Golden Retriever

Pure Gold
Many families have come to depend on the Golden Retriever, a popular dog.
https://dogmylife.com/largest-dog-breeds/

A happy, positive, and even-tempered person.

Great with children and other pets

Athletic, strong, and large

Positive reinforcement training methods can produce intelligence and trainability that are above-
average

Enjoys playing games, particularly fetch

People-oriented and eager for people to please

These undeniable positives are only a part of the many characteristics you should be looking at.

Sheds quite a bit

Younger dogs can be more rambunctious than older dogs.

To avoid boredom vices, you need to be active and mentally stimulated.

A bit mouthy, likes to chew and carry things.

Exhibits a tendency to bark and howl when it is excited or confronted with something unfamiliar

A variety of health issues can be caused by this condition

Information about the Golden Retriever Dog Breed. The Golden Retriever is America's sweetheart.
A joyful companion and reliable shoulder to lean upon, the Golden Retriever is often called
America's sweetheart.

In the early 1800s, Golden Retrievers were first domesticated in Scotland to be hunting
dogs. Goldens are still hunted, but they excel in many other activities such as search and rescue
and guide work. They need to get plenty of exercise. Swimming is a great way to release their
endless energy and many Goldens love it.  In some climates, a summer trim might be necessary
for their beautiful coats.  Goldens are smart, intelligent, and eager to please their family.  The
Golden Retriever is an extremely healthy breed, with a lifespan of about 10-15 years.

Your Golden Retriever's Health

We understand that you love your dog and want to do the best for her.  We have compiled a list of
health issues we will discuss with you throughout the lifetime of your Golden Retriever.  We can
create a preventive plan for Golden Retrievers to avoid certain risks by learning about their health
issues.

Many health conditions and diseases are genetic. This means that they are closely related to the
breed of your pet. Canine genetic researchers and veterinarians agree that these conditions have
a high incidence rate and/or impact on this breed.  This does not necessarily mean that your dog
will be at greater risk than other dogs.  To give you an idea about what might happen in the future,
we will list some of the most common problems seen in Golden Retrievers.  We can't address all
possible issues, so please consult us if you have any questions.

This guide includes general information for all dogs as well as important genetic predispositions
that are important to Golden Retrievers.  This information will help you and your Prestige Animal
Hospital team plan for your pet’s individual medical needs.  We have included a description of
home remedies that you can use to keep your Golden healthy.  This article will help you to identify
the signs and symptoms that should be monitored. We will all feel better knowing we are taking
good care of our pal.

General Health Information for your Golden Retriever

Dental Disease

The most common chronic condition in pets is dental disease. It affects 80% of dogs before age
2. Your Golden is more likely to have problems with her smile than other dogs.  Dental disease
begins with tartar buildup on the teeth, and progresses into infection of the roots and gums.  Your
friend could lose her teeth if we don't treat or prevent dental disease. This could also cause
damage to her liver, kidneys, and joints.  Your Golden's lifespan could be reduced by as much as
one to three years. We will clean your dog's teeth and tell you what you can do at-home to keep
them clean.

Golden Retriever Dog Breed InfoInfections

The same viral and bacterial infections that can be contracted by Golden Retrievers as any other
dog, such as parvovirus, rabies and distemper, are also possible in them.  Many of these
infections can be prevented with vaccination. We will recommend this based on her age and the
diseases that we see in our area.

Obesity

Golden Retrievers can have serious health problems from obesity.  This serious disease can cause
or worsen joint problems and metabolic and digestive disorders, back and heart disease, as well
as other health issues.  It's tempting for you to feed your friend when you look at her with those
beautiful eyes. However, you can still "love" her with leftover dog food and other treats.  Give her
a hug, give her a treat, take her on a walk, and brush her teeth.  You'll both feel better and she will
too.

Parasites
Your Golden can be infested by all kinds of bugs and worms, both inside and outside.  All kinds of
bugs and fleas, including ticks and ear mites, can infest your Golden's skin and ears.  There are
many ways hookworms and heartworms can enter her system.  These parasites can spread to you
and your family members, making them a serious concern.  These parasites can be fatal for your
dog. If necessary, we will recommend preventive medicine to keep your dog healthy.

