Poodles are brilliant dogs for competitions and companionship. But is this breed prone to health issues? If you’re considering buying or adopting a beautiful Poodle, then you’ll want to know about any potential health problems that could arise in the future.
By understanding these issues, you’ll know exactly what to do if your Poodle starts to show any symptoms. Read on to learn more about the most common health concerns associated with Poodles and how you can identify them.
In general, the Poodle is considered to be a healthy breed that doesn’t suffer from too many health problems. Unlike many other pure breeds, Poodles aren’t significantly vulnerable to genetic disorders. The majority of Poodles live long, healthy and fulfilling lives.
Of course, there are some health issues associated with the breed that all potential Poodle owners should be aware of. We’ll take a closer look at each of these issues.
Hip Dysplasia is a relatively common affliction among dogs. It is a deformity of the hip that occurs during growth and is a result of the ball and socket of the hip joint growing at different rates. Hip Dysplasia is a genetic disease but can also be caused by not having a healthy diet, lack of exercise and the surrounding environment.
The main early signs to look out for with Hip Dysplasia are:
Treatment depends upon the dog’s discomfort and clinical symptoms. Some effective anti-inflammatory drugs can relieve symptoms, and vets may approve glucosamine and other supplements. Physical therapy has also been shown to be very effective in improving a dog’s quality of life.
Addison’s Disease (also known as hypoadrenocorticism) is when a dog’s adrenal glands aren’t producing enough corticosteroid hormones. These hormones affect sugar, fat and protein metabolism and also control sodium and potassium levels.
The adrenal glands are also stimulated to produce stress hormones. If the glands aren’t working correctly, then your dog may not respond safely to dangerous and stressful situations. This can potentially cause a lot of harm.
Addison’s Disease is difficult to spot via symptoms and is typically only detected during standard blood tests. Around 30% of dogs are diagnosed with the disease after suffering an Addisonian crisis, which is when a dog collapses in shock from a stressful situation.
The most common treatment for Addison’s is fludrocortisone oral medication, taken twice daily. An alternative is a monthly injection of DOCP.
Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a group of diseases affecting the eyes of susceptible dogs. These issues can first cause night vision problems and then lead to partial or total blindness.
There are two types of PRA: the inherited form and the late-onset variety. Inherited PRA is usually detected when a dog is just 2-3 months old, whereas late-onset typically develops between the ages of 4 and 9 years.
Inherited PRA comes from a recessive gene, meaning both parents must carry it to pass it down. For this reason, PRA is relatively rare amongst Poodle puppies. Sadly, there is no known cure for PRA, with nutritional supplements displaying little to no effect on the symptoms.
Insuring your Poodle is one of the best ways to make sure you don’t have to take the hit of any unexpected vet bills. Even though Poodles are generally quite healthy, there’s no harm in keeping yourself and your pet fully protected if the worst comes to the worst.
If you’re looking for the best insurance for your Poodle, then shopping around before you buy is essential. Pet insurance can be quite expensive, so you must take the time to find the right policy for you.
The cost of your insurance will depend on many factors, including the age and health condition of your dog. Make sure you include all of this information when seeking out quotes since it can affect the price dramatically.
Standard Poodles have fairly long life spans, considering their pure breed nature. They have an average life expectancy of between 12 and 15 years. Other varieties, like Toy Poodles and Miniature Poodles, have similar lifespans to the standard dog breed.
Whether you’re looking to get a standard Poodle, Miniature Poodle, or Toy Poodle, you should now have a better understanding of potential health issues you may have to deal with.
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