Caring for a Golden Retriever Skin and Fur

It is necessary to brush and comb your dog on a daily basis; however, you must do it at least twice a week. Don't use sharp metal brushes because if your dog has a bad experience, he won't want to be brushed again. Brushing has to be a pleasant experience. Washing your dog with shampoo is only necessary if your dog has rolled around fresh dung or trash and you can't stand the smell. Use a shampoo that can return his oily look, as your Retriever's skin needs the protection of the oil when he swims, if not he will absorb too much water. Washing your dog with cold water isn't a problem, as long as you don't spray on him too strongly. If it rains, don't worry, your dog is all-weather resistant, and he usually is not affected by normal rain and water. However, in the first few months you have to be careful that he doesn't catch a cold; he should never be with wet hair out in the cold. Ticks are another problem! If you're lucky, you'll see them running a across your dogs fur and later when you pet him you will notice them sucking him especially in the neck, the head or around his elbows and thighs. It is better to remove the ones that are stuck onto the skin with special tweezers, but be careful not to squeeze them with your fingers, because they can transmit infections to human beings. Ticks can transmit meningitis and boreliosis. Boreliosis can be detected by means of a blood analysis. If the results are not evident, or if your dog is tired and fatigued or he has inexplicable movement disorders, talk to your vet, because it is probable that he has a boreliosis infection. Throughout their lives, playing with other dogs or on other occasions, all dogs can be invaded by fleas. But don't worry: fleas are not a sign that you're not taking good care of your dog, and you don't have to be embarrassed if he's got them. However, it would be embarrassing and bad for the dog, if you do not notice the invasion and do nothing about it. When the dog has fleas, he scratches more than normal. If you comb him upwards (as opposed to the normal way you do it) around his loins, close to where his tail begins, you will notice black dots on his skin: those are flea excrement. Fleas are hardly ever visible because they hide in between the hairs. The flea sprays that are offered in pet shops are usually not effective, which is why you should ask your veterinarian directly which one you should use. If you've noticed fleas, you have to know that these do not only remain on your dog, but they also appear on his blanket and basket, or on your sofa. The flea treatment only makes sense if at the same time you clean your house from top to bottom, especially where your dog is going to be.