How To Train A Dog

Many people feel that Golden Retrievers are the best purebred dog a family can own. They make extraordinary pets. Like any other dog, they require proper diet, exercise, and veterinarian checkups should be routine. Golden Retrievers do experience some hereditary ailments, but with preventative medical treatment, these Golden Retriever health problems can be controlled.

The Golden Retriever is a friendly and loving dog breed that originates from England and Scotland. It is best to get one of these dogs when it is a puppy or a young dog. With lots of love, food, and exercise, this dog will provide years of companionship and loyalty to its owner. You will need to pay attention to some of the health problems that are associated with these dogs as well.

As Golden Retrievers get older, they are prone to a hereditary joint disease known as Hip Dysplasia. This is a form of arthritis that starts in the dog’s joints and can spread to other parts of the body. It is virtually impossible to know if your dog has inherited this ailment. But the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) has developed radiographic standards and processes that can determine if the animal may have inherited it from its parents.

When purchasing a Golden Retriever as a pet or as a breeding dog, it is important to research a common health problem that they can also inherit called Von Willebrand disease. This is a bleeding disorder that causes blood platelets to not clump together properly. They will not stick to the walls of blood vessels and inhibit the normal blood clotting process.

Another health problem found in Golden Retrievers is congenital eye defects. These are also hereditary. These eye defects can include cataracts and Central Progressive Retinal Atrophy which affects how the eyes receive light. The first sign of this problem is when the dog has trouble with its night vision or is not able to see clearly in low light.

When you are looking for a Golden Retriever, do not hesitate to ask the breeder or vet questions about the potential health risks of the dog. You will want to take the dog to a veterinarian that you are comfortable with for an examination. The vet will check for skin abnormalities, joint problems, and heart problems. Any trustworthy breeder will be happy to answer all of your questions and provide you with the information that you need for the dog.

Animals, just like humans, are always at risk for inheriting certain diseases. This should prohibit you from becoming a pet owner. It is not hard to find healthy dogs. The key to being a good pet owner is to take responsibility of keeping the dog healthy and preventing serious medical conditions.

There are many things that pet owners can do to ensure that their dog is healthy for years. Feeding the dog quality food regularly and in the recommended amounts is the main thing. Low quality foods contain large quantities of wheat, corn, or soy and are not good for most pure bred dogs. Many of these breeds are allergic to these grains. Soy-based foods should not be included in the diet of a Golden Retriever at all.

When it comes to Golden Retrievers, a proper diet should consist of lean meats and proteins and vegetables. Combine that with daily exercise and a caring home life, and many of the Golden Retriever health problems can be prevented. You will enjoy a happy healthy companion for years to come.

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