Golden Retriever

The best way to manage your Golden Retriever’s shedding is to be proactive about it: Brush and comb your dog down to the skin a couple of times a week, and use a shedding rake to pull out any loose fur. In the spring and fall, a warm bath can speed up seasonal shedding. Always remember to comb out or clip away any mats before bathing. Many groomers use high-velocity pet dryers, but if you don't have one, you can towel-dry your pet (outside if it's warm) or use a hair dryer on the lowest heat setting to further get rid of loose fur. If the job is too daunting, make an appointment with a groomer.

The most important thing to know about bathing your Golden Retriever is to make sure all mats are combed or cut out before you turn the water on. Mats are more difficult to remove after a bath and can pull painfully on your Golden's skin. A good quality canine shampoo is all you need for a healthy dog -- any stray fleas get washed down the drain. A pet-safe conditioner keeps your Golden's coat glossy and smelling better.

Get your Golden Retriever used to having you handle their ears with praise and maybe a small treat. That will allow you to fold back the ear flap and look for issues -- a strong smell or heavy wax buildup may indicate a problem. Ask your veterinary healthcare team to show you how to safely deep clean ear canals, and use a veterinary-approved ear-cleaning product. Water-loving dogs such as Goldens often get water trapped in their ear canals. A product with a drying agent, applied after swimming, will help keep issues at bay.