suddenly. The dog might not want to exercise. You might even notice the dog is in obvious pain. In an acute situation, such as the case of a dog being involved in an accident, the injury could need urgent treatment.

Why is my puppy limping on his back leg?

What causes a dog to limp on one leg?

Osteoarthritis , hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, patellar luxation, ligament disease, intervertebral disk disease, and osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) all can cause limping on any of the affected limbs.

Why does my Cocker Spaniel have a limp?

You’ve likely arrived at this article because your dog is limping on one or both of his front paws, his front leg is being held in the air, and/or he is showing some sort of sign of leg, elbow, or front paw injury. In our case, our Cocker Spaniel was napping on Labor Day when an unexpected fireworks ruckus took place.

When does a golden retriever start to slow down?

Most Golden retrievers are still acting pretty young at that age, but they may be starting to slow down a bit. And their faces can start to become white even earlier than that.