There are around six major conditions or diseases that Golden Retrievers most frequently suffer with. Golden Retrievers are by no means unhealthy animals. In fact, they are one of the healthier breeds out there. But there are common problems that Golden Retrievers can struggle with and it behooves the owner to know what they are in order to keep an eye out for them.

Skin diseases are one of the top problems with Golden Retrievers. They could have causes as simple as a flea itch or mosquito bite that can cause their skin to be irritated and inflamed. The dogs will worry or bite on that spot until they cut themselves or cause something known as a hot spot. A red, moist and raw spot is known as a hot spot and it can grow in size every time the dog worries it. It normally requires a bandage or a special collar to stop the dog from touching the area so as to give it time to recover.

Golden Retrievers can be more susceptible to allergies in comparison to other dogs. A probable cause is wheat and unfortunately, many commercial dog foods have included wheat in their products. It is not lethal to animals but it can cause them to have problems with their digestion or cause their skin to become inflamed and irritated. If the dog licks its face excessively or scratches constantly, you might have a dog that is allergic.

Beneath the outer layers of the skin, there could be more severe types of diseases. There are different types of fatty lipomas and the severe liposarcoma that can become common as the dogs grow older.

Fatty lipomas are typically benign and will be able to be removed the next time a dog gets his teeth cleaned and gets general anesthesia. They might grow bigger, but they are not a health concern and can be left alone without worry. Liposarcomas, however, are malignant and need to be removed as quickly as possible. They need to undergo treatment as soon as they are diagnosed.

Eye problems, such as cataracts, can be common in Golden Retrievers that are older than the age of 10. Such eye afflictions can lead to poorer vision or even blindness in the dog. There is no treatment for these conditions.

Less frequently seen in Golden Retrievers are problems with the heart, however, should heart problems develop, they are usually subvalvular aortic stenosis or cardiomyopathy. Subvalvular aortic stenosis is an obstruction in the ventricle left vein that will cause a reduction in blood flow. At times, the situation is benign, however the dog will be restrained from running around as aften. When the condition is dangerous, the heart is forced to strain itself, working harder when the heart muscles thicken. This heart problem is usually genetic and the treatment can be beta blockers to mild antibiotics. Surgery is always a possibility but unlike human heart surgery, it has had limited success.

Cardiomyopathy is an acquired disease which is more serious. The reason for this is still unknown although there is a tendency for dogs aged between 4 to 10 to get it. The heart muscle will become weaker and flaccid, and it will degenerate until the dog dies.

Nevertheless, most Golden Retrievers live a long and healthy live. With the right diet and plenty of exercise, your animal has a better shot at living a wonderful life.