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GOLDEN RETRIEVER CLUB OF AMERICA
www.grca.org
GRINinc. highly recommends the Golden Retriever Club of America
website to everyone interested in Goldens. This website
offers a wealth of information about Goldens, including the
history of the breed
and breed standards, acquiring a puppy, and health concerns and
issues.
In addition, on
the left menu you will find links to information on several
subjects that concern all Golden owners. We've included original
articles and links that we think even seasoned dog owners will
find helpful. Please keep in mind that Golden Rescue of Naples,
Inc.
does not have any affiliation with nor do we specifically endorse
any "links" listed unless noted. Golden Rescue in Naples,
Inc. realizes
that not every training technique, food, etc. is appropriate for
every dog ... after all, every dog is different.
If anyone has a
question or concern about their dog ... training, feeding,
behavior issues, health concerns, or any other topic ... you are
encouraged to email us at
mygldns@yahoo.com.
We will
respond as quickly as possible, usually within a day or two.
We will post Questions and Answers of general interest for the
benefit of everyone.
CANINE OBESITY
The following links contain very
informative yet simple articles regarding obesity in companion
animals. The first link discusses the risks of obesity in our
companion animals, the second link discusses nutritional aspect
of obesity and helpful hints to help decrease your pet's weight,
and the third link contains a simple chart with drawings to help
you determine where your pet is as far as its weight. Please
take some time to read these articles. It is so very important
for your companion animal to be at it's ideal weight. Their
lives are short as it is....don't make it shorter by allowing
your pet to be overweight.
http://www.ivis.org/journals/vetfocus/16_1/en/4.pdf
http://www.ivis.org/journals/vetfocus/16_1/en/6.pdf
http://www.ivis.org/journals/vetfocus/16_1/en/7.pdf
The following
link has extremely good information concerning storm anxiety.
STORM ANXIETY http://baytownhumanesociety.org/info_storms.htm
This link has a very useful and informative article entitled
"Thunderstorm Anxiety and Storm Phobia". We highly
recommend it to all our readers!!
The following
link is highly recommended for information concerning Bloat.
BLOAT IN DOGS www.globalspan.net/bloat.htm
This site is highly recommended for valuable information
concerning a very serious health risk for dogs -- BLOAT, its
symptoms, causes and prevention. Golden Retrievers are one
of the breeds most at risk. This site also has links to
other information sites.
And remember, many dogs will have an upset stomach, just an
upset stomach, but yet exhibit some of these symptoms in the
article. The key is that they CANNOT lie down, their stomach
does expand and even if does not look huge, if you tap on it
...the sound is like tapping on a drum...hollow. If that is the
case...then off to vet.
QUESTION:
Since the
summer is approaching, we are talking about shaving our golden's
hair this summer to keep her cooler. I'm not really sure I like
the idea. What do you think?
MC
ANSWER:
We have been
getting a lot of questions regarding summer shaving... "To shave
or not to shave" that is the question. My research has found
that shaving is BAD for Golden Retrievers. The fur is a
protectant from the sun and allergens such as grass and pollen;
fur also helps insulate us in the winter and cool us in the
summer. There have been many cases of shaved goldens dying of
over heating. People think that because they are shaved or
closely cropped that the dog can handle the heat. Not true and
several emergency veterinarians that we know have stated as
such. One given July day, one of our local emergency clinics
had two shaved goldens brought in close to death because of over
heating...unfortunately...they could not save them.
If you want your golden to be comfortable and happy in the
summer (without being shaved) a good suggestion is to purchase
an undercoat rake. These can be found at your local pet supply
store. Goldens actually have two coats of hair. The undercoat
grows in the winter and in the spring the undercoat sheds out.
An undercoat rake is designed to remove all of the dead
undercoat. When first using one, it will take a few sessions of
raking and brushing to remove the entire dead coat, but once you
have done that, a weekly routine of brushing and using the
undercoat rake will keep shedding to a minimum. The first time
you use the undercoat rake; you will be shocked at the amount of
hair it removes. PLEASE, IF YOU HAVE YOUR GOLDEN
PROFESSIONALLY GROOMED, MAKE SURE THE GROOMER KNOWS NOT TO SHAVE
OR CLOSELY CROP YOUR GOLDEN.
QUESTION:
What care do you suggest for my Golden's teeth? Brushing his
teeth every day is a real challenge - is it necessary?
