Golden Retrievers are a Friend for Life
Ranked #20,614 in Pets & Animals, #668,821 overall
Golden Retrievers are one of the all time favorite dog breeds in existence. You don't have to look far to know why: not only are they a truly striking dog, they are intelligent, companionable, and anxious to please.
However, Goldens do involve somewhat more upkeep and tending than certain other dogs. Anybody thinking about getting one of these splendid pets should do their research first to make sure they can give it the kind of home it needs.
Although it is often exaggerated, Goldens are more inclined to hip dysplasia than a lot of other dogs, especially littler ones. This genetically determined problem can lead to pain and in time can cause your animal to become lame. At the very least, a cutback in activeness and keeping a watchful eye on its diet is essential. Yet Goldens like to be active and they enjoy their food, so maintaining a watch on them will involve somewhat more work on your part.
Goldens are also inclined to specific skin issues. They can easily contract 'hotspots' caused by itchiness resulting from allergies, insect bites and similar triggers. As well, they have an inclination, particularly as they grow older, to acquire various types of cancer and tumors. This increases the chance of a shorter lifespan, or even just higher veterinary charges.
Their diet should be looked at carefully so that itching, loose stools and similar difficulties are minimized. Yet because they are such an active breed, it's important to supply them with the proper nutrition for their energy needs and the optimal development of their bones and muscles. Golden Retrievers, just like all dogs, are naturally carnivorous, and sensitivity to corn and wheat is quite typical. Give your golden a diet that's rich in meat protein for optimal health.
Because they are so active, they will require a lot of physical exercise. However, since they're also such social creatures, they aren't inclined to play by themselves. If sent outside by themselves to run, they will instead be inclined to just lie down. This means you need to spend time with your Golden on a steady basis. Games like running, fetching balls, or tugging a rope are ideal for your Golden. Just remember that these activities all demand your involvement. Make certain you have enough time to properly care for this pet.
Spaying or neutering your Golden is invariably a hard call. There are convincing medical arguments in favor of the procedure, as it could help to reduce the chances of acquiring some cancers and additional health hazards. Yet many people wish to breed their Golden and raise pups. That's an acceptable option, but if among your reasons is the wish to make a profit, leave this to the pros. The work involved is very demanding and it's unlikely that breeding a couple of litters will be worth the effort.
Inoculations can be an additional field of contention amongst Golden owners, just like it is with other breeds. Almost all pros concur that vaccinations are most beneficial when your dog is young. How long they should be carried on once the first two years have passed is an issue of continuing argument. Some people contend that regular inoculations are the safest course, while others believe that shots are unneeded and high-risk. Antibodies do stay on in the body for a number of years and the matter is still being looked into.
Regular grooming of your Golden is important, since they possess a long coat that requires maintenance each week in order to remain healthy. Semimonthly baths, toenail trimming each week and other types of upkeep can be a never ending job. Prepare yourself for the fact that you will have to spend the time on these tasks if you want a happy and healthy pet.
Socialization of a Golden with other dogs isn't hard, and is actually a necessity for its mental well being and physical safety. Acquainting them with newcomers, either animal or human, in their early years will ensure the process is simple. However, it should be executed step by step and over a long period of time for an effective outcome.
Admittedly, Golden Retrievers take time and effort to raise and maintain. But the payback is huge. These beautiful, affectionate pets will return all the attention they get, and then some. That distinctive Golden Retriever expression as they smile at you says it all.
However, Goldens do involve somewhat more upkeep and tending than certain other dogs. Anybody thinking about getting one of these splendid pets should do their research first to make sure they can give it the kind of home it needs.
Although it is often exaggerated, Goldens are more inclined to hip dysplasia than a lot of other dogs, especially littler ones. This genetically determined problem can lead to pain and in time can cause your animal to become lame. At the very least, a cutback in activeness and keeping a watchful eye on its diet is essential. Yet Goldens like to be active and they enjoy their food, so maintaining a watch on them will involve somewhat more work on your part.
Goldens are also inclined to specific skin issues. They can easily contract 'hotspots' caused by itchiness resulting from allergies, insect bites and similar triggers. As well, they have an inclination, particularly as they grow older, to acquire various types of cancer and tumors. This increases the chance of a shorter lifespan, or even just higher veterinary charges.
