5 Common Health Issues for Golden Retrievers: Prevention & Treatment

Golden Retrievers have a special place in our hearts—and we know they do in yours, too. As one of the most popular breeds in the U.S. and a frequent visitor at our hospital, Goldens are cherished for their gentle temperament, loyalty, and joyful energy. 

As your veterinary care team, our goal is to help your Golden stay healthy, active, and thriving for as many years as possible. While they bring endless love and happiness, they’re also more likely to develop certain health issues that are important to monitor. 

Here are the top five health concerns we commonly see in Golden Retrievers—and how we can work together to catch them early: 

1. Bone & Joint Issues 

Golden Retrievers are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, conditions where the joints don’t form properly and can become loose or unstable. Over time, this can cause inflammation, pain, and lead to arthritis. They’re also at higher risk for cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries, a common cause of sudden limping or lameness in active dogs. These joint issues can significantly impact your Golden’s comfort and mobility, particularly as they get older. 

How we can help: 

• Physical Examination – We carefully observe your Golden’s movement, including how they walk, sit, and stand. During the exam, we also assess range of motion in the joints and perform gentle palpation to check for pain, stiffness, swelling, or abnormal joint movement, all of which can be early signs of joint disease. 
• Genetic testing – Since hip and elbow dysplasia often have a hereditary component, genetic screening can help identify whether your Golden is at increased risk, assisting with early intervention. 
• X-rays – X-rays allow us to see the internal structure of the joints, helping us identify abnormalities in bone development, joint alignment, and early arthritic changes that may not be visible on the outside. 
• Medical Management – For dogs diagnosed with joint issues, we often recommend a combination of joint supplements, prescription diets, anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), and physical therapy. These treatments can slow disease progression, manage pain, and improve your Golden’s quality of life. 
• Surgical Intervention – In more advanced or severe cases of joint disease or injury, surgery may be the most effective option to significantly reduce pain, improve joint function, and help your dog return to a more active, comfortable life. 

2. Skin Allergies and Ear Infections

Golden Retrievers’ thick, water-resistant coats and floppy ears may be part of their charm, but they also make them more susceptible to skin allergies and recurring ear infections. Moisture can easily get trapped in their ears, creating the perfect environment for bacteria or yeast, while their skin may react to environmental allergens or certain foods. 

If your Golden is scratching, shaking their head, licking or chewing certain spots, or just seems uncomfortable, it could be a sign of an underlying issue. Watch for symptoms like redness, odor, discharge, scabs, or hair loss, these are all cues that a veterinary visit may be needed. 

How we can help: 

• Skin / Ear Cytology – We examine samples under a microscope to check for infections like bacteria, yeast, or mites. This helps us choose the most effective medication based on what’s actually causing the problem. 
• Culture Testing – This goes a step further than cytology. It helps us identify the exact type of bacterial or fungal infection that’s making your Golden uncomfortable and determines which medications will work best to treat it. 
• Allergy Tests – Blood or skin testing can reveal environmental allergy triggers. This helps us develop a personalized allergy treatment plan that may include immunotherapy. ● Food Trials – If we suspect a food allergy, we may try different diets to determine if food is the underlying issue. 
• Medications – We provide options for both immediate relief and long-term management of skin and ear issues related to allergies or infections. 

3. Obesity 

Golden Retrievers have hearty appetites and can easily gain extra weight, but carrying those extra pounds can lead to serious health problems. Obesity adds stress to their joints, making issues like hip dysplasia and arthritis worse, and it also raises the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and a shorter life expectancy. While overeating and insufficient exercise are common causes, underlying medical conditions such as hormonal imbalances can also play a role. That’s why regular check-ups and keeping an eye on their weight are so important. 

How we can help: 

• Weight Checks – We carefully track your Golden’s weight at every visit to monitor changes over time. Regular weight measurements help us identify gradual gains or losses that might not be obvious at home, allowing for early intervention. 
• Body Condition Scoring (BCS) – This is a hands-on assessment where we evaluate your dog’s fat coverage and muscle tone to determine their overall body condition. BCS helps us not only identify if your Golden is overweight or underweight, but also estimate how much weight they need to lose or gain to reach a healthy, balanced state. This personalized evaluation guides our nutrition and exercise recommendations to get your Golden to an ideal weight safely.
• Blood Tests – Blood work is important to rule out underlying medical issues that can contribute to weight changes, such as hypothyroidism or other hormonal imbalances. Detecting these conditions early ensures your Golden receives the right treatment alongside diet and lifestyle adjustments. 

4. Heart Disease 

Golden Retrievers are prone to heart conditions, especially as they get older. One common congenital issue is subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS), while acquired problems like valvular disease and dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) can develop later in life. Early diagnosis is crucial for effective management and care. 

How we can help: 

• Physical exam – We listen closely for heart murmurs, abnormal rhythms, or breathing changes during your Golden’s check-up to determine if additional testing should be done. 
• Diagnostic Imaging – Chest X-rays and ultrasound (echocardiogram) allow us to visualize the heart and lungs in detail. These tools are essential for diagnosing heart disease and determining whether long-term medication or ongoing monitoring is needed. 
• Electrocardiogram (ECG) – We use this test to detect irregular heart rhythms and monitor electrical activity, which can guide treatment and prevent potentially fatal events. ● Ongoing management – If heart disease is diagnosed, we’ll create a tailored care plan with medication, diet changes, and regular monitoring to keep your Golden as healthy and active as possible. 

5. Cancer 

Sadly, cancer is a leading cause of death in Golden Retrievers. This is particularly true in their older years, but unfortunately has become more frequent in middle-aged Goldens as well. They are especially susceptible to lymphoma, hemangiosarcoma, and mast cell tumors. Catching these cancers early can greatly improve treatment outcomes and quality of life. Watch for warning signs such as lumps or bumps, unexplained weight loss, low energy, changes in appetite, or unusual bleeding. 

How we can help: 

• Physical Exams – Regular nose-to-tail exams help us detect lumps, bumps, or abnormalities early. 
• Diagnostic Imaging – X-rays and ultrasounds can help us see what’s going on inside the body and guide further testing. 
• Cytology & Biopsy – If we find a suspicious lump, we can examine cells under a microscope or send a larger sample to the lab for accurate diagnosis.
• Bloodwork – Blood tests can help identify internal changes that may point to cancer or other underlying conditions. 
• Treatment Planning – If cancer is diagnosed, we’ll guide you through the next steps, whether it’s surgery, medication, or referral to a veterinary oncologist. 

We’re committed to caring for your Golden as if they were part of our family. Book an appointment today so we can work together to keep your devoted companion happy, healthy, and thriving for many years ahead. Give us a call at (954) 473-8090 or book an appointment here!