Ensuring the Well-being of Your Beloved Companion with Hearty K9s

Goldendoodles, a delightful hybrid of Golden Retrievers and Poodles, are renowned for their friendly nature, intelligence, and low-allergenic qualities. While they are generally healthy dogs, like all breeds, Goldendoodles can be predisposed to certain health concerns that may stem from genetic or environmental factors.

At Hearty K9s, our focus in our breeding program is on health and temperament.  In our health testing, we have the parents’ hips and elbows x-rayed to ensure they are of good breeding quality.  We also take our dogs to a dog ophthalmologist to have their eyes physically examined.  Eye and hip problems are common issues shared by the Poodle and the Golden Retriever. We have also added Embark DNA testing to our list of health checks.  This test checks for over 270+ potential genetic disorders; however, it does not cover hip dysplasia or several eye issues that can only be detected through physical testing conducted by professionally trained veterinarians and specialists.

Common Health Concerns in Goldendoodles

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia can be a genetic or environmental condition. Goldendoodles, especially larger ones, may be prone to this. Excessive or repetitive exercise during puppy growth, such as too much fetching, slippery floors without traction, running through deep snow, repetitive jumping, or extended periods of vigorous play, puts stress on developing joints. Early spaying and neutering have also been linked to poor joint development, so it is now recommended to wait until your puppy is fully grown (12-18 months) before having them fixed.

How Hearty K9s Minimizes the Risk of Hip Dysplasia in Puppies

At Hearty K9s, we provide a carpet base for the pups, and we also do not trim nails on their hind paws until after 4-6 weeks of age, so that they have good traction when they nurse and also prevent hip issues down the road. Since our Hearty K9 breeding parents have quality hips, the risk of your Hearty K9 developing hip dysplasia is low if you are mindful of environmental factors. 

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

PRA is an inherited disease affecting the retina, leading to gradual loss of vision and eventual blindness. At Hearty K9s, we can screen for this and many other eye diseases in the DNA testing and in the manual eye exams. 

Allergies

Goldendoodles are sometimes prone to allergies, which can manifest as skin irritations, excessive scratching, or digestive disturbances. Environmental factors, food ingredients, or contact allergens may trigger these allergies. Identifying the cause through allergy testing and adjusting their diet or environment can provide relief and improve their quality of life. One of the most common food allergies in Goldendoodles is chicken. Many have found lamb or fish protein as the main ingredient to work well. 

At Hearty K9s, We Breed with Allergy Awareness in Mind

Knowing that Goldendoodles are susceptible to allergies, at Hearty K9s, we choose not to breed any dogs that have any known allergies, in hopes of lessening the chances of allergies for your pup.  We also feed our breeding dogs a chicken-based diet. 

Ear Infections

Goldendoodles often have long floppy ears, which can trap moisture and debris. This makes them susceptible to ear infections. Regular cleaning and monitoring can prevent inflammation or bacterial growth, ensuring their ears remain healthy and irritation-free. Ideally, use a quality ear cleaner from your vet, and clean ears weekly, and after a bath or being in water. 

Gastric Torsion (Bloat)

Large Goldendoodles can be at risk for gastric torsion or bloat, a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists and traps gas. Symptoms include a swollen abdomen, restlessness, and retching without vomiting. Immediate veterinary intervention is critical. Feeding smaller meals and avoiding vigorous exercise after eating can help reduce risks. A preventative measure would be to consider a prophylactic gastropexy, which is a surgery that tacks the stomach to the body wall.  This is more easily done for females when they are undergoing spay surgery.

Von Willebrand Disease

Goldendoodles may inherit Von Willebrand’s Disease, a blood-clotting disorder. This is another DNA-tested clearance that we do at Hearty K9s. 

Keeping Goldendoodles Healthy: Steps to Reduce Health Concerns Early On

Regular Veterinary Checkups

Routine veterinary visits are vital for early detection of health issues. Annual wellness exams, vaccinations, and age-appropriate screenings help ensure your Goldendoodle remains in optimal health.

Balanced Diet and Nutrition

Goldendoodles thrive on high-quality diets tailored to their size, age, and activity level. Choose food brands that support joint health, skin care, and digestion. Consult your veterinarian to find the best options for your dog’s specific needs. If your puppy is doing well on their current diet, avoid switching foods without a good reason. Never change their diet when they are under stress for any other reason. Some owners change the diet when the dog suddenly loses interest in their food. This can become a problem, especially if they do this every few weeks, because they often figure out that if they don’t eat, they will get different food, which causes them to become very picky. Sometimes, they are just not as hungry and will eat later. You can soak their food with warm water to entice them or add a probiotic. If they continue to seem off or ill, please see your vet.  

Exercise and Mental Stimulation

Goldendoodles are active and intelligent dogs that require regular physical and mental stimulation. Daily walks, play sessions, and training activities not only prevent obesity but also strengthen their muscles and improve their overall happiness.  Goldendoodles are very smart and enjoy new walking trails.  Make your walks more fun by weaving between trees, allowing them to stop and smell at times. Maybe plant a new smell somewhere and then pretend you smell it first, and invite your dog to smell it too…they will think you are pretty cool.  Don’t always feed your Goldendoodle from a bowl.  Maybe hide their food in different locations in your house while they are on a down/stay, and then have them go find it.  Research ways to give your intelligent Goldendoodle a more fulfilled life. 

Grooming and Hygiene

Their wavy or curly coat requires consistent grooming to avoid matting. Additionally, regular cleaning of their ears, teeth, and paws can prevent infections and maintain their overall hygiene.

Monitoring and Early Detection

Pay close attention to any changes in your dog’s behaviour, appetite, or energy levels. Early detection of symptoms can make a significant difference in managing health concerns effectively.

The Joy of Goldendoodles Despite Health Concerns

Despite these potential health concerns, Goldendoodles have become one of the most beloved breeds for families and individuals around the world! Their affectionate personalities, adaptability, and unique appearance make them a joy to own.

My veterinarian stated that “because of hybrid vigour and the health clearance we do for our breeding dogs, it contributes to the significantly lower number of health issues in our Hearty K9 pups.”

Owning a Goldendoodle is a rewarding experience, and with proper care and attention, they will undoubtedly become memorable, cherished members of your family for years to come. If you are interested in adopting a Goldendoodle puppy, check out our current litters here. If you have any questions about caring for your Goldendoodle or follow-up questions about health concerns, feel free to reach out to us through our online form.