Their diet should be looked at carefully so that itching, loose stools and similar difficulties are minimized. Yet because they are such an active breed, it's important to supply them with the proper nutrition for their energy needs and the optimal development of their bones and muscles. Golden Retrievers, just like all dogs, are naturally carnivorous, and sensitivity to corn and wheat is quite typical. Give your golden a diet that's rich in meat protein for optimal health.
Because they are so active, they will require a lot of physical exercise. However, since they're also such social creatures, they aren't inclined to play by themselves. If sent outside by themselves to run, they will instead be inclined to just lie down. This means you need to spend time with your Golden on a steady basis. Games like running, fetching balls, or tugging a rope are ideal for your Golden. Just remember that these activities all demand your involvement. Make certain you have enough time to properly care for this pet.
Spaying or neutering your Golden is invariably a hard call. There are convincing medical arguments in favor of the procedure, as it could help to reduce the chances of acquiring some cancers and additional health hazards. Yet many people wish to breed their Golden and raise pups. That's an acceptable option, but if among your reasons is the wish to make a profit, leave this to the pros. The work involved is very demanding and it's unlikely that breeding a couple of litters will be worth the effort.
Inoculations can be an additional field of contention amongst Golden owners, just like it is with other breeds. Almost all pros concur that vaccinations are most beneficial when your dog is young. How long they should be carried on once the first two years have passed is an issue of continuing argument. Some people contend that regular inoculations are the safest course, while others believe that shots are unneeded and high-risk. Antibodies do stay on in the body for a number of years and the matter is still being looked into.
Regular grooming of your Golden is important, since they possess a long coat that requires maintenance each week in order to remain healthy. Semimonthly baths, toenail trimming each week and other types of upkeep can be a never ending job. Prepare yourself for the fact that you will have to spend the time on these tasks if you want a happy and healthy pet.
Socialization of a Golden with other dogs isn't hard, and is actually a necessity for its mental well being and physical safety. Acquainting them with newcomers, either animal or human, in their early years will ensure the process is simple. However, it should be executed step by step and over a long period of time for an effective outcome.
Admittedly, Golden Retrievers take time and effort to raise and maintain. But the payback is huge. These beautiful, affectionate pets will return all the attention they get, and then some. That distinctive Golden Retriever expression as they smile at you says it all.
Great Goldens
Typical Health Problems in Golden Retrievers
Hip dysplasia is the first thing you might think of when it comes to health problems among Golden Retrievers, but there are several other ailments and conditions that this breed is prone towards. This doesn't mean that Goldens are generally unhealthy. They're no more inclined to illness and disease than any other breed. However, there are certain conditions that are more typically found among Goldens than in other types of dogs.
As the owner of a Golden Retriever, you should keep a particularly close eye on skin problems. Even a simple bite from a flea or mosquito can create an itchy, irritated patch of skin. Also, Goldens like to chew anything within their reach that they can get in their mouths. This usually causes a hot spot, which is a moist, raw area that the dog will worry at and make worse. The usual way to make them leave it alone is to use a bandage, collar, or spray.
Goldens are more susceptible than many other breeds to experiencing an allergic reaction to some ingredients in their food. For example, wheat is typically used in many dry dog food products. It's not poisonous to your dog, but its stomach was designed to process meat, not grains. Some dogs will experience sensitivity to wheat, which can lead to itching. Keep an eye out for excessive licking of the paws and scratching of faces on various surfaces as symptoms of this problem.
The more serious skin problems occur beneath the surface. Fatty lipomas and the more serious liposarcomas are not uncommon in Goldens, especially once they are getting along in years. Fatty lipomas are usually benign and you can have them removed during any other routine procedure that uses anesthesia, like dental cleaning. These growths may become enlarged, but in most cases they aren't a health hazard and can just be left alone until it's convenient to have them removed. Liposarcomas, however, are malignant tumors and must be dealt with just as soon as they are diagnosed. If you suspect this problem, visit your veterinarian and request a lab test.
Many older Golden Retrievers experience problems with their eyes. Cataracts are fairly common once your pet has reached the age of 10. Over time, they will cause reduced vision and possibly blindness. Regrettably, there isn't much that can be done to remedy this situation.
