Dog Care
Golden Retriever care from puppy to senior
Goldens are easy to live with and easy to get wrong in two specific ways: too much exercise too young, and too much food forever.
By Marcus Vance · Reviewed by Dr. Priya Anand, DVM, DACVIM · Updated 2026-07-11 · 9 min read
Exercise by age
Under twelve months, favour free play on soft ground over forced repetitive exercise. Avoid long runs, stairs in volume and repeated jumping from height until growth plates close, generally between twelve and eighteen months.
Coat and ears
Brush two to three times weekly with a slicker and undercoat rake, and never shave the double coat — it disrupts insulation and regrowth. Dry the ears thoroughly after swimming; this breed's drop ears trap moisture.
Weight and joints
Lean body condition is the single best-evidenced intervention for joint longevity. You should feel ribs with light pressure and see a waist from above throughout life.
Health monitoring
Know your line's hip, elbow, cardiac and eye history, watch for lameness that persists beyond a day or two, and discuss cancer screening as your dog ages given the breed's elevated risk.