Golden Retriever Health Problems Suspected To Be Inherited

Epilepsy: Characterized by seizures, epilepsy can result from environmental sources and viral
infections. While watching your Golden Retriever go through a seizure is very uncomfortable, it
may not be dangerous to your dog's long-term quality of life. You can get medications from your
vet to control the seizures. Do not breed a Golden Retriever that has seizures to avoid the
chance of passing the disorder on to its puppies.

Skin Allergies: The most common medical problem that Golden Retrievers experience is skin
allergies, although it's difficult to know if they are genetic or environmental in nature. Your
Golden may have skin allergies if it obsessively bites or scratches. It can even create bald spots
in its coat if it goes untreated. Skin allergies are a natural reaction to flea, mite, and tick bites
and can be reduced or avoided by regular grooming and shampooing with commercial flea and
tick products. Your Golden could also be allergic to mold and other indoor air pollutants. Regular
house-cleaning should reduce the problem. Diet can be very important to treating and avoiding
allergic reactions in Golden Retrievers, so do your research to find the appropriate feeding
regimen for your dog.

Hypothyroidism: Golden Retrievers affected by this failure of the thyroid gland to function
properly may be obese or have problems maintaining a healthy coat. Some Golden's with
hypothyroidism will also have seizures. However, most problems should resolve upon the
administration of oral medicines. Assuring your Golden is generally healthy by providing a
balanced nutritious diet, plenty of exercise, and a safe living environment will do much to
prevent or reduce the impacts of hypothyroidism. Goldens with this problem may have more
difficulty breeding than you'd expect, although it is recommended that you do not even try to
breed a Golden Retriever with this or other hereditary conditions.

Tips on Selecting and Caring for Your Golden Retriever
These are a few of the medical problems often found in Golden Retrievers. It's an unfortunate
irony that the more popular a dog is, the more likely breeding is to bring out health problems
specific to the breed. One way to avoid these problems is to be very careful in selecting the
breeder, shelter, or pet store that supplies your dog. Insist on reviewing the dog's records, and
inspect the facility. Knowing that the offerer has a passionate love for Golden Retrievers is one
way to assure your Golden is not plagued by the problems that result from breeding and overbreeding
unhealthy dogs.

No matter what symptoms your Golden Retriever exhibits, the careful pet owner does not jump
to conclusions or make uneducated diagnoses. If you are concerned about your Golden, be
sure to take it to the vet as soon as you can. Rely on the education and experience of a certified
veterinarian in identifying health problems and treating them.

List Of Hairless Hypoallergenic Dogs

Called non-shedding dogs, there are many dog breeds that slough off less dog hair and dander
and present less risk to people who have allergies. Many of them have long, silky coats
appropriate for the show world. But if you want a dog that is both non-shedding AND unique,
you might consider shopping for a hairless hypoallergenic dog.

While it's common to assume that these dogs are all tiny, barking pests, you'll find a range of
sizes and temperaments in the hairless hypoallergenic dog category. True, there are more small
hairless hypoallergenic dogs than larger sizes. But you can find a great medium-sized hairless
hypoallergenic dog without too much work.

Four medium-sized hairless hypoallergenic dogs include the Mexican Hairless (also
Xoloitzcuintie or Xolo), the American Hairless Terrier, the hairless Chinese Crested, and the
Peruvian Inca Orchid (called the PIO). You may find it necessary to do your search for breeders
online, as these hairless hypoallergenic dogs are relatively rare.

You may have a harder time finding a Mexican Hairless because there are few breeders
worldwide. The Xolo has a short coat that doesn't need a lot of brushing or combing because its
hair is so short. You won't have to worry about matting either since there's nothing to matt or
tangle. You can find a range of sizes in the Mexican Hairless breed.

The popular American Hairless Terrier is not a true hairless dog, although it does have a short
coat requiring little grooming. The first of this breed was an accident! Appearing in 1972 from
nowhere in a litter of Rat Terriers, its Louisiana owners were able to reproduce the new hairless
variety and have been doing so since the early 1980s. Like its Terrier cousins, the American
Hairless is a friendly, outgoing, small husky dog who lives happily in a small apartment or
townhome.

The Chinese Crested is available in two distinct varieties: the truly hairless and the Powder Puff.
The hairless Chinese Crested still has shocks of hair on its head, tail, and feet that need regular
grooming. The Powder Puff variety and has long fine hair resembling human hair. Both
classified as hypoallergenic dogs due to their limited shedding.

