Health Notes:

1. Goldens often have ear problems caused by moisture and dirt. Trim the hair below the ere, and check the ears regularly. Watch for dirty or foul-smelling ears, more than occasional head shaking or ear scratching. Some use a drop of 2/3 alcohol 1/3 vinegar once a week to help prevent ear infections. See your vet. for treatment.

2. Watch for fleas and ticks. Flea problems can lead to skin problems and tapeworm.

3. Consult your veterinarian about Heartworm and Lyme Disease; however, these may not be a problem in your area.

4. Watch toenails -- they need to be clipped often to prevent problems. Start this early and your dog will become accustom to it.

5. Bathing is optional. When you do bathe your dog, use a shampoo that is designed for dogs (human shampoo is too strong).

6. Trim the hair behind the ears and between the toes to prevent hot spots, foot sores, and knots.

7. Be very careful with your puppy during its growing stage (3 to 8 months). Fast growing breeds like Goldens can have shoulder and other joint problems caused by overwork or injury when the joints are not completely formed. Remember:

• Pick your pup up by its body, not its legs.

• Don't let your pup jump down long distances.

• We can't recommend forced jogging or jumping until your pup is a year old. Always build up slowly on any exercise program.

• Provide a bed that is dry and off the ground or cement.

8. Daily exercise is important. Swimming, walking, and playing for short periods at first, then for longer periods. This is good for pup’s body and mind, and yours.

9. Weekly brushing will catch much of the shedding hair in a brush, and become a favorite time with your dog.

10. A few of the deadly things to keep away from your pup/dog include: antifreeze, foam products, furniture/toy stuffing, bird & pork bones, house plants, cars/traffic, irritable/mean dogs, and houses.

Feeding:

You can feed your puppy dry food immediately after placement as long as the puppy is eating well and has plenty of fresh water available. We have had good luck with Iams, Puppy, IFA’s Sunpro Select puppy and Purina Puppy Chow. We recommend you feed your pup a top of the line puppy food for at least the first 12 months or so, and then settle into a good quality "dry" food that accommodates your dog’s life style. Any change of staple food should be made gradually.

We recommend you keep your puppy lean, to avoid both health problems and bad habits. Our dogs usually stay lean even when given free access to the dish or dispenser. Avoid heavy exercise after a meal.

Oil (vegetable oil or linatone) can be added to the food if the coat becomes dry, especially in winter. Also Vitamin C is sometimes added to the dogs diet.

Vaccination Schedule:

Permanent Distemper Vaccination including Leptospirosis, Hepatitis, and Parainfluenza at 6-16 weeks. Consult your veterinarian for his/her recommendation. Annual booster shot is required.

Parvovirus: Modified live virus vaccine (series of three shots 2-4 weeks apart at 6-16 weeks), can be combined with Distemper shot or given separately. Annual booster shot is required.

Rabies: First shot needed at 6 months old. Most shots are 3 year killed virus. Booster is needed 1 year later and then every three years. Consult your veterinarian for his/her recommendation.

Worming Information:

For the growth and development of your pup. We recommend you take a stool sample to your veterinarian periodically: when going for shots, and at least once or twice a year; also, whenever worms are suspected or when your dog is ill for unknown reason.

Some worms can be seen in the stool but the most severe ones cannot be seen without a microscope. Sometimes worms cause listlessness, poor coat, loose stool, poor condition, loss of weight or no weight gain. Roundworm is very common in puppies and is easily treated. Tapeworm can be carried by fleas, and can often be seen in the stool of an affected dog; they look like dried rice. Hookworm and whipworm can cause severe problems in puppies.

WARNING

Golden Retrievers, like most dogs, have several genetic health problems. These problems can be reduced and possibly eliminated through responsible breeding. These include but are not limited to: Hip, Eye, Thyroid, Heart, Blood, Epilepsy, and Elbow problems. The most important and avoidable problems include Hip Dysplasia, and Hereditary Eye Defects.