Categories: Training Veterinary Help

Golden Retriever Health Problems and Issues

Golden Retriever Health Problems and Issues

Broadly, we can divide the Golden Retriever health problems and issues into two categories — medical and behavioral. Unfortunately, careless breeding by some backyard breeders and puppy mills Golden Retrievers have developed certain genetic disorders, such as aggression in nature and are susceptible to specific ailments. Common health problems include cancer, epilepsy, skin allergies, and hypothyroidism while separation anxiety is the most common behavioral problem. However, proper health care, nutritious food, regular exercise, and proper training can prevent the dog from any of the above mentioned Golden Retriever issues.

Table 1 : Common Golden Retriever Health Problems And Issues
Condition Risk Profile Cost to Diagnose and Treat
Cancer High $8,000-$15,000
Hip Dysplasia High $1,500-$6,000
Cataracts High $1,500-$5,000
Sub-Aortic Stenosis Medium $500-$1500
Epilepsy Medium $1,500-$4,000
Skin Allergy Medium $2,000-$4,000
Hypothyroidism Medium $2,000-$6,000
Estimates based on claims paid by Embrace Pet Insurance

[AdSense-A]

1-  Most Common Golden Retriever Health Problems

1-1 Cancer.

Cancer of various types including hemangiosarcoma, lymphosarcoma, mast cell tumor, and osteosarcoma were the biggest killer of American Golden Retrievers, according to a survey conducted by Golden Retriever Club of America in 1998. The percentage of American Golden Retrievers dying due to cancer was as high as 61.4%. Most common among the cancers is hemangiosarcoma, whose treatment includes chemotherapy and removal of the tumor with the affected organ.

1-2 Hip dysplasia.

Hip dysplasia is yet another common Golden Retriever Health Problems. This is a genetic joint disease related to arthritis. Proper caution should be taken when this happens because it sometimes affects Golden Retrievers muscles and can make them immobile.

1-3 Congenital eye defects.

Congenital eye defect is another common Golden Retriever Health Problems. This breed suffers from hereditary cataracts which can develop at varying ages. Proper and early treatment can restrict the development of any serious problems. Golden Retrievers are also prone to Central Progressive Retinal Atrophy (CPRA), which progressively deteriorates the light reception in the dog’s eye.

1-4 Epilepsy.

Epilepsy also known as seizures is a hereditary disease normally occurring from viral infections and environmental factors. Foam at the mouth and dog seemingly chewing on something are the most prominent symptoms of this Golden Retriever issues. Though medicines are not always effective vets can recommend medicines that control recurring seizures. As a matter of prevention, dogs that have recurring seizures, should never be bred.

1-5 Skin allergy.

Skin allergy is also a very common Golden Retriever Health Problems. This happens because of allergens such as flea bites, dust, airborne pollen, food, and even mold. The symptoms of skin allergy issue include bits, scratching, licking, and even ear infections. It is said that proper food and physical care can prevent from such problems. There are also medicines to eliminate the risks of your pet getting a skin allergy.

1-6 Hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism in Golden Retrievers causes its thyroid gland to malfunction, which can result in lower energy levels and weight gain. Golden Retrievers suffering from this disease will show symptoms including changes to the dog’s coat. Oral supplement for hypothyroidism on a daily basis is the best cure for the disease.

1-7 Separation anxiety

Another aspect of Golden Retriever issues is behavioral. The Golden retriever Separation anxiety is the most common issue. It is because of their friendly and amiable nature of Golden Retrievers come very close to their owners and when they have to leave they show resisting tendencies. Sometimes the owner reacts harshly and resulting in a change in terms of their personality negatively. The best way to deal such situation is to make the departure and arrival less noticeable. So, instead of showing extra love and affection before and after your exit just do the opposite, decrease interaction with your pet. Moreover, to distract the attention of your Golden Retriever, you can use some toys before you have to leave.

There is other common health problems you might encounter as Elbow dysplasia, Hot spots, Lick sores

2- Avoid Golden Retriever Health Problems With Regular Checkups.

You can avoid many health problems by taking your pup to the veterinarian for regular checkups and vaccinations.

It's also your responsibility to give him nutritious dog food for golden retrievers, any special supplements your vet recommends, exercise, training, grooming your Golden retriever --and lots of love and hugs!

At least once a year your pup should have a full checkup.

Many vets recommend twice-a-year checkups for Golden Oldies.

His overall condition can be checked and a blood sample collected for a complete yearly screening.

