Top 5 Health Concerns for Standard Poodles – From the Plantation Midtown Doctors

Standard Poodles are graceful, intelligent, and deeply loyal companions. At Plantation Midtown Animal Hospital, we love caring for these athletic, people-focused dogs—and we know how committed their families are to keeping them healthy throughout their long lives. While Standard Poodles are generally robust, they are predisposed to several breed-specific conditions. Below are the top health concerns we commonly see, along with how we help keep your Standard Poodle feeling their best.

Hip Dysplasia

As a large, active breed, Standard Poodles are at risk for hip dysplasia—a genetic condition where the hip joint does not develop properly. Over time, this can lead to joint instability, arthritis, pain, and reduced mobility. Affected dogs may show stiffness, difficulty rising, reluctance to exercise, or decreased endurance. Early diagnosis and proactive management can make a significant difference in comfort and quality of life.

How we can help:

• Physical Examination – We carefully observe your Poodle’s movement, including how they walk, sit, and stand. During the exam, we also assess range of motion in the joints and perform gentle palpation to check for pain, stiffness, swelling, or abnormal joint movement, all of which can be early signs of joint disease.
• Genetic testing – Since hip dysplasia often has a hereditary component, genetic screening can help identify whether your Poodle is at increased risk, assisting with early intervention.
• X-rays – X-rays allow us to see the internal structure of the joints, helping us identify abnormalities in bone development, joint alignment, and early arthritic changes that may not be visible on the outside.
• Medical Management – For dogs diagnosed with joint issues, we often recommend a combination of joint supplements, prescription diets, anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs), and physical therapy. These treatments can slow disease progression, manage pain, and improve your Poodle’s quality of life.
• Surgical Intervention – In more advanced or severe cases of joint disease or injury, surgery may be the most effective option to significantly reduce pain, improve joint function, and help your dog return to a more active, comfortable life.

Addison’s Disease (Hypoadrenocorticism)

Standard Poodles are one of the breeds most commonly affected by Addison’s disease, a condition in which the adrenal glands fail to produce adequate hormones needed to regulate electrolytes, stress response, and metabolism. Symptoms can be vague and intermittent, including lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, weakness, or collapse. Though potentially life-threatening if undiagnosed, Addison’s disease is very manageable once identified.

How we can help:

• Bloodwork – Initial lab work allows us to check for characteristic electrolyte changes and assess baseline cortisol levels, which can point us toward Addison’s disease and determine whether additional testing is needed.
• ACTH stimulation testing – This confirms the diagnosis.
• Hormone replacement therapy – Lifelong medication replaces missing hormones.
• Long-term monitoring – Regular checkups help keep hormone levels stable and prevent crises.

Gastric Dilatation–Volvulus (GDV / Bloat)

Standard Poodles are considered a deep-chested breed, placing them at increased risk for gastric dilatation–volvulus, commonly known as “bloat.” This life-threatening emergency occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists, cutting off blood supply and causing rapid deterioration.

How we can help:

• Recognizing Symptoms – Watch for signs like a swollen or distended abdomen, unproductive vomiting, restlessness, excessive drooling, difficulty breathing, or collapse. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek emergency veterinary care immediately.
• Emergency Care – GDV is a medical emergency. Immediate treatment involves stabilizing your dog, decompressing the stomach, and often emergency surgery to untwist the stomach and prevent recurrence.
• Ongoing Monitoring – After recovery, regular checkups help monitor your dog’s health and prevent future episodes.
• Preventive Measures – Feeding smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding exercise before and after meals, and using slow feeder bowls can help reduce risk. In Standard Poodles, we often recommend a surgical procedure called gastropexy, which is when we tack the stomach in place and prevent twisting.

Ear Infections

Standard Poodles have long, floppy ears with hair that often grows within the ear canal. This reduces airflow and traps moisture, creating an ideal environment for bacteria and yeast.

Chronic ear infections can be painful and may lead to head shaking, odor, inflammation, and hearing loss if not properly managed.

How we can help:

• Ear Cytology – We examine samples under a microscope to check for infections like bacteria, yeast, or mites. This helps us choose the most effective medication based on what’s actually causing the problem.
• Culture Testing – This goes a step further than cytology. It helps us identify the exact type of bacterial or fungal infection that’s making your Poodle uncomfortable and determines which medications will work best to treat it.
• Allergy Tests – Blood testing can reveal environmental allergy triggers. This helps us tailor your Poodle’s diet and develop a personalized allergy treatment plan.
• Food Trials – If we suspect a food allergy, we may try different diets to determine if food is the underlying issue.
• Medications – We provide options for both immediate relief and long-term management of ear issues related to allergies or infections.

Lumps & Skin Masses (Benign and Malignant)

Standard Poodles are more prone than many other breeds to developing skin and subcutaneous masses over their lifetime. These can include benign growths such as sebaceous adenomas and lipomas, as well as more serious malignant tumors like mast cell tumors or soft tissue sarcomas. While many lumps are harmless, others can grow quickly, become invasive, or spread if not addressed early. Even benign growths can become irritated or infected—especially if they rupture, are traumatized, or are repeatedly licked. Because it’s impossible to determine the nature of a mass by appearance alone, prompt evaluation of any new or changing lump is essential.

How we can help:

• Thorough physical exams – We carefully assess the size, texture, and location of any masses during wellness and sick visits.
• Fine needle aspiration (FNA) – A minimally invasive test that allows us to examine cells and determine whether a mass is benign or suspicious.
• Biopsy & histopathology – When indicated, we may recommend surgical removal of the mass, with tissue submitted for laboratory analysis to obtain a definitive diagnosis and guide further treatment. Early, well-planned removal of concerning masses often results in better long-term outcomes.
• Monitoring plans – For benign growths, we track changes over time and recommend intervention if size, shape, or behavior changes.

Standard Poodles bring intelligence, elegance, and devotion into their families’ lives—and they deserve thoughtful, proactive veterinary care in return. At Plantation Midtown Animal Hospital, we’re here to support your Poodle through every stage of life.

Mention this message when booking and receive 50% off a wellness exam and consultation for your Standard Poodle.

Warmly,

The Doctors and Team at Plantation Midtown Animal Hospital

Dr. Sausner, Dr. Alonso and Dr. Zimandy