The Breed Allergy List
The Golden Retriever
The Golden Retriever, with its intelligence and eager to please attitude, is one of the most popular breeds in the United States.
The working ability that has made the Golden Retriever such a useful hunting companion also make him an ideal guide, assistance and search and rescue dog. The golden-colored coat is the hallmark of this versatile breed, and can range from light to dark gold.
Origins of the Breed courtesy of the AKC
The Golden Retriever originated in the Scottish Highlands in the late 1800s and was used predominantly for hunting. The breed was developed by Lord Tweedmouth, whose goal was to create a superb retriever suited to the Scottish climate, terrain and available game. He crossed his original "Yellow Retriever" with the Tweed Water Spaniel (now extinct) found on his estate. Later integration of Irish Setter, Bloodhound, and more Tweed Water Spaniel produced the retriever we know today.
Common Health and Allergy problems
- Skin and ear Allergies and infections
- Gastric Torsion/Bloat
- Cataracts
- Canine hip dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Elbow Dysplasia
- Entropion
- Osteosarcoma
- Cardiomyopathy
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy
- Osteochondritis dissecans
- Subvalvular aortic stenosis
- Trichiasis
- Von Willebrand's Disease
Before you change your dog food be sure to get your Vets’ OK because fat and protein content can vary from dog food to dog food and your dog may have a disease that can’t handle fat or protein.
For instance my dog has Pancreatitis. The Vet cannot figure out why because I feed him low fat food designed for Pancreatitis. Feeding high fat food causes Pancreatitis so in my case I have to find a low fat diet that will be easy on the Pancreas, Liver and Kidneys. I found a good food called Innova and no more throwing up yellow bile in the morning.
The Golden Retriever can have skin allergies that involve the ears and skin, which is the most common areas that most dogs show allergies.
Make sure your Golden does not have fleas and check the ears and skin (under all the golden fur) and make sure there are no sores or scratching going on.
Food allergies are another problem but only if you are feeding cheap Wal Mart dog food. The food in super markets are also low quality food. I don’t care if your breeder uses it or not. It’s substandard and a poor choice.
When you switch your dog food, your Golden might get diarrhea. But if you feed him food cooked at home (not junk food or any thing prepackaged) your dog will not have diarrhea. Why? Because store bought food has additives, colorings, preservatives and chemicals that allow it to look and smell fresh in a bag or a can.
What do all of these additives do to a dog’s body? Since the dog is not use to all these chemicals, the dogs body reacts with diarrhea.
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Any information contained on this site relating to various medical, health, and fitness conditions of Westies and their treatment is for informational purposes only and is not meant to be a substitute for the advice provided by your own veterinarian. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing a Westie's health - you should always consult your own veterinarian.