Golden Retriever Health Issues

There are reasons the friendly, goofy, and lovable golden retriever has held the top spot on the AKC list of the most popular dog since 1991. These affectionate and smart dogs are as content swimming and hiking the mountains in the lakes as couch potatoes or snuggle buddies in bed.

They shine as guides, therapy, service dogs, and lifelong family members.

While golden retrievers tend to be healthy dogs generally, anyone looking to add a golden retriever to their family should understand or research the lifetime commitment they are taking on by adopting the breed.

If you are wondering on how to take care of a golden retriever puppy, you should first understand that it is a purebred dog. Golden retrievers suffer health issues due to years of unethical breeding.

Common Health Issues for Golden Retrievers

For many parts, golden retrievers are usually a healthy breed. Still, due to unethical breeding, golden retrievers develop more risks of afflictions and illnesses like hip dysplasia, skin irritation and allergies, ear infections, hypothyroidism, cataracts, and bloating. If your pet needs medication, then you can download pet prescription discount card.

1. Hip Dysplasia

Many golden retrievers have shown dysplastic or abnormal hips, which means the bones do not come together properly. The abnormality happens in golden retrievers due to environmental and genetic factors.

Other factors contributing to hip dysplasia, especially in large breeds like golden retrievers, are poor nutrition, excessive weight, and the kind of exercise they do. Symptoms include decreased range of motion and activity, limping, stiffness, or lowered desire to climb stairs, run, or jump.

A range of treatment options is available for hip dysplasia, including weight loss, anti-inflammatory medicines, proper diet, and weight loss to more dramatic measures, including total hip replacement surgery.

2. Ear infections, Allergies, and Skin irritation

Retrievers are susceptible to allergies that may lead to other discomfort and health issues. Allergies found in the dog’s ears, belly, and feet usually surface between ages 1 and 3 for most golden retrievers.

Symptoms of allergies include paw licking, which may lead to infected and red paws, rubbing the ears and face, and frequent ear infections. Until the treatment of the underlying cause, the dog will likely continue to suffer from painful ear infections.

Treatment options include baths with oatmeal shampoo or another wash that can help to reduce skin exposure and soothe skin to any potential environmental allergies. Surprisingly, few golden do well with common antihistamines like Benadryl and Zyrtec.

Owners who notice a golden scratching often or shake their heads should contact a vet for treatment options, especially before you give the dog any OTC allergy medication.

To know more about top common golden retriever health issues, visit our website.