Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular and iconic dog breeds in the United States. They are widely known for their friendliness, eagerness to please, affectionate nature, high trainability, and athletic prowess. It’s no surprise that this breed is considered one of the best family dogs, service dogs, emotional support animals, and companions for outdoor activities.
If you’d like to learn how you can help your Golden Retriever stay at their happiest and healthiest, read on! This guide by Sploot Vets explores this breed’s unique healthcare needs!
Is A Golden Retriever High Maintenance?
Golden Retrievers are considered moderate to high maintenance. They require plenty of exercise, a nutritious diet, and regular pet wellness exams to keep them in top shape and help prevent common Golden Retriever health issues.
This dog breed also needs regular grooming and seasonal de-shedding since they are year-round shedders with increased shedding during spring and fall.
Common Health Care Issues For Golden Retrievers
All breeds have their own susceptibility to certain health issues. By being aware of these, pet parents can take preventive care measures to promote optimal health.
The following are a few examples of common healthcare issues for Golden Retrievers
- Ear infections – The Golden Retrievers’ floppy ears trap moisture, creating a warm environment where dog ear infections due to bacteria or yeast can form. Many Goldens also enjoy swimming, which can lead to swimmer’s ear in dogs, especially if their ears are not properly dried and cleaned right after.
- Allergies in dogs – Golden Retrievers are prone to food and environmental allergies, which often manifest as itching, skin irritation, and an increased frequency of ear infections.
- Hip dysplasia – Golden Retrievers have a genetic predisposition to hip dysplasia, an abnormal development of the hip joint that leads to pain and possible mobility issues. However
- Elbow dysplasia – Goldens are also genetically predisposed to developing elbow dysplasia, an abnormal joint formation that causes pain and affects the mobility of their elbow.
- Cancer – Unfortunately, Goldens have a genetic predisposition to certain cancers, making it one of their leading causes of death.
Note: Responsible breeding practices, including health screenings for hip and elbow dysplasia, have reduced genetic joint disorders in Golden Retrievers. In addition, genetic health testing helps breeders identify carriers of inherited conditions, allowing for informed breeding decisions. These measures lower the prevalence of joint and genetic disorders in the breed. Overall, they improve the health, longevity, and quality of life for Golden Retrievers.
How Do I Keep My Golden Retriever Healthy?
1. Health & Veterinary Care for Golden Retrievers
We recommend staying on top of yearly or bi-yearly pet wellness exams—along with canine vaccinations, and heartworm preventives.
Note: Regular pet wellness exams are an essential part of healthcare for Golden Retrievers since these facilitate personalized care—as well as opportunities for early diagnosis and treatment of Golden Retriever health issues.
2. Dental Care for Golden Retrievers
Regular dental care is essential for Goldens to prevent plaque buildup, gum disease, and bad breath.
Here are a few tips to maintain oral health and prevent dental issues in dogs:
- Schedule annual dental exams and dog teeth cleanings with a vet
- Brush your dog’s teeth regularly
- Provide dental chews for dogs
3. Golden Retriever Nutrition & Diet
A balanced diet for Golden Retrievers includes all their daily required nutrients, meeting AAFCO’s standards for complete nutrition. A few additional features to look for include:
- high-quality protein for muscle health
- omega-3s for coat health and joint health
- fiber-rich carbs for energy.
Note: In addition, portion control is highly recommended to help prevent obesity.
4. Golden Retriever Exercise & Mental Stimulation
As a sporting breed, Goldens need at least an hour of exercise every day. The best exercises for Golden Retrievers include daily walks, swimming, and interactive games like fetch, which keep them physically active and mentally stimulated.
5. Golden Retriever Grooming Tips
Golden Retrievers shed all year round, with heavier seasonal dog shedding during spring and fall. To keep their coats healthy and shed-free, they need brushing 3 to 4 times a week and a bath once a month.
Goldens can also benefit from regular ear cleaning, at least once a month and after swimming, using a mild vet-approved dog ear cleaner. This helps prevent ear infections and canine swimmer’s ear cases.
→ Learn more - Routine Dog Care for Health & Well-Being [Vet-Approved Checklist]
How To Take Care Of A Golden Retriever Puppy
Caring for a Golden Retriever puppy involves choosing age- and size-appropriate puppy food, early training, puppy socialization, and a comprehensive puppy exam shortly after bringing them home.
→ Learn More - How to Take Care of a New Puppy 101: The 1st Year [Vet-Approved]
Health Care for Golden Retrievers at Sploot Vets
Get personalized healthcare for Golden Retrievers at Sploot Vets! We provide primary care, urgent care, and emergency vet services, all under one roof. In addition, our Fear Free Certified medical team prioritizes your dog’s comfort and well-being, ensuring stress-free vet visits that your pet can look forward to.
Experience next-level vet care today! Our vet clinics in Denver and Chicago are open 365 days a year, accepting same-day appointments and urgent intakes!
Book an appointment here or through the Sploot Vets app.
