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Dog Tips

Golden Retrievers Have a Higher Risk for Cancer but It's Not Inevitable, Here's Why

Despite what appears to be a genetic predisposition to cancer, some goldens live to be 16 years old. Researchers set out to determine if a longevity gene exists and this is what they found.

Analysis by Dr. Karen Shaw Becker

• 4 min read
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longevity gene in golden retrievers

STORY AT-A-GLANCE

  • Golden retrievers have a high risk of cancer, with up to 65% dying from the disease
  • Researchers compared DNA from golden retrievers at the age of 14 with DNA from dogs who died before 12 years
  • Dogs with certain variants of the HER4 gene lived longer — an average of 13.5 years compared to 11.6 years
  • HER4 belongs to the same family as HER2 in humans, which is known to accelerate cancer growth; but it may also play a role in longevity
  • Cancer isn’t an inevitable outcome for any dog, including golden retrievers; team up with an integrative or holistic veterinarian and/or an integrative veterinary oncologist who can guide you on healthy lifestyle choices to minimize cancer risk

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bark & whiskers disclaimer: This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace the advice of your own veterinarian or doctor. Dr. Karen Becker cannot answer specific questions about your pet's medical issues or make medical recommendations for your pet without first establishing a veterinarian-client-patient relationship. Your pet's medical protocol should be given by your holistic veterinarian.

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