Happy Golden Retriever Day! Why We Love Goldens — and How to Care for Their Unique Needs
February 3rd is Golden Retriever Day, and if any breed deserves its own celebration, it’s this one. Friendly, loyal, endlessly cheerful, and always ready for a game of fetch, Golden Retrievers have been winning hearts for generations. Whether they’re family companions, therapy dogs, service animals, or the official greeters of their neighborhood, Goldens bring sunshine wherever they go.
But behind the lovable smile, flowing coat, and wagging tail, Golden Retrievers also have unique grooming and wellness needs — from sensitive skin to ear infections to shedding that somehow ends up everywhere.
Today, we’re celebrating these beautiful dogs with a closer look at what makes them special, the common issues they face, and how TropiClean can help keep them clean, comfortable, and feeling their best.
Why Golden Retrievers Are Such a Beloved Breed
The Golden Retriever is a friendly, intelligent breed originally developed in Scotland. Beloved across the U.S., they excel as hunting and field dogs, service and guide dogs, and in search-and-rescue work. When not on the job, Golden Retrievers are known for their enthusiasm, trainability, and joyful love of life.
Golden Retrievers are known for their:
- Affectionate, family-friendly temperament
- Intelligence and trainability
- Love for activity and adventure
- Gentle nature with kids and other pets
- Eagerness to please and playful personality
Their sweet disposition and emotional intelligence are why they excel as therapy and service dogs. They sense emotions deeply and seem to know exactly when you need a nudge, a cuddle, or a goofy smile.
But loving a Golden also means committing to consistent grooming and routine wellness — because those gorgeous coats and big floppy ears come with some special considerations. Like all breeds, their nails should also be trimmed regularly as part of routine grooming care.
Common Sensitivities and Health Concerns in Golden Retrievers
Golden Retrievers are a resilient, generally healthy breed, but they do have some predispositions pet parents should be aware of. These include elbow and hip dysplasia, eye conditions such as juvenile cataracts, pigmentary uveitis, and progressive retinal atrophy, as well as certain heart diseases. Golden Retrievers’ ears should be checked weekly for signs of infection, and their teeth should be brushed regularly. The good news? Many of these concerns can be supported with proper grooming, quality products, and consistent preventative care.
1. Skin Allergies & Sensitivities
Goldens frequently suffer from:
- Environmental allergies (pollen, grasses, dust mites)
- Food sensitivities
- Dry skin
- Hot spots (try TropiClean HomeVet Medicated Dog Hot Spot Cream)
- Excessive itching
Because they have dense double coats, irritation can worsen quickly if not managed. Their skin tends to be sensitive, so gentle, naturally derived shampoos are especially important.
Symptoms to watch for:
- Itching
- Flaking
- Hair loss
- Red patches
- Constant licking
2. Ear Infections
Those adorable floppy ears?
They trap moisture, heat, and debris — which makes Golden Retrievers highly prone to ear infections.
Common causes include:
- Allergies
- Yeast overgrowth
- Bacteria
- Trapped water after swimming or bathing
Signs of trouble:
- Strong odor
- Scratching or head shaking
- Red, irritated ears
- Discharge
Regular ear cleaning is essential for this breed.
3. Heavy Shedding
Golden Retrievers are heavy shedders, typically blowing their thick, water-repellent double coat once or twice a year while shedding moderately year-round. Regular brushing with a slicker brush once or twice a week helps remove loose hair before it ends up on furniture, though daily brushing is best during peak shedding periods. Occasional baths can help loosen dead hair, but the coat should be fully dry before brushing. Outside of shedding seasons, Goldens only need baths as needed to stay clean. Without routine brushing and deshedding care, loose fur mats under the topcoat, leading to discomfort, odor, and irritated skin.
4. Hot Spots
Because their thick fur can trap moisture and irritants, Golden Retrievers may develop red, painful skin sores caused by excessive licking and scratching. These sores can worsen quickly and are often triggered by allergies, fleas, ear infections, or even boredom. Prompt veterinary care is important to break the cycle of self-trauma and typically includes clipping and cleaning the area, along with antibiotics or anti-itch medication when needed.