Spay or neuter

Spaying your Golden is one of the best decisions you can make for her.  This means that we
remove the ovaries, usually the uterus, from females. In males it means that we remove the
testicles. Spaying or neutering reduces the risk of certain cancers, and can eliminate the
possibility that your pet will become pregnant or have unwanted puppies.  This surgery allows us
to examine your pet while they are asleep and identify any potential diseases.  This is a great time
to have your pet's hip X-rays taken or a tooth removed. It's easier for you, your pet, and your
friend. Routine blood testing before surgery helps us identify common problems and prevent them
from becoming serious.  We will discuss the specific issues we are looking for once the time is
right.

Genetic Predispositions in Golden Retrievers

Cancer

Older dogs are more likely to die from cancer than younger ones.  Your Golden is likely to live
longer than other breeds, making him more susceptible to developing cancer in his golden
years. Some cancers can be treated with surgery, while others require chemotherapy.  It is
important to detect cancer early!  We will perform periodic diagnostic tests on your pet and check
for bumps and lumps.

Hemangiosarcoma, a bleeding tumor that can affect Golden Retrievers at a higher than average
rate, is known. These tumors are most common in the spleen but can also form in other
organs. The tumor can burst open, causing internal bleeding.  Sometimes, tumors can grow to the
size of a volleyball and cause severe symptoms.  We often discover these tumors during senior
wellness testing. Make sure to have your son's blood tested and have an ultrasound done at least
once a year.

Golden Retrievers are more likely to be diagnosed with lymphoma (or lymphosarcoma) than any
other breed. The body develops abnormal lymphocytes which are a type white blood cell.  This
cancer can appear anywhere because white blood cells are found all over the body.  Lymphoma
can be treated with chemotherapy and has a high success rate for dogs who have received
it. Lymphoma can be detected with a blood test. We may recommend that you have a complete
blood count twice per year. You should be looking out for swelling, weight loss, labored breathing,
and other unusual symptoms.

Mast cell cancers are an especially serious type of skin cancer that is more common in Golden
Retrievers than any other breed.  These tumors should be removed as soon as possible.  Mast cell
tumors can often look similar to other types of skin lesions and lumps, which many of them are not
dangerous. All suspicious lumps should immediately be examined and treated surgically.  Surgery
can cure many cancers, so it is important to detect them early.

Bloat

GDV, or gastric dilatation volvulus is a condition that occurs in dogs with narrow, deep
chests. Your Golden is at greater risk than other breeds.  Bloating is when a dog's stomach twists
and becomes full of gas.  This twisting causes the stomach to become twisted and cuts off blood
supply to the stomach, and sometimes the spleen.  The disease can be fatal if left untreated.  You
may notice your dog rubbing his stomach, heaving (but nothing rises), acting restless, having an
enlarged abdomen or lying in a prayer pose (front feet down, back end up).  You can prevent your
dog from getting hurt by having their stomach pinned down or sutured so it doesn't twist.  If your
pet is experiencing symptoms, immediately take him to the emergency department.

Problems with Bones and Joints

There have been a variety of musculoskeletal issues reported in Golden Retrievers.  Although it
can seem overwhelming, each condition is easily diagnosed and treated. This will help to avoid
undue suffering and pain.  You can take care of your friend all his life by keeping an eye on him at
home and learning about any diseases that could affect his bones, joints, or muscle.

Dysplasia is a genetic disease that can cause arthritis and causes joint problems.  As he gets
older, stiffness in his hips and elbows could become a problem.  He may start to feel shaky or
have difficulty standing up.  To minimize pain and discomfort, we can treat arthritis as soon as
possible. To identify any issues early, we will take X-rays.  Sometimes surgery is an option for
severe cases that are life-threatening.  Remember that arthritis can develop in overweight dogs
years before they do in normal weight dogs. This causes undue pain, suffering, and even death.

Eye problems

The proper functioning of your dog's eyes can have a dramatic impact on his quality of
life. Golden Retrievers are susceptible to developing eye problems that can cause blindness or
other serious health issues.  Every examination will be done to check for signs and symptoms.

Blindness is a common problem in older Goldens due to cataracts.  When we inspect him, we'll
look for his lenses to become opaque (meaning they appear cloudy rather than clear).  Many dogs
are able to adjust well to losing their sight and get along with other dogs just fine.  It is possible to
have cataracts removed and your sight restored.

