Regardless of their color variation, Golden Retrievers are characterized by a double coat comprising a thick undercoat of short hair beneath a layer of longer hair. This double coat predisposes them to substantial shedding. Consequently, regular grooming is essential to maintain the health and appearance of Golden Retrievers’ coats.
How often should Golden Retrievers be groomed?
Because of their double coat, Golden Retrievers are prone to shedding heavily. They are susceptible to developing matted hair behind their ears and on their hind limbs. As a result, regular grooming, whether performed at home or by a professional groomer, is essential for maintaining the health and appearance of their cats.
Due to their dense double coat, Goldens are prolific shedders. It’s crucial to brush them at least once or twice a week to prevent matting, particularly behind the ears and on the hind limbs. Regular brushing can also effectively minimize shedding indoors.
In addition, Goldens have delicate and sensitive skin, with their eyes and ears sometimes needing special attention as well.
Regularly examining your Golden Retriever’s skin is essential for early detection of issues such as hot spots. Therefore, if you observe increased scratching, chewing, or licking, consult your veterinarian promptly.
Goldies normally experience a mild amount of clear or brown eye discharge. Using a moistened washcloth or specialized eye wipes, you can gently clean off any eye discharge.
Moreover, Goldens are susceptible to ear infections due to several factors. Their floppy ears contain numerous glands that produce wax and are thereby prone to trapping moisture. This leads to inflammation and infection in the ear canal.
Additionally, their love for water exposes them to the risk of infections when moisture enters their ears during swimming or bathing. Furthermore, allergies or hypothyroidism can exacerbate this susceptibility to ear issues. To mitigate the risk of ear infections, it’s advisable to regularly clean their ears using a product containing a drying agent every two to three weeks for maintenance and after swimming or bathing.
