If you scope out the dogs in your neighborhood, you're likely to spot a smiling pup with long yellow hair and a wagging tail, also known as the beloved golden retriever.
The golden retriever is very friendly and makes for an outstanding family dog. They're also easy to train and have a fairly long life expectancy, making them a top-pick for many people. Here's what you need to know about your golden retriever, according to the AKC, to help ensure they live a long, healthy life. Whether you have a brand new puppy or a senior dog , all owners can benefit from these dog-care facts.
Temperament: Golden retrievers have an outgoing, devoted, and friendly personality, making this type of dog a great addition to any family. They maintain a playful and energetic approach to life longer than some other breeds, so be ready to play lots of fetch with your golden retriever. While this should be a well-engrained protocol by now. Working together becomes fun and enjoyable. By two years, the breed has usually finished growing, although males may take another year to put the finishing touches on their physical maturity, especially head development.
This is around the time you should transition to an adult Golden Retriever dog food. Maintaining breed standard weight may be tricky because of the caloric needs of adolescent energy. They may require more calories, but just as they are peaking with the need for more calories, their metabolism changes especially after sterilization and weight management becomes a challenge. Exercise demands continue to be high for this Olympic athlete.
The personality and traits of the dog come into full bloom now, which may have gone underground during the previous stage. This is when the physical and emotional development reaches full completion and for the owner to seize the moment and build on the strong team training and foundation.
By now, it should be well acclimated to nail trimming, teeth and ear cleaning, shampooing, bathing and drying, and coat trimming. The Golden Girls trim nails weekly. That coat will blow approximately twice a year — once in summer and fall. Never shave them! Compare Breeds Compare up to 5 different breeds side by side.
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Obesity Obesity can be a significant health problem in Golden Retrievers. Parasites All kinds of worms and bugs can invade your Golden's body, inside and out. Spay or Neuter One of the best things you can do for your Golden is to have her spayed neutered for males. Genetic Predispositions for Golden Retrievers Cancer Cancer is a leading cause of death in older dogs.
Hemangiosarcoma is a type of bleeding tumor that affects Golden Retrievers at greater than average incidence.
These tumors commonly form in the spleen, but can form in other organs as well. Unbeknownst to a pet owner, the tumor breaks open and internal bleeding occurs. Some tumors can be volleyball-sized or larger before signs of sickness show. We often find clues that one of these tumors is present during senior wellness testing, so have his blood tested and an ultrasound performed at least yearly. Lymphoma or lymphosarcoma is a type of cancer that afflicts Golden Retrievers more than other breeds.
This disease makes the body form abnormal lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. Because white blood cells can be found throughout the body, this cancer can show up almost anywhere. Lymphoma is a very treatable form of cancer with an excellent success rate in dogs receiving chemotherapy. Luckily, lymphoma is one of the few types of cancer that can often be found with a blood test, so we may recommend a complete blood count twice yearly.
Mast cell tumors are a particularly nasty type of skin cancer found more often in Golden Retrievers than other breeds. The sooner these tumors are surgically removed, the better. Unfortunately, mast cell tumors often look very similar to other kinds of skin lumps and lesions, many of which are not harmful. Therefore, all suspicious lumps should be tested and surgically removed as soon as possible. Many cancers are cured by surgical removal , so early detection is critical.
Bloat Gastric dilatation volvulus, also known as GDV or bloat, usually occurs in dogs with deep, narrow chests. Bone and Joint Problems A number of different musculoskeletal problems have been reported in Golden Retrievers. Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis. Stiffness in your Golden's elbows or hips may become a problem for him, especially as he matures.
You may notice that he begins to show lameness in his legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. We can treat the arthritis—the sooner the better—to minimize discomfort and pain.
Surgery is also sometimes a good option in severe and life-limiting cases. And keep in mind that overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering! Eye Problems Not many things have as dramatic an impact on your dog's quality of life as the proper functioning of his eyes. Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older Goldens. Many dogs adjust well to losing their vision and get along just fine.
Surgery to remove cataracts and restore sight may also be an option. Glaucoma, an eye condition that affects Golden Retrievers and people too, is an extremely painful disease that rapidly leads to blindness if left untreated.
Symptoms include squinting, watery eyes, bluing of the cornea the clear front part of the eye , and redness in the whites of the eyes. Pain is rarely noticed by pet owners though it is frequently there and can be severe. People who have certain types of glaucoma often report it feels like being stabbed in the eye with an ice pick! Glaucoma is a medical emergency. Distichiasis is a condition caused by extra hairs that grow inside of the eyelid and rub on the surface of the eye.
This is one of the most commonly inherited diseases in dogs, and your Golden is more likely than other dogs to develop this painful condition. If untreated, these abnormal hairs can cause corneal ulcers and chronic eye pain. Several treatment options are available, and the prognosis is good once the hairs have been permanently removed.
Allergies In humans, allergies to pollen, mold, or dust make people sneeze. Allergies, swimming, overgrowth of hair in the ear canals, and accumulation of earwax can all predispose your dog to ear infections, which are painful and annoying. Goldens are very often afflicted by allergies, which can cause itching and inflammation in the ears and elsewhere.
Common inherited health issues are hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, various eye problems and heart disease. That is relatively cheap compared to if your dog has a health issue and requires veterinary care which today runs as much as human health care. Setting aside a monthly amount for a future emergency is a must.
There are also quality pet insurance programs available. Goldens must be fed a high quality premium food to prevent costly skin problems — which means you will not be able to buy your food at the grocery or discount store — and will have to make a special trip to the pet supply store.
There are other expenses such as toys, collars and leashes, brushes, shampoos and soft cozy beds. A well cared for dog, like its human counterpart, is happier with regular checkups and daily care. Goldens can be adequately groomed at home without expensive equipment. Grooming includes brushing, bathing, trimming hair from the pads of the feet, light trimming on ears, tails and back legs when necessary, and trimming nails.
Goldens are easily housebroken and make great housedogs. They tend to be messy drinkers, dripping water on the floor after they take their drink. You might even encounter a little slobber. Goldens are usually easy to potty train and make great house dogs. Many owners wish to make their goldens into good canine citizens. Moreover, goldens tend to be sensitive or soft in many training situations. They must be handled carefully with a loving, firm, but gentle approach. The end result is a well-mannered dog that is a joy to be around.
People automatically assume goldens are the perfect dog for a family with children. Golden puppies quickly grow up to be rambunctious, strong bundles of energy that easily can play too rough with young children, especially when they are 6 months to two years of age.
Though they may bark and growl defensively, when it comes down to brass tacks — they will gladly hold the flashlight for the burglar and give them a big kiss. Outside Dogs.
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