Healthy eyes are bright and sparkling with dull pink mucous membranes.  Some older Goldens develop slightly droopy lower eyelids, in which debris can collect and cause inflammation.  Bathe the area around your dog's eyes daily with cotton ball moistened with tepid salt water.  If the eyes appear reddened or cloudy, or weep a yellow or green discharge, contact your vet to arrange an examination.  

Check daily for any debris lodged in the cheeks or roof of the mouth.  Once a week, clean the teeth with a soft brush, working up and down to massage the gums.  Avoid human toothpaste, which froths and can be swallowed.  

Without routine cleaning, tartar can accumulate on the teeth, leading to bad breath, infection and gum disease.  In addition to regular and professional scaling, rawhide chews are helpful in controlling tartar buildup.  (See product page for rawhide chews.)  This Golden's teeth and gums require medical attention.

When cleaning the ears, check carefully for wax, odor, inflammation, and foreign material such as grass seeds.  Remove excess wax with a damped tissue; a cotton swab can act like a plunger and push wax farther into the ear.  

Mud can harden between the Golden's pads and in the feathering on the legs.  Wash the dirty areas with trepid or cool water, continuously rubbing your fingers to help remove all deposits.  Only use cleaners safe for human skin.  Rinse and dry the paws thoroughly afterward.  

A Golden Retriever's nails seldom need clipping.  If they do grow long, command your dog to sit and use a noncrushing "guillotine" clipper.  Look for a tan-colored nails where the quick is visible to give you a guideline on how much to cut.  Always reward your dog for good behavior.  

The pink interior, called the quick or nail bed, contains blood vessels and nerves, but this cannot be seen in black nails.  Always cut in front of the quick.  If unsure, ask your vet.