Common Poodle Health Issues

Because Poodles are beloved for their plucky personalities and snazzy style, many people assume they are delicate indoor animals. In reality, Poodles are highly athletic (they originally served as hunting companions) and have the potential to be one of the healthiest dog breeds in the neighborhood. But this doesn’t mean that Poodles don’t face some health risks, just like any other dog. If you are a paw parent concerned for your furry pal’s well-being, we’ve got you covered. This general health information covers everything you need to know about common Poodle health issues.

Addison’s disease is an adrenal disorder that hinders a dog’s ability to produce the hormones they need to manage their internal organs. Addison’s disease is sometimes known as “The Great Pretender” because its symptoms can mimic those of other conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease or kidney failure—this makes the health issue tough to diagnose. Symptoms can include¹:

• Weight loss
• Lethargy
• Thirst and frequent urination
• Weakness and tremors
• Hair loss and unusual skin pigmentation

Symptoms of Addison’s disease may appear on affected dogs without warning and can be severe. Rapid onset can sometimes trigger an “Addisonian crisis,” a serious and potentially life-threatening dog health problem. The good news: treatment for Addison’s is widely available and your Poodle should have no trouble living a normal life (although there is no cure for Addison’s). Treatment typically consists of hormone replacement therapy, which your Poodle will have to maintain throughout their life. The dosage may need to be recalibrated as circumstances change, so continue to partner with your veterinarian throughout their diagnosis and lifetime.

Studies have shown that roughly 11.9% of Poodles suffer from at least mild hip dysplasia.² This is a pet health problem that develops throughout a Poodle’s lifespan when the hip’s ball and socket joint does not join properly. The misaligned bones grind together and wear away the cartilage, which can lead to joint inflammation and arthritis later in life. Common symptoms of hip dysplasia include:

• Swaying side-to-side
• Limping or bunny-hopping
• Losing interest in walks or exercise
• Clicking or popping sounds when walking

Damage from hip dysplasia is irreversible and, without treatment, the negative effects can increase as your Poodle ages. There are a few ways to treat hip dysplasia³:

1. Lose weight – Shedding a few pounds takes the pressure off their hips
2. Reduce exercise – Taking it easy physically can help prevent further damage
3. Try physical therapy – Targeted exercises can improve mobility in the affected hip
4. Use anti-inflammatory drugs – Medications can help reduce pain and swelling
5. Add joint supplements – Vitamins can help boost joint health and support healing

In some cases, surgery may be the best course of action. If your Poodle is suffering from symptoms of hip dysplasia, you may want to ask your veterinarian about surgical options.

Poodles are genetically prone to epilepsy, a neurological disorder that causes repeated seizures. Epilepsy is a recessive gene, but if both parents are carriers, they can pass it along to their puppies. In Poodles, a seizure will often involve⁴:

• Loss of muscle control – They may collapse or topple onto their side
• Lack of awareness – They may suddenly become dazed or unresponsive
• Excessive salivating – White foam may appear around their lips
• Tongue chewing – The jaw may chomp involuntarily and lead to tongue biting
• Tremors – During a full-body seizure, the body may shake uncontrollably

Prior to a seizure, you may notice some of the following warning signs:

• Circling – Your Poodle may begin to spin in a circle aimlessly
• Vocalizing – Barking, whining, or growling for no apparent reason
• Snapping – Biting at the air or repetitive jaw movement
• Vomiting – The onset of a seizure may cause dizziness and trigger nausea

While a seizure can be scary to witness, it’s important to remember that they do not usually cause your Poodle pain and usually last no more than 1 to 3 minutes. If your Poodle begins to have a seizure, you should take the following steps⁴:

1. Remain calm
2. Remove nearby objects that may cause injury
3. Avoid interrupting the seizure (although you may gently move them out of harm’s way)
4. Record when the seizure occurred and how long it lasted
5. Help them cool down afterward by covering them in a towel soaked in cool water

A seizure is something that needs to be brought to the attention of your veterinarian. They can help recommend treatment plans, which may include anticonvulsant medications. There is no way to prevent seizures, but with proper treatment, it is possible to manage symptoms. The vast majority of Poodles with epilepsy are able to live perfectly normal, happy lives!

