As is common with many larger breeds, golden retrievers are prone joint health challenges, especially relating to the hips and elbows. With the right information and a little foresight, there is no need for your golden to suffer from painful joints.
Monitor exercise. As a puppy, golden retrievers should not over exercise. Activities such as running and high impact sports like climbing and jumping can damage joints and lead to future issues. For younger dogs, intermittent (play-rest-play) exercise is wise. Allow your pup to decide how much exercise is enough. Later, when your dog has reached physical maturity, they can participate in longer treks, harder runs, and more agility activities.
Ensure clear genetic history. In addition to comprehensive genetic testing, all of our goldens undergo a Penn Hip evaluation to assess for potential hip dysplasia and arthritis. As a result, each dog in our breeding line is confirmed clear of genetic joint problems.
Manage feeding and nutrition. Over feeding can lead to obesity and subsequent joint stress. To promote healthy cartilage, goldens should be fed a diet rich in Omega-3 fatty acids and lean protein. Joint supplements can also be beneficial. NuJoint Plus from NuVet Labs is a worthwhile product we have used with our dogs. Canine CBD can also be effective for joint pain reduction.
By paying attention to exercise, genetic history, and feeding/nutrition, you can help your golden retriever avoid joint discomfort and enjoy an active lifestyle. To learn more about genetic testing, Penn Hip, or canine nutrition, please reach out soon. We would be glad to discuss these and any other golden questions with you.
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