Is this old age?

[Shipshape1]

I have a golden retriever who is 12.
He's slowed down a bit but generally fine.
This weekend he's starting to struggle walking, he isn't limping just looks uncomfortable to move much
He's not finishing his food which is unusual and just looks sad, he isn't himself.
I'll take him to the vet but I'm wondering is this old age? He's my first dog so haven't experienced it.

I'd say that for a goldie who isn't finishing their food they are in quite a lot of pain. It could be arthritis, or something else, but they def need seeing by the vet asap to see what is going on

Not finishing his food is the biggest warning, I’d take straight to vets.

Straight to the vets - any retriever off their food should be going straight to the vets!

I don't say this to scare you, but old dogs can deteriorate very quickly (just like puppies) so it's always better to press for an urgent appointment than to risk waiting. I hope he's okay!

Thank you I'll phone them right now!

@Shipshape1 how's your boy doing today?

@LandSharksAnonymous thanks for asking, he got some ibuprofen medicine from the vet in case it's joint pain and also some worming tablets, I'm not sure when I last done it so vet said possibly he could be feeling off if its that. Seems a bit better today but its so hot its hard to tell if hes flaked out with the heat or not feeling great