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 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.

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.

If you suspect any signs of ailments, diseases or health problems then you should contact your vet right away and set up an appointment since there is a better chance of treating medical conditions if they are caught early rather than waiting until the conditions as progressed too far.