Health Concerns for Golden Retriever Puppies
Golden retriever puppies are adorable, beautiful, and lovable animals. Unfortunately, they have some health concerns that you should be aware of. Some of these issues are hypothyroidism, skin allergies, and socialization. Here are some tips you can use to help your dog live a healthier life.[1]
Skin Allergies
If your Golden Retriever is suffering from itching or scratching, there are a few things you can do to get it under control. First, you should identify the cause. Then you can try home remedies or see your veterinarian.
Skin allergies in Golden Retrievers can be caused by a variety of factors, including ear infections, fleas and food intolerances. These conditions can lead to secondary skin and bacterial infections.[2] Fortunately, if you know the cause, you can find a good treatment.
Ear infections can be treated with regular ear cleaning and antifungal medication. Bacterial infections can also be treated with antibiotics. However, you should keep in mind that over-the-counter remedies aren’t effective. It’s always best to consult your veterinarian.
During an allergic reaction, your dog’s immune system overreacts to certain substances. When you take your dog to the vet, he can tell you the cause and recommend a treatment. Some symptoms of an allergy include itching, scratching, redness and a rash.[3]
Dog skin allergies can be difficult to diagnose. You may need to perform several tests. For example, if your dog is having an ear infection, your vet can take a blood sample. A blood test can determine if your dog is allergic to an allergen.
In addition to ear problems, you should pay attention to your pup’s behavior. Scratching and chewing can also be a symptom of skin irritation. Your veterinarian can prescribe an itch relief medication.
If you suspect your Golden Retriever is having a skin or ear problem, visit your veterinarian right away. Getting it diagnosed and treated immediately is the best way to avoid further repercussions.
Food allergies are harder to diagnose. But if your pup has an allergy, you should try to find a good diet for him.[4]
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism in dogs is caused by the thyroid gland not producing enough of the thyroid hormone. When it is untreated, it can cause diabetes, obesity, high cholesterol, nervous system issues, and even death.
Fortunately, hypothyroidism in dogs is treatable, and can dramatically improve the quality of life for both your dog and you. In order to diagnose the condition, your veterinarian may run a series of blood tests.
Your dog’s total thyroxine (T4) level is a key factor in determining whether or not he has hypothyroidism. The lower the total T4 level, the more likely it is that your dog is suffering from the disease.
Once the diagnosis is made, the next step is to provide your dog with the correct medication. This can be done through oral medication, called levothyroxine. It is a synthetic form of the hormone, and is given orally twice a day until the dog’s coat has returned to normal.
There are several factors that can affect your dog’s total thyroxine levels, and your vet will work with you to determine which of these is most important to him. Often, hypothyroidism is diagnosed when the dog is between four and ten years old. However, dogs of any age can develop the disease.[5]
Before hypothyroidism is diagnosed, your veterinarian will run a series of blood tests to rule out other conditions. The results of these tests can be used in conjunction with the results of the thyroid tests to make a more accurate diagnosis.
A blood test can be performed at your veterinarian’s office or at an external lab. Typically, the blood sample is taken before or within six hours of administering the medication.
Socialization
Socialization of golden retriever puppies is an important aspect of canine care. If you want your dog to become a well-mannered, confident, and responsible member of your family, you need to make the proper introductions and follow some simple guidelines.
For starters, you need to make sure that you introduce your dog to people of all shapes and sizes. This is the perfect time to show your Golden Retriever the world around it. You can do this by taking him for a walk. But keep in mind that he may not have developed a sense of direction yet. That’s why you need to take him on a daily walk or at least a short trip to the park.[6]
Next, you need to get him used to the different sights, sounds, and smells of everyday life. This is not an easy task. However, by doing so, you’ll be sure that your pup is a well-rounded canine citizen.
One of the easiest ways to start socializing your puppy is by bringing him to a puppy class. These classes are held at various dog training centers and provide a fun and controlled environment to learn about canine behavior.
There are also many puppy daycare facilities that will let your dog play with other dogs and humans for several hours each day. However, you’ll still need to be prepared to handle your pup at home. Make sure that your pup has been properly vaccinated and has been introduced to the right people.
The most important part of the process is not just getting your pup used to the concept of being around other people. To ensure that your dog’s introductions are not too traumatic, you need to stick to a schedule. And don’t be too harsh with your pup when he misbehaves. In fact, it’s always a good idea to reward him when he behaves nicely.
Training
Training your Golden retriever puppy will take time, effort, and love. The trick is to give your dog the training they need to become a well-mannered member of the household.[7]
The best way to train your pet is to establish boundaries and rules early on. While you may not be able to get your pup to behave, you can train him to avoid doing things you don’t want him to.
One of the best ways to do this is by socializing him. This includes visiting friends and family, and spending time at dog parks.
Another way to make your puppy a better pet is to make sure he’s getting adequate exercise. You can do this by setting up a daily routine that incorporates playtime and a walk. Keeping your puppy on a regular schedule can help prevent boredom and keep him from becoming destructive.
Similarly, a daily schedule should also include feeding times and a designated place to poop. Make this area visually distinct so that your puppy knows where to go.
Using a dog crate or small fence to keep your pup in one area can be useful. In addition, it can be a good idea to let your pup play with other pets in the house. By allowing your pup to interact with other animals, he’ll learn how to play well with others.[8]
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of a well-executed potty training routine. A Golden retriever will need to be trained to use the bathroom on a regular basis, and you don’t want to spend your time trying to coax him out of his crate.
There are many ways to train your puppy to perform tasks you would normally require a human, like sitting or lying down. If you don’t have the time to teach your puppy these skills, hiring a professional can be an option.
Diet
When you choose a diet for your Golden Retriever puppy, you’ll want to get the right mix of foods and nutrients. The proper diet can help your puppy develop strong bones and joints, and encourage healthy growth.
You’ll also want to keep an eye on your dog’s weight. These dogs can become overweight quickly. It’s important to feed them consistent amounts of food, so that they stay at a healthy weight.[9]
To provide your puppy with the energy they need, make sure they’re eating three meals a day. This allows them to digest their food properly, and avoid life-threatening bloat.
If you choose to go the route of a raw diet, you’ll need to be careful. Some raw diets are too rich for puppies, which can lead to digestive problems.
Raw diets for dogs should include fruits, vegetables, and raw meaty bones. You can find these foods at your local pet store. But remember to read the ingredients. Fruits, for instance, are loaded with cyanide, which is dangerous in large doses.
Similarly, you should be careful about the amount of water your dog takes. Dogs are known to overeat when they’re given too much water. Excessive water after eating can cause malnutrition.
For a balanced diet, look for dog food that has at least 30 percent protein. You can also use foods like chicken and fish as protein sources.
A healthy diet also includes carbohydrates. Carbohydrates give your puppy’s body the energy it needs to work. Also, a balanced diet will also include healthy fats. Fats are found in meats and oils, and are essential to your puppy’s development.[10]
When choosing a diet for your Golden Retriever, you should consider what type of puppy food your dog is most accustomed to. If your dog has special dietary needs, consult a veterinarian.[11]
