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.

Heartworms are another area of common Golden Retriever health problems. Heartworms can grow up to twelve inches and develop in the heart and lung arteries of the dog. If heartworms are left untreated then they can result in heart failure, decrease of blood circulation and death in extreme cases. It is best to prevent heartworms from happening in the first place with a simple heartworm medication since the symptoms of heartworms are typically not noticed until the condition is very severe.

Tapeworms are another parasite condition that you have to watch for with your Golden Retriever. Flea larva causes tapeworms and symptoms include weight loss, diarrhea and a biting of the rectal area. You can help prevent tapeworms in your Golden Retriever by using a rigid flea control. If you notice signs of either heartworms or tapeworms then you should take your dog to the vet right away. Both conditions can be treated or at least your dog can live with the condition through medications by taking your dog to the vet before it is too late.

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.

These are just a few of the most common Golden Retriever health problems, but there are many other ailments that can affect your Golden Retriever. If you notice any sign of ailments, diseases or health problems then you should never hesitate to contact your vet and get an appointment as soon as possible. With any medical condition there is a better chance of treating it early than if you wait until it has progressed too far.