The very first step to being a responsible pet parent is educating yourself on how to care for your dog properly. Especially when it comes to Golden Retrievers, as they need a little more TLC.

Look, if any dog breed were to have an exceptional PR team it would be Golden Retrievers. I mean, you don’t even need to necessarily be a dog person to know about this friendly, happy breed. They’re on billboards, random fliers and the face of most brands anyway. They’re the perfect feel-good family pup.

That being said, just because these breeds are great with kids, eager to please and boast a great temperament doesn’t mean they don’t have certain fundamental needs. Just because your pup is sprinting around and seemingly energetic doesn’t mean that they are in good health.

So, let’s all prove our unwavering dedication to our Golden kids and equip them with all they need to be healthy and happy!

1.                       Exercise

If I were to ask you to think of a Golden Retriever, I’m pretty sure an image of a running pup, with ears flapping in the wind, comes to mind. And while that image has a lot to do with most dog food marketing ploys, there is a reason why Golden Retrievers are always caught in motion. These balls of fluff are incredibly playful.

If you want to keep your Retriever healthy – and better yet, happy - you need to give them a generous dose of exercise. To put it more simply, Golden Retrievers are natural-born athletes. They thrive in setting where they can swim, run and play. Not only does this strengthen their body but contributes to a healthy heart and lungs.

Now, this next part is for those of you who aren’t too keen on the idea of taking your pup out for some exercise. Let the record show that keeping your Golden Retriever from consistent exercise could lead to various abnormalities and behavioural issues.

Basically: grant your doggo an hour of exercise a day! Better yet, make it a daily family activity!

2.                       Socialisation

Since we’re on the topic of the great outdoors, let’s chat about socialization. As we’ve already gathered from my rather extensive explanation: Golden Retrievers LOVE people, things and other dogs. They’re natural social butterflies, so let them play.

Getting your fur friend comfortable around new sounds, smells and other dogs is an important part of their mental growth and stimulation. Getting to explore will not only make them incredibly happy but bring out the best in your dog.

It’s a win-win for everyone!

3.                       Dental hygiene

On a serious note, when was the last time you brushed your dog’s teeth? I’m going to take a wild guess and assume it’s been a while. MostTo veterinarians complain that pet owners seem to neglect the dental care of their pets.

But not us, we aren’t just any pet parents, we’re responsible and proactive.

In the event, however, that you’ve been neglecting your fur baby’s not-so-pearly-whites, prepare for this next part. So, a recent study done by Veterinarian Congress in Vancouver found that failure to clean your dog’s teeth leads to serious medical issues, including kidney, liver, heart and lung failure.

And no this isn’t a joke. Your pet’s teeth influence their overall health, so make it a priority.

No matter what your dog’s age, it’s never too late to start. Although daily brushing is best, twice weekly or even weekly brushing might be a more reachable goal.

Seems doable, right?

4.                       Vaccinations

Given the current pandemic, seeing the word ‘vaccination’ should seem pretty normal now. And well, it just so happens that vaccinated your pet should be the norm too. The reality is that Golden Retrievers are prone to a lot of health issues. These include the following:

1. Cataracts and blindness
2. Joint and bone issues
3. Cardiac disease
4. Hip dysplasia
5. Cancer

Making sure that your dog is up to date with regular vaccinations is the best way to prevent these health issues.

5. Grooming needs

I’m surprised I didn’t start with this point given the fact that Golden Retrievers are known and adored for their long luscious golden locks. And while their hair is what makes them so famous, it’s also one of their downfalls. Their hair is a full-time job, let me tell you.

In order to keep your home from being covered in dog hair, you must groom your dog. In the same way that you’re running a comb through your hair, we suggest you do the same for your dog.

Now, this step may seem tedious but let’s look at it this way combing your pet’s hair means that they get a little TLC from you and you don’t have to attend meetings apologizing for all the random dog hair on your clothes.

6.                       Pet Insurance

Look, I love a good happy ending and there is no better way to conclude this blog than with pet insurance.  I say this as someone who has witnessed how revolutionary this cover is.

I’m not going to go into a long-winded explanation of what pet insurance is – there’s a blog for it here. Instead, I’m going straight into the benefits. I mean, that’s what you want to hear anyway, right?

Pet insurance grants you the ultimate peace of mind. All of those vet costs that you know are WAY out of budget are no longer your problem – your insurer will take care of that. They also covered any unpredictable emergencies that may happen to your Retriever when they’re out and about. Routine and wellness care are also covered to make sure that your doggo isn’t just happy but healthy too.

Being a pet parent to a Golden Retriever is one of the quickest ways to experience unconditional love. And with good care, regular vet visits, this list of awesome tips your four-legged friend will live their best, happiest and healthiest life yet!

 Until next time,

The Pet Insurance Team