Addison's disease (hypoadrenocorticism) occurs when the adrenal glands fail to produce adequate amounts of cortisol and aldosterone, hormones essential for managing stress, electrolyte balance, and metabolism. Standard Poodles have one of the highest breed predispositions for this condition, and it appears in Miniature and Toy varieties as well, though less frequently.

The disease often develops gradually, with vague early symptoms that can be difficult to distinguish from other conditions. Dogs may show intermittent lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, muscle weakness, and weight loss. Because these symptoms wax and wane, Addison's disease is sometimes called "the great imitator." A crisis can occur when a stressed dog with undiagnosed Addison's disease suddenly collapses, develops severe dehydration, or goes into shock, requiring emergency stabilization.

Diagnosis involves an ACTH stimulation test, which measures the adrenal glands' ability to produce cortisol in response to a synthetic hormone injection. Once confirmed, treatment consists of lifelong hormone replacement. An injectable mineralocorticoid (DOCP or desoxycorticosterone pivalate) given approximately every 25 days, combined with daily oral prednisone at a low dose, is the standard protocol. Most dogs with well-managed Addison's disease live normal, active lives with minimal limitations.

Hypothyroidism, in which the thyroid gland underproduces thyroid hormone, is another endocrine condition seen in Poodles. Symptoms include weight gain, lethargy, a dull or thinning coat, and cold intolerance. A thyroid panel can confirm the diagnosis, and daily oral supplementation resolves the symptoms effectively.

Cushing's disease (hyperadrenocorticism), the opposite of Addison's, occurs when the body produces too much cortisol. It is more common in older Miniature and Toy Poodles. Signs include increased thirst and urination, a pot-bellied appearance, hair loss, and panting. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may involve medication or surgery.

The three Poodle varieties face different orthopedic risks based on their size. Standard Poodles, as a large breed, are susceptible to hip dysplasia and bloat. OFA screening before breeding is recommended, and maintaining a lean body condition throughout life helps protect the joints. Bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV), is a medical emergency in which the stomach distends with gas and may twist on itself. Standard Poodle owners should feed two or three smaller meals per day, avoid exercise around mealtimes, and consider prophylactic gastropexy if their veterinarian recommends it.

Miniature and Toy Poodles are more prone to patellar luxation, a condition where the kneecap slides out of its normal groove. Mild cases may cause an intermittent skip in the gait, while severe cases result in chronic lameness and may require surgical correction. If you notice your smaller Poodle occasionally holding up a hind leg or hopping for a few steps before walking normally, patellar luxation is a likely explanation and warrants veterinary evaluation.

Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, in which the blood supply to the femoral head deteriorates, leading to bone collapse and pain, is another small-breed concern that appears in Miniature and Toy Poodles. It typically presents in young dogs under one year of age with progressive hind-limb lameness. Surgical removal of the damaged femoral head (FHO) followed by physical therapy usually produces a good outcome in small dogs.

Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) can affect Miniature Poodles in particular, causing back or neck pain and, in severe cases, paralysis. Keeping your dog at a healthy weight, providing ramps instead of requiring jumps from furniture, and seeking prompt veterinary attention for any signs of spinal pain all help manage this risk.

Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is an inherited eye disease that leads to gradual loss of vision and eventual blindness. DNA tests are available for the forms of PRA most common in Poodles, including prcd-PRA and rcd4-PRA. Responsible breeders test their dogs before producing litters and do not breed two carriers together. If your Poodle is diagnosed with PRA, the progression is typically slow, and most dogs adapt remarkably well to declining vision with consistent environmental support.

Cataracts can develop at any age in Poodles and may be inherited or secondary to other conditions such as diabetes. Regular eye examinations by a veterinary ophthalmologist can detect cataracts early. Surgical removal of the affected lens restores functional vision in most cases and is well tolerated by otherwise healthy dogs.

Glaucoma, an increase in pressure within the eye, can cause rapid, painful vision loss if not treated promptly. Symptoms include a reddened or cloudy eye, squinting, tearing, and the eye appearing larger than normal. Glaucoma is a veterinary emergency, and same-day treatment is important to preserve vision.

Epilepsy is a neurological condition that occurs across all three Poodle sizes but is most commonly reported in Standard and Miniature varieties. Idiopathic epilepsy, meaning seizures without an identifiable structural cause, typically appears between one and five years of age. Seizures may range from brief focal episodes (twitching of the face or a single limb) to full generalized convulsions. Anti-seizure medication such as phenobarbital, potassium bromide, or levetiracetam can control seizures effectively in the majority of affected dogs. Keeping a seizure log that records the date, duration, and severity of each episode helps your veterinarian optimize medication dosing over time.

Poodle lifespan varies significantly by size. Toy Poodles often live 14 to 18 years, Miniatures 12 to 16 years, and Standards 10 to 13 years. This inverse relationship between size and longevity is seen across dog breeds generally, but the Poodle's overall good health and genetic diversity contribute to lifespans that are often above average for their respective size categories.

The Poodle's curly, low-shedding coat requires consistent grooming to prevent matting, which can cause skin irritation and conceal parasites or lesions. Professional grooming every four to six weeks, combined with at-home brushing two to three times per week, keeps the coat in good condition. During grooming sessions, take the opportunity to check for lumps, skin changes, ear redness, and dental tartar.

Dental disease is common in Poodles, particularly the smaller varieties. Toy and Miniature Poodles often have crowded teeth that trap food and bacteria, leading to tartar accumulation, gum disease, and tooth loss. Daily brushing with an enzymatic pet toothpaste is the gold standard for prevention. Regular professional dental cleanings under anesthesia allow your veterinarian to address issues below the gumline that cannot be managed by brushing alone.

Ear infections can be an ongoing challenge because Poodles grow hair inside their ear canals, which traps moisture and debris. Your groomer can pluck or trim this hair, and regular ear cleaning with a veterinary-approved solution helps maintain a healthy ear environment. If your Poodle develops chronic ear infections, discuss the possibility of underlying allergies with your veterinarian.

Annual wellness exams with bloodwork, an eye exam by a veterinary ophthalmologist, and dental assessments form the foundation of preventive care. After age seven, semi-annual visits allow for earlier detection of age-related conditions. Discuss with your veterinarian whether your Poodle's size variety warrants specific screening tests such as ACTH stimulation (for Addison's disease) or cardiac evaluation.