Poodle Health Guide
Health information for Standard, Miniature, and Toy Poodles—each size has unique considerations.
10-18
Years (by size)
4-70
Pounds (by size)
Moderate
Health Risk
#5
AKC Popularity
Size Matters for Health
Standard Poodles face bloat and Addison's disease. Toy and Miniatures are prone to dental disease and luxating patellas. Know the risks for your Poodle's size.
Health by Poodle Size
Standard (45-70 lbs)
- • Bloat (GDV) risk
- • Addison's disease
- • Hip dysplasia
- • Sebaceous adenitis
Miniature (15-17 lbs)
- • Luxating patella
- • Eye problems (PRA)
- • Epilepsy
- • Dental disease
Toy (4-6 lbs)
- • Dental disease
- • Luxating patella
- • Tracheal collapse
- • Hypoglycemia
Major Health Conditions
1. Addison's Disease (Standard)
High risk breedStandard Poodles have one of the highest rates of Addison's disease (hypoadrenocorticism). The adrenal glands fail to produce enough cortisol and aldosterone.
Symptoms:
- • Lethargy, weakness
- • Vomiting, diarrhea
- • Poor appetite, weight loss
- • Collapse = Addisonian crisis
Treatment:
- • ACTH stimulation test to diagnose
- • Lifelong hormone replacement
- • Monthly injection or daily pills
- • Excellent prognosis with treatment
2. Bloat/GDV (Standard)
Life-threateningStandard Poodles are among the highest-risk breeds for bloat due to their deep chest. The stomach fills with gas and may twist, cutting off blood supply.
Emergency Signs:
- • Distended, hard abdomen
- • Unproductive retching
- • Restlessness, pacing, drooling
- • Go to ER immediately—minutes matter
3. Hip Dysplasia (Standard)
12% affectedStandard Poodles are prone to hip dysplasia. Reputable breeders test for hip scores before breeding.
Watch for:
- • Bunny-hopping gait
- • Difficulty rising
- • Reluctance to exercise
Management:
- • Maintain healthy weight
- • Joint supplements
- • Surgery for severe cases
4. Eye Problems (All Sizes)
CommonAll Poodle sizes are prone to Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), cataracts, and glaucoma. Annual eye exams recommended.
Conditions:
- • PRA (progressive blindness)
- • Cataracts
- • Glaucoma
- • Optic nerve hypoplasia
Prevention:
- • Annual eye exams
- • DNA testing for PRA
- • Buy from tested parents
5. Luxating Patella (Mini/Toy)
Small sizesThe kneecap slips out of place, common in smaller Poodles. Can range from occasional skipping to constant lameness.
Signs:
- • Skipping or hopping
- • Holding leg up momentarily
- • Sudden lameness
Treatment:
- • Mild cases: weight management
- • Moderate: joint supplements
- • Severe: surgical correction
6. Epilepsy (All Sizes)
GeneticPoodles have a genetic predisposition to idiopathic epilepsy. Usually appears between 1-5 years of age and is manageable with medication.
Seizure signs:
- • Collapse, stiffening
- • Paddling legs
- • Loss of consciousness
- • Drooling, loss of bladder control
Management:
- • Anti-seizure medications
- • Keep seizure diary
- • Regular blood monitoring
- • Most live normal lives
Preventive Care for Poodles
Daily Care
- Regular grooming — coat requires professional grooming every 4-6 weeks
- Dental care — especially important for Toy and Miniatures
- Ear cleaning — hair in ear canals traps moisture; clean weekly
- Mental stimulation — highly intelligent breed needs mental exercise
Emergency Signs:
- Distended abdomen with retching (bloat)
- Collapse or extreme weakness (Addisonian crisis)
- Seizure lasting more than 5 minutes
- Multiple seizures in a row
Understand Your Poodle's Health Better
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Upload Your Dog's Records FreeFrequently Asked Questions
What is the average lifespan of a Poodle?
Poodle lifespan varies by size: Toy Poodles live 14-18 years, Miniature Poodles 14-16 years, and Standard Poodles 10-13 years. Smaller sizes generally live longer due to fewer large-breed health issues.
What is Addison's disease in Poodles?
Addison's disease (hypoadrenocorticism) occurs when adrenal glands don't produce enough hormones. Standard Poodles have one of the highest breed predispositions. Symptoms include lethargy, vomiting, weakness, and collapse. It's manageable with lifelong medication once diagnosed.
Are Standard Poodles prone to bloat?
Yes, Standard Poodles are at high risk for bloat (GDV) due to their deep chest. It's a life-threatening emergency where the stomach fills with gas and may twist. Signs include distended abdomen, unproductive retching, and restlessness. Immediate veterinary care is essential.
What eye problems are common in Poodles?
Poodles of all sizes are prone to Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), cataracts, and glaucoma. PRA causes gradual blindness and has no cure, but DNA tests can identify carriers. Annual eye exams are recommended, and reputable breeders test for PRA before breeding.
How often do Poodles need grooming?
Poodles require professional grooming every 4-6 weeks and daily brushing at home to prevent matting. Their curly coat grows continuously and doesn't shed, but mats can form quickly and cause skin problems if neglected. Ear cleaning is also important as hair grows in the ear canals.
Do different Poodle sizes have different health problems?
Yes, health risks vary by size. Standard Poodles face bloat, Addison's disease, and hip dysplasia. Miniature and Toy Poodles are prone to luxating patella, dental disease, and tracheal collapse. Toys may also experience hypoglycemia, especially as puppies. All sizes share risks for eye problems and epilepsy.