Get

In Your Inbox

Dogster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

6 Common Golden Retriever Health Issues to Watch Out For

Dogster_Health Problems of Golden Retriever

The Golden Retriever is one of the most common breeds of dogs across North America. Their family-friendly demeanor and goofy personality draw many people in putting them at the top of the list of favorite dogs. Golden Retrievers are characterized by their big brown eyes, fluffy tails, and big smiles. Their golden coat color comes from their name, “golden,” but they can also be a stark white color.

With every dog comes the possibility of health issues that are common to their specific breed. The Golden Retriever is unfortunately not any different. When you choose to go with this breed, it’s important to keep an eye out for common signs of issues that could arise down the line. Continue reading to learn about the top health issues Golden Retrievers might encounter in their life.

divider dog paws oct 2024

The 6 Most Common Golden Retriever Health Issues

1. Cancer

There are a few types of cancer that can affect the Golden Retriever in their lifetime. These cancers can originate throughout different areas of the dog’s body, such as the lymph nodes, heart, spleen, and liver. Of course, cancers that possibly originate in one organ can eventually spread through a dog’s body to other organs, attacking their overall health.

With cancer diagnoses, usually chemotherapy ends up being the preferred form of treatment. Cancers in pets can be found through health and behavior changes.

Signs:
  • Lumps under/in the skin
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Behavioral changes
  • Low energy
  • Weight loss
sick golden retriever
Image Credit: 135pixels, Shutterstock

2. Skin Conditions

Golden Retrievers are prone to different skin conditions such as hot spots and conditions that can result in severe itchiness and irritated skin. These conditions can result in inflammation, redness, dry skin, and even bacterial infections if left untreated.

Hot spots can be seen across different breeds of dogs and are usually characterized by areas of the skin where dogs are incessantly licking, areas where fur has decreased, and scabbing. These are relatively common and can be treated quickly and efficiently. You will usually see this occur behind the ears, under a dog’s neck, and around their hips.

Signs:
  • Red spots on the skin
  • Licking and chewing
  • Loss of fur
  • Scabs and pus

3. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia

hip dysplasia in dogs
You are free to use this image but we do require you to link back to Dogster.com for credit.

This breed has issues with its joints, especially as they age. Typically, it’s in their hips and elbows, which is understandable, seeing as they are active dogs with bigger middle bodies. Also, being animals who function on all fours, joint issues are relatively common across different dog breeds.

Hip and elbow dysplasia is caused by poorly formed joints, which results in the bones at the joints rubbing against each other. This, of course, is a natural process as we move around but when the bone isn’t sitting correctly in the joint socket, it can cause issues over time. This is usually seen in older dogs as it’s a condition that develops and gets worse over time.

Signs:
  • Slow when getting up
  • Unusual walking or limping
  • Not wanting to go upstairs or jump

4. Heart Conditions

There are a few different heart conditions and diseases that can affect Golden Retrievers negatively throughout their lifetime. Some can be inherited from their parents and others can be developed as they age. Other heart conditions, such as Nutritional Dilated Cardiomyopathy (Nutritional CDM), can be brought on by choosing a grain-free diet when not suggested by a veterinarian.

These heart conditions and diseases take different forms but may eventually result in changes to the structures of the heart and blood flow. When the heart isn’t receiving enough blood and oxygen, it can result in heart damage.

Signs:
  • Breathing issues
  • Weakness
  • Less active

Seek veterinary advice if you’re concerned about your pet’s well-being.

Did you know you can talk to a vet online? Click on the image or button below to schedule a call: PangoVet_Mention-in-Content Savings V1



5. Eye Conditions

Golden Retrievers are prone to eye issues like obstructed vision and even blindness. They can be affected by cataracts, which result in a clouding in a dog’s eyes. There are different levels of cataracts, and they can increasingly affect the life of your dog depending on how advanced the clouding is. This clouding can usually be seen by a white film developing in your dog’s eyes, and it can be rather obvious how bad the cataracts are by observing how much of the eye is covered.

Signs:
  • Change in eye color
  • Irritated eyes
  • Issues with vision
Golden retriever lying on light floor
Image Credit: Tatyana Vyc, Shutterstock

6. Hypothyroidism

Another health issue that is common in Golden Retrievers is hypothyroidism. This is a condition that is a result of a decreased level of essential hormones being produced from the thyroid (located in the neck). It is a condition that more often affects larger-sized dogs, so, therefore, it makes the list of common health issues for Golden Retrievers.

