Live longer tip - Exercise Your Golden Retriever Daily

Exercise Your Golden Retriever Daily.

Exercise not only has benefits of its own, it also reduces your dog's risk of obesity. Aim for a thirty minutes walk with your Golden Retriever twice a day. Your dog may also benefit from some organized play time with a ball or Frisbee. Exercise also helps to keep your dog mentally challenged which can reduce his stress level.

Golden Retriever - Dog Lover

Live longer tip - Avoid Giving Your Golden Retriever Table Food

Avoid Giving Your Golden Retriever Table Food

Feeding a dog high fat human foods increases his risk for pancreatitis, a potentially life threatening condition. It may be okay to give your dog wholesome fresh foods such as fruits and vegetables, but consult with your veterinarian first since certain fruits such as grapes can be toxic to your Golden Retriever.

Golden Retriever - Dog Lover

Live longer tip - Feed Your Golden Retriever a High Quality Dog Food

Feed Your Golden Retriever a High Quality Dog Food.

By feeding your Golden Retriever a high quality diet, you'll reduce his risk of becoming overweight which is a risk factor for a variety of diseases in dogs including diabetes. In one study performed on Labrador Retrievers, dogs that were kept lean lived two years longer than the control group. They also were able to avoid developing some of the diseases associated with aging such as arthritis. Many commercial pet foods have additives that may be harmful to your Golden Retriever. If you can't find a good organic dog without dangerous additives, consult with your vet for some guidelines on how to make your own.

Golden Retriever - Dog Lover

Live longer tip - Spay or Neuter Your Golden Retriever

Spay or Neuter Your Golden Retriever.
If you don't plan on breeding your dog, have him spayed or neutered. Spaying and neutering can reduce the risk of certain types of reproductive cancers in dogs, including breast cancer in female dogs which is not uncommon.

Golden Retriever - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Why do people give up their Golden Retrievers?

Golden Retriever sheds a lot. The main reason people give up their Golden Retriever is because they shed too much. The second reason is that they got bigger than expected.

Golden Retriever - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Golden retrievers love the water

Golden retrievers love the water. Keep a towel handy when you go near the ocean or a lake.

Golden Retriever - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Hand vacuum

Purchase a hand vacuum if you plan to keep your Golden Retriever indoors. Its hair will stick to everything.

Golden Retriever - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Check with your vet regarding anal expressions

Check with your vet regarding anal expressions - some dogs need help with this and it's a job better left to a professional. Look for signs like the dog dragging its bottom along the floor.

Golden Retriever - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Keep your Golden Retriever inside

Keep your Golden Retriever inside if at all possible. This is an extremely social dog, and it will be very unhappy if left alone outside while its family is together in the house.

Golden Retriever - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Train your Golden Retriever

Remember that Golden Retrievers try very hard to please and train fairly easily as long as you are consistent and patient with them.

Golden Retriever - Golden Retriever

Owner guide - Trim Golden Retriever's nails

Make sure to trim Golden Retriever's nails monthly to prevent foot problems.

Golden Retriever - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Bathe Golden Retriever infrequently

Bathe Golden Retriever infrequently ; it doesn't require special grooming and can be washed at home.

Golden Retriever - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Brush your Golden Retriever weekly

Brush your Golden Retriever weekly to help keep shedding down. This breed sheds year-round.

Golden Retriever - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Learn about the health problems

Learn about the health problems associated with Golden Retriever : hip and elbow dysplasia, cataracts, congenital heart disease, epilepsy, thyroid disorders and allergies.

Golden Retriever - Dog Lover

Owner guide - Keep your Golden Retriever's weight down

Keep your Golden Retriever's weight down. Overweight dogs have more health problems, including heart trouble and arthritis.

Golden Retriever - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - What is a hot spot of Golden Retriever?

They look like open, oozing sores that start out real small, could be the size of a quarter and if not treated quickly the size of it will escalate really fast and get out of control. Golden Retrievers can get hot spots very easily. Hot spots are often caused by allergies. The most common would be by fleas. If you do not get all the shampoo out of your dog this can cause a hot spot too. Most hot spots need to be shaved so that they will get well. Shaving the area promotes air circulation. It is best to see the vet before they get out of control.

Golden Retriever - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Why does my Golden Retriever itch?

That is a tough question. Some of Golden Retrievers have allergies so this could be the cause. It could be inhalant, contact or food allergy. Many Golden Retrievers have very sensitive skin so it is important that you use medicated shampoo on them if they do. This can relieve a lot of the itching. Many of them have flea allergies and one flea alone can caused them to excessively itch.

Golden Retriever - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Do Golden Retrievers bark a lot?

Not typically, but Golden Retrievers may bark if they are bored.

Golden Retriever - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Why does my Golden Retriever scoot on the floor or chew on his rear end at the base of his tail?

There could be two reasons for this. Your Golden Retriever could have tapeworms or their anal sacs need to be emptied. The first thing to check is their stool. Tapeworms look like little pieces of white rice and are visible. If they have tapeworms you will need to see your vet for treatment. If you do not see tapeworms then you may need to take your dog to the vet to see if his or hers anal sacs need to be emptied.

Golden Retriever - Dog Lover

DOG FAQ - Are Goldens good guard dogs?

No, most Golden Retrievers will bark at strangers but most of the time they will greet the stranger at the door with their tail wagging and a toy in their mouth ready to play. They will most likely show them where all the silverware in the house is.

Golden Retriever - Dog Lover