Glaucoma is a painful eye disease that can quickly lead to blindness. It affects both Golden
Retrievers as well as people.  Glaucoma symptoms include watery eyes, redness in the whites,
and squinting. Although it is not often noticed by pet owners, the pain can be quite severe and
may cause discomfort. Some people with glaucoma feel like they have been stabbed in their eyes
with an icepick. Yikes! Advanced cases may cause the eye to look bulging or enlarged.  To
diagnose and begin treatment as soon as possible, we will perform an annual glaucoma
screening. Glaucoma can be a serious medical emergency.  Glaucoma is a medical emergency.
Don't delay in calling us.

Extra hairs growing inside the eyelids and rubbing on the eye's surface can cause
distichiasis. This painful condition is one of the most common inherited diseases in dogs. Your
Golden is more likely to get it than other dogs.  These abnormal hairs can lead to corneal ulcers or
chronic eye pain if left untreated.  There are many treatment options available. The prognosis for
these hairs is excellent once they have been permanently removed.

Golden Retriever Dog Breed InfoAllergies

People who are allergic to dust, pollen, and mold can sneeze.  Itchy skin is a sign of allergies in
dogs. This is known as "atopic skin disease" and it's common in Goldens.  Most commonly, the
affected areas are the feet, ears, belly, skin folds, and belly.  The symptoms usually appear
between the ages 1 and 3 and can become more severe each year.  Allergies are most commonly
manifested by rubbing the ears, licking the paws and rubbing the face.  There are many treatment
options for allergies.

Ear infections can be caused by allergies, swimming, earwax accumulation, or overgrowth of hair.
These conditions can be painful and frustrating for your dog.  Itching and inflammation can occur
in the ears and other parts of the ears, and goldens are often affected by allergies.  These
conditions can be treated early on to reduce discomfort and pain for your pet.  If your pet is
exhibiting any of these symptoms, such as a scratching, shaking, or an unpleasant odor to his
ears or feeling pain in his ears, please call us immediately.  Eardrum damage can cause deafness,
so it is important to monitor for them and treat them promptly.  Ear infections are more likely to
recur if they are not treated promptly.

Epilepsy

Reactive, secondary, or primary seizures can all occur in dogs.  Reactive seizures occur when the
brain reacts to a metabolic problem such as low blood sugar, organ failure or a toxin.  Secondary
seizures can be caused by a stroke, brain tumor, or trauma.  Primary epilepsy is a condition that
cannot be cured by any other causes.  This condition is common in Golden Retrievers.  Seizures
can occur in any age group, but usually start between 6 months and 3 years old.  A diagnostic
workup could help determine the cause.  A lifelong medication will be required to keep seizures
under control. Periodic blood tests are necessary to monitor side effects as well as efficacy.  You
should take care to prevent your dog from causing injury by putting the medication in his
mouth. This will not help your dog and could cause him to bite you.  Please note the duration of
the seizure and call us at (909) 443-5213 or an emergency hospital.

Heart Disease

Aortic Stenosis is a condition in which some Golden Retrievers are born with a damaged
heart. The disease results in a partial blockage of blood flow to the heart. This means that the
heart has to work harder to pump enough blood.  Your dog might become agitated or faint if the
condition is severe. You may also notice a decreased ability to breathe, frequent coughing, and
stunted growth. If your pet experiences any of these symptoms, we will test him for the disease
and discuss possible treatment options.

Dilated cardiomyopathy is a serious condition in which the heart becomes too large and thin to
pump blood efficiently to the body. This can lead to death for Golden Retrievers.  Your pet might
become weaker or more tired as the problem progresses. They may also experience a loss of
consciousness, fainting, collapse, a slow breathing rate, and cough.  An echocardiogram and an
electrical heart screening (ECG), will be performed every year to check for abnormal heart
rhythms. Treatment may include medication or dietary supplementation if indicated.

Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus can be a common condition in dogs.  All breeds can get diabetes, but Goldens
are more likely to be affected than the rest.  Diabetes affects dogs who are unable or unwilling to
control their sugar metabolism and need daily insulin injections.  Diabetes is serious and should be
treated as soon as possible.  Diabetes symptoms include weight loss, increased drinking, and
increased drinking. We will perform lab tests to confirm he is suffering from this condition. If he
does, we will discuss the options with him.  The treatment requires a significant commitment of
time, resources, and effort.  Dogs with diabetes are now living to the same age as other dogs if
they are well-treated.

