So if you plan to add an Aussiedoodle puppy to your family, here we will answer the question: What is an Aussiedoodle’s lifespan? You have come to the right place!
We will also discuss some health issues that Aussiedoodles are prone to. Keep reading to learn more.
The Aussiedoodle is one of the most adorable and friendly dogs you will ever encounter. This playful and loyal breed is a cross between an Australian Shepherd and a Poodle.
Every dog breed is prone to developing different health problems. Mixing two dog breeds is beneficial because of the health conditions.
The father may be prone to developing may not align with the health conditions the mother may be prone to developing. The puppies will likely have better health than their parents.
Aussiedoodle Lifespan
The lifespan of an Aussiedoodle can be estimated from both the Poodle and the Australian Shepherd. Typically, their life expectancy ranges from 12 to 15 years.
Poodles usually have a longer lifespan, with miniature and toy Poodles living the longest. A miniature Poodle has a lifespan between 14 and 17 years.
A standard Poodle has a lifespan of between 12 and 15 years. Research has shown that smaller dogs tend to live longer than larger dogs.
You can expect the lifespan to reflect in Aussiedoodles. However, this is not the case as the Australian Shepherd only lives 13 to 15 years.
While 12 years seems like a long life for the Aussiedoodles, it is a couple of years younger than the Poodle.
The lifespan of Aussiedoodles usually depends on various factors, including their health care and diet.
Factors That Affect An Aussiedoodle Lifespan
Like any other dog breed, the lifespan of Aussiedoodles is determined by various factors. Here are some of them.
Nutrition
The phrase “You are what you eat” does not only apply to humans but also to dogs too. Your Aussiedoodle puppy will require proper nutrition to function optimally.
Feeding your furry friend does not only involve giving them plenty of food. Instead, it involves giving them quality, appropriate, and fresh food that does not have by-products, filler ingredients, or artificial flavors.
Dogs that obtain poor or insufficient nutrition in their early years are more likely to develop other medical conditions, such as joint issues.
An overfed dog can also be at risk, just like a malnourished one. Obesity is a severe health issue that can compromise the lifespan of Aussiedoodles to additional weight.
It is important to note that young pets, aging dogs, and those with known health conditions have special nutritional requirements.
Some Aussiedoodle puppies may also develop allergies to certain foods. You can talk to your nutritionist or vet for advice on a good dog diet.
Genetics And Breeding
Like other dog breeds, Aussiedoodles are vulnerable to particular health issues like hip dysplasia, heart and spinal issues. Poor breeding can also lead to genetic defects.
While you identify genetic conditions while your dog is still young, this is not always the case. You can implement lifestyle changes to compensate for identified health conditions.
For instance, a pet with joint issues should not participate in strenuous hikes. Instead, you can take them out for a walk or swimming.
Exercise
Sufficient and appropriate exercise is one of the key factors that affect the lifespan of Aussiedoodles. Your Aussiedoodle will require strenuous exercise to maintain good physical and mental health.
They will also need a lot of exercise to prevent them from becoming hyperactive. The Aussiedoodle is a working dog breed with a comparatively high energy level.
Therefore, your Aussiedoodle dog will need an outlet to drain excess energy daily. They may also gain a lot of weight if they do not exercise.
Exercise will help maintain healthy joints and muscles, which can help increase your furry friend’s life expectancy.
Therefore, if you plan to raise an Aussiedoodle puppy, you must be prepared to dedicate adequate time to stimulate your pet daily.
Appropriate Health And Veterinary Care
Health care is one of the crucial things to the well-being of an Aussiedoodle. For instance, a minor injury to your dog can become a major issue if it is not addressed in time.
If your dog lives outdoors, it might not maintain close contact with its handlers. Therefore, some health issues can go unnoticed.
Something seemingly harmless, such as a flea or tick infestation, can become life-threatening if not treated in time.
Health care does not only mean veterinarian and medical care. It can be something as simple as maintaining a well-groomed and clean dog.
Mental Stimulation And Emotional Connection
Like humans, Ausssidoodles, too, need love and companionship. Your dogs should have an emotional bond with the family and other pets to feel more relaxed and happier.
A good mental stimulation and emotional connection will help your dog to be healthy and live a longer life.
Aussiedoodle Health Issues
Here are the common health problems in Aussiedoodles.
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
This is a genetically inherited disease that makes the hip or elbow joint become dislocated. The condition makes the socket and bones fail to fit together. Its effects usually worsen as the pet grows.
The common symptoms of this condition are limping, lethargy, decreased activity, and muscle loss. Your dog may also experience pain and swollen joints.
You can treat it by removing or replacing part of the socket to allow the pet to move without pain and discomfort.
You can also offer medications to reduce pain and inflammation. Besides, you must ensure your dog reduces weight and exercises to lessen joint strain.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy is a neurological disorder that normally affects the nerve cells in a dog’s brain. This condition can cause seizures which can be fatal to the life and brain of the dog.
It is caused by cancer, nutritional deficiency, poison, and underlying diseases.
The symptoms include:
- Seizures
- Falling
- Stiffening
- Excessive drool
- Wobbly movements
- Temporary loss of vision
- Muscle twitching
This condition does not have a known cure. However, you can manage it. You can help your furry friend live longer through efforts to reduce seizures, therapy, and medication.
Cushing’s Disease
Cushing’s disease is a condition that affects the adrenal glands. It causes the gland to produce excess amounts of certain hormones.
The common symptoms of this disease are infections, an increase in appetite, lethargy, thinning of the skin, and muscle wasting. Your dog may also experience loss of hair and increased urination.
The treatment of this condition depends on the size of the tumor. Sometimes, surgery can cure it. In most cases, it is managed with medications and drugs.
Pancreatitis
In a healthy dog, the pancreas usually secretes digestive enzymes when food enters the body.
However, this condition releases the enzymes with or without food ingested. When they are released, they start digesting the body tissue.
If the condition worsens, they can start eating the pancreas and other neighboring tissues, putting your dog in intense pain.
It is caused by inflammation of the pancreas. The symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain
- Vomiting
- Dehydration
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Fever
- Lethargy
Temporary treatment of antibiotics and IV fluids are prescribed for mild conditions. You can also monitor and manage a progressive case of the condition.
Multiple Drug Sensitivity
While this condition is common in Ausssiedoodles, it is not directly fatal. The condition makes a pet’s body react negatively to drugs because of genetic problems.
The dog’s body fails to process drugs properly, thus leading to excess drugs in the bloodstream.
The symptoms include:
- Lethargy
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Blindness
- Coma
- Seizures/tremors
- Disorientation
If you can switch or stop drugs, there is no need to endanger the dog’s health.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Progressive Retinal Atrophy is an inherited health condition that results in blindness. It can lead to complete loss of vision.
The symptoms of the condition are:
- Bumping into objects
- Dilation of pupils
- Degeneration of vision
- Night blindness
- Cloudy eyes
- Cataracts
This condition cannot be treated. Therefore, prevention is the best treatment. Breeders can help by avoiding breeding pets with this condition.
Conclusion
Aussiedoodles are energetic and friendly dogs that can be an excellent addition to any dog-loving family. Look no further if you are looking for an affectionate that will be devoted to you.
These adorable dogs have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. Their lifespan depends on various factors, such as genetics, companionship, nutrition, size, and exercise.
Compared to an average dog breed, Aussiedoodles are generally healthy and live an above-average lifespan.