5. Odor & Coat Maintenance
With an active lifestyle and a thick double coat, Goldens naturally pick up dirt, debris, and smells. Regular baths and between-bath refreshes are essential for keeping them clean and comfortable. Try TropiClean PerfectFur™ Thick Double Coat Shampoo for Dogs, a deep-cleansing dog shampoo that penetrates both layers, exfoliating skin and loosening undercoat to reduce shedding while removing trapped dirt and debris. With quick-dry technology, this dog shampoo repels water, cuts drying time, and leaves your dog’s coat refreshed with a bright citrus scent.
6. Easy Weight Gain
Some Goldens can become overweight, so watch your dog's calorie consumption and weight level. If you choose to give your dog treats, do so in moderation. Treats can be an important aid in training, but giving too many can cause obesity.
How TropiClean Helps Support Golden Retriever Care
Because Golden Retrievers are prone to skin, coat, and ear issues, choosing gentle, effective, naturally derived products makes a world of difference. TropiClean offers solutions that fit seamlessly into caring for this beautiful breed.
For Sensitive Skin & Allergies:
TropiClean OxyMed Anti-Itch Solutions
Goldens with itchy or irritated skin benefit from relief-focused products like:
- OxyMed Medicated Anti-Itch Dog Shampoo
- OxyMed Anti-Itch Pet Treatment Rinse
- OxyMed Pet Soothing Relief Wipes
- OxyMed Allergy & Itch Shampoo
These formulas help calm redness, dryness, and irritation using gentle, effective ingredients.
For Goldens Who Love Water:
TropiClean Alcohol-Free Dog Ear Wash
Perfect for moisture-prone ears. Helps remove wax, soothe irritation, and reduce odor. Regular use supports ear health — especially after swimming or bathing.
For Shedding & Coat Care:
TropiClean Lime & Cocoa Butter Shed Control Shampoo & Conditioner
These help:
- Reduce shedding
- Strengthen coat health
- Moisturize the skin
- Leave fur soft and shiny
Ideal for thick, double-coated breeds like Golden Retrievers.
For Freshness Between Baths:
Waterless Dog Shampoos, Deodorizing Sprays & Pet Wipes
Great for muddy paws, outdoor adventures, and Goldens who seem to find messes everywhere. Try any of these:
TropiClean Deep Cleansing Waterless Dog Shampoo is the quick, no-rinse solution for keeping your dog fresh, clean, and cuddle-ready between baths.
TropiClean EnduraScent™ Mango Kiwi Pet Deodorizing Spray keeps your dog's and cat's coat fresh, soft, and irresistibly cuddly—no bath required.
TropiClean PURE Hypoallergenic Plant-Based Wipes for Dogs & Cats gently remove dirt, dander, and odors while nourishing and moisturizing sensitive skin.
For Golden Smiles:
Fresh Breath Oral Care Water Additives
Fresher breath, plaque defense, no brushing required and VOHC approved — easy daily dental care for a breed known for their joyful, toothy grins. Try one that matches your particular dog:
TropiClean Fresh Breath Oral Care Water Additive for Pets makes dental care simple, giving your dog or cat cleaner teeth and fresher breath—no brushing required.
TropiClean Fresh Breath Oral Care Water Additive Plus Skin & Coat, a pet water additive enriched with collagen to help support healthy skin and a shiny coat.
TropiCleanOral Care Water Additive + Hip & Joint Support for Pets is the easy, no-brush solution to keep your pet’s mouth healthy while supporting their mobility with added glucosamine.
Celebrating Golden Retrievers Everywhere
Golden Retrievers fill our homes with warmth, laughter, and an endless supply of tail wags. On Golden Retriever Day — and every day — they deserve care that keeps their skin comfortable, their ears healthy, their coat shiny, and their smiles bright.
TropiClean is here to help you support every part of their wellness and grooming routine, so they can keep spreading joy wherever they go.
Give your Golden the gentle, feel-good care they deserve.
TropiClean PerfectFur™ Thick Double Coat Shampoo for Dogs is formulated for breeds with dense, double-layered coats. This deep-cleansing dog shampoo penetrates both layers, exfoliating skin and loosening undercoat to reduce shedding while removing trapped dirt and debris.