The Vet’s Guide to Spoodle Health Issues and Management

Spoodles are a popular Poodle cross known for their friendly nature, low-shedding coats, and family-friendly temperament. 

While they’re often seen as a “low-maintenance” breed, their genetics can come with hidden health risks.

Many Spoodles are healthy, especially those from responsible breeders. However, inherited conditions from the Poodle or Cocker Spaniel side can still show up, especially without the right preventative care.

That’s where vet-backed insight makes a difference. Knowing what Spoodles are prone to can help you catch issues early, make better day-to-day choices, and support your dog’s health for the long run.

Spoodles generally enjoy a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. With the right care, many stay active and well into their senior years.

Since they’re a crossbreed, they might be healthier or stronger. But this doesn’t cancel out inherited risks, especially when both parent breeds share common health concerns.

Spoodles are considered a healthy small crossbreed by vets, but early care matters. Diet, dental hygiene, and regular vet checks all play a big role in keeping them thriving.

Ear Infections

Spoodles are particularly prone to ear infections. Their floppy, hairy ears reduce airflow and trap moisture, which can create a breeding ground for bacteria or yeast after activities like swimming or bathing.

Watch For:

• Head shaking
• Ear odour
• Redness
• Discharge
• Scratching at the ears

Prevention

• Clean ears regularly using a vet-recommended cleaner
• Always dry them well after water exposure
• Keeping the ear canal hair under control can also help.

Skin and food allergies are common in Spoodles. These often show up as chronic itching, red or inflamed skin, and recurring infections—especially in the ears, armpits, or between the toes.

Triggers include: 

• Proteins like chicken or beef
• Environmental allergens such as pollen or dust mites, and fleas.

Management

• Elimination diets, allergy testing, flea prevention, and medications like antihistamines or anti-itch treatments prescribed by your vet.

This is a common orthopaedic issue in small breeds and Poodle crosses. Patellar luxation occurs when the kneecap slips out of its normal position, often during movement.

Signs include:

• Intermittent limping, a “skipping” gait, or sudden lameness that resolves quickly.

Treatment: 

• Mild cases may need only monitoring and lifestyle management. 
• Severe or painful luxations may require surgical correction to prevent long-term joint damage.

Hip dysplasia can occur in medium-sized Spoodles, especially those with Standard Poodle ancestry. It’s a developmental condition where the hip joint doesn’t form correctly, leading to instability and arthritis over time.

Symptoms: 

• Stiffness after rest
• reluctance to jump
• decreased activity levels
• lameness in the hind limbs.

Care: 

• Maintaining a lean body weight
• adding joint support supplements
• using pain relief under vet supervision
• In some cases, surgical correction may be recommended

PRA is a slow-progressing genetic condition that causes the retina to degenerate, eventually leading to blindness. It’s linked to the Poodle side of the Spoodle’s lineage and can be passed on without DNA testing in breeding dogs.

Early signs: 

• Bumping into furniture
• hesitation in dim lighting
• anxiety at night.
  
  

Outcome: 

• While there is no treatment, dogs can live full lives with supportive changes to their environment. Responsible breeders should always screen for PRA using DNA tests.

Dental health is an ongoing concern in Spoodles, particularly the smaller types. Their compact jaws can lead to crowding, plaque build-up, and early gum disease if left untreated.

Watch for: 

• Bad breath
• visible tartar
• red or bleeding gums
• drooling
• reluctance to eat dry food.

Prevention: 

• Daily brushing is ideal, supported by dental chews and routine professional dental cleans as advised by your vet.

The best way to manage Spoodle health is to stay ahead of problems before they start. Preventative care can significantly reduce the risk of chronic issues later in life.

Regular health checks

Routine vet visits (ideally every six to twelve months) help pick up early signs of common concerns like ear infections, joint issues and dental disease. Regular checkups are especially important as your Spoodle moves into middle age.

Vaccination and parasite control

Stay up to date with vaccinations and year-round protection against fleas, ticks, and worms. Spoodles with skin sensitivities often react more strongly to parasite bites, making prevention a key part of skin health.

Diet, dental care, and exercise

Feeding your Spoodle a high-quality diet tailored to small or medium crossbreeds supports gut, skin, and joint health. Daily dental care, including brushing or dental chews, helps prevent periodontal disease. Regular walks and playtime help maintain joint function and manage weight.

Further reading: Vet-approved Spoodle Feeding Guide & Nutrition Tips

What is the life expectancy of a Spoodle?

Most Spoodles live between 12 and 15 years. With good care, many remain active well into their senior years.

Do Spoodles need special grooming to stay healthy?

Yes. Their curly or wavy coats can trap allergens and moisture. Regular grooming not only prevents matting but also reduces skin infections and flare-ups from environmental triggers.

How can I reduce the risk of chronic ear infections in Spoodles?

Clean ears weekly, dry thoroughly after swimming or bathing, and use vet-approved ear solutions. Regular checks help spot issues early before they become painful or persistent.

Are Spoodles more sensitive to diet than other breeds?

Often, yes. Many have sensitive stomachs or food intolerances. A consistent, high-quality diet free from common allergens like chicken or wheat can reduce gut and skin issues.

At what age should I start screening my Spoodle for inherited diseases?

By 12 to 18 months, vets can begin screening for joint and eye issues, especially if symptoms emerge. PRA and luxating patella signs may be subtle at first, so early monitoring helps.

Spoodles are generally a robust, long-lived breed, but they do best with proactive care. Knowing what to watch for, feeding a vet-approved diet, and acting early on signs of discomfort gives your dog the best chance to thrive.

With the right support, your Spoodle can enjoy a long, healthy, and happy life by your side.

This article was written by Dr Jack Ayerbe