Golden Retriever Appearance
Golden Retrievers are medium to large, active dogs with golden, flowing coats. Puppies’ coats are lighter and darken somewhat with age. Goldens have brown eyes with a kind, intelligent expression. They have triangular ears that hang down. The abdomen tucks up only slightly and there is a discernable narrowing over the flanks as the dog is viewed from above. The tail is strong and is feathered, as are the legs. The legs are strong and Goldens give the impression of being fit athletes.
Golden Retriever Behavior
Golden Retrievers are happy dogs that love activity but are not pushy and demanding. Goldens may become anxious and develop acral lick dermatitis or separation anxiety if they don’t receive consistent exercise and attention. Goldens are among the easiest to train of all breeds and are not inclined to bite. Most love to swim. They can be trusted with children and other pets. Suspect painful arthritis or another health problem if a Golden begins to bite or becomes irritable.
Golden Retriever Health (dog breed health problems)
Golden Retriever Bone and joint diseases such as arthritis and hip dysplasia
Providing a natural, holistic diet helps prevent and manage bone and joint problems. Over 15% of Golden Retrievers have hip dysplasia.
Golden Retriever Allergies that predispose them to ear infections
Providing a natural, holistic diet and vaccinating only when necessary and for the fewest diseases helps prevent and manage immune problems, such as allergies. Supplementing with Yucca Intensive also helps the immune system react normally rather than react in a hyper vigilant way to non-threatening substances such as grass or meat.
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Golden Retriever Hypothyroidism
Low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism) is easily treated with medication, and many veterinarians believe the incidence of hypothyroidism is reduced if Golden Retrievers are not over-vaccinated.
Golden Retriever Obesity
Obesity is controlled with diet and exercise. The natural fat layer that protects Golden Retrievers from hypothermia when swimming should not be allowed to become a thick layer of padding. Feeding Eat Great Be Well helps prevent obesity. Golden Retriever Epilepsy
Epilepsy is improved by avoiding toxins, strengthening the liver, and giving medication.
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Golden Retriever Cancer (such as lymphoma, fibrosarcoma, and hemangiosarcoma).
Regular veterinary care increases the likelihood tumors will be detected early so they can be treated. Supplements with green tea help promote a properly functioning immune system that protects against cancer and infections. Be Well, which contains decaffeinated green tea, is a delicious health-promoting supplement.
Golden Retriever g enetic information is available from many breeders to show that their dogs are free of epilepsy, hip, or elbow problems.
Golden Retriever Grooming
Goldens have long double coats of an outer or primary hair and an inner or under coat. The thick coat may become matted unless groomed twice a week. Goldens shed throughout the year with increased shedding once or twice a year. Grooming with a FURminator markedly reduces shedding. Goldens do not need to go to a professional groomer to be trimmed. When active, especially when exercising over concrete or rough terrain, natural wear and tear keeps their nails short. There is little hair in the ears to hold moisture or debris, but the ears should be cleaned and dried after swimming. Ear cleansing medications help prevent yeast and bacterial infections from developing. Goldens are not prone to anal sac problems and healthy Goldens seldom need to have their anal glands expressed.
Brush
Twice weekly
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Trim
Not necessary
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Nails
Self trimming if active on rough surfaces
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Eyes, Ears, & Face
Use ear cleanser after swimming and check ears weekly
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Anal Sacs
Seldom need to be expressed
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