Top 5 Health Concerns for Bernedoodles – From the Plantation Midtown Doctors

Bernedoodles are beloved for their friendly personalities, intelligence, and adorable, fluffy coats. As a mix between the Bernese Mountain Dog and the Poodle, they often bring together the best traits of both breeds. Our team enjoys caring for these affectionate, social dogs and understands how much their families value their health and longevity. Like all dogs, Bernedoodles have a few breed-specific health risks that are important to keep in mind. Here are the top five concerns we often see in our practice and how we can help catch and manage them early:

Bone & Joint Issues

Bernedoodles are prone to several joint conditions, especially due to their Poodle and Bernese genetics. Common issues include hip and elbow dysplasia, where joints don’t form properly, leading to instability, pain, and long-term damage. They’re also at risk for cranial cruciate ligament (CCL) tears, a knee injury that often causes sudden limping or difficulty bearing weight.

Over time, these problems can lead to arthritis, which causes stiffness, discomfort, and decreased mobility—especially as your Doodle gets older. Early screening, weight management, and appropriate treatment can help your Bernedoodle stay active, comfortable, and living their best life.

How we can help:

• Physical Examination – We carefully observe your Doodle’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 and elbow dysplasia often have a hereditary component, genetic screening can help identify whether your Doodle 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, pain medications, and physical therapy. These treatments can slow disease progression, manage discomfort, and improve your Doodle’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.

Skin Allergies and Ear Infections

Bernedoodles’ floppy ears and thick, curly coats are adorable—but they can also lead to issues like ear infections and skin problems. Moisture and debris easily get trapped in their ears, creating a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast. Their skin can also be sensitive, with hot spots and allergic reactions common in warm or damp conditions.

If your Doodle is scratching at their ears or skin, shaking their head, licking or chewing at certain areas, or seems generally uncomfortable, it might be time for a check-up. Redness, odor, discharge, scabs, or hair loss are all signs that something’s not right.

How we can help:

• Skin / 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 Doodle uncomfortable and determines which medications will work best to treat it.
• Allergy Tests – Blood or skin testing can reveal environmental allergy triggers. This helps us tailor your Doodle’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 skin and ear issues related to allergies or infections.

Dental Disease

Bernedoodles may have big smiles, but their mouths still need regular care. Like many breeds, they’re prone to dental disease—especially due to their love of chewing and their genetic mix, which can include crowded or uneven teeth. Plaque and tartar can build up quickly, leading to gum inflammation, bad breath, tooth loss, and even infections that impact the heart or kidneys.

Bad breath is often the first sign, but pain, drooling, or trouble eating can indicate more serious issues. Regular brushing, dental chews, and vet check-ups are key to keeping your Bernedoodle’s mouth, and overall health, in top shape.

How we can help:

• Oral exam – We check for plaque buildup, alignment issues, and signs of gum infection. We also evaluate for loose, broken, or crowded teeth
• Dental X-rays – These allow us to see below the gumline where serious issues can hide. X-rays help identify pockets of infection under the teeth, bone loss from the jaw, and damaged roots, which can all cause unrealized pain. This helps the veterinarian determine if any teeth need to be pulled or if infections need additional treatment

• Professional cleaning – Just like people, Doodles need regular dental cleanings to remove plaque and tartar. Dental cleanings under anesthesia performed by a veterinarian are the safest and most effective way to thoroughly clean your Doodle’s teeth. This can help prevent the spread of bacteria, protect their airway, and allow the vet to remove any teeth that may be causing problems. This also lets the vet identify issues that aren’t visible during a regular exam
• Home care guidance – We can recommend brushing routines, dental diets, or safe chews to help maintain your dog’s oral health between visits.