The Peruvian Hairless, or PIO, is a hairless dog. It is medium-sized, intelligent, and friendly.
Being a bit more self-willed than other dogs, the PIO is not for people without experience in
training and disciplining dogs. They need to be socialized early and should be trained in
obedience.
Hairless hypoallergenic dogs generally need regular exercise, generous attention, and close
companionship with their owners and family. Because they don't have the dog hair that normally
protects the skin, they need extra protection outdoors to prevent sunburn and dry skin problems.
They are more susceptible to dry skin rashes and acne, so you may find yourself using special
skin creams to treat pain and itches associated with skin irritations and diseases.
Due to the limited number of hairless hypoallergenic dog breeders, you'll probably want to start
your search on the internet. Be sure to check your breeder's credentials and references. Not all
breeders of hairless hypoallergenic dogs are created equal. Be sure the breeder you choose
has a passion for the dogs, rather than the money he gets.

It's a good idea to visit the breeder before selecting a dog from them. Inspect their facilities and
spend some time with them to learn about their views and attitudes towards their dogs. If you
know someone who already has a hairless hypoallergenic dog, you might want to spend some
time with their pet to get a feel for what life will be like with this type of pet.

Owning a dog is a commitment of time and energy that repays you with tons of love and
companionship. If you have problems with allergies to dog hair, choosing a hairless
hypoallergenic dog may be the perfect solution. Take time to do the research to identify the
breed that will make a perfect companion for you and your family. Accept the fact that you'll be
grooming and bathing your new hairless hypoallergenic dog, and enjoy your new companion for
years to come!

Hypoallergenic Medium Sized Dogs

If you have both have allergies and love dogs, you may be happy with one of the
"hypoallergenic dogs" that sheds less dog hair and dander than other dogs. There are many
small breeds of hypoallergenic dogs that people with allergies can love for years. But if you like
larger dogs better and have the living space for them, never fear! There are several mediumsized
hypoallergenic dogs that will meet your needs as well.
Senor, Yo Quiero a Spanish Water Dog!

Even a person who's allergic to dog hair and dander can find a big loveable shaggy, but
medium-sized hypoallergenic dog! Great news! Spanish Water Dogs look a lot like the popular
Looney Tunes sheep dog. Spanish Water Dogs are fun-loving, intelligent creatures that love to
play, swim, and work. Properly socialized, they are wonderful playmates for your kids. This very
intelligent dog was originally bred as a herdsman, hunter, or guardian, so it'll be more than
happy to play an important role in your family or on your farm. This breed has a unique coat -
curly and long, it almost appears to wear dreadlocks! It is a single-coat breed, meaning it
doesn't have the undercoat that sheds once a year. They will need quite a bit of grooming,
though their unusual coat is a delightful conversation piece! Due to their intelligence and work
ethic, owners of this medium-sized hypoallergenic dog must be able to provide regular,
consistent training, exercise, and interesting activities. Some Spanish Water Dogs have become
effective search dogs, sniffing out bombs, narcotics, and people in disaster situations. They also
make very good therapy dogs.

The Bouvier des Flandres Rules!
Not everyone agrees, but some Bouvier des Flandres owners report the breed to be good for
their allergies. This medium-sized hypoallergenic dog can grow to 90 pounds, and without early
socialization and careful training may have some dominance issues. Originally meant to herd
sheep and cattle, this breed makes an excellent work or guard dog. They are stars, too:
American President Ronald Regan owned one. They have great, shaggy, thick hair that suits
colder climates and outdoor work and play. Their thick hair (not fur) requires a considerable
amount of grooming. Daily to weekly brushing are recommended, and they should be trimmed
at least every six weeks. Due to its deep chest, the Bouvier des Flandres may suffer voluvus
and bloat. While they are relatively calm and lazy indoors, the Bouvier des Flandres does best
when it has a big yard to play in.

Viva the Xoloitzcuintle!
Otherwise known as the Mexican Hairless, or Xolo, the Xoloitzcuintle comes in three sizes, the
largest growing to as large as 60 pounds in some cases (though the average is more like 40
pounds). An extremely rare breed, they are almost completely bald and resemble the dogs
found in Hieroglyphs from Ancient Egypt. Some Xolos do have a thin coat of hair or spots of hair
on their bodies and heads. Rare and ancient, artifacts and pottery evidencing the Xolo in Aztec
and Mayan tombs date back over 3000 years! These medium-sized hypoallergenic dogs are
extremely intelligent, loyal, athletic, and loving. They bond closely with the people who train and
feed them and need early socialization to become good with children. If you are not the pack
leader, your Xolo will be! They are becoming more popular as service and agility dogs.

