Search:

Proper Golden Retriever Care

From time to time your Golden Retriever can experience some common health problems. Most of the time, Golden Retriever health problems won't be anything serious, but you will need to know how to treat and prevent them just the same. There are several common Golden Retriever health problems that it is important you take steps to protect your dog from.

The first of these is the distemper virus, which is an airborne disease. This disease can easily be avoided by getting your Golden Retriever their three vaccinations when they are between six and sixteen weeks of age and then maintaining their yearly booster shot. If your Golden Retriever hasn't been vaccinated yet then the signs you should be on the lookout for include fever, cough, diarrhea and vomiting. If you notice any of these signs then it is important that you take your Golden Retriever to the vet right away and begin treatment.

Parasites such as heartworms and tapeworms are another area of common Golden Retriever health problems. Heartworms develop in the heart and lung arteries of dogs and can sometimes grow up to twelve inches long. Heart failure, decrease of blood circulation and death in extreme cases can result if heartworms are left untreated. A simple heartworm medicine can help you prevent heartworms from happening in the first place, which is best since heartworm symptoms are typically not noticed until the condition has progressed to the severe stage.

Tapeworms result from fleas and some symptoms you should watch for include weight loss, diarrhea and a biting of the rectal area. Using a rigid flea control can help you to prevent tapeworms in your Golden Retriever. Take your dog to the vet right away if you notice signs of either parasite. You dog can live with either condition through medications or actually be treated but only if you take them to the vet before it is too late.

Rabies is one of the more serious of the Golden Retriever health problems. This is because rabies can have an adverse affect on your dog's nervous system. Typically the disease is transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. You should get your dog a yearly shot in order to prevent the disease.

Seizures, aggression and foaming at the mouth are some symptoms of rabies that you should be aware of. If you suspect your Golden Retriever may have rabies it is important to call your vet immediately.

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.

Article Source: http://www.articleadventure.com

About the author: Carol Matthews is a passionate lover of the Golden Retriever and owns 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.

Please Rate this Article

Not yet Rated