Curly Coated Retriever Breed Maintenance
Any parent with curls on their own head will know that they can sometimes be difficult to tame, but thankfully, this isn’t the case with the Curly Coated Retriever — in fact, this breed only really needs brushing in the Spring and Fall when they start to molt. Use a plastic or wooden open-toothed comb and don’t overdo it, as this can cause the coat to become frizzy.
The shedding seasons are the best time for baths as well. Parents shouldn’t need to regularly bathe their Curly outside of these periods, unless their pet has rolled in something especially offensive to the nostrils.
In addition to this coat care, parents will need to stay on top of other tasks, namely brushing teeth at least twice a week, checking ears for signs of infection and trimming nails as soon as they start clicking against the floor.
Curly Coated Retriever Health Risks
The Curly Haired Retriever is considered a largely healthy breed and the fact there aren’t too many of them around means that there aren’t many unscrupulous breeders putting dogs’ safety at risk in order to make a quick buck.
However, there are a few health conditions to which the breed is more predisposed to getting throughout their lifetime. The main concerns include:
Elbow and Hip Dysplasia
Much like fellow retriever breeds that love to run around, instances of Elbow or Hip Dysplasia have been noted in Curly Coated Retrievers. This happens when the bone and socket in either the elbow or hip joints fail to develop correctly, leading them to move with friction against one another. The main symptoms are limping and pain.
Fortunately, vets have a choice of treatment options. In mild cases, weight loss or supplements might soothe the worst symptoms, but physiotherapy or surgery can aid with more serious instances.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Curly Coated Retrievers have a strong sense of sight that made them an ideal hunting companion. However, they can occasionally be affected by Progressive Retinal Atrophy, a condition that leads to vision deterioration.
This usually begins between the age of six and eight. Cells in the retina begin to die off prematurely and this can lead to vision slowly getting worse, sometimes to the point of total blindness. Occasionally, parents will be able to see cloudiness in their dog’s eyes or uncharacteristically uncoordinated behavior.
Sadly, there’s no known cure for this hereditary disease and the main thing parents should do is maintain a safe living environment for their dog.
Glycogen Storage Disease
There’s also a specific type of Glycogen Storage Disease that’s most commonly seen in German Shepherds and Curly Coated Retrievers. This genetic defect means that an affected animal can’t produce its own glucose, which leads to chronic low blood sugar. It also causes glycogen and fat to build up in the liver, kidneys and muscles, impairing their function.
The main symptoms — lethargy, weakness and weight loss — present themselves at a young age. Sadly, dogs diagnosed with the condition cannot recover and the majority will die within a year. Responsible breeders will take dogs suspected of being a carrier of the disease out of the breeding pool — this is the only preventative measure that exists, unfortunately.
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) is more commonly known as bloat and tends to affect dogs with a similar build to the Curly Coated Retriever — i.e. any dog with deep, narrow chest.
GDV happens when a dog’s stomach fills with gas. Sometimes, it stops at this stage, but in more concerning instances, the organ twists upon itself and cuts off blood and oxygen to the stomach. This can be fatal in a matter of hours.
If you notice your dog retching, panting, drooling or looking down at their abdomen in distress, it’s important to seek immediate veterinary attention.
There are certain ways a parent can try to prevent bloat from happening. Firstly, they should spread meals throughout the day to prevent bouts of overeating. A bowl designed to slow down eating is also useful for this purpose. In addition, parents should avoid exercising their dog directly before or after mealtimes.
A wellness plan is just that — a package of routine healthcare tests and screenings that’ll keep your pet fit and well. Take a look at Wag!’s option
What to feed a Curly Coated Retriever
This large curly haired dog has a pretty hefty appetite and they’ll need a lot of food to keep them fuelled up after their long walks. Parents should seek quality as well as quantity when it comes to dog food — that means high protein levels to help with muscle growth and repair, as well as lots of vitamins and minerals, too.
Avoid recipes that are heavy on carbohydrates or filler ingredients, as these can encourage obesity — it’s important to ensure Curly Coated Retrievers don’t put on too much weight, as this can put pressure on their joints, which can be prone to problems.
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