Golden Retriever Dogs

Breed Overview

Golden Retrievers are the 4th most popular dog in the United States. They are healthy breed an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years. However, as with any purebred dog, you should be prepared for some possible health issues and conditions.

Golden Retriever Health Overview

Each breed of dog, including mixed breeds, has their own hereditary problems and Golden Retrievers are no exception. The most important health issue to be aware of is cancer, which affects 75% of all Golden Retrievers. And, according to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals, 19.4% of Golden Retrievers are dysplastic, which suggests that one in five Golden’s are susceptible to hip dysplasia.

In addition to cancer and hip dysplasia, here is a list of potential health issues that you should be aware of as the owner of a Golden Retriever.

Canine Cancer – $5,000 to $20,000
Hip Dysplasia – $4,000 to $6,000
Elbow Dysplasia – $3,000 to $5,000
Cataracts – $2,000 to $3,000
Foreign Body Ingestion – $200 to $5,000
Progressive Retinal Atrophy – $2,000 to $3,000
Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis – $3,000 to $6,000
Von Willebrand Disease – $500 to $1,000
Ichthyosis – $50 to $200 per year
Masticatory Muscle Myositis – $50 to $100 per month
Panosteitis – Varies
Hypothyroidism – $10 to $30/month
Broken Bones – $500 to $2,000
Torn Ligaments – $3,000 to $10,000
Osteochondrosis – $20 to $50 per month
Gastric Dilatation Volvulus – $1,500 to $7,500
Luxating Patella – $1,500 to $3,000
Portosystemic Shunt – $2,000 to $6,000
Entropion – $300 to $1,500
Epilepsy – $200 to $15,000
Osteosarcoma – $5,000 to $20,000

Sources:

How Can You Protect Your Golden?

The only way to ensure you can provide the best care possible for your Golden Retriever is pet health insurance. Pet insurance covers up to 90% of your total vet bills for accidents and illnesses. Purebred dogs are highly susceptible to hereditary and genetic disorders like hip dysplasia, spinal stenosis and cancer. Here are the most popular pet insurance companies for Golden Retrievers owners.

As you can see veterinary treatment can be very expensive if your Golden Retriever gets sick or injured. Here is a list of the most popular pet insurance companies for Golden Retriever dogs based on coverage that matches their unique needs.

Best Pet Insurance Plans

Key Coverage to Consider

All of the top five best pet insurance companies cover major medical issues like accidents and illnesses. This chart provides a more detailed breakdown.

✓ Accidents	✓ Illnesses
✓ X-Rays, Blood Tests, etc.	✓ Surgery
✓ Hereditary Conditions	✓ Hospitalization
✓ Congenital Conditions	✓ Prescription Medications
✓ Chronic Conditions	✓ Emergency Care
✓ Cancer	✓ Specialty Care
✓ Diagnostic Treatment	✓ Alternative Treatment
x Pre-Existing Conditions	x Preventative Care

Note: Unfortunately, dog insurance does not cover pre-existing conditions, so it’s important to enroll while your pet is healthy and young.

How Much Does Pet Insurance Cost?

Pet insurance company’s rate based on your breed, age of your dog and where you live. In other words, the more expensive it is in your zip code the more you will pay because veterinary costs will be more expensive. It’s exactly the same way auto and home insurance companies rate customers and generate prices.

Below are some samples across the country to give you an idea of how much it costs. The only way to know exactly how much a plan will cost is to get quotes for your Golden.