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Poodle Health Issues: 7 Common Poodle Health Problems to Look Out For!

poodle health issues

If you’re considering getting a Poodle or even if you already have one, it’s good to know which Poodle health issues your dog is prone to. It’s important to be aware of Poodle health problems in advance so you better know how to properly care for your dog if they arise and can take the appropriate preventative measures. 

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Do Poodles Have Health Issues?

Yes, like most other breeds, there are Poodle health problems that this breed is prone to developing. 

Poodles are generally considered to be fairly healthy, but they do have a long list of conditions that they may develop. Purebreds are commonly associated with an increased risk of developing health issues because they have an increased risk of inherited diseases due to their more limited gene pool. Oftentimes, some of these Poodle health issues can be avoided by patronizing a reputable breeder.

It’s impossible to know if and when Poodle health problems will happen to your dog. These issues can arise at inconvenient or unexpected times.  It’s best to always be prepared to deal with an unexpected accident or injury, which is why I recommend every Poodle owner should consider pet insurance. Pet insurance companies can cover up to 90% of veterinary bills!

Healthy Paws is the pet insurance company that I personally use. I love the affordable pricing and gives me the comfort of knowing that my dog will always have the best medical care, regardless of cost.

Poodle Health Problems

Thyroid Issues in Poodles

The thyroid is the main mechanism behind the metabolism—how the body converts food into energy. Poodles are prone to hypothyroidism, which means they don’t have enough of the thyroid hormone to function properly. This can result in hair loss, weight gain, weakened immune system, and other changes. 

Thyroid issues are easily treatable with replacement thyroid hormone. After the initial diagnosis, this condition is more affordable than many other Poodle health issues. Medication costs roughly between $20-$50 a month. 

Luxating Patella in Poodles

Also known as a dislocated knee, luxating patella should never be left untreated. While this is mainly caused by genetics, excess stress on the joints, poor nutrition, and other medical issues can also contribute to the development of a patellar luxation. Surgery will cost between $1,500-$3,000. 

Hip Dysplasia in Poodles

Hip dysplasia is a frequent problem particularly in a lot of bigger breeds, such as the Standard Poodle. This condition is when there is deterioration or weakness of the hip joint. This is thought to be a hereditary disorder where the hip joint never forms quite right. While genetics is the main culprit behind hip dysplasia, other factors, such as obesity, can increase the potential risk. Hip dysplasia is treatable, but for a steep price—anywhere from $3,500-$7,000 a hip! 

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Epilepsy in Poodles

Epilepsy is more common in Poodles than other breeds. Witnessing your beloved pup having a seizure can be a terrifying experience. Luckily, Poodles can live a long and healthy life after an epilepsy diagnosis. Epilepsy can be managed effectively with medication. Drugs and frequent monitoring may lead to costs from $200-$500 a year, often more for larger breeds!

Bloat in Poodles

Poodles have an increased risk of bloat. This is a serious medical issue and emergency veterinary care is necessary. Just an emergency vet visit alone can cost between $800-$1,500. Bloat, also known as gastric dilation volvulus, occurs when the stomach twists around itself. This traps air inside of the stomach and causes dangerously high pressure. Surgical intervention is nearly always necessary. 

Progressive Retinal Atrophy in Poodles

Eye issues, such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy are another common Poodle health issue. This devastating disease has no treatment and leads to blindness. This is a condition that is thought to be mainly hereditary in nature, caused by a gene mutation. 

Addison’s Disease in Poodles

Similar to thyroid issues, Addison’s disease is caused by a lack of a hormone—in this case cortisol. Unmanaged Addison’s disease can cause lethargy, anxiety, or digestive issues. The real problem with Addison’s disease is that when undiagnosed or unmanaged it can lead to a crisis of Addison’s disease, which causes severe dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, often requiring multiple days of hospitalization. 

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Are Poodle Health Issues Common?

Poodles are beloved around the world due to their intelligence and good nature. However, just because they make great companions doesn’t doesn’t mean they’re without health issues! Poodles may not have as many health issues as say, the Bernese Mountain Dog, but as a purebred, they are prone to a wide array of health issues. It’s important to be aware of Poodle health issues that may develop, and know how to prevent them! 

It’s impossible to know which Poodles will develop which health issues as each individual Poodle has a unique genetic makeup. One Poodle puppy may live a long and healthy life, while it’s sibling may suffer from health issue after health issue simply because of bad luck.

It’s also important to consider the size of your Poodle when talking about Poodle health problems. Toy, Mini, and Standard Poodles may be more prone to different issues. For example, Standard Poodles are more prone to hip dysplasia, as most larger dogs have more joint issues than smaller dogs. Additionally, Mini or Toy Poodles are more at risk for progressive retinal atrophy and epilepsy. 

So yes, Poodle health problems are relatively common and owners or perspective owners should be aware of them. Thankfully, there are a few things we, as owners, can do to help prevent some major Poodle health issues!

How to Protect Your Pet from Poodle Health Problems

Select a Responsible Poodle Breeder

Your dog’s health begins before you even bring them home! A reputable Poodle breeder does genetic testing to decrease the likelihood of Poodle health issues being passed along generation after generation. Many breeders even offer a health guarantee.

Invest in Pet Insurance

Did you notice how large of a price tag some of the Poodle health issues listed above had? For example, not everybody is able to afford a $3,000 unexpected expense to treat their Poodle’s luxating patella. If you don’t have a ton of money lying around, pet insurance can help ensure that your dog will always get the health care that they need! Most pet insurance companies cover up to 90% of vet bills, meaning that $3,000 bill is now only $300! 

There are multiple pet insurance companies out there, but my personal favorite is Healthy Paws. I’ve used this company for years and would highly recommend them due to their great prices, extensive coverage, and easy to use claim process. 

Screen for Hereditary Disease Risks with a DNA Kit

Embark is a unique company which can analyze over 190 genetic health conditions to show which your pup is at risk for developing. This is a simple process (swab of your dog’s cheek) but can give you priceless information. The big benefit of this is that you and your veterinarian are prepared for certain conditions to arise, and can engage in preventative measures to give your pup a healthy and happy life. 

Embark Breed + Health Kit

Proper Diet & Exercise Can Prevent Poodle Health Issues

Diet and exercise should be a given. These are vital to ensuring a healthy and long life for your Poodle. Poor nutrition and weight gain often increases the probability of developing health issues, especially those that involve the joints. In addition to being important, this is also one of the easiest measures you can take to improve your dog’s health. Daily walks and giving treats in moderation is the recipe for a healthy Poodle. 

The Fi GPS Smart Collar is a unique tool for tracking your dog’s fitness. It allows you to monitor how many steps they get. Not only that, but if they were to get lost, you will be able to find them in minutes due to its GPS tracking capabilities.  For more information, check out our Fi collar review and experiment!

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Use the promo code POPULARDOODLE25 to get $25 off your new Fi collar!

Oral Hygiene Can Prevent Poodle Health Problems

Oral hygiene is often overlooked, but it’s incredibly important to your Poodle’s overall health! The state of your dog’s oral health can directly impact their overall health. Poor tooth and gum health has been linked to systemic inflammation, endocarditis, and serious jaw issues. Simply brushing may be all it takes to avoid these health issues! 

In this case, prevention is the best treatment. A regular oral hygiene regimen is essential to preventing Poodle health issues.