Golden Retrievers as a breed are not at high risk to develop heart problems. But if they do, the problem is frequently either subvalvular aortic stenosis or cardiomyopathy. The former condition is basically an obstruction in the left ventricle which reduces blood circulation. In many instances, the situation is not dangerous, although you might have to limit the activities of your pet. In more serious circumstances, there's a thickening of the heart muscle tissue, which means your dog's heart has to expend more effort in order to pump out sufficient quantities of blood. This ailment is normally hereditary. The treatment ranges from the use of antibiotics to beta blockers. Another alternative is surgery, but this is chancy, and the success rate is considered to be low.
Cardiomyopathy, the other heart problem to which Goldens are prone, involves the heart muscle becoming thin and flaccid. The usual onset for this condition is between the ages of 4 and 10. It's not really known what causes this condition, but it is progressive and eventually terminal.
In spite of this rather frightening overview, health problems in a Golden Retriever that is properly cared for are uncommon. Most dogs of this breed enjoy a long and healthy life. Your only concern needs to be ensuring a proper diet and lots of exercise, along with regular veterinarian care.
As the owner of a Golden Retriever, you should keep a particularly close eye on skin problems. Even a simple bite from a flea or mosquito can create an itchy, irritated patch of skin. Also, Goldens like to chew anything within their reach that they can get in their mouths. This usually causes a hot spot, which is a moist, raw area that the dog will worry at and make worse. The usual way to make them leave it alone is to use a bandage, collar, or spray.
Goldens are more susceptible than many other breeds to experiencing an allergic reaction to some ingredients in their food. For example, wheat is typically used in many dry dog food products. It's not poisonous to your dog, but its stomach was designed to process meat, not grains. Some dogs will experience sensitivity to wheat, which can lead to itching. Keep an eye out for excessive licking of the paws and scratching of faces on various surfaces as symptoms of this problem.
The more serious skin problems occur beneath the surface. Fatty lipomas and the more serious liposarcomas are not uncommon in Goldens, especially once they are getting along in years. Fatty lipomas are usually benign and you can have them removed during any other routine procedure that uses anesthesia, like dental cleaning. These growths may become enlarged, but in most cases they aren't a health hazard and can just be left alone until it's convenient to have them removed. Liposarcomas, however, are malignant tumors and must be dealt with just as soon as they are diagnosed. If you suspect this problem, visit your veterinarian and request a lab test.
Many older Golden Retrievers experience problems with their eyes. Cataracts are fairly common once your pet has reached the age of 10. Over time, they will cause reduced vision and possibly blindness. Regrettably, there isn't much that can be done to remedy this situation.
Golden Retrievers as a breed are not at high risk to develop heart problems. But if they do, the problem is frequently either subvalvular aortic stenosis or cardiomyopathy. The former condition is basically an obstruction in the left ventricle which reduces blood circulation. In many instances, the situation is not dangerous, although you might have to limit the activities of your pet. In more serious circumstances, there's a thickening of the heart muscle tissue, which means your dog's heart has to expend more effort in order to pump out sufficient quantities of blood. This ailment is normally hereditary. The treatment ranges from the use of antibiotics to beta blockers. Another alternative is surgery, but this is chancy, and the success rate is considered to be low.
Cardiomyopathy, the other heart problem to which Goldens are prone, involves the heart muscle becoming thin and flaccid. The usual onset for this condition is between the ages of 4 and 10. It's not really known what causes this condition, but it is progressive and eventually terminal.
In spite of this rather frightening overview, health problems in a Golden Retriever that is properly cared for are uncommon. Most dogs of this breed enjoy a long and healthy life. Your only concern needs to be ensuring a proper diet and lots of exercise, along with regular veterinarian care.
Great Sites About Goldens
- Wikipedia
- A factual overview of the Golden Retriever
- K9 Web
- More facts on Goldens
- Golden Retriever Forum
- A fantastic forum for Golden Retriever lovers
YouTube vids
If this doesn't make you want a Golden, nothing will!
Exercise and Training Tips
Golden Retrievers are one of the more lively dogs and need lots physical activity to remain content and in good shape. First developed for fetching wild game, these active dogs are able to run around for a good part of the day, even as they get old.
Exercise and training needs to begin at a young age, at approximately eight to ten weeks. Initially the degree of exercise ought to be just what the puppy is happy to do instinctively. They will scurry about, investigate trees and fight playfully with each other when they're not napping. But expand on this by encouraging them to follow behind you as you move in a certain direction, even just for a short time. That's the start of concentrating on you and responding to your commands.
As they grow a little older, their strength and stamina fast become capable of taking on low hills and short walks. At around four to six months, a 30 minute walk is possible, as long as there's some water to be had.
