Poodles are basically considered to be a very durable breed with few health problems. Their life probability ranges from 10-18 years. Through the great history of genetically breeding calm, compassionate, and intelligent dogs, most Poodles live a fully healthy and best life.
Poodles not only have amazing hairdos, but they also excel in sharpness dog-sport movement. The most and always first things of poodles are Standard, toys, and Miniature shows and often place well in determining.
One proper list ranks Poodles as the second most intelligent dog breed. Don’t get us wrong, border collies are very sharp and charming, doing clever tricks, but it is hard to beat a poodle’s ability when you live with one. Any poodle owner will agree that poodles are easy to train using the basic techniques of repetition, patience, and rewards. When done smoothly, there are almost no bounds to what poodles can learn. Poodles enjoy learning new tricks & techniques and are better with people and with other pets.
With all these abilities, it’s no wonder so many families have always chosen oodles. If you’re thinking of selecting a Poodle for your life, or if you have one, it is essential to know of the health problem thatt a Poodle may battle. Like for any pet, there are potential health issues. Knowing the five most general Poodle health problems will help you be adequately prepared should any issues arise.
Table of Contents
1. BloatPoodle Health
5 Most Common Poodle Health Issues and how to fix them
Bloat is a condition that arises when gas becomes trapped in a dog’s stomach, causing it to twist up to 180 degrees. This twist hinders the normal digestion process, leading to an accumulation of pressure from the trapped gas. It’s an extremely painful ailment with a 20% mortality rate, even if surgical intervention is pursued. Breeds with deep chests, such as the standard Poodle or Great Dane, are particularly susceptible to experiencing bloat.
Another term for bloat is gastric dilatation and volvulus, abbreviated as GDV. Gastric dilatation refers to the pressure build-up and expansion of the stomach, while volvulus is the subsequent twisting motion. GDV stands out as one of the most severe health issues for Poodles due to its rapid onset and the challenging nature of intervention.
Recognizing the symptoms of canine bloat is crucial for prompt action by owners. This condition can become life-threatening within hours if the trapped gas does not pass naturally. Once the twisting reaches a full 180-degree angle, surgical intervention becomes less likely to save the dog.
Symptoms of Bloat:
Symptoms of Canine Bloat include sudden distress, unproductive vomiting, a swollen and rigid stomach resembling a taut balloon, pacing, panting, excessive drooling, and restlessness. If your Poodle exhibits erratic behavior with a swollen stomach, it’s important to act within minutes. Timely veterinary intervention is essential to relieve pressure and preserve their life.
How to prevent Bloat?
Preventive measures can help minimize the danger of bloat. The trapped gas often results from air gulping during eating and the food breakdown process. Gastropexy, a proactive laparoscopic procedure that permanently attaches the dog’s stomach to the abdominal wall, can prevent stomach twisting and avert GDV.
Other preventive measures include limiting vigorous activity immediately after meals, opting for multiple smaller meals instead of a few large ones, and leaving the food bowl on the floor. While some suggest elevating the dog’s food bowl to aid digestion and reduce air intake, this recommendation lacks empirical evidence. It has been found to be potentially counterproductive in one study.
2. Addison’s Disease:
Addison’s Disease, though not as fatal, poses a notable health concern for Poodles, showcasing itself through malfunctioning adrenal glands. While Poodles are typically laid-back, a subdued demeanor may signal Addison’s when their adrenal glands fail to produce sufficient cortisol.
Determining the root cause of Addison’s in Poodles proves challenging due to the various ways adrenal glands can be impacted. The immune system may unexpectedly target the adrenal glands, tumors may form in the vicinity, or prolonged use of steroids can lead to significant gland damage.
Symptoms of Addison’s:
Symptoms of Addison’s typically manifest around the age of four, gradually developing or abruptly surfacing over a few days, especially during stressful periods such as travel or consecutive celebrations.
Signs of Addison include vomiting, canine diarrhea, lethargy, lack of appetite, dehydration, excessive thirst, shaking, and a slow heart rate. Stressful situations can exacerbate these symptoms, as cortisol, responsible for managing stress, is insufficient.
How to Living with Addison’s?
Living with Addison’ is manageable, with daily oral medication aiding hormone production to maintain normal levels. Although incurable, Poodles with Addison’s can lead fulfilling lives with proper medication, contingent on timely diagnosis. If a Poodle displays unusual behavior or the mentioned symptoms, prompt veterinary testing is crucial.
3. Thyroid Issues:
Unfortunately, Poodles may encounter thyroid issues as they age. Aging brings an increased likelihood of health concerns, with thyroid problems arising in Poodles. Hypothyroidism, involving decreased thyroxine production, is more common and can result from immune system attacks or tumors affecting the thyroid.
Symptoms of Thyroid Issues:
Behavioral changes, such as sudden aggression, head tilting, seizures, increased fatigue, and reduced interest in play, may indicate hypothyroidism. Other symptoms include sudden weight gain, hair loss, itching (especially around the ears), ear infections, and non-healing wounds.
Treatment of Thyroid Issues:
Treatment involves lifelong hormone supplements to restore thyroid balance, available in liquid or chewable forms. Any suspicion of thyroid issues warrants immediate veterinary consultation and refraining from offering hormone supplements without professional advice.
4. Hip Dysplasia:
Poodles may experience hip dysplasia, a condition where the hip joint’s ball-and-socket mechanism falters due to developmental issues or weak ligaments. Older Poodles are commonly affected, but signs may appear in young pups as early as five months.
Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia:
Symptoms include limping, slow rising, using only front legs to stand, and reluctance to climb stairs. Treatment varies based on age and severity, ranging from rest and reduced activity for young dogs to anti-inflammatories and, in extreme cases, surgery for older dogs.
How to prevent Hip Dysplasia?
Genetics always play an important role in hip dysplasia, and preventive measures involve:
- Maintaining proper weight.
- Avoid strenuous exercise until adulthood.
- Consulting a vet if rapid growth occurs.
5. Epilepsy:
Epileptic seizures can be alarming for dogs, leading to confusion and panic. During a seizure, maintaining calmness is crucial.
What to Do When Your Dog Has a Seizure?
Avoid putting hands near the dog’s mouth, as it won’t swallow its tongue. Creating a quiet environment, moving objects away, and placing a pillow under the head can help.
After a seizure, observe and report details to the vet, including seizure duration, frequency, pre-seizure activities, and other symptoms like drooling, walking patterns, limb stiffness, or confusion.
To promote a healthy and happy life for your Poodle, prioritize a balanced diet, regular exercise, routine vet checkups, dental care, protection against worms, ticks, and fleas, and ample companionship. Poodles thrive on social interaction, so ensure they receive daily cuddles and companionship.
Being a Poodle owner:
Being a Poodle owner comes with responsibilities, including awareness of potential health issues. While some issues are genetic, providing quality nutrition and proper care can enhance a Poodle’s chances of a vibrant and long life. Lucy Pet Products, designed to support gut health, muscular strength, and cognitive function, align well with the Poodle’s needs. If digestive sensitivity is a concern, consider limited ingredient products for a balanced diet without upsetting their stomachs.
