5 Common Health Issues in Golden Retrievers and How to Prevent Them

Hip dysplasia is a developmental disorder that affects a dog's hip joint. As a result of the insufficient growth of the hip joint and the improper functioning of the joint, the dog concerned gets painful arthritis and has limited joint mobility. Just to mention one aspect of the disease, the condition is also the most common cause of hip diseases in canine Golden Retrievers.
Prevention Tips:

• Get a puppy from a breeder who has done a complete hip examination and has bred the dogs with good results.
• Fat is not good for joints, so we should keep the dog slim.
• Swimming and walking will keep the dog in good condition since they are low-impact exercises.
• If your vet gives you the go-ahead, joint supplementation can be another option to improve the condition.

Cancer is the main cause of the death of Golden Retrievers and is the primary source of the reduction of the breed’s lifespan. Among the first affected, we can list hemangiosarcoma, which is the most common type of cancer of the breed.
Prevention Tips:

• Make a vet appointment for cancer detection at the earliest stage a regular habit for your dog.
• Learning cancer symptoms such as lost appetite and lumps and informing the vet are of great help.
• Feed your dog a diet rich in antioxidants so that the immune system remains strong and healthy.
• Do not allow your dog to go to a place where there are toxins or poisons.

An important problem amongst a great number of Golden Retrievers is heart disease, the first of which is subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS), which, by closing the aortic valve of the heart, causes blood flow to become limited and inefficient.
Prevention Tips:

• Check out whether different breeders have got the genetic tests for the heart diseases before you go and buy a puppy from one of them.
• The vet must do the heart check regularly on your dog.
• Good nutrition and exercise are the tools to keep your dog healthy.
• If your puppies are not born yet, don't overtrain them.

Allergies are among the most frequent and severe skin problems that may lead to a variety of other issues and cause great distress to a Golden Retriever. Their dense fur may trap all the dirt, sweat, and allergens.
Prevention Tips:

• A proper bathing and grooming routine will make your pet's golden coat shine.
• Feed your pet omega-3-rich food since this is an excellent source for both skin and coat.
• Make sure you use the flea and tick prevention product exactly as your vet prescribes.
• Scratching, redness, and hair loss should be visible only for an extremely short time, after which a vet should be consulted.

Golden Retrievers' ears are one of the main reasons they have a problem with ear infections. The shape of the ear lessens air circulation, which in turn traps a little bit of water, wax, and bacteria and thus makes the best place for infection to grow.
Prevention Tips:

• Use ear drops approved by the vet for ear cleaning once a week.
• Always make sure the ear is dry after swimming or taking a shower.
• Do not insert the cotton swab too deeply into the ear canal, and use it gently.
• Observe symptoms like head shaking, odor, or redness.

Goldens are one of the greatest things that can happen to your family, but still, they need to be known for their normal health issues, a vital point that makes a difference. A right lifestyle and the family's affection are unquestionably the two factors that will guarantee a long, healthy, and happy life to your Goldie. Goldens are incredibly endearing and valuable members of the family, and by recognizing their genetic health problems, we can bring them half the trouble of their lives. Regular vet visits, a balanced diet, good hygiene, and a lot of love are the secrets of a long and beautiful life for your Golden.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How can I prevent Golden Retriever health issues?
   
   Golden Retriever health issues can be prevented with regular exercise, a balanced diet, routine vet checkups, and consistent grooming with seasonal de-shedding.
2. What is the most common cause of death in Golden Retrievers?
   
   Golden retrievers are now the most likely breed to develop cancer in their lifetime, with 60% of all goldens' lives ending due to developing cancer.
3. What is the most common health issue in Golden Retrievers?
   
   Hip and elbow dysplasia
4. How to take care of a Golden Retriever?
   
   Provide daily exercise and mental stimulation, brush 2–3 times weekly, bathe monthly, and keep ears and nails clean and trimmed.