Golden Retrievers health issues and breed care
If you're looking for a dog that loves cuddles and full of personality, a Golden Retrievers might be the perfect addition to your family.
#Golden Retriever breed profile
Golden Retrievers love being around people. They get along with everyone and are always up for a walk. With non-stop wagging tails, they make loyal and affectionate companions. Golden Retrievers are intelligent, easy to train and always eager to please, making them great family pets, therapy dogs, and service animals.
#Common Golden Retriever health issues
Golden Retrievers are generally healthy dogs, but there are a few common health issues to watch out for. These can include hip dysplasia, which affects their joints, as well as heart conditions like Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis. Regular vet check-ups and a healthy lifestyle can help prevent or manage these issues.
##Physical issues
- Joint issues: Golden Retriever health issues include hip and elbow dysplasia, meaning the joints don’t develop properly, which can lead to diminished mobility and canine arthritis.
- Hypothyroidism: A common issue that slows the metabolism, leading to weight gain, lethargy, and skin problems.
- Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis: A genetic heart condition common amongst certain large dog breeds.
- Ear infections: Floppy ears trap moisture, making them prone to infections if not cleaned regularly.
- Eye conditions: Golden Retrievers can develop cataracts or progressive retinal atrophy.
##Stomach issues
Golden Retriever health issues can include sensitive tummies and a few potential digestive problems. The following stomach issues are not exclusive to Golden Retrievers.
- Bloat: Golden Retrievers love food and may eat too fast. With deep-chested breeds, the tummy can fill with gas and twist, which can be life-threatening. Use a slow feeder and feed small regular meals to help prevent this issue and be sure to leave time to rest between feeding and exercise.
- Food sensitivities and allergies: Some Goldens have food intolerances to ingredients like chicken, grains, or dairy.
- Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency: This is where the pancreas doesn’t produce enough enzymes to digest food properly, leading to weight loss, greasy stools and malnutrition.
- Inflammatory Bowel Disease: This chronic gut inflammation can lead to diarrhoea, vomiting, and stomach pain.
- Pancreatitis: Eating too much fatty food can inflame the pancreas, causing severe stomach pain, vomiting, diarrhoea and loss of appetite.
##Skin issues
Golden Retrievers are absolute sweethearts, but their skin can needs some extra TLC! Their thick coats make them prone to various skin problems. Watch for your goldie scratching, licking or chewing paws or red, irritated skin.
The following are some common Golden Retriever skin issues, however they’re not exclusive to Golden Retrievers:
- Environmental allergies: This could include allergies to pollen, dust mites, mould, or grass. You may notice your dog scratching, rubbing or licking more if they have a skin allergy.
- Hot spots: You may notice painful, inflamed patches of skin from excessive licking, scratching, or moisture trapped in the fur.
- Hypothyroidism: Low thyroid levels can cause dry, flaky skin, hair loss, and can mean your dog is more at risk of skin infections.
To help keep your Golden Retriever's skin healthy, feed them a high-quality, Omega-3-rich diet, use a gentle dog shampoo, and keep up regular flea and tick prevention treatment.
##Medical problems
A simple way to help prevent potential Golden Retrievers health problems is to monitor your dog’s weight. We all know Golden’s love their food but being overweight puts extra pressure on their joints and some major organs. Love them with games, not snacks!
Unfortunately, cancer in Golden Retrievers is not uncommon, and they have a higher risk of lymphoma (which affects the immune and lymphatic system) and hemangiosarcoma (which affects blood vessels and associated organs), than some other breeds.
#Caring for a Golden Retriever and their characteristics
Whatever attention you give a Golden Retriever, they’ll wiggle, smile and wag for you to continue. Goldens thrive on attention and, because they were originally bred as hunting dogs, they have a strong desire to please you.
##Diet and nutrition tips
Golden Retrievers can be prone to skin issues and allergies, as well as sensitive tummies. They might react to things like grains, beef, chicken, or dairy. A diet rich in Omega-3s is a great option to keep them happy and healthy!
You may get a pup that’s a fussy eater, but more often than not, they will eat everything in sight.
##Training and exercise tips
With large dogs like Golden Retrievers, building up exercise during the growth period of up to 18 months is essential. As these stunning dogs are high energy, use mind games to tire them, such as tug, hide-and-seek and scent work. When fully grown, your dog will likely expect a good walk with free running for around two hours daily, so be prepared!
They’re smart dogs and respond well to positive reinforcement, especially if there’s the chance of a yummy treat.
##Grooming tips
Most Golden Retrievers love water, whether flopping in a muddy pool or swimming in a clear lake. Make sure you spend time each day brushing them to keep their coat free of mud and tangles – especially if your water baby has had a dip!
Look for hot spots, fleas, and ticks, and check their ears for wax or unpleasant smells. This can help prevent common health issues like ear infections and keep your Golden happy and healthy!
What are Golden Retrievers like to own?
Golden Retrievers are a joy to own if you are active and don’t mind soft blonde tumbleweeds floating around the house.
Your Golden is happiest when they’re part of your everyday life – whether that’s hitting the park for some family fun or curled up on the sofa with the latest viral boxset. These loyal, goofy, loving dogs find joy in just about everything!
Golden Retrievers characteristics mean they typically get along with other family pets and absolutely adore humans.
##Conclusion
If you’re ready for a whirlwind of joy to blast into your life, then the Golden Retriever is for you. These dogs aren’t couch potatoes, so will benefit from exercise every day.
As a sporting breed, Golden Retrievers problems may include chasing wildlife, so start training a good recall from an early age. That said, Goldens aren’t generally a dog that strays far from you.
These dogs moult! So, if you are super houseproud and dislike mess, they’re likely not the right dog for you. Their exuberance for life can be overwhelming for first-time owners. But, if you address your dog’s mental and physical needs, they will happily curl up next to you after a walk.
Before searching for a cuddly Golden Retrievers puppy, seek a reputable breeder who routinely tests for Golden Retrievers health issues and hereditary conditions. They can help you prepare for the exciting day when you bring your pup home.
