Holistic Care Tips for Golden Retrievers: Natural Wellness Matters

Holistic care tips for Golden Retrievers. Discover expert holistic care tips for Golden Retrievers, including natural dog wellness advice on nutrition, alternative therapies, and emotional well-being. Learn how to support your Golden’s health naturally. Natural wellness advice every dog parent should know.

Golden Retrievers are loyal, loving, and energetic companions, but their friendly nature and genetic predispositions mean they can also be prone to health issues such as hip dysplasia, allergies, and obesity. Many dog parents today are turning to holistic care as a way to support their Golden Retriever’s well-being, not just physically but emotionally and energetically. Below are natural, proactive wellness strategies and holistic care tips for Golden Retrievers that every Golden Retriever parent should know.

1. Provide Whole-Food Nutrition and Natural Supplements

A holistic approach to nutrition focuses on feeding your Golden Retriever minimally processed, species-appropriate foods. Choose a balanced diet made from whole food ingredients, ideally fresh or gently cooked. Avoid kibble loaded with fillers, artificial preservatives, and by-products. Golden Retrievers thrive on diets that include lean animal protein, healthy fats (like fish oil), and fresh vegetables for fiber and antioxidants.

Natural supplements such as turmeric (for inflammation), omega-3s (for joint and skin health), and probiotics (for gut health) can further support their immune system and reduce the risk of chronic disease.

2. Keep Them Active with Purposeful Exercise

Goldens are intelligent and energetic. Daily physical activity helps maintain muscle tone, joint mobility, and mental balance. Go beyond the daily walk. Try swimming, agility training, or scent games. Swimming is especially beneficial for Golden Retrievers since it provides low-impact cardiovascular exercise, reducing stress on their hips and joints.

Regular activity also helps prevent obesity, which is a common issue in this breed and can worsen other conditions like arthritis.

3. Support Emotional Health and Reduce Anxiety

Golden Retrievers are people-oriented dogs who can experience separation anxiety or emotional stress if left alone for long periods. Holistic care means supporting their mental and emotional health as much as their physical health.

Create a calm environment with consistent routines. Use calming herbs like chamomile or CBD oil (dog-safe formulations only) during stressful events like thunderstorms. Consider canine massage, animal Reiki, or Tellington TTouch to reduce anxiety and create emotional balance. Many pet wellness professionals offer remote energy healing sessions for dogs on platforms like Petworks.

4. Try Holistic Therapies for Common Ailments

Rather than defaulting to prescription medications for every issue, consider working with a holistic veterinarian or certified animal wellness practitioner to explore:

• Acupuncture for pain management and immune support
• Chiropractic care for spinal alignment and mobility
• Massage therapy for circulation, relaxation, and joint stiffness
• Homeopathy for chronic conditions

These therapies are especially helpful for senior Golden Retrievers or those recovering from injury.

Are you finding this article useful? Would you like 100% free access to more articles like these, and free access to over 5,000 vetted pet care service professionals throughout the United States? Sign up here for a free Petworks account, and we’ll email you a personal 10% discount code. Then take 10% off your first booking on us!

5. Practice Preventative Dental and Skin Care

Goldens are prone to dental issues and skin sensitivities. A holistic approach includes:

• Natural dental chews or raw bones (under supervision) to reduce tartar
• Brushing their teeth with dog-safe herbal toothpaste
• Using natural shampoos with oatmeal or neem to soothe skin
• Adding coconut oil or omega-3s to the diet to promote a shiny, itch-free coat

Regular grooming not only supports physical health but also provides bonding time and stress relief.

6. Detox Safely and Minimize Toxins

Golden Retrievers can accumulate toxins from flea/tick medications, over-vaccination, lawn chemicals, and low-quality food. Holistic pet care focuses on gentle detoxification using options like:

• Milk thistle for liver support
• Spirulina or chlorella to bind heavy metals
• Filtered water instead of tap water

You can also reduce chemical exposure by using natural cleaners in your home and avoiding pesticides on your lawn.

“Jake … was beginning to have Hypoglycemic seizures, as well as problems with his hips. The Western treatment was to put him on Prednisone that had him going downhill within the week that it was prescribed. Thankfully, Dr. Basko provided his acupuncture treatments, herbal recommendations and recipes. Jake was given a ‘second wind’ and quality of life until it was time to let him go.” – Dr. Ihor Basko, DVM & Holistic Vet.

7. Maintain Regular Holistic Vet Checkups

Prevention is key to holistic pet care. Look for a certified integrative or holistic veterinarian who combines traditional medicine with natural approaches. Schedule wellness exams twice a year to catch any issues early. Discuss vaccine titers, natural flea/tick prevention, and lab work to monitor organ function, especially as your Golden ages.

8. Understand the Power of Energy Healing

Many Golden Retriever parents are discovering the benefits of animal Reiki, crystal healing, and intuitive energy work to balance their dog’s energy and emotions. These gentle, non-invasive techniques are particularly effective for Goldens with trauma, behavioral issues, or chronic illness. Sessions can often be done remotely, and platforms like Petworks connect pet parents with certified animal energy healers across the U.S.

9. Senior Golden Retriever Wellness Tips

As Golden Retrievers age, their wellness needs shift. Support your senior Golden with:

• Orthopedic dog beds
• Elevated bowls to reduce neck strain
• Joint-supportive supplements (glucosamine, MSM)
• Regular low-impact movement (walking, swimming)
• Bi-weekly massage or Reiki sessions to ease discomfort

10. Use Petworks to Find Holistic Pet Services Nationwide

Whether you’re looking for a pet nutritionist, animal massage therapist, Reiki practitioner, or natural pet products, Petworks is a trusted online platform where pet parents can discover and book holistic care providers. You can filter by service type, location, or even book virtual sessions from the comfort of your home.

Holistic care means treating the whole dog : mind, body, and spirit. By providing a healthy diet, natural supplements, emotional support, physical activity, and access to alternative therapies, you can help your Golden Retriever live a long, happy, and balanced life. With the help of trusted professionals on platforms like Petworks, holistic wellness for your beloved companion has never been more accessible.

About Petworks

In 2021, Dr. Marty Goldstein DVM joined the pet care platform Petworks as an advisor in its Animal Nutrition care division. Dr Marty Nature’s Blend is on a mission to help your pets live their healthiest lives possible. Dr. Marty’s pet nutrition expertise and guidance has helped Petworks evolve and become the preeminent animal and pet nutrition consultation service for pet parents in North America.

In 2022, Blue Buffalo Founder Bill Bishop Jr. joined Petworks as Senior Advisor in our Animal Nutrition Care Division. Bill brings his extensive expertise in pet food innovation and business leadership. His guidance helps Petworks enhance our pet nutrition service offerings, helping to ensure that pet parents throughout the world receive trusted, science-backed nutritional support for their dogs, cats, and animals.