Golden Retriever Breed Guide

Like many breeds of dogs, Golden Retrievers can develop hip and elbow dysplasia, a painful inflammation of the joints, as they get older. You should look out for any cautious or tender movements in your dog when they get up or lie down, reluctance to play, or lameness. Stiffness or pain will usually ease as they get moving. You may also want to limit your puppy’s playtime on harder surfaces like concrete while they're growing, as this can affect their growing bones and cause disorders in later life. There are many treatments available, ranging from diet and exercise for overweight dogs, to drug therapy for pain.

Ear infections or fleas can cause a build-up of blood to collect in the cartilage of the Golden Retriever’s ear flaps, a condition called aural haematoma. Watch out for signs of this in your dog, such as shaking and scratching of the ear. If you suspect they have this problem, visit your vet who can decide if it will clear up on its own or needs treatment, which usually involves draining away the fluid.

Benign growths such as lipomas, or fatty tumours, are common in this breed and grow beneath the skin - usually upwards and outwards. They're often harmless and appear in older dogs, but they could need removing if they're limiting movement. As part of your dog’s weekly grooming routine, look out for lumps, bumps and other changes in their skin. If you're worried by anything you find - or just want to be sure it’s nothing more serious - your vet can take a closer look and determine the right treatment.

Golden Retrievers are one of the dog breed groups at risk of developing epilepsy, where abnormal electrical activity in the brain causes symptoms such as seizures. If it develops in older dogs, there could be a clear cause such as poisoning, but in some cases the condition is simply genetic or the cause is unknown. Treatments include elimination diets and medication.

When the body doesn’t produce enough of the hormone thyroxine, this is known as hypothyroidism, and is common in larger breeds such as the Golden Retriever. The disease can affect the way food is used to create energy, and signs to be aware of in your dog include lethargy, a dip in mood and hair loss. Typical treatment involves hormone replacement.