Somewhere around the age of two to six months, you can start training your pup to sit, heel and stay. However there still needs to be time provided for unstructured play. Goldens can be excellent show dogs, but they're also very independently minded and occasionally somewhat unfocused. Not all will shine at the stringent training required. Affording them a bit of free time to just run around, fetch a ball or sniff things produces a fine balance.
Once your Golden has made it to six months, it's time to take on more difficult undertakings. This is the best age to start learning advanced skills such as rescue dog, guide dog, drug search or guard dog training. They are one of the most intelligent of dogs and can be taught obstacle courses, intricate dance numbers and other activities as long as the trainer has sufficient patience and skill.
Also throughout these early times, acquainting them with other dogs and pets they may run across or live with is a good plan. Golden Retrievers are naturally highly sociable, however any dog that's kept apart from other people or animals will be cautious. Goldens are quite loyal, as well, and they can be territorial. Permitting them to safely spend time with other dogs will help hold that to suitable behavior.
A word of warning: because many Goldens are not checked for hip dysplasia, you should cease physical activity at any indication of weakness in the hindquarters. Get your pet checked out. The veterinarian will take an x-ray and look for indications of joint or bone issues. Goldens with this problem can still lead enjoyable, healthy lives however decreased exercise and special care is called for.
Similar to any dog, specialized instruction will take time. At least one hour daily needs to be dedicated to basics, and more for specific undertakings. Straightforward objectives, such as 'sit' and 'stay' can be realized easily. Dancing, navigating obstacle courses, and fetching game might require months or years to hone. Guide dog instruction and related 'occupations' necessitate rigorous training for at least two years.
However, in contrast to a number of other breeds, Goldens will learn more quickly and perform more precisely. They are anxious to please, active and very intelligent. Their trainer simply needs to have similar characteristics.
Exercise and training needs to begin at a young age, at approximately eight to ten weeks. Initially the degree of exercise ought to be just what the puppy is happy to do instinctively. They will scurry about, investigate trees and fight playfully with each other when they're not napping. But expand on this by encouraging them to follow behind you as you move in a certain direction, even just for a short time. That's the start of concentrating on you and responding to your commands.
As they grow a little older, their strength and stamina fast become capable of taking on low hills and short walks. At around four to six months, a 30 minute walk is possible, as long as there's some water to be had.
Somewhere around the age of two to six months, you can start training your pup to sit, heel and stay. However there still needs to be time provided for unstructured play. Goldens can be excellent show dogs, but they're also very independently minded and occasionally somewhat unfocused. Not all will shine at the stringent training required. Affording them a bit of free time to just run around, fetch a ball or sniff things produces a fine balance.
Once your Golden has made it to six months, it's time to take on more difficult undertakings. This is the best age to start learning advanced skills such as rescue dog, guide dog, drug search or guard dog training. They are one of the most intelligent of dogs and can be taught obstacle courses, intricate dance numbers and other activities as long as the trainer has sufficient patience and skill.
Also throughout these early times, acquainting them with other dogs and pets they may run across or live with is a good plan. Golden Retrievers are naturally highly sociable, however any dog that's kept apart from other people or animals will be cautious. Goldens are quite loyal, as well, and they can be territorial. Permitting them to safely spend time with other dogs will help hold that to suitable behavior.
A word of warning: because many Goldens are not checked for hip dysplasia, you should cease physical activity at any indication of weakness in the hindquarters. Get your pet checked out. The veterinarian will take an x-ray and look for indications of joint or bone issues. Goldens with this problem can still lead enjoyable, healthy lives however decreased exercise and special care is called for.
Similar to any dog, specialized instruction will take time. At least one hour daily needs to be dedicated to basics, and more for specific undertakings. Straightforward objectives, such as 'sit' and 'stay' can be realized easily. Dancing, navigating obstacle courses, and fetching game might require months or years to hone. Guide dog instruction and related 'occupations' necessitate rigorous training for at least two years.
However, in contrast to a number of other breeds, Goldens will learn more quickly and perform more precisely. They are anxious to please, active and very intelligent. Their trainer simply needs to have similar characteristics.
Amazon
Great books to help you learn how to properly care for your Golden. It's not always easy, but it's worth it!