These annual exams will find most dog health problems while they're still easily treatable.

Are pet health costs preventing you from scheduling regular veterinary checkups for your furry family?

If so, there are a number of pet insurance companies that can help with the expenses.

Listed below, you'll find some health problems you may encounter during your years of dog ownership.

You can use this information to help you identify what may be wrong when Faithful Fido isn't feeling well. It will also help you discuss his symptoms more intelligently with your veterinarian.

3- Using a Pet Vaccination Schedule Can Sidetrack Major Golden Retriever Health Problems

All dogs need regular vaccinations to protect them from common deadly diseases.

How often these are given, and which ones your dog requires, should be discussed with your veterinarian.

Here are the most common vaccinations for dogs:

  • Canine Distemper.
  • Canine Hepatitis.
  • Canine Parainfluenza.
  • Canine Parvovirus.
  • Kennel Cough.
  • Rabies.

4- Parasites as a Golden Retriever Health Problems

4-1 Golden Retriever Health issues and External Parasites.

Keeping your Golden Retriever Dog healthy includes having a watchful eye on his beautiful coat.

It can be a playground for external parasites and other pesky problems, such as:

  • Foxtails (aka Grass Awns).
  • Lice.
  • Mange mites.
  • Ringworm.
  • Ticks--carriers of:
    • Lyme disease.
    • Rocky Mountain spotted fever.
  • Fleas--more than you ever wanted to know, including:
    • Preventing fleas naturally.
    • Common home remediesfor preventing and eliminating them.
    • Dealing with fleasin your home and yard.

4-2 Golden Retriever Health issues and Internal Parasites.

Meanwhile, your lovely Golden's body can be harboring an assortment of internal parasites, such as:

  • Heartworms.
  • Hookworms.
  • Roundworms.
  • Tapeworms.
  • Whipworms.

Your vet can give you good advice about treating and preventing worms in your Golden retriever dog (Read more about dewonrming puppies and dogs).

[AdSense-A]

5- Answers To Common Canine Health Questions.

We'll take a look at a few common health problems you might encounter:

  • Insect stings.
  • Obesity.
  • Pancreatitis.
  • Cushing's Disease.

6- System-Related Golden Retriever Health Problems

Some canine health issues can best be lumped together by systems of the body or locations in the body. These include:

7- Some Golden Retriever Health Problems Are Human-Type Illnesses.

Dogs get sick with human-sounding illnesses, too. These Golden Retriever health problems include:

  • Bronchitis.
  • Cancer (unfortunately).
  • Diabetes.
  • Epilepsy.

Good Advice Isn't Enough to deal with a Golden retriever Health problems

Please keep in mind that you shouldn't use any of the advice offered here as a substitute for consulting your veterinarian. Nothing takes the place of a hands-on professional exam when your furry friend isn't feeling his usual energetic self.

A quick call to your vet will either alleviate your fears or prompt you to pack your pooch into the car for a quick run to the animal clinic.

[AdSense-A]


Similar Articles :

1- Tramadol For Dogs An Pupppies.
2- Golden Retriever Life Expectancy.
3-Best Chew Toys for Golden Retriever Puppies in 2017
4- Stop Your Dog From Biting .
5- Golden Retriever & Health Problems Issues.
6- Find Useful Golden Retriever Forum.
7- How To Deal With An Agressive Golden Retriever Dog..
8- My Dog Ate Chocolate What Must I Do? .
9- Worming / Deworming Your Golden Retriever Puppy.
10- Golden Retriever Breed Standard.
11- HOW TO STOP YOUR DOG FROM BITING.
12- How To Stop Golden Retriever Barking : 10 Tips Form Our Experts



Patrick Astim

Dr. Patrick Astim (PhD) was born in Northern Ireland and grew up in United States, he attended College for undergraduate studies from 1992-1996 and the University of Veterinary Medicine from 1997-2001. His professional interests include stem cell therapy, immunotherapy, pet therapy, soft tissue surgery, oncology, and internal medicine. In his free time, Dr. Astim enjoys blogging and many outdoor activities including golfing, playing basketball and helping animal shelters. He also enjoys sharing his enthusiasm for Golden Retriever dogs and veterinary medicine with the next generation of veterinarians and is always willing to spend time visiting classrooms as well as mentor current and prospective veterinary students. Dr. Astim is married and has two children: Scot, and Sarah. There are also two Golden Retriever dogs, Leia and Molly and a cat, Nita, that live under the Astim’s roof.

Published by
Patrick Astim