What health problems are Golden Retrievers prone to?

The health topics discussed most often for Golden Retrievers include arthritis, ear infections, obesity and mast cell tumours. Each guide on this page covers the symptoms to watch for, what your vet may suggest, and when to seek help.

Are Golden Retrievers a healthy breed?

Every breed has conditions seen more often than average, but most Golden Retrievers live full lives with routine preventive care. The guides below explain what to watch for and which checks or screening to discuss with your vet.

When should I take my Golden Retriever to the vet?

Seek urgent veterinary help for collapse, difficulty breathing, repeated vomiting, straining without producing urine, sudden severe pain, or a seizure. For slower changes — appetite, weight, skin, energy or mobility — book a routine appointment with your vet.

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Golden Retriever health

Quick answer

Friendly large breed — cancer, joint disease and ear infections feature heavily in breed health discussions. PETHEALTH+ maps these topics to plain-English UK guides — what to watch, what to ask your vet, and when to call. Reviewed against UK veterinary guidance; information only, not a diagnosis.

Health topics for Golden Retrievers

Health topic	What to know	Guide
Arthritis	Arthritis (osteoarthritis) affects most dogs over eight years old in the UK.	Read the guide
Ear infections	Ear infections (otitis externa) cause head shaking, scratching, redness, odour, and discharge in the ear canal.	Read the guide
Obesity	Around half of UK dogs are overweight or obese, which shortens life and worsens arthritis, diabetes and breathing problems.	Read the guide
Mast cell tumours	Mast cell tumours (MCTs) are among the most common skin cancers in UK dogs.	Read the guide

Summaries reviewed 2026-07-18 against UK veterinary guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

What health problems are Golden Retrievers prone to?: The health topics discussed most often for Golden Retrievers include arthritis, ear infections, obesity and mast cell tumours. Each guide on this page covers the symptoms to watch for, what your vet may suggest, and when to seek help.
Are Golden Retrievers a healthy breed?: Every breed has conditions seen more often than average, but most Golden Retrievers live full lives with routine preventive care. The guides below explain what to watch for and which checks or screening to discuss with your vet.
When should I take my Golden Retriever to the vet?: Seek urgent veterinary help for collapse, difficulty breathing, repeated vomiting, straining without producing urine, sudden severe pain, or a seizure. For slower changes — appetite, weight, skin, energy or mobility — book a routine appointment with your vet.

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