Common Health Issues in Doodles
Doodles are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they can inherit or develop certain conditions. Here’s what owners should know.
Are doodles prone to hip or joint problems?
Yes—hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and arthritis can occur, especially in standard-size doodles. Maintain a healthy weight, provide joint supplements if recommended, and avoid over-exercising puppies during growth.
Do doodles have skin or allergy issues?
Many doodles are sensitive to food or environmental allergens. Symptoms include itchy skin, red ears, or chronic paw licking. Limited-ingredient diets, regular grooming, and vet guidance help manage flare-ups.
Why are ear infections common in doodles?
Their floppy, hair-filled ears trap moisture, leading to yeast or bacterial infections. Prevent by drying ears after swimming/baths and cleaning weekly with a vet-approved solution.
Do doodles develop eye problems?
They can inherit conditions like progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) or cataracts. Watch for cloudiness, night-vision issues, or eye discharge. Ask breeders about eye health testing (CERF exams).
Are doodles at risk for heart disease?
Some lines may be prone to mitral valve disease or dilated cardiomyopathy. Regular vet checkups and a balanced diet (not overly boutique/grain-free) help lower risks.
Do doodles have sensitive stomachs?
Yes—soft stool or digestive upset is fairly common. Gradual diet changes, probiotics, and high-quality, complete foods can help. Persistent GI issues need a vet exam.
What genetic issues should I ask breeders about?
- Poodles: Addison’s disease, sebaceous adenitis.
- Retrievers: hip/elbow dysplasia, certain cancers.
- General doodle: eye disease, allergies, ear infections.
Choose breeders who perform OFA, CERF, and genetic testing.
What preventative care do doodles need?
- Annual vet exams, bloodwork, and dental checks.
- Flea/tick/heartworm prevention year-round in most climates.
- Consistent grooming to avoid mats and secondary skin infections.
- Healthy diet and weight control to protect joints and organs.
These are common concerns, but not every doodle will face them. Early vet care, good breeding, and preventive habits go a long way toward a healthy, happy life.
What Health Problems Are Doodles Prone To?
Doodles can be prone to various health problems, as they may inherit genetic conditions from either of their parent breeds, which commonly include poodles and retrievers. While mixing breeds can sometimes reduce the risk of certain genetic diseases, it does not eliminate it.
Orthopedic Issues
Larger doodle varieties are especially susceptible to orthopedic problems, which can cause pain and mobility issues.
- Hip and elbow dysplasia: These developmental conditions occur when the bones in the joint don’t form correctly, leading to inflammation and arthritis over time. Larger doodles, like Goldendoodles, have a higher risk of developing hip dysplasia.
- Luxating patella: A condition where the kneecap dislocates, which is more common in smaller doodles.
Allergies And Skin Conditions
The thick, dense coats of doodles can trap allergens and moisture, leading to frequent skin and ear problems.
- Allergies: Doodles can suffer from environmental allergies (e.g., pollen, dust, mold) or food sensitivities, which cause excessive itching, redness, ear infections, and gastrointestinal upset.
- Ear infections: Doodles with floppy, furry ears are prone to infections because of poor air circulation, which creates a warm, moist environment for bacteria and yeast to grow.
- Matting: A doodle’s coat requires regular and extensive grooming to prevent painful mats from forming. Mats can pull on the skin, causing irritation, and trap moisture, which can lead to skin infections and “hot spots”.
Eye Diseases
Doodles are susceptible to several eye conditions that can lead to vision loss.
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): A group of degenerative eye diseases that can lead to blindness. Both poodles and retrievers can carry the gene for PRA.
- Cataracts: This condition causes the eye’s lens to become cloudy, leading to blurry vision and eventual blindness if left untreated.
- Glaucoma: An eye disease caused by increased pressure in the eye, which can lead to blindness if not treated with medication.
Life-Threatening Emergencies
Larger, deep-chested doodles are at an increased risk for serious and life-threatening conditions.
- Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV): Also known as “bloat,” this is a medical emergency where the stomach twists after filling with gas. It is extremely dangerous and requires immediate veterinary attention.
- Cancer: Like many large breeds, older Goldendoodles can be prone to certain cancers, including hemangiosarcoma (affecting blood vessels), osteosarcoma (bone cancer), and lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system).
Endocrine Disorders
Doodles can inherit endocrine system disorders that require ongoing management.
- Hypothyroidism: Occurs when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones, which can lead to weight gain, lethargy, and a dull coat. It is often managed with daily medication.
- Addison’s disease: An adrenal gland disorder that can cause symptoms like lethargy and vomiting.
How To Mitigate Health Risks
While some health issues are unavoidable, responsible owners can take proactive steps to promote their doodle’s well-being:
- Find a reputable breeder: A good breeder should be able to provide proof of genetic testing for the puppy’s parents, such as for hip dysplasia and eye conditions.
- Provide a balanced diet: High-quality food and an appropriate diet for your dog’s life stage can support overall health.
- Manage their weight: Keeping your doodle at a healthy weight can reduce the severity of many joint issues.
- Groom regularly: Consistent brushing and bathing can prevent matting and help you notice any skin or ear issues early.
- Clean ears routinely: Doodles with floppy ears need their ears cleaned regularly, especially after swimming.
- Schedule regular vet checkups: Routine exams can help catch any developing problems early, giving your vet the best chance to manage them.
- Purchase pet insurance: Some veterinarians recommend pet insurance for doodles due to the potential for expensive and chronic health issues.
What Other Cancers Besides Hemangiosarcoma And Osteosarcoma Are Common In Goldendoodles?
Beyond hemangiosarcoma and osteosarcoma, Goldendoodles can be prone to other cancers, particularly lymphoma, mast cell tumors, and melanomas. Their risk for these cancers is inherited from their parent breeds, the Golden Retriever and Poodle, which both have a higher-than-average incidence of cancer.
However, some data suggests that Goldendoodles may have a lower risk of developing cancer compared to their purebred parents, possibly due to increased genetic diversity (hybrid vigor).
Cancers commonly found in Goldendoodles
Lymphoma
- What it is: A cancer of the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that helps the immune system fight infection. It affects the lymphatic system, which includes the lymph nodes, spleen, and bone marrow.
- Symptoms: Swollen lymph nodes (felt under the jaw, in front of the shoulders, or behind the knees), lethargy, weight loss, and loss of appetite.
- Risk factor: Golden Retrievers are the most likely breed to get lymphoma, making it a concern for Goldendoodles.
Mast cell tumors