Obesity

Bernedoodles can be prone to weight gain, especially if they aren’t getting enough exercise. Carrying extra pounds puts added stress on their joints, which can worsen conditions like hip dysplasia, arthritis, and CCL injuries. Obesity also raises the risk of heart disease, diabetes, and can shorten your Doodle’s lifespan. While overfeeding and lack of activity are common culprits, underlying medical issues, such as hypothyroidism, can also contribute to weight gain. That’s why regular checkups, weight monitoring, and a personalized nutrition and exercise plan are key to keeping your Bernedoodle healthy and active.

How we can help:

• Weight Checks – We carefully track your Doodle’s weight at every visit to monitor changes over time. Regular weight measurements help us identify gradual gains or losses that might not be obvious at home, allowing for early intervention.
• Body Condition Scoring (BCS) – This is a hands-on assessment where we evaluate your dog’s fat coverage and muscle tone to determine their overall body condition. BCS helps us not only identify if your Doodle is overweight or underweight, but also estimate how much weight they need to lose or gain to reach a healthy, balanced state. This personalized evaluation guides our nutrition and exercise recommendations to get your Doodle to an ideal weight safely.
• Blood Tests – Blood work is important to rule out underlying medical issues that can contribute to weight changes, such as hypothyroidism or other hormonal imbalances. Detecting these conditions early ensures your Doodle receives the right treatment alongside diet and lifestyle adjustments.

Digestive (Stomach) Issues

Bernedoodles can experience digestive issues ranging from mild stomach upset to more serious conditions depending on their size and genetics. Larger Bernedoodles may be at risk for Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) due to their deeper chest structure, while smaller Bernedoodles are more likely to experience general gastrointestinal (GI) sensitivities such as food intolerance or digestive upset.

GDV (Bloat) in Larger Bernedoodles

Larger Bernedoodles may inherit the deep-chested build of their Bernese Mountain Dog parent, which increases their risk for Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV). GDV, commonly known as bloat, is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition. GDV occurs when the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself, trapping gas and cutting off blood flow. This can cause rapid abdominal swelling, severe pain, shock, and requires immediate emergency treatment. Because GDV progresses quickly, recognizing early signs and acting fast is critical to saving your dog’s life.

How we can help:

• Recognizing Symptoms – Watch for signs such as a swollen or distended abdomen, unproductive vomiting or retching, 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. Treatment involves stabilizing your dog, decompressing the stomach, and often emergency surgery to untwist the stomach.
• Preventive Measures – Feeding smaller, more frequent meals, avoiding vigorous exercise before and after meals, and using slow feeder bowls can help reduce risk. In larger Bernedoodles, we may also recommend a preventive surgical procedure called gastropexy, which secures the stomach in place to prevent twisting.

General Gastrointestinal Issues in Smaller Bernedoodles

Smaller Bernedoodles are less likely to develop GDV but may experience sensitive stomachs and digestive upset. Food intolerances, sudden diet changes, stress, or infections can lead to gastrointestinal issues. Common symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, gas, decreased appetite, or abdominal discomfort.

How we can help:

• Physical exam – We’ll start by evaluating your Doodle’s symptoms, lifestyle, and current diet. A hands-on exam helps identify signs of discomfort, bloating, or weight loss.

• Fecal tests – Checks for intestinal parasites, bacterial overgrowth, or abnormal gut flora that may be causing diarrhea or other symptoms.

• Blood tests – Evaluate organ function, inflammation levels, and hydration status. Some additional screening tests may be recommended for specific conditions like pancreatitis or Addison’s disease.

• Imaging (X-rays and ultrasound) – Helps us visualize the GI tract to check for obstructions, foreign objects, or abnormalities in the stomach, intestines, pancreas, or liver.

We’re here to care for your Bernedoodle like one of our own. Schedule a visit today so we can work together to keep your loyal, energetic companion happy, healthy, and thriving. Mention

this email when booking, and you’ll receive 50% off the wellness exam and consult for your Bernedoodle.

Warmly,

The Doctors and Team at Plantation Midtown Animal Hospital

Dr. Sausner, Dr. Alonso and Dr. Zimandy