Three reasons you should get pet insurance for your Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers, much like Labradors, are one of the most popular dog breeds in America – and that’s not surprising. These loveable dopes (no offence) are fun, friendly, energetic, great with kids and utterly entertaining. But they come with their own set of potential health issues, which can lead in turn to sizeable vet bills – which is why it's important to get pet insurance for Golden Retrievers.
Here are three medical conditions that commonly affect Golden Retrievers.
Cancer
Covered by insurance!
It’s really cruel, but this adorable breed has the highest rate of cancer among all dogs, with an estimated 60% of all Golden Retrievers dying from cancer, according to the Golden Retriever Club. It’s not only a horrible condition but also a really expensive one to treat, with costs often going over $10,000. The most common cancer in Golden Retrievers is hemangiosarcoma, which is a rapidly growing, highly invasive sarcoma. However, the good news is, there are things you can do reduce the chances of your Golden Retriever getting cancer. A good diet and plenty of exercise are obvious tactics, but you can also make sure they aren’t exposed to second-hand smoke, pollution, and chemicals (be careful what you put on your lawn). It’s also really important to examine your dog regularly – feel for lumps, check their mouth and ears – and also to take them for check-ups at the vet at least once a year. A good wellness plan will cover the latter.
Obesity
Covered by insurance!
Golden Retrievers have near boundless energy, especially when it comes to play, but they also love their food and that boundless appetite can cause obesity. Obesity is a major issue in Golden Retrievers and Labradors, due to their ‘see food’ diet. It causes life-threatening conditions like heart disease, cancer and diabetes (treating diabetes can cost $2,000 per year). Overweight dogs (a category that more than half the dogs on America fall into) have a shorter life expectancy. To prevent your dog becoming too tubby, make sure they get plenty of exercise, have suitable food portions, and take it easy on the treats and the leftovers – no matter how cute those puppy eyes!
Hip/Elbow Dysplasia
Covered by insurance!
Unfortunately, joint problems like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia – where the bones and joints don’t align properly – are often genetic. Certain breeds, and even certain lineages, are simply more prone to these conditions, which are painful and can lead to arthritis (which can cost up to $2,000 per year for treatment or $7,500 per joint for surgery). There are ways to prevent or minimize the issue, though. If you have your dog from a puppy, be careful to exercise them properly – too much, too rough, too soon can lead to their bones not growing properly. Some people also use joint supplements to ward off future trouble.
