Golden Retriever Grooming Guide

Grooming a Golden Retriever is an important part of their care, as these dogs have thick coats and sensitive skin. Their eyes and ears can require special attention, too.

Skin Care

Regularly checking your Golden Retriever's skin can help you detect hot spots or other issues that develop. If you notice an increase in scratching, chewing, or licking, talk to your veterinarian.

Because Goldens are prone to atopy (environmental allergies), regular baths with gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo can help reduce exposure to allergens and help keep their skin free from infection.

Coat Care

Golden Retrievers have a dense double coat, so they shed a lot. It's important to brush your dog at least once or twice every week to reduce shedding and prevent matting, especially behind the ears and on the hind limbs.

Eye Care

Golden Retrievers sometimes have a mild amount of clear or brown tear staining. You can use a vet-approved tear stain remover to clean off any discharge that accumulates.

Ear Care

Golden Retrievers are prone to ear infections because of the skin and ear inflammation associated with underlying allergies and, less commonly, due to hypothyroidism.

To minimize the risk of ear infections in Golden Retrievers, it's best to clean their ears with a product that contains a drying agent (like Epi-Otic® Advanced) every two to three weeks for maintenance, plus after swimming or bathing.

Ask your veterinarian how often your dog's ears should be cleaned.

Summary

• Grooming is essential for Golden Retrievers due to their thick double coats and sensitive skin, with special attention needed for their eyes and ears to maintain overall health and comfort.
• Regular skin checks help detect hot spots and other issues early, while frequent baths with gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo reduce allergen exposure since Golden Retrievers are prone to environmental allergies (atopy).
• Golden Retrievers shed heavily due to their dense double coat, requiring brushing at least once or twice weekly to reduce shedding and prevent matting, especially behind the ears and on the hind limbs.
• Mild clear or brown tear staining is common in Golden Retrievers and can be managed with vet-approved tear stain removers to clean accumulated discharge around the eyes.
• Golden Retrievers are prone to ear infections due to underlying allergies and hypothyroidism, requiring ear cleaning with drying agents every two to three weeks plus after swimming or bathing to minimize infection risk.