Do Toy Poodles Have Health Problems?
Like any other breed, the toy poodle is prone to certain health problems. They, of course, do have their share of inheritable health issues. These medical problems can be cured by taking simple precautionary measures and/or prescriptions by a veterinary doctor for your toy poodle.
Some common toy poodle health problems and their remediation are mentioned below.
Dental diseases:
By the time a toy poodle is two years old, 80% of them have dental disease, making it the most common chronic condition. Additionally, your toy poodle is unfortunately more likely than other dogs to have dental issues.
It begins as tartar build up on the teeth and progresses to gum and tooth root infections. Your poodle will lose her teeth and risk harm to her kidneys, liver, heart, and joints if you do not give her treatment to prevent dental disease. In point of fact, the lifespan of your poodle may be reduced by one to three years!
Too many pet owners don’t give their dogs the proper canine dental care. This breed’s teeth and/or gums can become infected, which can lead to serious problems. Owners should brush their pets’ teeth every day or at regular intervals using a good paste and the right brush.
Parasites:
Your poodle’s body can be infested from the inside out by a wide variety of worms and bugs. Her skin and ears can be infested by fleas, ticks, and ear mites.
There are a number of ways hookworms, roundworms, heartworms, and whipworms can enter her body: being bitten by an infected mosquito, walking on contaminated ground, or drinking unclean water are just a few examples.
Some of these parasites pose a serious threat to everyone because they can spread to you or a member of your family. Because these parasites can cause your dog pain, discomfort, and even death, it is critical that you test for them frequently.
Hip Dysplasia:
The Poodle’s hip joint weakens or deteriorates in this condition. It’s believed to be genetic. Hip dysplasia occurs when the poodle’s socket is not formed correctly or the ligaments that connect the two sections are not strong enough. The ball becomes dislocated as a result. As early as five to ten months of age, symptoms may begin to show up. This can be diagnosed in a poodle of any age because the condition may be unnoticeable in the puppy stage and only become apparent as the dog gets older.
While this is inherited, additional factors can exacerbate the issue: a poodle’s faster-than-average growth rate, excessive exercise before the dog reaches adulthood, and obesity, among other things.
Before surgery is usually performed, medication is typically tried first which typically includes bed rest and anti-inflammatory medications. Each condition can be diagnosed and treated to alleviate suffering, despite the fact that it may seem overwhelming.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA):
Unfortunately, a variety of eye conditions can be passed down from generation to generation in toy poodles. Some of these conditions can result in blindness if not treated promptly, and the majority of them can be extremely painful!
Despite the fact that numerous studies are still being conducted, PRA is a progressive eye disease that does result in blindness. There is no known treatment for it. Although antioxidant supplementation cannot stop blindness from occurring, preliminary tests demonstrate that it can slow it down in some toy poodles.
The eye’s retina is harmed, and it always occurs simultaneously in both eyes. Signs usually show up six months after the poodle loses his sight. Among the early symptoms are:
Problems with night vision – Your poodle may show signs that it is hard for him or her to see in low light.
The pupils may become dilated, and owners may notice that the eyes look shiny.
Conclusion:
Watching for symptoms of these particular problems is your best defense. You can also talk to your veterinarian about preventive health measures that can help minimize illnesses that affect your favorite pooch.