The most common sign of hypothyroidism is weight gain that has not been brought on by other possible conditions or diet changes. It can also be brought on by a poor immune system.

Signs:
  • Unexplained weight gain
  • Low levels of energy
  • Skin issues

divider dog paws oct 2024

Final Thoughts

If you choose to get a Golden Retriever, it’s important to keep these common health issues in mind so that you know how to properly care for them. It can also be a useful list to be aware of if you notice any behavioral changes or issues with their skin, energy levels, diet, and more.

Keep your dog healthy by grooming them regularly, going for regular check-ups at the vet, and keeping an eye out for different signs or changes in their health.


Featured Image Credit: StudioByTheSea, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Dogster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

The Vet Clinic Is Booked for the Day, What Do I Do? 5 Vet Approved Steps & Options

Sometimes, our pets need to go to the vet; it’s just a fact of life. Many times, when our pet requires a vet...

Are Dog Whistles Harmful to Dogs? Facts & FAQ

There are various ways to train dogs and helpful tools that make communication with dogs easier. One common training tool that people use...

10 Best Shampoos for Havanese in 2025: Reviews & Top Picks

Bathing your dog can be a great way to bond, as long as you have the right shampoo. The proper shampoo will help...

Cane Corso Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix: Info, Pictures, Care & More

When you fall in love with two dog breeds and are having trouble deciding between them, sometimes going for a mixed breed might...

More related

Do Mini Australian Shepherds Bark a Lot? Vet-Verified Facts & FAQ

Small dogs have a bad reputation for barking all the time. While it’s a behavior you can reduce with training, some dogs like...

3 Alaskan Dog Breeds That Originated in Alaska (With Info & Pictures)

When most people think of Alaskan dogs, they probably imagine the Alaskan Husky. This is one of the more common breeds of dog...

Are Puppies Born With Worms? Vet-Verified Signs, Treatment & Prevention

Puppies are a lot like human babies in that you have to feed them several times daily, take them to the doctor regularly,...

How to Potty Train a Bernese Mountain Dog: 9 Vet Approved Tips (With Pictures)

One of the most frustrating parts of bringing a new dog into the home is potty training them. And with a Bernese Mountain...

Keep reading

8 Foods for Dogs That Reduce Inflammation: Canine Health & Wellness

Inflammation is not always a bad thing. It happens when your dog’s body is trying to heal from an illness or injury. It is a crucial response that is meant to protect the body. But when inflammation becomes chronic and...

West Highland White Terrier dog at home eating

Merrick Dog Food Review 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary Garth Merrick founded Merrick Pet Care in 1988 out of a desire to create homemade food for his dog, Gracie. He crafted his recipes in Hereford, Texas, where the company still has offices. Merrick prides itself on producing...

Dogster_Merrick Dog Food Review

10 Best Low-Protein Dog Foods in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Protein is an essential part of a dog’s diet, but there may be situations in which your dog may need a low-protein dog food due to health reasons, such as kidney or liver disease. Most dog food brands are high...

Schnauzer puppy dog eating tasty dry food from bowl

10 Best Grain-Free Dog Food in Australia in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Looking for the best grain-free dog food in Australia? Look no further! We’ve got you covered with our comprehensive reviews of the top grain-free dog foods on the market. Be sure to speak with your veterinarian if grain-free is required...

Ziwi Peak Air-Dried Dog Food new

10 Best Dog Foods for Colitis in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

So, your dog has been diagnosed with colitis. Colitis is a condition of a dog’s colon, the large intestine, or bowels. It is a common, inflammatory disease that is the main cause of diarrhea. Watching the stress and discomfort your...

white and brown dog eating in a food bowl

Can Dogs Eat Wheat? Vet-Verified Nutrition Facts & Info

If you check the dog food aisle in most pet stores, you will see an abundance of grain-free and wheat-free foods. There is a modern belief that dogs benefit from this kind of diet. While it is unlikely that a...

Close up of wheat grains and wheat ears

11 Best Eco-Friendly & Sustainable Dog Foods in 2025 – Reviews & Top Picks

Many people are implementing more eco-friendly lifestyles to help take care of our environment and those around us. There is no doubt supporting sustainable practices in the pet food industry has some all-encompassing benefits. For eco-friendly pet parents, finding food...

pouring dog food

7 Best Dog Foods for Standard Poodles in 2025: Reviews & Top Picks

Poodles come in standard, miniature, and toy sizes. While Poodles have a reputation for being proper and regal, they are also known for being mischievous and playful. Not only is the Standard Poodle one of the most popular breeds to...

standard poodle at the beach