Food Choices for Your Golden Retriever
Similar to a lot of other issues involving food and health, it's hard to find unbiased information concerning a suitable diet for pets. A lot of writers appear to be set on running down big business, and less concerned about pet food than politics.
So if you want to discover the facts about what is and isn't good for your Golden Retriever, you'll have to do some serious studying. Choosing the best food will require a measure of common sense and quite a bit of careful thought on your part.
However, there are some basics about a Golden Retriever diet that few will dispute. As dogs, they are naturally carnivorous. That means they eat meat. However, all dogs - Goldens particularly - are also able to consume some vegetables and grains. Essentially, then, Golden Retrievers should eat a diet containing a high percentage of meat protein with a minimal amount of grains. And this is generally what most commercial dog food products consist of, either wet or dry.
The ingredients on the can or bag are listed in order of the percentage of the total, although the actual percentage is seldom shown. Meat, in whatever form, should always be first on the list.
Dry dog food, also called kibble, is usually around 20 to 30 percent meat protein, in dehydrated form. It will also contain preservatives in order to keep it from going bad once it is opened.
Next on the list is usually some type of rice. Some products use inexpensive brewer's rice, which are bits of rice kernels that become separated from the larger kernels during milling. However, ground rice is higher quality and therefore the preferred choice.
A number of dry dog foods will contain corn, wheat gluten meal or wheat flour. You might find that your Golden is sensitive to these ingredients, as displayed with much paw licking or face scratching. They might even bite any areas of their legs and back that they can get to.
You might see some of that behavior regardless of what kind of diet they're fed. Not every itch is an allergic reaction. Regardless, these ingredients should form a very small percentage of the total, particularly corn gluten meal. This is a plant protein that is included to help slow down the chemical activity of some fats.
Sometimes you'll see meat byproducts listed on the ingredients label. These are the parts of cows, lambs or chickens that are not suitable for any other purpose. Some foods might include intestines, beaks, necks, or feet. Stay away from any products that include these ingredients.
Thousands of healthy dogs live long and happy lives on a diet of commercial dog foods. Even though there's always room for improvement, this certainly indicates that the food isn't harmful.
So if you want to discover the facts about what is and isn't good for your Golden Retriever, you'll have to do some serious studying. Choosing the best food will require a measure of common sense and quite a bit of careful thought on your part.
However, there are some basics about a Golden Retriever diet that few will dispute. As dogs, they are naturally carnivorous. That means they eat meat. However, all dogs - Goldens particularly - are also able to consume some vegetables and grains. Essentially, then, Golden Retrievers should eat a diet containing a high percentage of meat protein with a minimal amount of grains. And this is generally what most commercial dog food products consist of, either wet or dry.
The ingredients on the can or bag are listed in order of the percentage of the total, although the actual percentage is seldom shown. Meat, in whatever form, should always be first on the list.
Dry dog food, also called kibble, is usually around 20 to 30 percent meat protein, in dehydrated form. It will also contain preservatives in order to keep it from going bad once it is opened.
Next on the list is usually some type of rice. Some products use inexpensive brewer's rice, which are bits of rice kernels that become separated from the larger kernels during milling. However, ground rice is higher quality and therefore the preferred choice.
A number of dry dog foods will contain corn, wheat gluten meal or wheat flour. You might find that your Golden is sensitive to these ingredients, as displayed with much paw licking or face scratching. They might even bite any areas of their legs and back that they can get to.
You might see some of that behavior regardless of what kind of diet they're fed. Not every itch is an allergic reaction. Regardless, these ingredients should form a very small percentage of the total, particularly corn gluten meal. This is a plant protein that is included to help slow down the chemical activity of some fats.
Sometimes you'll see meat byproducts listed on the ingredients label. These are the parts of cows, lambs or chickens that are not suitable for any other purpose. Some foods might include intestines, beaks, necks, or feet. Stay away from any products that include these ingredients.
Thousands of healthy dogs live long and happy lives on a diet of commercial dog foods. Even though there's always room for improvement, this certainly indicates that the food isn't harmful.
Proper Grooming for Your Golden Retriever
Owners of short haired dogs aren't usually too concerned about grooming. These breeds need their nails trimmed regularly and a bath on occasion, but the effort needed to tend to them isn't that great. Golden Retrievers, however, require quite a bit of tending to maintain their health and good looks.
Caring for their coat properly involves three procedures: a bath, then brushing, then combing.