Even those with a thin coat are easy to groom. While they've been recognized by Mexico's dog
organization, they're not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club. Now, here's the down
side. These dogs, and their breeders, are very rare. They were even thought to be nearly extinct
until the 1950s. They are even hard to find in Mexico. One search revealed only three breeders
in the Western United States and very few in Mexico. So if you want a Xolo, be prepared to wait
patiently until the right one comes along.

Heart Worm, Fleas And Other Parasites

We all want to make sure our dogs are protected from heart worms, fleas, and other parasites
like hook worms, whip worms, round worms, lice, ticks, and other nasty critters that compromise
a dog's health and happiness. There are many new products on the market designed to protect
dogs.

Among one of the most difficult of pests is the flea. Fleas cause serious reactions that indicated
by severe itching and scratching. This can lead to serious infections and dermatitis, which is
difficult and expensive to treat. Fleas also move from pets to people and surroundings. Anyone
who's had a flea-infected carpet or couch can testify to the challenge of getting rid of the pests.
Flea infestations make it difficult dogs to lie down or sleep. In short, fleas make your precious
pet miserable. Not even a dog deserves this life.

Ticks are a serious treat to your dog's health and happiness. Tick bites can lead to secondary
bacterial infections, indicated by puss, swelling, and bad odors. Tick infestations can cause your
dog to become anemic, to become weak and unable to resist other infections and diseases.
If you suspect your dog has fleas or ticks, inspect his fur and skin carefully. Fleas are small, but
you'll be able to see them crawling and jumping around near the roots of the fur. Ticks become
large and swollen with your dog's blood and are easy to spot on close examination. Your vet
can also test for the presence these parasites.

If your vet diagnoses your dog with anemia, it may be caused by a variety of problems. Anemia
is not a disease in itself. It is an indicator of disease. Symptoms of anemia are lethargy and loss
of the pink color in your dog's gums. Normally, 30-35% of a dog's blood is red blood cells. When
it falls below that, your dog is probably anemic.
To protect your dog, it is important to make sure he has regular exams at the vet's office. This
should include analyses of fecal and blood samples to assure your dog is free from parasites
like hook worms.

Your vet can recommend any one of several new medications to deal with these conditions in a
single dose. Products like ivermectin are effective and can be administered by injection, orally,
or by application to the skin. Better yet, many of these drugs can be used as preventive
measures to protect your dog before it falls prey to life-threatening parasites.

Grooming Your Golden Retriever

Brushing your Golden Retriever regularly will help prevent shedding (especially important if you
have allergies) and matting of his fur. Matting is not only unattractive, but it's uncomfortable for
your dog as well. Brushing also helps you remove burs and other foreign matter that could
threaten his health. Regular grooming will help maintain a shiny, healthy coat and enhance your
Golden Retriever's quality of life.

Grooming your Golden Retriever is a time-consuming process. Grooming should be done at
least once, preferably twice, ever week. You can expect to spend about one-half an hour in the
grooming process. The first step in the grooming process is a good brushing. Brush the entire
body, from head to tail. When you've finished brushing, you can use a comb to remove any
remaining loose hair and help distribute oils evenly throughout your Golden Retriever's coat.
While you're accomplishing hair removal, you can also inspect your pet's roots and skin for ticks
and fleas or skin irritations. This will also be a good time to inspect his ears to be sure they're
clean and healthy and trim his nails.

You should give your Golden Retriever regular baths, too. Though it's a little complicated, the
path will keep his coat and skin in good condition and reduce your exposure to allergens. After
brushing to get rid of tangles and loose hair, bathe your Golden Retriever with a shampoo
designed specifically for dogs. Human shampoos are too harsh for a dog's sensitive skin. You'll
find that two baths a month will be sufficient to maintain your Golden's coat. If you do it
consistently, your Golden Retriever's coat will be easier to brush and clean.
Because Golden's have longer fur, it is important to prevent matting. Daily brushing will
accomplish this best, especially if you use metal combs or brushes. Taking the easy way by
cutting the matts out is not advisable, as it could injure your pet, and it will certainly detract from
his naturally beautiful coat. Avoid using scissors for grooming. Brushes and baths are the best
way to prevent matting and maintain your Golden's health.
Trimming your Golden Retriever's nails regularly is also important. Too-long nails are bad for
your dog's health. They can split and bleed profusely. They can change the shape of the foot
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and cause other joint problems if they force your Golden Retriever to walk so as to protect the
too-long nails.
If you have never done it before, it might be wise to take your Golden to the vet to learn how to
do it properly. Most dogs don't like having their nails clipped, and you may pick up some good
hints on how to do it without a struggle. When you do clip your Golden's nails, you should be
aggressive, trimming them about 1/16 inch or 2 millimeters, from the quick. You can expect to
see some bleeding now and then, so keep some styptic power nearby. You'll probably need to
undertake this task every few weeks.

