Labradoodle health problems

Labradoodles are bouncy bundles of fun who seem to have endless energy and a love of adventure!

Often combining several characteristics of the Labrador and the poodle, the Labradoodle is both highly intelligent and incredibly loyal. It’s thanks to their cleverness and devotion to humans that Labradoodles typically thrive in many different roles – from competing at agility to becoming therapy dogs.

Since they can have differing coat types (including a straight, wavy, fleece, or wool coat), each Labradoodle’s grooming needs will vary. Although all Labradoodles require daily brushing, to keep their coat in tip top condition, those with wool coats have to visit a professional groomer occasionally to be clipped.

Explore our Labradoodle breed guide for more information about the loveable Labradoodle!

Potential health conditions linked to Labradoodles

Please remember that while the following health concerns are frequently seen in Labradoodles, each dog is a unique individual. So, your canine companion isn’t necessarily going to suffer from any of the health conditions commonly experienced by Labradoodles. But, if you’re considering pet insurance, you could read our guide to insuring your Labradoodle for more information.  

Always speak to your vet if you’re concerned about your dog’s health.   

Don’t forget to visit our dog first aid guides to discover the basics of canine first aid.

Ear infections

Due to the hairiness and shape of their ears (making it easier to trap moisture/dirt inside), along with their love of swimming, Labradoodles can be prone to ear infections. However, there are many other potential causes of ear infections in dogs, including:

• Excess wax, hair, or moisture in the ear.
• Allergies.
• Foreign objects, e.g. grass seeds.
• Ear mites.
• A bacterial infection, e.g. otitis externa.

An ear infection is both irritating and painful for your Labradoodle. So, if your Labradoodle shows any of the following signs, it’s important to contact a vet for advice as soon as possible:

• Head shaking.
• Scratching (e.g. rubbing their face along the ground).
• Redness and inflammation.
• Heat and/or swelling.
• Discharge and/or a foul smell from the ear.
• Pain (they may not let you touch their ear).
• Head tilt and/or loss of balance.

To treat your Labradoodle’s ear infection, your vet will usually begin by finding the cause of the infection. Along with examining your Labradoodle’s ear, your vet might perform tests to determine whether a specific type of bacteria is causing your dog’s ear infection.

Once your vet understands the cause of your Labradoodle’s ear infection, they can advise as to the best course of treatment, which could include:

• Ear drops.
• Ear cleaning.
• Anti-inflammatory and pain relief medication.
• Antibiotics
• Dealing with the underlying cause, e.g. surgery to remove a grass seed.

Hip dysplasia

Canine hip dysplasia is a genetic condition (something a dog is born with) that impacts their hip joints. ‘Dysplasia’ is a word linked to abnormal development, so, hip dysplasia describes abnormalities within a dog’s hip joint.

For Labradoodles with hip dysplasia, either one or both of their hip joints are unstable and can cause them to experience pain, swelling, and stiffness – resulting in lameness. Eventually, hip dysplasia can cause Labradoodles to develop arthritis.

Treatments for hip dysplasia in Labradoodles could include weight management, anti-inflammatory medication, and surgery.

Elbow dysplasia

Elbow dysplasia in dogs is a condition that impacts the elbow joints of their front legs. There are a number of causes of elbow dysplasia, with genetics, diet, growth rate, and exercise levels affecting the disease outcome and severity. Unfortunately, elbow dysplasia is sometimes seen in Labradoodles.

A Labradoodle with elbow dysplasia has an elbow joint that doesn’t quite fit together properly, which causes an uneven distribution of pressure on that joint.

Your vet can diagnose elbow dysplasia in your Labradoodle through a combination of physical examinations and diagnostic imaging, like x-rays and MRI scans. 

Symptoms of elbow dysplasia in Labradoodles can include pain, swelling, and a decreased range of motion, as well as limping and a reluctance to exercise. Eventually, elbow dysplasia could lead to arthritis and may even cause small fractures over time.

There are several treatment options for canine elbow dysplasia, including:

• Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication.
• Weight control (to prevent additional strain on their joints).
• Gentle exercise routine.
• Physiotherapy and/or hydrotherapy.
• Surgery