Toy Poodles are a favourite for good reason.
Small, intelligent, and elegant, they’re often seen as low-maintenance thanks to their hypoallergenic coat and easygoing size.
While they’re generally a healthy breed when sourced from responsible breeders, Toy Poodles can carry some inherited health problems that parents should understand. Their petite frame and specific genetic lineage can make them prone to certain conditions, especially as they age.
Being aware of these risks helps you spot changes early, make smart lifestyle choices, and keep your Toy Poodle feeling their best for longer. Understanding breed-specific health needs is key for every parent who wants to give their dog the healthiest life possible.
With the right care and veterinary support, Toy Poodles can thrive.
That’s where a proactive approach matters: early intervention, tailored health checks, and expert guidance all work together to support long-term wellbeing.
Are Toy Poodles a Healthy Breed?
Toy Poodles are generally considered a healthy breed with a notably long lifespan. With the right care, Toy Poodles have an average lifespan of 14 to 18 years.
Their small size, combined with a relatively athletic build, contributes to this longevity. But lifespan doesn’t tell the whole story.
Like many purebred dogs, Toy Poodles can be prone to inherited conditions. Their popularity has also led to irresponsible breeding practices in some lines, where health screening may be overlooked in favour of appearance.
Early intervention, tailored nutrition for your Toy Poodle, and routine vet care make a measurable difference. Regular health checks allow for early detection of issues that may develop gradually. Catching problems before symptoms escalate is the key.
"Toy Poodles might be small, but their health needs aren’t. I’ve seen how early dental care and joint monitoring can add years of comfort to their lives. The ones that thrive long-term are those with owners who take the little signs seriously."
- Dr Jack Ayerbe
Common Toy Poodle Health Issues
Dental Disease
Dog dental issues are extremely common in Toy Poodles. Their small mouths create crowding, which leads to faster plaque accumulation and a higher risk of gum disease. Left untreated, periodontal disease can cause chronic pain, tooth loss, and even affect heart or kidney function.
Signs to look for include:
- Bad breath
- Gum redness
- Reluctance to eat harder foods
- Pawing at the mouth
Preventive dental care is non-negotiable for this breed. Regular brushing, dental chews, and regular professional cleanings help keep their teeth and gums healthy throughout life.
Musculoskeletal Issues
Toy Poodles are prone to joint problems despite their small size. Patellar luxation is especially common, where the kneecap shifts out of position and causes skipping or lameness. Some Toy Poodles may also be affected by Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, a condition involving the deterioration of the hip joint in young dogs.
Both conditions can vary in severity. Mild cases might be managed with weight control, joint supplements, or physiotherapy. More advanced cases may require surgical correction to restore mobility and reduce pain. Routine checkups help identify these issues early, often before symptoms become obvious.
Skin Allergies
Toy Poodle skin allergies often appear as itchy, inflamed skin. They may lick or scratch excessively, especially around the paws, belly, or ears. You might notice redness, hair thinning, or recurring infections.
Triggers vary widely. Food sensitivities, flea bites, and environmental allergens like pollen or dust mites are all common culprits. Diagnosis usually involves a process of elimination, sometimes supported by allergy testing.
Management may include:
- A tailored diet
- Antihistamines
- Medicated shampoos
- Prescription treatments.
Addressing skin allergies early helps prevent chronic infections and improves your dog’s comfort significantly.
Ear Infections
Toy Poodles have floppy, hairy ears that trap warmth and moisture: a perfect environment for yeast and bacteria. Ear infections in dogs are common, especially if their ears aren’t kept clean and dry.
Symptoms include:
- Head shaking
- Scratching
- A sour smell
- Visible redness in the ear canal
Treatment typically involves cleaning the ears and applying medicated drops. Long-term prevention includes regular ear checks, gentle cleaning, and trimming excess hair around the ear canal if needed.
Heart Issues
Toy Poodles are at risk for degenerative mitral valve disease (MVD), a condition where one of the heart valves becomes leaky over time. It’s especially common in older dogs and may develop gradually without early signs.
The first noticeable symptoms might include:
- Coughing
- Fatigue during walks
- Rapid breathing at rest
A vet can detect a murmur on examination and confirm the diagnosis with an ultrasound or chest X-ray.
While MVD can’t be reversed, medications can slow progression and support heart function. Routine checkups become especially important as Toy Poodles enter their senior years, allowing for early treatment and improved quality of life.
Epilepsy
Idiopathic epilepsy is another condition seen in Toy Poodles. It causes recurring seizures, typically beginning between 6 months and 5 years of age.
