Golden Retriever Health Problems

Animals have a habit of burrowing their ways into our hearts; dogs are particularly good at this. Maybe before you even know it, your golden retriever will feel like part of the family. Your four-legged friend will have no doubt that he is part of the family.

A golden retriever has a life typically of ten to twelve years. Some lucky individuals get to enjoy their golden retriever for up to fourteen years. Being aware of the different health issues that can be connected to this breed can help increase the chances of your golden retriever living a longer life.

Illnesses to Be Aware of in Your Golden

Elbow and hip dysplasia are is common in the golden retriever. Cancer, specifically, Hemangiosarcoma, lymphosarcoma, mast cell tumor, and osteosarcoma, are also common in this breed. Bone and joint diseases, flea allergies and ear infections can also affect them. The ear infections are due to the are due to the heavy flap of an ear.

The most common ailment for the golden retriever is an eye disease. Eye diseases can be present in many breeds, but especially so in the golden retriever. The eye diseases are broken down into hereditary cataracts and central progressive retinal atrophy. The hereditary cataracts can be treated if treated properly and early enough. This ailment can strike at different ages in the golden retriever. The central progressive retinal atrophy is the more serious of the two, and can lead to blindness if untreated. This disease is a deterioration of the light receptive area of the eye.

You can, and should, vaccinate your golden retriever against the distemper virus. Your golden retriever will need his three vaccinations between the age of six and sixteen weeks, after that a yearly booster shot. Another disease that you can prevent is heartworm with putting your golden retriever on a heartworm medication from your veterinarian.

One of the most serious, and probably most well known, conditions that can affect your golden retriever is rabies. This disease is transmitted by your golden retriever being bitten by an animal that has rabies, and it affects the nervous system. The symptoms of rabies are aggression, foaming at the mouth, and seizures. This is a very serious disease, and it is important to keep your dog’s yearly vaccination up to date.

The point of this list is not to frighten the reader. It is a very grim looking list of diseases. The point of this list is to make you aware of what can affect your ‘golden’ family member. You will be able to tell best when your golden retriever is not feeling well, or acting normal, and you’ll be in a better place to understand what might be wrong if you have an idea of what can affect this breed.

You and your golden retriever will also benefit greatly from having a veterinarian who is experienced with golden retrievers. One of the greatest resources you can have is a veterinarian who you trust and knows your dog, and who you can go to right away if an emergency comes up.

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