5 Most Common Poodle Health Problems – PLAY

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Poodles are often considered the national dog of France, although they originated in Germany. These are probably the fanciest pets you can get on the pet market today. Not only do they look great with their thick curly coat, but they also have a whimsical demeanor.

They are enough the worldly and have a clean smell. Poodles turn out to be very intelligent, energetic and have a great sense of humor. They make excellent service dogs due to their eagerness and good nature. These breeds aare not very aggressive so they don’t make good guard pets, however, they are protective of their owners. This makes them excellent companions, especially for families.

These canines are classified into four main types based on their size; the standard poodle, the medium poodle, the miniature poodle and the toy poodle which is the smallest. Their coats come in colors like white, black, brown, blue, gray, silver, latte, silver beige, cream, apricot, red, and sometimes patterns. They also have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years.

Like most dog breeds, they have health issues that are unique to them. This article will give you an overview as a dog owner of some of the common illnesses that could affect your poodle.

Most Common Poodle Diseases

Five of the main diseases that appear in this particular breed of dog more than in other breeds include:

Inflate

Bloat is a condition in which your pet’s stomach becomes overstretched and turned by too much gas. It is also called gastric dilatation-volvulus. This complication can be caused by a defect in the guard muscles called sphincters. The sphincters control the inflow of material from the esophagus and its outflow through the pylorus.

Standard Poodles are at higher risk for this health problem because they are large, deep-chested breeds.

This can usually be remedied, but it can be fatal if the stomach twists 180 degrees on itself and traps air inside. Bloating can be characterized by;

• Swelling of the abdomen.
• Loss of appetite.
• Weightloss
• Weakness and depression.
• Difficult breathing.
• Excessive salivation.
• Your dog may make retching noises without throwing up anything, that is, nonproductive vomiting.
• They may also display signs of severe discomfort.
• Sometimes an abnormal heart rate is also a symptom.

Treatment:

Once these symptoms are observed, your Poodle should be taken to the vet as soon as possible. Bloating is usually treated with surgery.

Addison’s disease

It is also called hypoadrenocorticism.

This disease occurs when your poodle’s adrenal glands become faulty and fail to produce the required levels of stress hormones called corticosteroids. Corticosteroid hormones help your pet adapt to stressful situations. Without them, even the slightest stress can be fatal for your dog.

Symptoms of Addison’s disease include;

• Depression and lethargy.
• Anxiety.
• Digestive problems.
• Loss of appetite.
• Vomiting and/or diarrhea.
• It can also cause dangerously low blood sugar, ie hypoglycemia.
• Dehydration or excessive thirst.
• Tremor.

This disease is difficult to spot by symptoms alone, but it can be detected by a complete blood test. Most dogs are only diagnosed after an Addisonian crisis (a collapse due to shock from a stressful event) and then require hospitalization. To make sure your poodle doesn’t come to this, be sure to take him in for routine checkups and tests.

Treatment:

Addison’s disease is incurable, but it can be managed by giving fluid or drug therapy to replace corticosteroid hormones. Your pooch will also need lots of care and as little stress as possible.

Thyroid problems

Jthis is more common in aging Poodles because with age comes a decline in bodily functions. The two main problems with the thyroid gland are hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

• Hyperthyroidism is the increased secretion of thyroxine.

Thyroxine is the hormone responsible for regulating a dog’s metabolism or how much energy their body uses. It helps in the proper functioning of all the organs of the body.

• Hypothyroidism is the decrease in the production of the hormone thyroxine, thus slowing down the body’s functions. It is the more threatening health problem of the two.

Thyroid problems can be caused by inflammation of the thyroid gland or a tumor. Symptoms include:

• Hair loss.
• Weight gain.
• Excessive hunger.
• Search for warm spaces.
• Itching and hair loss.
• Non-healing wounds.
• Slowed heart rate.
• Weak immune system.

Treatment:

Hypothyroidism is incurable, but can be managed with thyroid replacement therapy.

Hip dysplasia

This disease occurs when a Poodle’s hip joint becomes weak. It is mainly genetic in dogs and is transmitted through a deformity of the hip socket.

It can also worsen with being overweight, stress from too much exercise, and sudden growth spurts.

Symptoms may begin to appear in Poodles when they are young, but become more prominent with age. They understand:

• Weak limbs.
• Refusal to exercise.
• Difficulty standing.
• Limping.
• Small hesitant steps.
• Jump with both back legs raised.

Treatment:

Hip dysplasia is treated with joint therapy, weight reduction, anti-inflammatory medications, joint fluid modifiers, and joint supplements. You can also moderate the amount of exercise your pet receives. These will help reduce symptoms.

Epilepsy

It is a central nervous system disorder characterized by abnormal brain activity that leads to seizures. During these episodes, your dog may lose control of his body, have spasms and foam in his mouth.

Epilepsy is said to be closely inherited. In most dogs, it is easy to miss until a seizure occurs.

Symptoms usually include one of;

• Drool.
• Rhythm.
• Sudden unconsciousness.
• Difficulty breathing.
• Insensitivity.
• Confusion.
• Stiff limbs.
• Strange movements.

Treatment:

Depending on the severity, medications like phenobarbital and imepitoin are usually prescribed. It’s also important to help your veterinarian by taking extra care to note your dog’s symptoms and how his seizures occur.

Keeping Your Poodle Healthy

It is always easier to work towards disease prevention than to get out of it. It’s the simple things that make all the difference to your dog’s health and prioritizing them will help your pet avoid many illnesses. Some steps you can take to keep your dog feeling strong and healthy include;

Nutrition

A good diet will contain meat, grains, vegetables, fruits and water. Avoid artificial sweeteners and foods that expand in your stomach like kibble.

Grooming

Poodles have thick coats, so they require intense grooming. Consider trimming nails with a dog nail clippers, regular baths, good dental hygiene and coat care to your pet to maintain their hygiene habits. It is also easier to spot symptoms and parasites when grooming them.

Regular veterinary checks

Many diseases can be discovered and stopped in their early stages during wellness checks at the vet. Do not miss them.

Exercise

A walk a day will keep the doctor away. Exercise contributes to your dog’s mental and physical health. It also teaches them to be social.

Conclusion

Other diseases, including cancers such as insulinoma and hemangiosarcoma, also affectt Poodles more than other breeds. Toy Poodles are known to be more susceptible to hypoglycemia.

They are still special dogs. Although most Poodle breed health issues are genetic and therefore unstoppable, you as an owner should not be discouraged. By providing them with the best possible care, you will help them to live their best life and to keep great memories. In the end, all that matters is your dedication to your pet.