ANSWER:
We wouldn't go a day without brushing our teeth would we?! The
dog's teeth should have the same care. Brushing a dog's teeth
is essential to good oral hygiene and also a key to keeping your
dog healthy. Do you know that bacteria from excessive tartar on
the teeth can lead to heart disease in dogs? Also severe dental
caries can lead to bleeding of the gums which will in fact
injure the heart and kidneys. It is VERY important for your dog
to have healthy gums and clean teeth. Feeding kibble food
instead of canned, wet food will be a first step in helping the
teeth stay clean. Also a STRONG, hard NYLA bone or a dental toy
(there are many out there now...caution: Make sure you get a
bone or toy that is strong enough to withstand the aggressive
chewing and always watch over a dog when they are chewing on a
bone or toy. If they break off pieces, throw the bone or dental
toy away immediately). NEVER give real chicken, steak, pork, or
lamb bones. If you insist on a NATURAL bone visit the butcher
for a large marrow bone. Please watch however as they will also
splinter. Brushing the teeth is still necessary despite the
kibble food and the bones and dental toys. It would be IDEAL to
brush the teeth everyday, but that is not reality for most
people. If you can brush your dog’s teeth at least three times
a week just before bed that will help considerably.
Remember...NEVER use a human toothpaste. Our toothpaste
contains chemicals and sweeteners that can be injurious to
dogs. Visit the pet store to get a DENTAL kit. It will have
all the instructions and everything you need to get started with
the brushing. Remember, if your dog is not used to having
you work in his mouth start SLOWLY. You want this to be a
positive experience! If you can take the time to brush your
dog's teeth, you are helping him stay healthy and you are also
avoiding the unpleasant task of having your pet go under
anesthesia for a dental cleaning.
QUESTION: How often should a Golden Retriever be bathed and groomed?
TJ
ANSWER:
Of course it depends on the individual lifestyle that your
Golden leads. However, in general we would recommend bathing
the dog about every 6 weeks with a good OATMEAL based shampoo. Goldens tend to have very sensitive skin ... the OATMEAL shampoo
is soothing and non-irritating to the coat and skin. Bathing a
Golden too often will remove the oils that are necessary for
a healthy, shiny coat. Grooming can be done at home, but it is
important to be instructed as to the correct way and safest way
to groom a Golden by a professional groomer before attempting to
groom your Golden. Once you watch their technique, you will
find that it is easier than you thought! Of course you need
cooperation from your Golden. Grooming and bathing encourages
bonding between you and your new dog. And please take the time
during the baths to go over your Golden's body to check for any
lumps or sores. Remember to brush your dog every day or every
other day to keep the coat healthy and free of mats.
QUESTION:
Are rawhide bones okay for my Golden to chew on?
A.F.
ANSWER:
Rawhide bones are a danger to dogs of any breed or any
size. Whether you dog is an aggressive chewer or a "dainty"
chewer, RAWHIDES should NOT be a part of your dog's life. They
are considered choking hazards. Also if a piece of the rawhide
is lodged in the intestine, it will swell over time and will
obstruct your dog's colon. You are looking at expensive, major
surgery to save the dog's life and a long recovery from
abdominal surgery. If you want to keep your dog busy with a
chew toy consider purchasing an SOUPER size Nyla bone. Also the
KONG company makes many styles of hard rubber toys that can be
stuffed with treats, peanut butter, and other goodies to keep
your chewer happy.
QUESTION:
My friend suggested that I buy my Golden a collar that has a
"releasing snap buckle". I have always used a collar with a
belt buckle type closure. I have some very nice collars from my
previous dogs that I would like to use for my new Golden, but
she insists that the belt buckle type closure is dangerous.
Would you give me your opinion please?
M.A.W.
ANSWER:
Sure, the belt buckle type closure if fine if it is on a
leather rolled collar that is kept extremely loose around your
dog's neck....otherwise it is NOT recommended. This type of
buckle will NOT release if the dog's collar is caught on a piece
of furniture or worse yet if two dogs are playing and teeth and
collars are entangled. You can almost bet that the dog
will choke in these situations if he/she is wearing a belt
buckle closure. The releasing snap buckle collar is designed to
release upon extreme pressure and tugging, thus avoiding what
could be a very tragic event and possible loss of life. It is
important to note however that a collar should not be worn if
the dog is in a crate. Also if you have multiple dogs in the
household and it is playtime, it is a good idea to either take
their collars off and let them have fun, or adjust the collars
so that they are very loose around their necks and can be pulled
over their heads if necessary. There are some really great
collars out there...so enjoy, but keep safety in the back of
your mind when you are picking out your next collar for your
Golden. Oh also we must say that a metal choker collar should
NOT be worn as an everyday collar ... again it is a choking
hazard and this type of collar should be used as a training
collar only.
updated 26/05/08
Golden Rescue In Naples, Inc. is a 501c3 Non-profit organization.
This website was designed and maintained by A New Dawn Design, Inc.
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