Tips To Caring For A Golden Retriever

From time to time your Golden Retriever can be affected by some common health problems. In general these problems are not usually anything too serious as long as you know how to treat and prevent them properly. In order to keep your dog healthy you need to take the proper steps to protect them from the most common Golden Retriever health problems.

The distemper virus an airborne disease is the first of these Golden Retriever health problems. Getting your Golden Retriever their three vaccinations when they are between the age of six and sixteen weeks and then maintaining the booster shot every year is the best way to prevent this disease. Fever, cough, diarrhea and vomiting are some signs you should watch for if your dog has never been vaccinated against distemper. Any Golden Retriever with these signs should be taken to the vet right away so that treatment can be started.

Another of the common Golden Retriever health problems is heartworm. These develop in the heart and lung arteries and can be up to twelve inches in length. If left untreated heartworms can lead to heart failure, decrease of blood circulation and death in extreme cases. Since the symptoms of heartworms don't show up until the condition is very severe it is better to prevent the condition from happening in the first place by giving heartworm medicines.

Parasites that you also have to watch for include tapeworms, which are caused by fleas. Symptoms to watch for with tapeworms include weight loss, diarrhea and a biting of the rectal area. Using a rigid flea control can help to prevent tapeworms in your Golden Retriever. Take your dog to the vet right away if they are showing signs of either heartworms or tapeworms. Your veterinarian may be able to treat both conditions or at least provide you with medications to help your dog live with the condition.

A more serious disease of the Golden Retriever health problems is rabies. The reason for this is because it has an adverse affect on your dog's nervous system. The disease is typically transferred from the bite of another infected animal. To prevent this disease you should get your dog the yearly shot that can help prevent the disease.

Symptoms to rabies to be aware of include seizures, aggression and foaming at the mouth. Call your vet immediately if you suspect your Golden Retriever might have rabies.

While these are just a few Golden Retriever health problems there are many other ailments that can affect your dog. You should never hesitate to contact your vet and get an appointment as soon as possible if you notice any signs of ailments, diseases or health problems.

With any medical condition there is a better chance of treating it early than if you wait until it has progressed too far.

By: Carol Matthews

Carol Matthews is a passionate lover of the Golden Retriever and has a popular website where you'll discover how to have a happy, healthy and well behaved Golden Retriever. Among other topics at this website, you can also learn all about Golden Retriever Care plus a whole lot more.

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