Seizures may look like collapsing, paddling, drooling, or temporary confusion. Some dogs recover quickly, while others may seem dazed or restless afterward.
Managing epilepsy often involves lifelong medication. With the right support and monitoring, many dogs live stable, healthy lives. It’s important to record seizure activity and work closely with your vet to find the right treatment plan.
Cushing’s Disease
Cushing’s disease (hyperadrenocorticism) occurs when the body produces too much cortisol, often due to a benign tumour on the pituitary gland. It’s more common in middle-aged and senior Toy Poodles.
Signs can be subtle at first: increased thirst and urination, a pot-bellied appearance, thinning hair, and skin fragility are common indicators. Without treatment, Cushing’s can lead to further complications like diabetes or high blood pressure.
Diagnosis involves blood and urine testing, and in some cases, imaging. Treatment options include daily medication to suppress cortisol production or surgery in rare cases. Regular monitoring is essential, as dosage needs can change over time.
Preventative Care Tips for Toy Poodles
Routine Health Checks
Schedule wellness exams at least twice a year. These visits allow your vet to catch heart murmurs, dental issues, or subtle signs of joint pain early.
Vaccination and Parasite Protection
Even indoor dogs need protection from fleas, ticks, and heartworm. Stay up to date with vaccinations and parasite preventatives to keep your Toy Poodle safe year-round.
Browse our vet recommended products for parasite protection
NexGard Spectra for Small Dogs (3.6 - 7.5 kg)
NexGard Spectra (Yellow) is suitable for small dogs from 3.6 – 7.5 kg in bodyweight.
With NexGard Spectra, your dog will receive the most complete protection against fleas, ticks, mites, lice, heartworm and intestinal worms, all in one tasty chew. Did you know that some parasites that affect pets can be transmitted to people? Using NexGard Spectra aligns with guidelines from infectious disease experts who recommend monthly deworming of all dogs to reduce the risk.*
Features & Benefits
- The most complete protection against fleas, ticks, mites, lice, heartworm and intestinal worms, all in one tasty chew.
- A tasty beef-flavoured chew that dogs love.
- Convenient monthly dosing that’s easy to remember.
- Can be given with or without food.
- Safe for puppies from 8 weeks of age and 1.35 kg bodyweight.
- Not affected by bathing, swimming or shampooing.
- Safe to use in breeding, pregnant and lactating females.
Each chew contains
- 18.8 mg afoxolaner and
- 3.8 mg milbemycin oxime
Claims
- Rapidly kills fleas
- Controls flea allergy dermatitis
- Treats and controls ticks
- Treats and controls mange and mites
- Treats and controls biting lice
- Prevents heartworm disease
- Treats and controls roundworm, hookworm and whipworm
- Prevents flea tapeworm infestations
- Monthly treatment
*Australian Companion Animal Zoonoses Advisory Panel (2021) Companion Animal Zoonoses Guidelines.
See product label for full claim details and directions for use.
Evicto Spot-On for Small Dogs (5-10kg)
Evicto® Spot-On offers trusted, targeted protection against fleas and worms, including ovicidal activity. As a reliable alternative to selamectin, this topical solution is safe for use in puppies and kittens from 6 weeks of age.
Key Benefits:
- Proven Efficacy: Utilizes selamectin for effective flea and worm control.
- Broad-Spectrum Protection: Also combats ear mites, lice, and mange.
- Easy Application: Low-volume, spot-on formula for convenient use.
Choose Evicto® Spot-On for comprehensive, easy-to-use protection for your pets.
Recommended For:
Dogs and puppies from 6 weeks of age
Milpro Film-Coated Allwormer Tablets for Small Dogs/Puppies (0.5-5kg)
Milpro Wormer Tablets provide broad-spectrum treatment for all major intestinal worms, including roundworm, hookworm, whipworm, tapeworm, and hydatids. Monthly use also prevents heartworm, ensuring your pet's health year-round.
Key Features:
- Comprehensive Protection: Effectively treats and controls various intestinal worms.
- Heartworm Prevention: Monthly administration guards against heartworm.
- User-Friendly Design: Small, ovoid tablets with a palatable liver-flavour coating for easy dosing.
- Versatile Dosing Options: Available in sizes for all pets, with scored tablets for precise measurement.
Milpro is the trusted choice for hassle-free, effective worming tailored to your pet's needs.
Recommended For:
Dogs and puppies from 2 weeks of age and weighing at least 0.5kg
The cat formulation is not suitable for use in dogs.
Dental Care
Brushing should be a regular habit. Use a toothbrush and dog-safe toothpaste. Dental chews and water additives can help, but brushing remains the gold standard for prevention.
