How to Care for a Golden Retriever

The golden retriever is a medium-maintenance dog. Known for its incredibly sweet disposition, it mostly needs love and attention - follow these steps to take the best care of your golden.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dental Kits (for Dogs)
• Dog Beds
• Dog Bones
• Dog Brushes
• Dog Carriers
• Dog Collars
• Dog Combs
• Dog Dishes
• Dog Flea/tick Control Medication
• Dog Food
• Dog Leashes
• Dog Shampoo
• Dog Tags
• Dog Toothpastes
• Dog Toys
• Dog Training Aids
• Dog Treats
• Doggie Toothbrushes
• Doghouses And Doors
• Muzzles
• Nail Clippers For Dogs
• Pet Doors
• Reduced-calorie Dog Food
• Dog Shampoo

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

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

3. Brush your golden weekly to help keep shedding down. This breed sheds year-round.

4. Bathe the dog infrequently; it doesn't require special grooming and can be washed at home.

5. Make sure to trim this dog's nails monthly to prevent foot problems.

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

7. Keep your 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.

8. 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.

9. Be prepared to enjoy a good 10 to 14 years with your dog, as this is the average life expectancy of a golden retriever.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you or someone in your home is willing to spend 30 to 60 minutes a day playing with and exercising the dog.
• Purchase a hand vacuum if you plan to keep your golden indoors. Its hair will stick to everything.
• Golden retrievers love the water. Keep a towel handy when you go near the ocean or a lake.
• Regular brushing will prevent matting, which can quickly become a nuisance. Note that this breed sheds a lot. The main reason people give up their goldens is because they shed too much. The second reason is that they got bigger than expected.

[ilivetoteach]

on 8/13/2009 Good article, but I would call a golden retriever high maintenance. This is not a dog that entertains itself. My golden is the biggest Mama's girl and wants to be with me constantly.

[ilivetoteach]

on 8/13/2009 This is so sad. I have a golden retriever, and they are the sweetest dogs on earth. All they want is to love you. Could you persuade your parents to give him up to someone who would really take care of him? Is there a golden retriever rescue where you live?

[daytonagirl]

on 5/24/2009 My golden is having extreme hair loss after giving birth to a litter of 8. Any treatment tips or vitamin supplement suggestions?

[svarrone]

on 4/27/2009 hello- my best friend golden- she is only 4 years old.She is really a fighter, she had liver failure about 6 months ago- her chance of making it were slim. I told the vet "do everything in your power to save her" I was so glad she MADE IT through.Now recently she diagnoise as pancreatitis, I am really physically, emotionally, mentally drained at the same time I am trying to be strong for her. She is on a special diet. She really doesnt like her prescription food. Is there any way I could make her homemade low fat food??? Any suggestion would be greatly appreciate. Thank you so much--Golden paws-

[dpitcher67]

on 1/20/2009 Please, any
tips or advice would be great, thanks.