All breeds of dogs come with their own types of issues. For example, most large canine breeds tend to have problems with arthritis and hip dysplasia as they age. It is important to research these common health concerns before getting a dog of any breed.
One of the most popular breeds of dog is the loyal, intelligent, and loving
Golden Retriever. While it is considered the best choice for a family dog, it is not immuned to health concerns.
Common health issues for the Golden Retriever health risks lude a high risk of cancer and hip dysplasia. These conditions can be costly to treat, but are usually only found in older dogs.
If properly cared for it is unusual for a young Golden Retriever to encounter health issues. To ensure that you are getting a healthy animal, it is important to choose a reputable breeder. Breeders are certified to breed purebred dogs. In fact, reputable breeders will often guarantee a clean bill of health for each of their dogs for up to one year. This means that you are protected if you notice your dog has developed a genetic disorder, such as heart, hip or eye defects. If you are careful to continue the specific food and care routine recommended by the breeder, the guarantee will last an extra two years.
With a long lifespan of 10 to 15 years, the Golden Retriever needs to brought to the veterinarian for routine checkups. These appointments will alert the veterinarian of any major conditions, such as lymphoma and hip dysplasia. There are cases of this breed developing minor health issues, such as eye problems and hypothyroidism. Many of these minor issues can be remedied with proper medication and care.
Just like any other dog, the Golden Retriever needs a loving home that will show him the proper amount of attention and care. Before getting any canine, it is important to research the breed and make sure you can handle the expectations of properly caring for the animal to keep your Golden Retriever health good.
Golden Retrievers Share These Common Medical Conditions With Their Humans
Your furry friend shares many things with you, including the potential to develop certain types of health issues. From conditions that can be overcome to chronic problems that must be managed for the rest of the pet’s life, you may be surprised at the range of health issues your dog can experience. Here are some of the more common ones that apply to canines as well as humans.
Cancer
Your pet’s risk of developing most types of cancer is not very different from your risk level. There are only two forms of cancer that canines are at a significantly lower risk of developing. Those are lung cancer and any form of stomach cancer. There’s one type that your pet is more likely to develop than you; that happens to be skin cancer.
Arthritis
As your dog ages, the potential to develop stiffness in the joints is real. Just as you would seek to reduce stiffness and inflammation in your joints by making dietary changes, increase the intake of certain nutrients, and use some type of pain reliever, the same will work for your pet. Keep in mind that dogs are at a higher risk of developing osteoarthritis than rheumatoid arthritis.
Obesity
Your dog loves human food and the temptation to give in to those soulful eyes is strong. Resist the urge and keep your dog on a diet that’s nutritious but not likely to lead to additional pounds. If the vet is already making sounds about the pet losing weight, try going with a dog food that’s lower in carbohydrates and calories. More walks would also help you and your pet shed excess pounds and tone those muscles.
Lyme Disease
Lyme Disease in dogs is often linked to tick activity. Treat the yard to avoid the potential for contact with ticks, and check your dog from time to time. If any ticks are found, it pays to remove them immediately, contact the vet, and see if there are any signs of this condition present.
Diabetes
Dogs who develop diabetes will be lethargic, drink a lot of water, and seen to undergo a change in personality. Once the vet confirms that the pet has insulin resistance, you will want to change the food to something that’s low in carbohydrates but higher in protein and fiber. Your vet can help you learn how to give your pet insulin injections and how to monitor the response.
Anxiety
Separation anxiety is one of the more common emotional disorders among canines. It may come on after some type of traumatic event, or develop as a side effect of another health issue. Just as you would take some kind of medication and undergo therapy to beat the anxiety, the same approach will work for your dog. The vet can provide the right dose of medication and also refer you to a therapist who has the expertise to treat your pet.
High Cholesterol
Your Golden Retriever could be suffering with high levels of bad cholesterol. If the vet finds the levels are too high, making sure the dog gets more exercise will help. Choose food that’s lower in cholesterol content, and be prepared to give the pet oral medication until those numbers are back in a safe level. Fortunately, vets can provide cholesterol medication in chewable forms, so your Golden Retriever may think it’s a treat.
Remember that taking your Golden Retriever to the vet is one of the best ways to spot these and other ailments in the early stages. Treatment before the condition progresses will increase the odds of being able to eliminate or at least manage the ailment. With the right care, you and your dog will have many more happy years together.