Now, about your Golden Retriever's ears. Their ears are easily infected if you don't clean them
regularly. Ear infections are very painful for dogs, and you'll want to assure your Golden is free
of this health risk. Symptoms that may indicate ear infections include head shaking and
scratching the ears, painful reactions when the ears are touched, discharges or foul odors
coming from the ears, and blisters, swelling, or redness on or around the skin. If you notice any
of these symptoms, you should take your Golden to the vet before the problems get worse or
become irreversible.

You should clean his ears once a week using a commercial ear-cleaning solution to prevent
infection. Many people don't realize that hair can grow inside and into dogs' ears. Use a
hemostat to carefully remove any hair inside the ear canal. Then use cotton or a cloth with the
cleaning solution to gently clean no further than one-half an inch into the ear. Do NOT use Qtips
or alcohol to clean your Golden's ears. And do not use water or a syringe to clean his ears.
Leave this delicate and sometimes dangerous task to the vet. If you use tools like a hemostat,
be sure they are sterile.

Good, regular grooming is essential to the health and well-being of your Golden Retriever. It
takes some time from your daily routine, but it also helps you bond with your pet. If you don't
have the time, you should take your Golden Retriever to a dog-grooming professional. Now
matter how you do it, you must assure that your Golden receives regular grooming and baths.

Grooming And Brushing Tips For Dogs That Are Hypoallergenic

Buying a hypoallergenic dog may be a great solution for reducing your allergic reactions to dog
hair and dander, but you should know that these dogs have special grooming needs. Most
hypoallergenic dogs have short fur that is more like human hair that dog fur. This means that
they shed as much and need as many haircuts as their human companions.

Grooming is a very important part of caring for a hypoallergenic dog, and if you don't have time
to do it yourself, plan on regular visits to the professional groomer. You should plan on daily
brushings and monthly baths. If you don't have the time and can't afford to pay for this service,
you may want to consider getting another breed.

Some of the more popular hypoallergenic dog breeds include terrier, basenji, bichon frise,
poodle, Chinese crested, greyhound, havanese, Irish water spaniel, and shih Tzu. Most of these
are smaller dogs, and many of them are quite temperamental. Until your dog has grown
accustomed to the grooming routine, he may growl and snip at you.

If you can't cope with these temper tantrums, you may want to use the professional groomer to
trim and bathe your hypoallergenic dog. Chain pet stores normally have a grooming department,
and you'll be able to find many groomers in the yellow pages. Some groomers will even come to
you in their mobile grooming vans. But while finding a groomer may be easy, finding one you
can depend on may be more of a challenge.

The first time you trim your hypoallergenic dog's air, you'll decide how long you want to leave
the remaining coat. You may choose the show-dog cut, but you are not limited to that look. After
the trim is done (whether by a groomer or you), inspect the job to be sure the cut is even and
that the dog's skin is cut-, scrape-, and scratch-free. You may need to apply a small amount of
antibiotic to any breaks in the skin as a precaution.

It's a good idea to have your hypoallergenic dog's face hair and nails trimmed at the same time
as the regular cut. Most dogs do not like the pedicure but, with practice patience, you can win
their cooperation. It's important to regularly clip your dog's nails, as they can become a health
hazard if they grow too long. Clip up to about 2 millimeters (1/16 inch) from the cuticle, and
expect at least a little bleeding. Keep styptic powder handy just in case.
Most hypoallergenic dogs will enjoy the daily brushing, and it's important to maintain this habit to
prevent shedding, matting, and "alien" debris from collecting in your dog's coat. If your long-hair
hypoallergenic dog has persistent knots in his fur, you may want to brush it more often or
maintain a closer trim.

Aside from the benefits of good hygiene and proper grooming, caring for your hypoallergenic
dog this way gives you time to share physical affection and devoted attention to your
hypoallergenic dog. Many people who are not comfortable with normal dogs will enjoy the
company of a hypoallergenic dog, so you should maintain a beautiful healthy coat at all times.
Your special hypoallergenic dog may be a bit of a prima dona, and the attention they receive
from both friends and strangers will only confirm their valuable opinions of themselves.

Hypoallergenic breeds tend to be small, cute, and cuddly - if a bit nervous or temperamental.
But if you have allergies or are sensitive to dog fur and dander, you may find a hypoallergenic
dog to be the best friend you ever had. Show him how much you appreciate him by providing,
regular thorough grooming and bathing. You'll be glad you did.