Further reading: Bad Breath Begone! Mastering Dental Care for Dogs & Cats
Browse our vet recommended dental products
Petosan Toothpaste Poultry Flavour
Petosan dental products for pets have been developed by a team of Scandinavian dentists, veterinarians and a leading edge toothbrush manufacturer.
Petosan Complete Dental Kits
For Small Dogs (<6kg): Contains a small double headed toothbrush, a tube of toothpaste and a finger cloth (finger brush). Ideal for dogs who are new to toothbrushing.
For Large Dogs (>16kg): A plastic outer protective case contains a large toothbrush, a tube of toothpaste and a finger cloth.
Petosan OralCleaner Finger Cloth
A reusable, antibacterial microfibre finger brush which removes plaque and bacteria from your dog's mouth. It is easier to use and provides better cleaning than finger toothbrushes. The Finger Cloth is an ideal way to start toothbrushing your dog.
Petosan Toothpaste
This tasty poultry-flavoured toothpaste has been specifically formulated for pets to help remove plaque and prevent the build-up of tartar. No rinsing required.
Petosan Toothbrush
Petosan dental products for pets have been developed by a team of Scandinavian dentists, veterinarians and a leading edge toothbrush manufacturer.
Petosan Complete Dental Kits
For Small Dogs (<6kg): Contains a small double headed toothbrush, a tube of toothpaste and a finger cloth (finger brush). Ideal for dogs who are new to toothbrushing.
For Large Dogs (>16kg): A plastic outer protective case contains a large toothbrush, a tube of toothpaste and a finger cloth.
Petosan OralCleaner Finger Cloth
A reusable, antibacterial microfibre finger brush which removes plaque and bacteria from your dog's mouth. It is easier to use and provides better cleaning than finger toothbrushes. The Finger Cloth is an ideal way to start toothbrushing your dog.
Petosan Toothpaste
This tasty poultry-flavoured toothpaste has been specifically formulated for pets to help remove plaque and prevent the build-up of tartar. No rinsing required.
Oravet Dental Hygiene Chews For Small Dogs (4.5 - 11kg)
Dual-action ORAVET dental chews are the simple solution for your dog’s at-home, daily dental care. As your dog chews, that chewing action scrubs away at existing plaque. At the same time the unique ingredient, delmopinol, spreads throughout their mouth to create a protective barrier and help prevent bacterial attachment.
To make the process of protection even simpler, ORAVET dental chews are easy to give, and dogs love them. ORAVET dental chews are
serious protection made seriously simple.
Features & Benefits
- The unique formulation in ORAVET prevents bacterial attachment on teeth resulting in
- 59% reduction in bad breath* in dogs
- 57% reduction in tartar*
- 39% reduction in plaque*
- Create a cleaner mouth and fresher breath for your dog.
- Cleans down to the gumline.
- Scrubs away existing plaque.
- Contains a unique ingredient, delmopinol, that coats the teeth, preventing bacteria from attaching to the enamel, inhibiting plaque formation, and keeping your dog’s mouth protected.
*With a daily ORAVET chew for 28 days.
Nutrition
Choose high-quality food designed for small breeds. Your Toy Poodle’s diet can benefit from one that supports joint health, skin barrier function, and urinary tract balance. If your vet identifies allergies or sensitivities, they may recommend a specific hypoallergenic formula.
For more nutrition tips, read our Toy Poodle nutrition guide here:
Browse our range of food and nutritional products
Dry Dog Food - Vet Approved Diets
Browse our extensive range of Dry Dog Food today and find food your puppy or adult dog is guaranteed to love. We stock a wide range of leading brands including Royal Canin, Advance, Hill's, Eukanuba, and more. Our Puppy Food range is perfect for puppies of any size, and we also offer a wide range of Prescription Diets for your dog, to help with Weight Management, Skin & Food Sensitivities, Mobility Issues, Sensitive Stomachs and more. Browse our range today on Vets Love Pets.
Wet Dog Food - Vet Approved
Enjoy our wide range of delicious wet food for your Puppy and dog, available both in cans and pouches. We stock a wide range of leading brands including Royal Canin, Advance, Hill's and more. We also offer a wide range of prescription wet food diets for your dog, to help with Weight Management, Skin & Food Sensitivities, Gastrointestinal Health and more. Browse our range today on Vets Love Pets.
Puppy Food - Premium Vet Recommended Diets
Exercise and Enrichment
Don’t let their size fool you. Toy Poodles thrive on activity and stimulation. Daily walks, games, and short training sessions support both their physical and mental wellbeing.
