The Golden Retriever Health
The Golden Retriever is a great dog in many ways, but unfortunately this one is not very hassle free. Unfortunately, the main concern here is the health of the golden retriever. You don’t think adopting a Golden Retriever will inevitably face health problems, but that does mean that some prevention methods are absolutely necessary.
Let’s take a look at the most common Golden Retriever health problems and ways to prevent them.
cancer
Cancer is one of the leading causes of premature death in Golden Retrievers. There are a few things a vet can do about Understanding Cancer in Golden Retrievers, but unfortunately many dogs are shed due to the pain caused by the cancer. It is usually treated surgically or with chemotherapy.
Hip and elbow dysplasia
Hip and elbow dysplasia are very common in Goldens. It is an abnormal development in the hip and elbow joints that leads to the development of arthritis. This condition is usually very painful and can cause lameness. The condition also affects both physical and mental health in general, as it restricts this extremely active dog’s ability to move and exercise. Although there are ways to treat hip and elbow dysplasia, there are also ways to reduce the risk of developing it. These diseases are transmitted genetically. It is always a good idea to request a health certificate stating that the breeding pair does not treat signs of these diseases before adopting a puppy.
Waterfall
Cataracts are another common health problem for the golden retriever that develops as a dog ages. The disease affects a dog’s ability to see and can lead to complete blindness. In many cases, cataracts can be treated surgically but with some limitations. One method of prevention is the same as with hip dysplasia: Choosing a puppy of a good breed will significantly reduce the chances of adopting a dog with cataracts.
Sensitivity
Allergies are caused mainly by flea bites, and most often they appear on Goldens’ skin and sometimes on the ears, nose, and other parts of the body. Allergies can also be caused by food or certain food additives, as well as chemicals stored in the home. It is important to isolate the dog from the source of the allergy to prevent its development. Allergy can be confirmed by skin tests and blood tests.
obesity
Some owners believe Golden Retrievers have self-discipline when eating and give them unlimited access to food. It couldn’t be further from the truth! Like most dog breeds, Goldens love to eat. It is in their nature. Scheduled feeding is the only correct way to organize a Golden’s nutrition. It also helps monitor a dog’s health, as abnormalities or a lack of appetite can be a sign of health problems.
Von Willebrand disease (VWD)
The disease is similar to hemophilia in humans, a condition characterized by a low level of blood clotting. Dogs with this condition can bleed to death with surgery or minor injuries. Although this condition cannot be treated, a dog’s health can be supported by blood transfusion from healthy dogs.