Health issues to watch for in Goldens - from someone who learned the hard way

After losing my first golden Bailey to cancer at age 8, I wanted to share what I've learned about health issues common in the breed.

Things to watch for:

- Cancer (unfortunately super common - get lumps checked early)
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Heart problems
- Skin allergies and hot spots
- Ear infections (those floppy ears trap moisture)

What I do differently now:

- Pet insurance from day one (worth every penny)
- Regular vet checkups every 6 months after age 7
- Bloodwork annually
- Keep them at healthy weight (fat goldens are not cute, they're unhealthy)

My current golden Cooper is 5 and doing great. I just want everyone to be more prepared than I was.