Golden retriever health problems

For an incredibly talented canine companion, capable of turning their paw to many different roles, look no further than the gorgeous golden retriever!

With that ever-cheerful expression, it’s almost impossible to deny a golden retriever’s request for extra treats! However, helping your golden retriever maintain a healthy weight is essential, which is why they need to enjoy plenty of activities, whether that includes walks, canine sports, and/or family adventures.

In order to keep your golden retriever’s lustrous coat silky and shining, it’s essential to brush them every day. Plus, having both a topcoat and dense undercoat means there’s a lot of hair to shed – so if you’re owned by a golden retriever, a powerful vacuum cleaner is a must. 

Explore our golden retriever breed guide for more information about this wonderful breed!

Potential health conditions linked to the golden retriever breed

Please remember that while the following health concerns are frequently seen in the golden retriever breed, each dog is a unique individual. So, your canine companion isn’t necessarily going to suffer from any of the health conditions commonly experienced by golden retrievers. But, if you’re considering pet insurance, you could read our guide to insuring your golden retriever for more information.  

Always speak to your vet if you’re concerned about your dog’s health.   

Don’t forget to visit our dog first aid guides to discover the basics of canine first aid.

Obesity

Obesity is a well-known term that describes the condition of being overweight to the point there’s an increased risk of health problems and a decreased quality of life.

While any dog who overeats and isn’t exercised enough is at risk of putting on weight, some breeds can be more prone to obesity than others – including golden retrievers. It’s worth noting, however, that there are several factors involved in the risk of canine obesity, like a dog’s health, which might influence their diet or ability to exercise.

Some of the many health risks associated with obesity in dogs include diabetes, arthritis, and breathing problems.

Vets are able to diagnose obesity by weighing your dog and factoring in appropriate influencing factors, e.g. whether your golden retriever is neutered or not.

To safely support your golden retriever to maintain a healthy weight, your vet can:

• Offer support by providing nutritional advice.
• Give guidance as to how best to exercise your golden retriever.
• Book regular appointments to monitor your golden retriever’s progress.

Hip dysplasia

Canine hip dysplasia is a genetic condition (something a dog is born with) that impacts their hip joints. ‘Dysplasia’ is a word linked to abnormal development, so, hip dysplasia describes abnormalities within a dog’s hip joint.

For golden retrievers with hip dysplasia, either one or both of their hip joints are unstable and can cause them to experience pain, swelling, and stiffness – resulting in lameness. Eventually, hip dysplasia can cause golden retrievers to develop arthritis.

Treatments for hip dysplasia in golden retrievers could include weight management, anti-inflammatory medication, and surgery.

Elbow dysplasia

Elbow dysplasia in dogs is a condition that impacts the elbow joints of their front legs. There are a number of causes of elbow dysplasia, with genetics, diet, growth rate, and exercise levels affecting the disease outcome and severity. Unfortunately, elbow dysplasia is sometimes seen in golden retrievers.

A golden retriever with elbow dysplasia has an elbow joint that doesn’t quite fit together properly, which causes an uneven distribution of pressure on that joint.

Your vet can diagnose elbow dysplasia through a combination of physical examinations and diagnostic imaging, like x-rays and MRI scans. 

Symptoms of elbow dysplasia include pain, swelling, and a decreased range of motion, as well as limping and a reluctance to exercise. Eventually, elbow dysplasia can lead to arthritis and may even cause small fractures over time.

There are several treatment options for canine elbow dysplasia, including:

• Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication.
• Weight control (to prevent additional strain on their joints).
• Gentle exercise routine.
• Physiotherapy and/or hydrotherapy.
• Surgery.

Cataracts

Golden retrievers are known to be prone to developing cataracts.

Although cataracts in humans are often associated with getting older, that’s not the case for dogs. Your golden retriever may inherit cataracts from birth, though they could also develop cataracts at any age as a result of eye inflammation, diabetes, or nutritional issues.

A cataract can lead to blindness over time, so, if you notice your golden retriever’s eye(s) becoming blurry, it’s important to take them to the vet for a check-up.

Ichthyosis

Ichthyosis is an inherited skin condition caused by a genetic mutation that prevents the outer layer of a dog’s skin from developing properly. This condition isn’t common, though a dog’s breed is a risk factor, and golden retrievers have been recognised as being at greater risk of ichthyosis.

A golden retriever with ichthyosis usually has rough skin covered in thick, greasy flakes that stick to their hair; they may have thickened skin on their paw pads, too.

While genetic testing is available for ichthyosis, vets can diagnose the condition through a physical examination and taking biopsies (samples of a dog’s skin).

Since ichthyosis is a chronic (long-term) condition without a cure, golden retrievers with ichthyosis will need ongoing treatment to manage their symptoms. Treatments for ichthyosis in golden retrievers might include vet-approved skin supplements and regular bathing with medicated shampoos.