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Top Health Concerns for Golden Doodles
While the Golden Doodle has been around since the 1960's but became recognized as a hybrid breed in the 90's. Now the breed has shot up to being one of the most popular breeds in the last decade. Going to a dog park is hard without seeing the fluffy pups running all around.
The Golden Doodle is a cross of the parent dogs' best traits. They have the intelligence and lack of shedding of the Poodle and the affection and loyalty of a Golden Retriever. A doodle’s gentle personality makes them one of the sweetest pets to add to any family. In addition to getting the Poodles a high level of intelligence, they come in various sizes, all based on the type of Poodle they have as a parent. This breed can range from Mini to Standard Poodle size. Understanding the health risks your Golden Doodle may face, no matter the size, is a crucial step so you can keep an eye out for common issues before they become a problem.
Hip Dysplasia in Golden Doodles
Poodles and Golden Retrievers are at risk of developing Hip Dysplasia. Golden Doodles are at a higher risk for developing hip dysplasia than other breeds. Dogs with dysplasia will affect the function of the hip joints ball and socket and can cause degeneration of the joint.
Common Signs of Hip Dysplasia
- A sudden decrease in activity
- Issues standing up from a seated or lying position
- Shaky rear legs when walking or standing
- Hips are painful to touch
- Reluctance to jump up on furniture or use the stairs
- “Bunny hopping” on their back legs
If your Golden Doodle has been diagnosed with Hip Dysplasia, there are rehab plans, dog wheelchairs, and even potential surgeries that can be done to make sure your Golden Doodle's quality of life isn’t severely affected.
Golden Doodles and Von Willebrand's Disease
Von Willebrand's Disease is another common concern for both mini and standard Golden Doodles. This is a disorder that is mainly inherited. Both Poodles and Golden Retrievers are known to develop this condition. If your dog has more than one copy of the mutant gene carrying the disease, they are more likely to develop a severe form of the illness.
Your veterinarian can run some tests to diagnose your dog, like the buccal mucosal screening time test. While some dogs will display signs of being affected by the condition early on in life, others will develop more pressing issues later. Being vigilant of the common signs that your dog make be suffering from this condition is the best first step to take in helping get them the assistance they need. While many dogs do not show definitive signs, they have Von Willebrand’s disease; being on the lookout can help stop the worst.
Signs of Von Willebrand's Disease
- Major bruising and or bleeding after a spay or neuter (this is the earliest time you may see the problem displayed)
- Constant bleeding after injury, surgery, or other trauma
- Female dogs may have continued excessive bleeding after giving birth
- Unprompted bleeding from the mouth (mucous membrane), nose, genitalia
If your dog has been diagnosed with this condition, or you see symptoms aligning with what to look out for, it is essential to be cautious in the medications you give your dog. Always get a proper diagnosis from a trained veterinarian before trying to self-medicate your dog, especially for Von Willebrand’s Disease. In addition, be mindful of medications you give your dog that can decrease the platelet function of the blood, as this could risk unprompted bleeding in dogs who suffer from the condition. Be sure to discuss with your vet what medications and treatments may suit your pet.
Golden Doodles Make Wonderful Pets
Undeniably, the Golden Doodle has stolen the hearts of thousands of families in the last few years. Being such a loving and bright dog with the added benefit of minimal to no shedding has made them an excellent fit for all kinds and sizes of families. With their cute faces and curly hair comes genetic health risks that both Poodles and Golden Retrievers are commonly known to have. While the potential to develop these conditions can never be 100% accurate for every dog, it is crucial for the well-being of you and your pet that you know what the most common issues they may face are. This way, you can face any challenge together and ensure your Golden Doodle, whether standard or mini lives a happy and healthy life with you.
