Goldendoodle dog owners unanimously adore their loving, loyal, and kind-hearted companions. And while these plucky breeds mainly have excellent health, conditions that cause itchy skin are a normal part of dog health considerations. Luckily, it’s usually pretty easy to identify the cause of the problem and treat it with a quick trip to the pet store.
In this article, you’ll find out about the main causes of Goldendoodle skin issues and learn how to treat them to ensure your Goldendoodle puppy or adult dog has healthy skin.
Do Goldendoodles Suffer from Skin Disorders?
Skin conditions are relatively common in poodles and golden retrievers, aka the Goldendoodle’s parents. Luckily, a Goldendoodle’s health is usually exceptional, and here at P&P, you’ll always receive a healthy puppy with all its health certifications, backed up by genetic health testing. Since Goldendoodle skin issues can be a result of environmental factors, you will still want to pay attention to any developments even with an overall healthy Goldendoodle.
If there are signs of Goldendoodle skin issues, there’s no need to panic. The causes of Goldendoodle skin issues are practically always easy to identify, and treatment is often little more than a shift in diet or a quick trip to the veterinarian.
Top Causes of Goldendoodle Skin Issues or Itching
If your doodle is showing signs of skin irritation, there could be numerous causes, ranging from allergic reactions to yeast infections or ear mites. Below are the most frequently found causes of itchy skin in golden retrievers, poodles, and Goldendoodles.
Allergies
Allergies might be caused by naturally occurring substances, human-made substances, dog food or dander. Common environmental allergies include pollen, mold and fungus. Soaps and detergents can cause skin allergies, while food allergies are often the result of dyes and additives in your dog’s chow. Signs of an allergic reaction include scaly skin, rashes and hair loss. Most allergic reactions are treatable, and you should see your veterinarian if you’re worried your dog is struggling with this type of condition.
Parasites
There are a number of parasites that enjoy feasting on your dog’s body, causing discomfort, itchy skin and severe Goldendoodle skin issues if left untreated. Here are some of those pesky parasites:
- Fleas
- Demodex mites
- Sarcoptic mange
- Ear mites
- Demodectic mange
It’s important to note that many doodles are allergic to the saliva produced by fleas, which makes them more prone to flea-related skin irritation. As such, it’s crucial you speak to your veterinarian about the best type of regular flea treatment for your doodle.
Vaccinations
Vaccinations are super-important, but some dogs experience mild reactions to their jabs. Itching, swelling and hives around the neck are commonplace when it comes to this highly sensitive breed. Your doodle might also experience lethargy, loss of appetite and fever.
Ear Infections
Among the health problems a doodle is most prone to are ear infections, which are also common causes of itching. The most likely cause of an ear infection in Goldendoodles is a bacterial infection, food allergy or allergy to pollen, and your vet can perform tests to determine the specific cause of allergies in your pet. Pollen allergies are more likely to be seasonal, while food allergies might be ongoing.
Doodles are often sensitive to certain types of protein, and experimenting with their diet can help you solve the issue. Yeast infections and foreign objects like debris, dampness, bugs, and dirt can also lead to an ear infection, so always pay close attention to your pet’s ears during bath time. After bath time, help them dry out their ears as moisture is easily trapped with long-eared dogs.
Dry Skin
Dry skin is often the result of an allergic reaction to harsh soaps or too much bathing, but it can also be caused by deficiencies in your dog’s diet. Additionally, it can be a sign your dog’s immune system is weakened, so be sure you pay attention to the following common symptoms of dry skin:
- Itching
- Dandruff
- Scales
- Hair loss
- Scabs
- Excessive oiliness
- Unpleasant odor
Malnutrition
Just as in humans, nutrition plays a key role in skin and hair health. Paying close attention to your dog’s diet and experimenting with different dog foods and supplements can be a highly effective way of addressing most Goldendoodle skin issues, including itchy skin.
Anxiety or Boredom
Another major cause of health problems in doodles is stress, and some dogs respond to stress with compulsive scratching or chewing. Stress might be caused by a variety of factors, but most commonly it’s a result of anxiety or boredom. Dogs are highly social pack animals that prefer to spend time in the company of humans. Insufficient exercise might also lead to stress, so it’s vital you have a routine in place that supports your dog’s well-being.
