April 16, 2012
Posted in Pet Health

Golden retrievers have always been popular family dogs due to their easy going demeanor, their attractive looks and their loyal and child-friendly attitudes. This breed is both affectionate with their families and other animals and is also large and excited to exercise and be physically active. 

Golden retrievers are very attractive dogs as most have long straight or slightly wavy sandy colored hair with a thick undercoat. They typically grow to be between 75 and 100 pounds and live to be between 11 and 13 years old. Although their coats are beautiful, they do require some upkeep from their owners. If you decide on this lovable breed, you'll need to invest in grooming pet products like the FURminator deShedding Tool For Dogs which works to remove the loose, dead hair as well as getting out the fur on the undercoat. You'll also need to pick up soothing pet shampoo like Be Super Clean Shampoo to reduce dandruff and keep the skin's pH levels in check. You can promote a healthy coat on your golden retriever even more by giving it daily omega-3 vitamins like Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet to keep its coat and skin shiny and bright while also keeping its joints, eyes and heart in good shape.

Exercise is also an important factor in owning a golden retriever as they were raised to hunt ducks and other fowl for their masters. Because of this they are still very athletic animals that enjoy participating in agility courses, hunting and running. You can make sure you keep your dog physically and mentally stimulated by walking it for at least an hour a day and playing with it with toys like the Wing-A-Ball.

Golden retrievers are great family dogs who enjoy being around their pet parents. They are able to live in both warm and cold climates and thrive on being obedient. They are also trustworthy around children.

Although these breeds are great, loyal dogs, they do typically tend to suffer from certain medical conditions including hot spots and hip dysplasia. Hot spots are commonly caused by flea bites so owners can keep these issues at bay by keeping the dog on flea and tick preventative pet drugs like Sentinel or Revolution. You can help your golden ward off joint pain by starting it on joint supplements and then adding in anti-inflammatory medication like Previcox if it does develop arthritis or hip pain down the line. 

Related posts:

1. What makes Labrador retrievers so special?
2. Keep your dog content in its golden years
3. Hypothyroidism: How to get your pooch’s sparkle back
4. How to tell if your dog has hypothyroidism
5. The curious cocker spaniel