Golden Retriever Care: Why Regular Grooming, Walking, and Exercise Are Essential for Your Golden’s Health and Happiness
- thedanekelley
- Jun 27
- 4 min read
Updated: Jul 3
Golden Retrievers are one of the most loved dog breeds in the world. Known for their friendly disposition, loyalty, and playful nature, Goldens are wonderful family pets and companions. But behind that beautiful, flowing coat and big smile comes a breed that needs consistent care—especially when it comes to grooming, walking, and exercise.
In this blog post, we’ll explore why these three routines are crucial for your Golden Retriever’s health, comfort, and overall happiness.
The Importance of Regular Grooming for Golden Retrievers
Managing That Iconic Double Coat
Golden Retrievers are famous for their gorgeous, flowing double coats. This coat consists of a soft, dense undercoat and a longer, water-resistant outer coat. While stunning, it does come with one challenge: shedding—lots of it!
Goldens shed year-round, with especially heavy shedding in the spring and fall when they blow their undercoats.
How Often Should You Groom Your Golden?
Brushing: To keep your home (and your clothes) free of dog hair, it’s recommended to brush your Golden Retriever at least 3-4 times a week, and daily during heavy shedding seasons. A slicker brush or undercoat rake works best to remove loose fur and prevent matting.
Benefits of Regular Brushing:
Reduces shedding
Prevents painful mats and tangles
Stimulates skin and promotes a healthy coat
Reduces allergens in your home
Allows early detection of skin issues, lumps, or parasites
Professional Grooming
Even with regular home brushing, Golden Retrievers benefit from professional grooming every 6-8 weeks. Professional groomers can provide:
Bath and blow-dry
Full de-shedding treatment
Nail trimming
Ear cleaning
Trimming around the feet, ears, and sanitary areas
For added convenience, mobile dog grooming services offer one-on-one grooming at your doorstep—perfect for Goldens who get anxious in busy salon environments.
Nail Trimming and Ear Care: Don't Overlook the Details
Nail Trimming: Golden Retrievers are active dogs, but long nails can still develop if your dog isn’t frequently on hard surfaces. Nails should be trimmed every 3-4 weeks to prevent discomfort and joint stress.
Ear Care: With their floppy ears and love for water, Goldens are prone to ear infections. Regular ear cleaning, especially after swimming, helps prevent bacteria and yeast buildup.
The Role of Walking in Your Golden Retriever’s Health
Golden Retrievers Need Daily Walks
Golden Retrievers are a high-energy breed that thrives on daily activity. Without enough exercise, Goldens can become bored, restless, and even destructive.
How Much Walking Does a Golden Retriever Need? Most healthy adult Goldens require at least 60 minutes of walking per day. This can be split into two or more shorter walks, or combined with other activities like fetch or swimming.
Health Benefits of Walking Your Golden
Weight Management: Goldens love food and are prone to weight gain if not exercised regularly.
Joint Health: Walking helps keep your dog’s joints flexible and strong, especially important as they age.
Cardiovascular Health: Regular walks improve heart and lung function.
Digestive Regularity: A consistent walking routine can help regulate bowel movements.
Behavioral Benefits
Goldens are intelligent and social dogs that thrive on mental stimulation and interaction with their environment.
Regular walks help with:
Reducing anxiety and hyperactivity
Decreasing unwanted behaviors like chewing, digging, and barking
Improving leash manners and social skills
Strengthening your bond with your dog
Why Golden Retrievers Need More Than Just Walks
While daily walks are essential, Golden Retrievers also need more vigorous exercise to burn off their energy.
Fun Exercise Ideas for Golden Retrievers:
Fetch: Goldens are natural retrievers and love chasing balls, frisbees, or toys.
Swimming: Thanks to their water-resistant coats, Goldens are excellent swimmers. Swimming is a great low-impact exercise that’s easy on their joints.
Hiking: Golden Retrievers love adventure! Take them on dog-friendly hiking trails for both physical and mental stimulation.
Agility Courses: Agility training provides both mental and physical challenges, improving coordination and obedience.
Interactive Play and Training: Games like hide-and-seek, obedience training drills, and puzzle toys help keep their minds sharp.
Combining Grooming and Exercise for Total Health
Grooming and exercise are both essential pieces of the overall care puzzle for your Golden Retriever.
Here’s how they work together:
After a long hike or swimming session, your Golden may need a bath and a good brushing to remove dirt and loose fur.
Frequent exercise helps naturally wear down their nails, though trimming is still important.
After outdoor play, grooming is a good time to check for burrs, ticks, or skin irritations.
Brushing after walks helps distribute natural oils for a healthy coat.
By keeping both grooming and exercise consistent, you’re supporting your Golden’s physical health, preventing skin and coat issues, and improving their mood and behavior.
Why Mobile Grooming Is a Great Option for Goldens
Given their size and grooming needs, many Golden Retriever owners prefer mobile dog grooming services.
Benefits of Mobile Grooming for Golden Retrievers:
Reduces travel stress: No need to lift your large dog into the car or deal with traffic.
One-on-one care: Your dog receives personalized attention from start to finish.
Time-saving: The groomer comes to your home, making scheduling easier.
Ideal for senior Goldens: Older dogs with arthritis or mobility issues benefit from less movement and stress.
After-exercise cleanups: Book a mobile grooming session after your dog’s favorite adventure for a fresh, clean coat.
Tips for a Happy, Healthy Golden Retriever
✅ Brush your Golden at least 3-4 times per week (more during shedding season)
✅ Bathe your dog every 6-8 weeks (or more after messy play)
✅ Trim nails and clean ears regularly
✅ Walk at least 60 minutes a day
✅ Incorporate swimming, hiking, and interactive games
✅ Schedule regular professional or mobile grooming appointments
Final Thoughts: Give Your Golden Retriever the Care They Deserve
Golden Retrievers are loyal, loving, and full of energy. They give us their best every day—so let’s return the favor by keeping their grooming and exercise needs at the top of our priority list.
Whether it’s a daily walk, a splash in the water, or a relaxing mobile grooming session, your Golden will thank you with wagging tails, happy smiles, and endless affection.
Book your dog’s next groom today and give them the best care from the comfort of home.
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