3 Sensitive Medical Problems Of Golden Retrievers Like human beings dogs too have their painful medical problems.  The only difference is your golden retirever may not be able to express it as well as other humans.  That is why it is highly important that you are sensitive to the needs of your golden retriever puppy or dog.  What are the disease that may affect your Golden Retriever? Skin allergies Skin allergy is the most common medical issue with Golden Retrievers. Dogs love to play and are not very much oriented towards avoiding the mud and dust of the place they are playing in.  Skin allergy normally develops as a of allergens such as flea bites, dust, airborne pollen, food, and even mold.  Symptoms will vary, although they can include bits, scratching, licking, and even ear infections.  Diet is extremely important here, as it can help to prevent a lot of these problems.  It is necessary to consult your vet to find out  the risks and ways to avoid and eliminate the risks your golden retriever has of getting a skin allergy.  Hypothyroidism Thyroid gland to malfunction causes the condition called Hypothyroidism.  Golden Retrievers that are affected by this disease will normally show such symptoms as coat problems or obesity.  This medical problem can also result in a lack of fertility as well.  A lack of fertility can be a big problem for breeders, as it makes it very hard for the affected Golden Retriever to breed. Some Golden’s who suffer from hypothyroid problems will have seizures, although this will stop once they go on the oral treatment medicine.  Even though the hypothyroid condition isn’t associated with epilepsy, you should monitor your dog to be on the safe side.  You don’t want to take any chances with your dog coming down with epilepsy, which is why you should always have your vet do routine checks. The treatment of hypothyroidism involves taking the oral supplement for hypothyroidism on a daily basis.  Once it has been treated successfully, the prognosis will appear to be normal and dog will have a normal, healthy life span, providing there are no other medical problems.  This condition is somewhat common with Golden Retrievers, and can be diagnosed by your vet. Epilepsy Generally known as seizures, epilepsy disorders normally occur from viral infections, and environmental factors.  Even though an inaccessible seizure isn’t always a problem, dogs that have recurring seizures should never be bred.  Vets can recommend medicines that control recurring seizures, although medicine isn’t always effective.  Epilepsy doesn’t affect the overall health of a Golden Retriever.  However it does have an effect on breeding.  You can never tell if it is indeed heredity, therefore breeding is pretty much out of the question - to avoid passing it on to the litter. Even though medical problems are somewhat common with Golden Retrievers, you can help to prevent them by making sure your dog is healthy.  If you do your part and make sure that you treat your Golden well, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about.  Golden Retrievers are generally healthy dogs, although they can get ill from time to time.  If you take your dog to the vet and get him treated as soon as he gets sick - he’ll be better and back to his normal self in no time at all.