Feeding Your Golden Retriever

Starting your new Golden Retriever puppy out on the right foot by feeding him properly will help
him grow to be a happy, healthy adult. Puppies receive their nutrients from their mother until
they're about 7 weeks old. But at about three weeks, it's time to start giving them puppy food
that has been soaked and mixed to a thin paste that resembles the food they get from mom.
The breeder should have started this process before you pick up your new Golden Retriever
puppy.

Before you bring your Golden Retriever puppy home, be sure to find out exactly what food he's
been given and the times he's been fed. Because puppy stomachs are very sensitive, it's
important to continue the same regimen. When you begin to change to a more mature diet,
gradually transition from 25% new mix with 75% of the old diet to the opposite (75% new and
25% old) over a ten-day period. This will give your Golden Retriever puppy time to adjust to the
new diet without undue discomfort or digestive problems.

When your Golden Retriever puppy is at least 8 weeks old, it is acceptable to separate him from
his mother and bring him home to meet his new family. At first, your new puppy may not show
much interest in eating. Changes this big can be very stressful. Don't force him to eat. Once he
figures out he doesn't have to fit his brothers and sisters to get his fair share, he'll become more
curious and hungry. So don't worry if he only sniffs and nibbles at first.

Puppies need twice the nutrients that adult Golden Retrievers need to stay healthy. Don't be
tempted to use too many treats with your Golden Retriever puppy, as they do not contain
enough nutrients for his healthy growth. For the fist few weeks, stick to the type of food and the
same feeding schedule as he was getting from the breeder. It's hard for a new Golden Retriever
puppy to adjust to changes, and maintaining a stable schedule with familiar food will be a nice
balance to the shock of new surroundings and people. During the transition to the new food,
watch closely for vomiting, loose stool or constipation. If these occur, slow down the transition
until your Golden Retriever puppy adjusts and can eat without becoming upset or ill.
Professionals recommend that puppies should eat three times a day until they are about six
months old. But it's a good idea to take the puppy to your vet as soon as you can. Get him

checked out, and discuss diet and nutrition with your vet. Your vet will be able to give you tips
on appropriate weights so that you can avoid over- or under-feeding your new Golden Retriever
puppy.
The feeding schedule will, of course, be largely determined by your own schedule. But set
regular times, and stick to them. Your new Golden Retriever puppy need stability, and sticking
to a set schedule will help you with house-training, as his bathroom habits will be regular and
predictable. Be sure to provide ample water during and after his meals. Set aside some quiet
time for your Golden Retriever puppy after meals to avoid stomach problems. Expect your
puppy to need to go to the bathroom within an hour or so. Ask the kids not to play with the
puppy for the first hour to hour-and-a-half after he eats.

When your Golden Retriever puppy has learned to sleep through the night, make it a habit to
take him outside for a potty break each morning. Then feed him, allowing for about an hour of
quiet time afterward. Stick to your feeding schedule as much as you possibly can. You should
schedule the last feeling at last an hour or so before you plan to go to bed so that you can give
him a potty break before everyone settles in for a good night's rest. Until your Golden Retriever
puppy is house-broken, provide puppy pads or newspapers near (not in) his sleeping area in
case he can't wake you up for a trip outside.

By the time your Golden Retriever puppy is 8 to 10 weeks old, he should be on a diet of dry dog
food. You can add a little warm water to make it more appetizing, but don't use canned or moist
dog food. These are mostly water and not nearly as nutritious as the dry foods. The warm water
will encourage your Golden Retriever puppy to eat all his food, though you may need to sit with
him and add more warm water a little at a time. From three to six months, your Golden Retriever
puppy will be teething. He may appear to be sick, but unless it lasts over two days, don't worry.
It's growing pains.

Never feed your Golden Retriever puppy table scraps. They are likely to upset his stomach, and
they are not the nutrition he needs at this stage of his growth. As your puppy grows, his
stomach will grow, and he'll eat more. At about six months, you should begin to feed him twice a
day, in the morning and at night, but continue to use a diet of puppy food. Being larger dogs,
you may want to keep your Golden Retriever on puppy food well into his second year. But you
should reduce feeding to once per day, always offering plenty of water during and after his
meal. When you do switch to adult dog foods, be sure to select a quality brand with adequate
nutrition for your Golden Retriever.

If you follow these guidelines and show your new Golden Retriever plenty of love and affection,
you'll give him a great start to a long, happy, healthy lifetime with your family. He'll be a valuable
and beloved member of your family for years.