Goldendoodles 8 Common Health Issues & Care Tips

The cutest crossbreeds out there are Goldendoodles, renowned for their friendly temperament and curly coats. According to the American Kennel Club, a hybrid between a poodle and a golden retriever, two of the most popular breeds in the country, produced this “designer” breed.

Like any other breed of dog, Goldendoodles can have certain health problems. However, Goldendoodles should show “hybrid vigour” if they are produced correctly, which means that the distinct health issues of both parent breeds will be balanced out through crossbreeding. It would be said that Goldendoodles have fewer problems as compared to a golden retriever or standard poodle than the typical purebred dog. By blending these two, you’re minimizing the health problems instead.

”explains Dr. Matthew Wheaton, owner of Alicia Pet Care Center in Mission Viejo, California.

Goldendoodle Common Health Issues

When it comes to their health, Goldendoodles require special attention as they are predisposed to health concerns like cardiac and orthopaedic conditions.

An adult Goldendoodle should be taken to the vet at least once a year, but it’s advised that senior dogs 7 years and older should have a visit every six months.

Luxating patella

The orthopedic ailment known as luxating patella is fairly prevalent and results in the patella, or kneecap, slipping out of place. Puppies can bounce on the leg until the patella pops back into place if it is “luxated,” or out of position. Mini Goldendoodles may exhibit persistent or recurrent hindleg limping and discomfort in extreme circumstances. There are four grades for the disorder, with 4 being the most severe.
Surgery may be necessary in certain circumstances, although supplements and medicine can help in others. Before breeding, prospective parents of Mini Goldendoodles should be examined for luxating patella, particularly the Poodle parent, as the condition can be inherited.

Ear Infection

The long, floppy, fluffy ears that many Mini Goldendoodles are born with are certainly charming and appealing. But those long ears are also a breeding ground for bacteria, mites, and other microorganisms that can cause ear infections and cause your Mini Doodle a lot of discomfort.
Regular cleaning of your Mini Goldendoodle’s ears is necessary to stop ear infections and other problems from developing. Additionally, having their ears checked guarantees that minor problems may be treated before they worsen.
See a veterinarian right away if your Mini Goldendoodle exhibits any signs of redness or swelling in their ears. Additionally, veterinarians advised completely drying your Mini’s ears following a bath or swimming session.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism, a disorder in which the thyroid gland produces insufficient amounts of the hormones required for your dog’s body to remain healthy and perform at its best, is more common in golden retrievers.

A Mini Goldendoodle that inherits this illness experiences a dramatic decrease in hormones, which leads to hair loss, weight gain, and a sharp decline in activity. If this continues, you need to seek veterinarian care. It is noteworthy that Mini Goldendoodles with a diagnosis of hypothyroidism will require lifelong treatment.
We advise speaking with a veterinarian if you have concerns about your pet’s health and well-being.

Von Willebrand’s Disease

This is a somewhat complex health problem involving the Von Willebrand Factor, a glycoprotein. When your puppy is hurt, the glycoprotein aids in blood clotting in dogs and other mammals, preventing bleeding from cuts and wounds. In addition to lacking the Von Willebrand factor, a Mini Goldendoodle suffering from Von Willebrand’s disease can bleed heavily and take a long time to cease if they are wounded or harmed. Some people will have more frequent bleeding and easy bruises around their gums or noses. It is noteworthy to mention that the most prevalent hereditary bleeding illness in dogs is Von Willebrand’s Disease. The good news is that most Mini Goldendoodles will live as long as dogs without the condition if they receive the right care. 

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Dogs with Progressive Retinal Atrophy, or PRA, gradually lose their sight. This includes Mini Goldendoodles. PRA is inherited from both parent breeds and is incurable. The illness causes the rods and cones in a dog’s retina to deteriorate more quickly than usual. A Mini Goldendoodle suffering from PRA will typically lose its vision in the evening when the rods die and in the daytime when the cones die. Breeders can check for the existence of the genes in the parents before breeding because PRA is a genetically based illness. Responsible breeders will steer clear of producing pups impacted by PRA in this way. 

Allergies 

Allergies affect dogs, including Mini Goldendoodles, frequently and usually to one or more of the following: food, plants, pollen, insects, or a combination of these. There are many different kinds of allergies, and their symptoms can range from frequent ear infections and itching all the time to vomiting and diarrhoea.

You must get veterinarian assistance to decide the best course of treatment, regardless of the type of allergy. To identify which allergy is causing your Mini Goldendoodle’s suffering, testing may occasionally be necessary, as various allergies have distinct treatment requirements. The majority of Mini Goldendoodles can have their allergies effectively treated and lead happy, healthy lives.

Addison’s illness

Because of their Poodle ancestry, little Goldendoodles may be more susceptible to Addison’s illness. Insufficient hormone production by the adrenal glands leads to Addison’s disease. Due to the elusive nature of the symptoms and the need for specialised testing, the disease can be difficult to diagnose.

Still, if you are aware of the illness, you can keep an eye out for some of the typical symptoms, such as diarrhoea, vomiting, trembling, and collapse. If these symptoms appear to be triggered by stress, in particular, your dog may have Addison’s disease.

Subvalvular Aortic Stenosis

Mini Goldendoodles may inherit the heart ailment known as subvalvular aortic stenosis, which is prevalent in Golden Retrievers. The heart valve is narrowed in this illness. Blood moves through this constricted passage more slowly, similar to a partially stopped pipe. Using a stethoscope, your veterinarian can listen for a cardiac murmur—a sound produced by irregular blood flow. Your veterinarian will probably advise X-rays and cardiac ultrasound to assess the heart if they detect a murmur. Dogs that murmur can act quite normally. Others may experience heart failure or exhaustion during physical activity, which results in a cough. Dogs with this illness, however, can also pass away unexpectedly.

How do get Goldendoodle’s good health?

The average lifespan of a little Goldendoodle is 10 to 15 years. Genetics, medical attention, and the presence of health conditions can all affect this. To encourage living a longer, healthier life:

• Offer a balanced diet 
• Make sure to exercise frequently. 
• Continue to have veterinary visits 
• Deal with any health issues as soon as possible.

Final Words

The most important thing to remember from this article is that Mini Goldendoodles are generally healthy dogs, especially if you adopt from a reputable breeder who is aware of the qualities to look for in their pups and understands which ones to avoid.

However, you can empower your Mini Goldendoodle to live a longer, healthier life by being aware of the health conditions listed above and the symptoms they exhibit. Now that you are aware of the warning signs, you will also know when to contact your veterinarian for assistance or guidance.