Your Golden should have a bath every two months at a minimum. If your pet lives in a clean environment, you might get away with fewer baths. But some dogs are rolling around outside every chance they get, and will need to be shampooed as much as once a week.
Don't use baby shampoo or dish detergent. Baby shampoo has the wrong pH, and dish detergent is far too harsh and will mess with the balance of oils in your Golden's skin. Always use commercial dog shampoo, which is formulated in accordance with the needs of your dog's skin and coat. These products are created with the correct pH levels and include only mild additives.
Golden Retrievers have both a top coat and an undercoat. Both of these layers have to be brushed properly. It's a never ending task when it comes to grooming the long, thick coat of a Golden. You need to do this at least once a week, and more frequently if your dog picks up bits and pieces from the grass and shrubbery.
Three dog grooming tools will help you do the job quite easily: a slicker, a Greyhound comb and an undercoat rake.
You use the slicker to brush the top coat. It removes the hair that has migrated to the surface. Goldens primarily shed from the undercoat, and most of that hair makes its way to the top. You need to use firm, regular strokes but don't be too rough. It's important to prevent brush burn, which happens when you brush too forcefully.
A Greyhound comb is useful for getting rid of the surplus hair that is loosened through brushing, as well as the natural shedding process. And it's a good way to check that you did a thorough job of brushing. If you can comb through the hair on the chest, sides and back of your Golden with no snags, you've done a good job.
Next is the undercoat rake, which targets the lowest layer near the skin. Use the rake to remove loose hair caused by shedding. Begin at the back leg and move carefully towards the front. You need to lift and pull the rake away from the body as you brush.
Trim your Golden's nails when required, typically once a month. Some people prefer the guillotine style clippers and others are more comfortable with scissors. Take your pick, but be cautious either way so you don't cut the quick, the primary blood vessel in the region. This will cause pain and bleeding. To make sure you can see it clearly, wet the toenails near the foot before you get started.
In case you do accidentally cut the quick, be sure to keep some styptic powder available and apply it to the wound. Don't let your dog jump or run around for an hour or more afterwards. Although the wounds will heal quite quickly, they are easily reopened.
Caring for their coat properly involves three procedures: a bath, then brushing, then combing.
Your Golden should have a bath every two months at a minimum. If your pet lives in a clean environment, you might get away with fewer baths. But some dogs are rolling around outside every chance they get, and will need to be shampooed as much as once a week.
Don't use baby shampoo or dish detergent. Baby shampoo has the wrong pH, and dish detergent is far too harsh and will mess with the balance of oils in your Golden's skin. Always use commercial dog shampoo, which is formulated in accordance with the needs of your dog's skin and coat. These products are created with the correct pH levels and include only mild additives.
Golden Retrievers have both a top coat and an undercoat. Both of these layers have to be brushed properly. It's a never ending task when it comes to grooming the long, thick coat of a Golden. You need to do this at least once a week, and more frequently if your dog picks up bits and pieces from the grass and shrubbery.
Three dog grooming tools will help you do the job quite easily: a slicker, a Greyhound comb and an undercoat rake.
You use the slicker to brush the top coat. It removes the hair that has migrated to the surface. Goldens primarily shed from the undercoat, and most of that hair makes its way to the top. You need to use firm, regular strokes but don't be too rough. It's important to prevent brush burn, which happens when you brush too forcefully.
A Greyhound comb is useful for getting rid of the surplus hair that is loosened through brushing, as well as the natural shedding process. And it's a good way to check that you did a thorough job of brushing. If you can comb through the hair on the chest, sides and back of your Golden with no snags, you've done a good job.
Next is the undercoat rake, which targets the lowest layer near the skin. Use the rake to remove loose hair caused by shedding. Begin at the back leg and move carefully towards the front. You need to lift and pull the rake away from the body as you brush.
Trim your Golden's nails when required, typically once a month. Some people prefer the guillotine style clippers and others are more comfortable with scissors. Take your pick, but be cautious either way so you don't cut the quick, the primary blood vessel in the region. This will cause pain and bleeding. To make sure you can see it clearly, wet the toenails near the foot before you get started.
In case you do accidentally cut the quick, be sure to keep some styptic powder available and apply it to the wound. Don't let your dog jump or run around for an hour or more afterwards. Although the wounds will heal quite quickly, they are easily reopened.
by LilyD
LilyD
I am so bad at bios and I look awful in pictures. I just like Goldens.
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