Top 5 Common Health Problems Of Golden Retrievers
If you’re planning to own a Golden Retriever or are already the owner of one, it’s important that you’re knowledgeable about their common health issues so you can be aware and know what to do in case it happens. In addition, this article will discuss the top five most common health issues in Golden Retrievers.
Golden retrievers are a pretty popular dog breed around the world. They originated in Scotland, England, and Great Britain and usually have a color of brown, gold, or cream. They are furry pets who are so affectionate, playful, and friendly that they probably won’t pass as guard dogs.
If you want to be a good dog owner, you should take time to learn about your dog’s breed and consider taking action for their health, such as taking your pet to the vet regularly, understanding your pet’s diagnostic report, and providing them with the best and most comfortable environment.
Here are the top five common health problems in Golden Retrievers:
- Separation Anxiety
It’s been known that Golden Retrievers are extremely clingy and affectionate towards their owners. They want to spend a lot of time with you; they tend to own the spotlight, and they want to be given a lot of an owner’s attention. Leaving your Golden Retriever for quite some time will cause them to have separation anxiety. They tend to show their sadness by being quiet, howling, or barking. So if you plan to own one, make sure that you have lots of time to spend with your pet.
- Cancer
Worse as it may sound, 60% of Golden Retrievers are actually prone to cancer. In fact, in earlier times, their lifespan could range from 16 to 17 years. But now, it has been reduced to 9–12 years due to this illness. Cancer is pretty fatal for dogs, especially if it’s not treated immediately. Thus, we recommend you take your dog to the vet regularly so you can ensure your pet’s perfect health.
Doctors are still trying to find out why Golden Retrievers are prone to cancer. However, it’s been found that this health problem can be passed on genetically. So if two Golden Retriever parents have acquired cancer, you can expect that at least one of the puppies might receive it too.
- Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is also pretty common in most Golden Retrievers. Hip dysplasia means something is wrong with the hip socket joint, and the signs of this health problem can be that your pet is having trouble walking and standing up, there’s a pain when jumping and running, and weakness is evident in their hind legs. If you can see symptoms in your dog, take them to the vet immediately to avoid the severity of the sickness.
- Stomach Bloat
This health issue, also known as gastric dilatation-volvulus, is fairly common in golden retrievers. This health problem refers to the dog’s stomach being bloated with food and gas. There are various causes behind it; this can be that your pet has been overfed, developed obesity played immediately after meal time, or your pet has inherited it from a parent. This can be a serious problem for your pet if it is not treated immediately. Thus, if you see your dog having an abnormally large stomach, take them to the vet.
- Epilepsy
It’s been measured that at least 40% of Golden Retrievers suffer from epilepsy, and their lifespan can be up to eight years. Usually, this health problem can be because your dog has inherited it, and epilepsy usually shows up when a Golden Retriever has reached one year old. When your dog happens to have a seizure one day, make sure that you don’t panic too much and act professionally to handle the epilepsy attack well.
Above are the top seven health problems that Golden Retrievers are prone to. If one of those health issues hits your pet, it will require your utmost care, patience, and understanding. Thus, be a responsible owner and provide them with the treatment and love that they need to recover.
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