Top 5 Health Issues for Golden Retrievers & a Guide for Treatment and Prevention

Golden Retrievers hold a special place in our hearts, and we know they do in yours too. As one of the most popular dog breeds in America—and one of the most beloved breeds we see here at our hospital,Goldens are known for their gentle nature, loyalty, and joyful spirit. 

As your veterinary care team, we’re here to help your Golden stay healthy, active, and happy for as many years as possible. While they bring so much love into our lives, Golden Retrievers are also prone to a few specific health conditions that are important to keep an eye on. 

Here are the top five health concerns we commonly see in Goldens—and how we can help detect them early: 

1. Bone & Joint Issues

Goldens are predisposed to hip and elbow dysplasia, where the joints develop abnormally and become loose or unstable. This can lead to joint inflammation, pain, and eventually arthritis. They’re also at risk for cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) injuries, a common cause of sudden limping and lameness in active dogs. These joint problems can greatly affect your Golden’s comfort and mobility, especially as they age. 

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

Goldens have a thick, water-resistant coat and floppy ears—features that make them adorable, but also more prone to skin allergies and chronic ear infections. Their ears can trap moisture, leading to bacterial or yeast overgrowth, while their skin may be sensitive to environmental allergens or certain foods. 

If your Golden is scratching at their ears or skin, shaking their head, licking or chewing at certain areas, or seems generally uncomfortable, it might be time for a check-up. Redness, odor, discharge, scabs, or hair loss are all signs that something’s not right. 

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 tailor your Golden’s diet and develop a personalized allergy treatment plan. ● 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

Goldens love to eat and are prone to weight gain—but extra pounds can lead to serious health issues. Obesity puts added strain on their joints, worsens conditions like hip dysplasia and arthritis, and increases the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and a shorter lifespan. While overfeeding and lack of exercise are common causes, medical conditions like hormonal imbalances can also contribute to weight gain. That’s why regular checkups and weight monitoring 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

Goldens can develop heart conditions, particularly as they age. Subvalvular aortic stenosis (SAS) is a congenital heart defect seen in Goldens, while acquired conditions like valvular disease or dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) may appear later in life. Early detection is key to managing these effectively. 

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

Unfortunately, cancer is one of the most common causes of death in Goldens, especially as they grow older. They are particularly prone to lymphoma, hemangiosarcoma, and mast cell tumors. Early detection can significantly impact treatment success and comfort. Warning signs include lumps or bumps, unexplained weight loss, lethargy, 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. 
• Biopsy & Cytology – If we find a suspicious lump, we can examine cells under a microscope or send a 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 here to care for your Golden like one of our own. Schedule a visit today so we can partner with you to keep your loyal companion happy, healthy, and thriving for years to come. Give us a call at (954) 748-2002 or book online here.