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Golden Retriever pet insurance

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What makes Golden Retrievers great pets?

If you live with a Golden Retriever, you probably spend much of your time either covered in long golden hair or removing it. But it's a small price to pay for owning such a friendly, loving dog. Known for their patience and intelligence, you only have to look at some of the jobs this breed does to see where it gets its reputation from:

  • guide dogs
  • therapy dogs
  • mountain rescue dogs
  • sniffer dogs

They're just all-round canine heroes.

Do Golden Retrievers have known health conditions?

Golden Retrievers are never happier than when lounging around the house. But they do need lots of exercise, as they can become obese without regular walks and a good diet.

They're also at risk of developing genetic conditions, such as:

  • hip and elbow dysplasia
  • cataracts
  • cancer
  • allergies
  • heart disease
  • epilepsy

You can try to reduce these risks by getting a pup from a registered breeder, who can show you screening results for the hereditary conditions.

Although your four-legged friend will most likely have a long and happy life, it's good to be aware of the risks and take steps to protect him or her as best you can.

Getting the right pet insurance could help put your mind at rest, should your dog suffer an illness or injury throughout its lifetime.

What types of pet insurance policies are there?

The main types of pet insurance for dogs are:

Lifetime insurance This will make sure that any conditions your Golden Retriever develops are covered year after year, if you stick with the same policy after he or she develops the condition.

Maximum benefit Cover that offers a pot of money per condition. Once the ‘pot’ is used up, that condition is no longer covered, even if you continue to renew the policy.

Time limited insurance This type of dog insurance policy only covers a condition for up to 12 months. After that, if your pet still needs treatment, you’ll have to cover the costs.

Accident only insurance Your dog will be covered if it has an accident, but this type of policy doesn't cover illnesses or any medical conditions your dog might develop.

Tips for keeping your Golden Retriever happy and healthy

  • Diet: Feed your pup a balanced diet of natural foods to give him all the energy he needs to grow and play. To keep your dog trim, try to substitute calorie-dense dog biscuits for something natural or homemade. It’s also important to make sure that you feed your Retriever the right quantities – according to his age and level of activity. Remember, your dog’s metabolism will slow down with age, so he’ll need less food as time goes on. Speak to your vet if you’re unsure about your dog’s dietary requirements.
  • Exercise: Golden Retrievers are big dogs and need at least two hours of exercise every day, to stay fit and healthy. Mix up your dog’s exercise routine with long walks, swimming and agility classes – to help him stay agile and engaged in the activities you do together.
  • Staying social: An active social life plays an important role in your dog’s happiness. Encourage your Golden Retriever to engage with other pups while you’re out and about, or get together with other dog walkers in your area, to give your pet plenty of dog-to-dog social interaction.
  • Vet check-ups: Trips to the vet might not be fun, but they’re essential for your dog’s long-term health. Regular health checks, vaccinations and deworming will help you keep track of your dog’s physical wellbeing, so he can stay happy and healthy into old age.
  • Grooming: Take good care of your Retriever’s golden fur to keep it shiny and stop it becoming matted. Brush your dog’s fur with a firm-bristled brush every couple of days, to remove dead skin and help distribute the natural oils that give his coat that famous golden sheen.
  • Oral health: To help prevent the build-up of bacteria and to keep periodontal disease at bay, brush your Golden Retriever’s teeth with a toothbrush at least once a week, and give him dental treats or chews to help promote good all-round oral health.

Frequently asked questions

What is third party pet insurance and do I need it?

Although Golden Retrievers are generally obedient and well-mannered, even they can get into scrapes with other dogs. If your Retriever harms another dog or person, or damages property, third party pet insurance could help cover the cost of any claims made against you.

What if my Golden Retriever is lost or stolen?

It can be heartbreaking to have your Golden Retriever go missing. Some pet insurance policies will offer financial help towards advertising and posters, plus a reward for finding your dog. They may even pay compensation, up to the value you paid for your pet, if he or she can't be found.

Why should I compare pet insurance with Compare the Market?

Just tell us about your Golden Retriever and the type of cover you’d like, then we’ll search a selection of UK pet insurance providers to give you a list of competitive quotes to choose from – with the cheapest first.

How much does it cost to insure my Golden Retriever?

 
The average premium for dog insurance is £156 per year[1]

[1] 51% of our customers were quoted less than £155.64 for their dog insurance in June 2024.

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What do I need to get a quote?

To compare Golden Retriever insurance with Compare the Market, you’ll need to tell us:

  • your pet’s age and breed
  • how much you paid or donated for them
  • whether your pet has been neutered or spayed
  • whether they’re microchipped.
Author image Anna McEntee

What our expert says...

“Golden Retrievers make great family pets – they’re sociable and easy to train. However, their large size also makes them a very active breed, meaning they need a lot of exercise to stay happy and healthy.”

- Anna McEntee, Home, pet and travel insurance expert

Why use Compare the Market?

We compare prices for 40 pet insurance products[2] Rated 4.8/5 on Trustpilot[3] Get a quote in minutes[2]

[2] Correct as of June 2024.

[3] As of July 1st 2024, Compare the Market had an average rating of 4.8 out of 5 from 43,115 people who left a review on Trustpilot. The score 4.8 corresponds to the Star Label ‘Excellent’.

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