Liver Problems

Portosystemic shunt is a liver disorder that can affect Goldens more than other dogs.  The liver is
not receiving the full blood supply it should receive, so some of the blood supply goes around the
liver instead. This deprives the liver of the vital blood flow it requires to grow and function
properly. Your friend may have PSS. His liver is unable to effectively remove toxic substances
from his bloodstream.  We will perform a liver function test and a standard pre-anesthetic panel to
check for this condition every time your friend goes under anesthesia.  We'll check his blood for
signs such as seizures or stunted growth and may also do an ultrasound scan of the
liver. Sometimes surgery may be necessary, but we can sometimes treat the condition with
medication and a special diet.

Bleeding Disorders

Hemophilia is a bleeding disorder in which your Golden Retriever can be affected.  Before we do
any surgery, we will conduct diagnostic testing to determine if your pet has hemophilia.  This test
is important because we might not know if your pet has hemophilia until severe bleeding happens
during surgery or after an injury.

Thyroid Problems

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the body doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. This
common condition affects goldens.  Hypothyroidism can lead to dry skin, hair loss, vulnerability to
other skin diseases and weight gain. Fearfulness, aggression and other behavioral changes are
all possible signs. To screen for this condition, we will conduct an annual blood test.  The
treatment is often as easy as taking a pill to replace the hormones.

Take Care of your Golden Retriever at Home

Information about Golden Retriever Dog BreedsMuch of what you should do to make your dog
happy is the same as for humans.  Watch her diet and make sure she is getting enough exercise. If
something does not seem right, call us or a hospital for assistance.  Follow the recommended
schedule for vaccinations and examinations.  We'll perform the "check-ups" necessary to check for
common diseases and conditions in Goldens.  Signing up for pet insurance is another important
step to take when caring for your pet.  Pet insurance will cover the costs of any medical
procedures or tests she may need.

Routine Care, Diet and Exercise

To help your Golden live a longer and healthier life, you can incorporate routine care into your
daily schedule. It is important to have a healthy diet and exercise routine.

As you would with a child, supervise your pet.  You should keep your pet safe.  This will keep her
safe and prevent her from getting into trouble.

She requires a thorough brushing every week for most of the year.  She blows her hair twice a
year and sheds crazy amounts of hair. Daily brushing is recommended during this time.

The golden retriever has good teeth and should be brushed at least twice per week.

Even as a puppy, you should clean her ears every week.  We'll show how to do it!

She is a smart, energetic dog who has lots of energy. Keep her active or she will get bored.  This
is when she starts to do the naughty things.

She excels in dog sports such as flyball, agility and dock diving.

Swimming is her favorite form of exercise.

Don't feed your dog people.

Give your daughter a healthy, high-quality diet that is appropriate for her age.

Regular exercise is important for your dog, but it's not a good idea to overdo it.

What to Look Out For

An abnormal symptom can be a sign that you have a serious condition or it may be something
minor. It is important to know when your Golden Retriever needs veterinary attention and how
quickly. Dogs can have a variety of symptoms that indicate they need help.

Office calls

If you see any of these signs, give us a call to schedule an appointment.

Water consumption and appetite change

Bad breath, tartar buildup, red gums or broken teeth are all signs of tartar accumulation.

Itchy skin (scratching or chewing) and hair loss

Excessive sleeping, mental dullness or lethargy

Fearfulness, aggression or other behavioral changes

Weight loss, increased hunger and thirst

Slow growth or stunted; sometimes, seizes after eating

Dull hair, hair loss, and sluggish weight gain

Emergencies

If you see any of these signs, it is important to seek medical attention immediately.

Tender ears, ear discharge, and rubbing the head with your fingers or shaking your head can all
be caused by shaking or shaky movements

Discolored urine; inability to urinate or straining

Eye problems such as cloudiness, redness, itching or any other abnormalities can be reported.

Dry heaving, or a tight, painful abdomen

Unusual shaking, trembling or excessive involuntary movement tremors

Exercise can cause weakness, fatigue, coughing, and shortness of breathing.

Collapse, fatigue, breathing problems, and coughs while resting

Even from minor wounds, bruises easily or bleeds often