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June 3rd
Labradoodle puppies are about as good as it gets for a home pet. They’re warm, intelligent, curious, and lovable animals that make the perfect addition to any home.
Labradoodles are healthy dogs that present no more health problems that other breeds. But they still have their own unique health issues that you should be aware of before you bring your new puppy home.
Here, we’ll discuss some of the most frequent health issues that affect Labradoodles. We’ll also tell you why you should choose a reputable breeder when picking out your puppy.
Ear Issues
Ear issues are common with many dog breeds, especially those with floppy ears. Labradors and Poodles are known for having ear problems, and these get passed on to Labradoodles. Their big, floppy ears, so cute to you, are also beloved by bacteria. Keep an eye out for any funky smell coming from their ears, as this could be a sign of an infection.
If your dog does develop an ear infection, you should take them to the vet. Left untreated, they could be at risk of hearing loss.
Fortunately, ear issues can usually be prevented with regular cleaning. This process can be unpleasant- both for you and for your Labradoodle- but it should be a part of your dog’s weekly grooming routine.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is much rarer than ear issues in Labradoodles. But the condition is a bit more common with Labradoodles than other breeds.
Symptoms of epilepsy include trouble walking, confusion, falling over, or loss of consciousness. If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, get to the vet as quickly as possible.
Watching your puppy have a seizure can be quite emotionally draining. Don’t lose heart, however. Epilepsy has a good prognosis in most Labradoodles, provided they get the proper treatment and care.
Hip and Elbow Issues
Many dog breeds suffer from some form of hip or elbow issues. These conditions, called dysplasias, are when the bones don’t form a proper connection with the joint. In mild cases, it can cause discomfort and pain while walking. But in more serious cases, it can lead to total lameness and loss of mobility.
Hip and elbow dysplasia is a genetic condition, and it can be quite expensive and difficult to treat. When you are looking for a Labradoodle puppy, make sure that their parents don’t have any noticeable hip or elbow problems. These can be inherited, causing your puppy severe movement issues.
Allergies
Labradoodles were originally bred to be the first hypoallergenic breed. Ironically, the dogs themselves are a bit more likely than other breeds to suffer from allergies.
Allergies can be caused by just about anything, which can make it difficult to find what’s causing your dog’s.
Many allergies are caused by food. Make sure that your Labradoodle isn’t getting their mouth on any extra food from the table or trash. If the allergies persist, try switching them to another dog food.
Reactions can also be caused by things that your dog touches. Try to keep them from running through plants or rubbing themselves in grass. Also limit the topical products you use, such as shampoos or flea powders, as these can also cause allergic reactions.
It can take a lot of time and patience to identify the cause of allergies. But once you do, they can often be managed with medication and dietary changes.
Addison’s Disease
Addison’s disease is a condition where the body cannot maintain healthy levels of cortisol, which helps control stress. This can lead to weakness, tiredness, weight loss, and shaking, in addition to a wide range of other symptoms.
This condition has been inherited in some lines of Labradoodles, as it was common in Labradors and Poodles. Unfortunately, bad breeding practices have continued to pass the disease along.
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should take your dog to the vet. They can diagnose the condition, and give your dog the appropriate treatment. Your vet will likely prescribe a hormone replacement drug, which will help the body regulate cortisol.
Addison’s disease cannot be cured, so your dog will have to take medication for the rest of their life. However, they can still be happy and healthy, provided your give them proper treatment and care.
Although these common health problems may seem scary, remember that Labradoodles tend to be just as healthy as other breeds. However, like any breed, they have their own unique health challenges that owners should be aware of.
Many of the health problems that are common to Labradoodles can be avoided by choosing a reputable breeder. They look out for signs of heritable illness, helping prevent these diseases from being passed down.
Still searching for the right Labradoodle puppy for sale? Head over to our puppy finder, where we connect you to some of the best Labradoodle breeders and companies around.
All of the companies and breeders we work with follow the highest ethical standards, so you can trust that your puppy comes from a loving home. Our breeders and companies also take extra care to follow breeding guidelines, reducing the chance of any inherited diseases.
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