Bloat is a gastric condition that occurs in certain dog breeds when gas, a meal, or fluid causes a dog’s stomach to expand. This expansion puts extra pressure on their internal organs and can lead to breathing issues or restricted blood flow. Sometimes, the stomach gets twisted, which can lead to bowel obstructions. Some common warning signs of bloat are⁵:

• Attempting to vomit unsuccessfully
• Swelling in the abdomen
• Pacing and restless behavior
• Drooling and whining
• Panting
• Fainting or weakness

If left untreated, severe bloat can be fatal. When the signs appear, it is crucial to get your Poodle to a veterinarian right away. There are some steps you can take to prevent bloat⁶:

1. Serve smaller meals – Divide your pup’s feeding schedule into 3 to 4 smaller servings instead of 1 to 2 hefty portions. This prevents overeating (which can trigger bloat).
2. Control water intake – While you should always ensure your Poodle has access to water, make sure they don’t guzzle too much immediately after eating.
3. Avoid exercise around mealtime – Running or playing right before or after eating dog food can set off a bloat episode. Maintain a buffer zone between exercise and chow time.

Providing a healthy diet, regulating eating habits, and helping your pup maintain a healthy weight can also reduce the risk of bloat.

Even meticulously groomed Poodles are prone to skin issues, such as allergies and hot spots. Skin allergies can stem from a variety of irritants, such as environmental chemicals, ragweed, pollen, fleas and ticks, or bacterial infections. Signs of a skin allergy usually include:

• Scratching or gnawing of the affected area
• Developing hot spots (inflamed skin sores)
• Losing fur or hair loss
• Breaking out into hives
• Suffering from dry flaky skin

Fortunately, it’s not difficult to prevent Poodle skin problems and infections. If your pup is suffering from a case of the scratchies, you’ll want to take the following steps:

1. Keep fur clean – A grimy coat is an open invitation for troublesome bacteria to settle in. Keep fur in prime condition by bathing them regularly with a premium cleanser, such as Vetericyn FoamCare Medicated Pet Shampoo, which can treat and soothe skin irritation.
2. Say no to hitchhikers – Pests like fleas and ticks can be a major source of skin trouble. Flea bites itch like crazy, and your Poodle won’t be able to resist the urge to scratch, which worsens the issue. Use flea collars, and check for ticks after outdoor play.
3. Treat hot spots – Constant licking and scratching can cause allergies to develop into painful hot spots. Vetericyn Plus Hot Spot Antimicrobial Hydrogel can help soothe irritated skin while it heals naturally.

The best defense against common Poodle health issues is strong overall health. Even if your Poodle already struggles with health problems, optimizing their lifestyle can make ailments easier to manage. Take the following steps to help ensure a happy and healthy Poodle⁷:

1. Exercise them regularly – At least 60 minutes of daily physical activity will help keep your Poodle in tip-top shape.⁸ Take them for a walk or run, set up playdates with other dogs, or spend some time playing fetch in the backyard.
2. Keep them social – Regular social interaction comes with massive health benefits. It reduces stress and anxiety and keeps their minds sharp and engaged. Find them some furry playmates and make sure to spend quality time with them every day.
3. Maintain a healthy weight – Obesity worsens existing health problems and can lead to all sorts of issues. Choose high-quality pet food that uses natural ingredients and is rich in protein and healthy fats. Avoid overfeeding, and resist the urge to share table scraps.
4. Take them to the vet – Early detection is often the best defense against Poodle health issues. Regular checkups allow your veterinarian to spot potential health problems before they have a major impact on your pup’s life.
5. Boost their diet with supplements – Level up your Poodle’s diet by adding nutrient-packed supplements, like Veterycin’s ALL-IN-1, which comes loaded with vitamins, minerals, and omegas expertly calibrated to support your pup’s overall health.

We get it, Poodle health issues can sound scary. But you can ensure your pup stays safe by carefully monitoring their health and providing them with the resources they need to thrive. At Vetericyn, we believe that pets are family. That’s why we’ve designed a collection of unparalleled tools to fuel canine health to its highest potential. From skin and fur care, to expertly formulated supplements, we’ve got you covered. Discover how you can level up your Poodle’s health by exploring our shop today!