Browse our exercise / enrichment products
Black Dog Wear Training Halter Range - Small
This Classic style halter (classic because it connects to the lead under the dog's jaw) has been the Halter of choice for trainers for many years.
The dynamic design allows the Halter to move as the dog moves, leaving the Nose Bridge strap to sit comfortably in the same position, this means it doesn't tend to ride up close to the dog's eyes and the dog is more content while wearing the Halter.
Reward your dog, when introducing it to the Halter and throughout the first week, particularly when you first fit the Halter and as your dog works well on lead.
Fitting is simple...
- Adjust the Neck Strap to fit (a tight, snug fit high on the neck is best). Take the Halter off again)
- Slide the Nose Strap over the dog's muzzle (reward the dog with a little treat to ease any concerns)
- Buckle the Neck Strap
- Pull down on the Lead Ring (this adjusts the Training Halter to fit the dog's face)
- Slide the cord lock to about 1cm below the D-Ring tab under the dog's throat
- Attach a lead to the O-Ring on the cord, and your dog is ready to go
Coachi Two-Tone Whistle
The Coachi Two-Tone Whistle is the perfect all-round dog training whistle the whole family can use, ensuring your dog will always receive clear signals and commands.
Two Tones
This whistle produces 2 distinct and clear tones, allowing you to train different commands or for training 2 dogs!
Recall Training
Whistles are great for recall training as they help to standardise commands and are really useful if different people are training or walking the same dog.
Lightweight & Compact
Super-light and compact in design, the Two-Tone Whistle can easily be slipped in a pocket or treat bag to ensure you always have it to hand.
Adjustable Lanyard
The attractive corded lanyard is fully adjustable so you can secure at the desired length and it is reflective too!
Coachi Multi-Clicker
Clicker training is easy, fun and effective! This popular training method uses positive reinforcement to pinpoint and reward specific good behaviour.
Volume Control
The Coachi Multi-Clicker has a patented volume control with 3 settings, allowing you to adjust for nervous and sound sensitive dogs and to cater for those more boisterous canines!
Easy to Hold
It has a raised thumb-piece for easy use and an adjustable wrist strap for the perfect fit, so great for children and adults, its even reflective too!
Clicker Training
The Coachi Whizzclick clicker, has a very clear sound, it's easy and comfortable to press and use. The whistle produces a single tone that travels well in open spaces.
Fun to Train
Great for teaching fun tricks as well as basic commands, like sit, down and stay.
Grooming Routine
Their curly coat needs regular brushing to prevent mats and skin issues. Schedule professional grooming every 4–6 weeks. During grooming, check ears, nails, and skin for any abnormalities.
Browse our vet-recommended grooming products
PAW Gentle Ear Cleaner
PAW Gentle Ear Cleaner is a natural, gentle ear cleaner that effectively cleans your pet's ears without irritation.
Its effective formulation means you only need to use it once a week, making it more comfortable for your pet and easier for you. It contains:
- Purified hydrolysed oats for a mild, effective product for cleaning your cat or dog’s ears.
- No alcohol, harsh chemicals or acids commonly found in other cat or dog ear cleaners, so it’s more comfortable for your pet.
Gripsoft Nail Clippers
Gripsoft products are easy to use and designed to give a professional finish. The soft, rubber-sheathed, non-slip ergonomic handle provides maximum comfort, grip and control.
Gripsoft Nail Trimmers can be used to trim the nails of any breed to maintain comfortable nail length. Deluxe Nail Trimmers include a cutting guard for additional safety and ease of use.
Dermcare Natural Shampoo
Dermcare Natural Shampoo is formulated for animals with sensitive skin or allergies, or those who bath frequently. Hypoallergenic, moisturising and emollient shampoo. Cleans without drying the coat. Collagen protein assists the repair of hair damaged by self-trauma.
Active ingredients: Coconut oil, glycerine, collagen protein.
Hydration and Observation
Monitor water intake, especially in older dogs. A sudden increase in thirst can be an early warning sign of Cushing’s, kidney disease, or diabetes. Small changes in behaviour matter, so trust your instincts and check in with your vet if something feels off.
Toy Poodles are a top companion breed for a reason: they’re intelligent, loyal, and full of life. But their small stature comes with some health complexities that owners need to stay aware of.
Conditions like dental disease, joint problems and skin sensitivities can all be managed with early intervention. What makes the biggest difference is consistency—routine vet care, proper grooming, and a watchful eye at home.
With a proactive approach, Toy Poodles can thrive for many years. Make every year count by staying one step ahead of their health.
