16 Facts Every Golden Retriever Owner Should Remember

This orthopedic condition, which results from improper growth of articular cartilage, is most common in the elbows, but has also been reported in the shoulders. It leads to painful joint stiffness, which can sometimes lead to the dog no longer being able to bend its elbow. The disease can already be discovered between the fourth and ninth month of life. Overfeeding "growth formulas" in puppy food, or high-protein foods, can contribute to the development of the disease.

Golden retrievers can suffer from a variety of allergies, from contact allergies to food allergies. Allergy symptoms in dogs are similar to those in humans. If your German Shepherd scratches and licks his paws, or rubs his face often, assume he has an allergy and take him to a vet for a check-up.

This is an inherited blood disorder that prevents the blood from clotting. The main symptom is excessive bleeding after an injury or surgery. Other symptoms include nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or bleeding in the stomach and other intestines. There is no cure and blood transfusion from healthy dogs is currently the only treatment. Research is being done into other forms of treatment, including medication. Most dogs with Willebrand-Jürgens Syndrome can lead normal lives. A veterinarian can test your dog for the disease. Dogs with this disease should not be used for breeding.