Pain
Underlying health issues might also cause excessive itching or skin problems in doodles. Licking and chewing can be a dog’s way of trying to self-soothe, but it ultimately leads to even more pain and discomfort.
Hormones
Certain hormone imbalances, particularly those affecting the thyroid, can also lead to health issues that cause itching. Doodles that don’t make enough thyroid hormone are particularly vulnerable to yeast and bacterial infections. Your vet can help you determine if an overactive or underactive thyroid is affecting your dog’s health.
How to Help a Doodle With Irritated Skin
Hopefully, you’ve got an idea of what’s causing your doodle’s itching. Now let’s look at techniques and supplements to help your dog or prevent problems arising in the first place.
A Balanced, Complete Diet
Something every pet owner should be aware of: A healthy diet for your dog doesn’t come cheap. Grocery store brands and cheap pet food are often highly processed and full of additives, providing little more (or even less) than the minimum your dog needs. Investing in a premium diet you’ve decided upon with your veterinarian is an investment in your doodle’s health and longevity.
Vitamin E
Vitamin E helps to prevent UV damage and damage caused by free radicals. It’s also commonly found in creams and topical treatments you can use to soothe a dog’s itchy skin.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has unique properties that can help soothe hot, dry and itchy skin while reducing inflammation and redness. If possible, use the pure extract from an aloe vera plant. If you can’t get hold of it, be sure to find a product that doesn’t contain alcohol or other additives.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are crucial for your dog’s skin health as well as your own. Supplementation can help improve the symptoms of skin issues by soothing a hyper-responsive immune system and reducing the incidence of allergies and yeast infections. Salmon oil, coconut oil and fish oil extract are great sources of omega-3s.
Yogurt
A little yogurt can be an excellent addition to your dog’s diet and a good way to ensure they have a diverse and healthy microbiome. The microbes in yogurt are crucial to gut and immune health and can help prevent diarrhea, as well as keep bacterial infections at bay.
Apple Cider Vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has antifungal and antibacterial properties, making it a great treatment for skin disorders caused by bacteria. Always dilute ACV with water to a 50:50 concentration, and never apply it to broken or raw skin. Spray or dab the solution on your pet’s itchy spots or add a drop of diluted ACV to your dog’s food.
Baking Soda
You can soothe an itchy coat and skin by mixing baking soda with water in a 50:50 solution and applying the paste to the affected area. Leave it for 20 minutes and then remove, being careful to leave none behind. Adding coconut or salmon oil makes the solution even more nourishing and moisturizing.
Turmeric
Turmeric has a number of health benefits, including anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties that can help with allergies and itching. Ask your veterinarian for the best method of incorporating turmeric into your dog’s diet.
CBD
Cannabidiol is the primary nonpsychoactive compound found in the cannabis plant and has been heralded for its array of health-promoting properties. It can help reduce inflammation and soothe itching by promoting the natural repair of the skin’s external barrier. Always speak to a professional before adding a supplement to your pet’s diet, and choose a brand that’s specially formulated for dogs.
Oatmeal Bath
Oatmeal contains a range of anti-inflammatory compounds, and bathing your dog in a mixture of sugar-free oatmeal and warm water can provide instant relief from itching.
Epsom Salts
Epsom salts contain high quantities of magnesium in addition to having anti-inflammatory properties. A warm bath with Epsom salts can promote healing and ease soreness associated with skin complaints.
Tea Soaks
You’ve probably heard of chamomile tea soaks for people, but they can be great for doodles too! Steep a few tea bags in warm water and soak your doodle for five to 10 minutes to relieve discomfort from irritated skin.
Other Potential Goldendoodle Health Problems
Other breed-specific diseases that might impact the Goldendoodle dog breed include:
- Hip dysplasia
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Aortic stenosis
- Sebaceous adenitis
- Eye diseases such as glaucoma and cataracts
Buy a Healthy Goldendoodle Today
While doodles tend to have fewer health issues than purebred dogs, they’re still prone to develop health conditions common to their parents. At Pride & Prejudoodles, we screen all our puppies for Goldendoodle health problems and offer a health guarantee.
Get in touch today if you’d like to buy a Goldendoodle to find out more about how our adoption process works.
