Preventing Golden Retriever Health Problems

Many people feel that Golden Retrievers are the best purebred dog a family can own. They make extraordinary pets. Like any other dog, they require proper diet, exercise, and veterinarian checkups should be routine. Golden Retrievers do experience some hereditary ailments, but with preventative medical treatment, these Golden Retriever health problems can be controlled.

The Golden Retriever is a friendly and loving dog breed that originates from England and Scotland. It is best to get one of these dogs when it is a puppy or a young dog. With lots of love, food, and exercise, this dog will provide years of companionship and loyalty to its owner. You will need to pay attention to some of the health problems that are associated with these dogs as well.

As your Golden Retriever gets older, it will begin to show normal signs of aging. However, there is a joint disease, similar to arthritis, called Hip Dysplasia that Golden Retrievers are known to get. This is a hereditary disease, but it is impossible to tell if any particular dog as inherited this trait. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) has developed a radiographic process that can assist in determining the probability of the dog inheriting this condition.

When purchasing a Golden Retriever as a pet or as a breeding dog, it is important to research a common health problem that they can also inherit called Von Willebrand disease. This is a bleeding disorder that causes blood platelets to not clump together properly. They will not stick to the walls of blood vessels and inhibit the normal blood clotting process.

Congenital eye defects are another hereditary problem Golden Retrievers are prone to. This includes cataracts and Central Progressive Retinal Atrophy. This is a condition that affects how the dog's eyes receive light. It is usually noticeable when the dog is having problems seeing at night. If you notice this condition in the dog, it is best to seek medial attention right away. Treatment can often cure this problem.

While you are looking for a Golden Retriever, always ask lots of questions regarding these conditions and take the dog you are interested in to be examined by a veterinarian. They will check the dog for signs of abnormal skin discolorations, and problems with the hearts and joints. Breeders should be open to answering any questions that you have and should be willing to give you any information that you need.

All animals are prone to some type of health condition. The fact that your dog may inherit a disease should not dissuade you from owning one. Finding a healthy animal is easy. It is the responsibility of the owner to make sure that any serious medical conditions are treated or prevented.

Pet owners have the responsibility of keeping their pets healthy. One of the key ways to ensure your Golden Retriever's health is to feed it the proper diet. It is important to feed purebred dogs high quality foods. Commercial foods typically contain large amounts of grain, like soy, corn, and wheat that many purebred dogs are allergic to. Owners of Golden Retrievers should never feed the dog any soy-based foods.

Giving your dog a proper diet that consists of lean proteins and vegetables in combination with lots of exercise and a loving home will prevent many Golden Retriever health problems. Do this, and you will own a gentle, caring, and faithful pet that will enjoy spending its life with you.