Common Health Issues in Australian Labradoodles and How to Prevent Them
Australian Labradoodles are one of the healthiest doodle breeds, with a typical lifespan of 12 to 15 years, but families should watch for eight common Australian Labradoodle health issues: hip and elbow dysplasia, Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), ear infections, skin and food allergies, patellar luxation, epilepsy, Addison’s disease, and gastric dilatation-volvulus (bloat) in standard-size dogs. Most of these conditions can be prevented, delayed, or managed through two things: buying from a health-tested multigenerational breeder and providing consistent preventive care at home (annual vet visits, balanced nutrition, weight management, regular ear cleaning, and daily brushing). At Bestland Australian Labradoodles in Rome, GA, every parent dog completes full OFA hip and elbow evaluations, a DNA panel screening for PRA, EIC, vWD, DM, and IC, and cardiac and eye certifications before ever producing a litter, which is why we back every puppy with a 2-year written genetic health guarantee.
Here is a complete guide to each common health issue in Australian Labradoodles, what to watch for, and how to prevent problems from developing in the first place.
Australian Labradoodle Health Issues Life Expectancy and the Big Picture
Australian Labradoodles typically live 12 to 15 years, with mini and medium sizes tending to live slightly longer than standards. Overall, this breed is healthier than many purebred lines because of its multigenerational breeding history and larger gene pool, but responsible testing still matters. Poor breeders create sick dogs in every breed, and Australian Labradoodles are no exception.
The single biggest factor in your dog’s long-term health is where you buy your puppy. A puppy from parents who have passed all recommended health tests will not develop the inherited conditions covered in the DNA panel. A puppy from untested parents is a lottery ticket. Our guide on [Australian Labradoodle health testing](/blog/importance-of-health-testing-australian-labradoodles/) walks through exactly what testing every responsible breeder should complete.
1. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
What it is: A malformation of the hip or elbow joint that causes the ball and socket to fit improperly. Over time, this leads to arthritis, pain, and reduced mobility.
Symptoms to watch for:
- Reluctance to jump on furniture, climb stairs, or run
- Stiffness after rest, especially in the morning
- Bunny-hopping gait
- Difficulty rising from a lying position
- Limping, especially after exercise
Prevention:
- Buy from a breeder who has OFA or PennHIP certifications on both parents
- Keep your dog at a healthy weight (obesity accelerates joint damage)
- Avoid high-impact exercise (jumping, hard fetch on concrete) until 18 months of age when joints are fully developed
- Add joint supplements (glucosamine, chondroitin, omega-3 fish oil) preventively for medium and standard sizes starting around age 2
- Provide a supportive orthopedic bed as your dog ages
2. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
What it is: An inherited eye disease that gradually destroys the retina, leading to blindness. Usually starts in middle age.
Symptoms to watch for:
- Difficulty seeing in dim light or dark rooms
- Bumping into furniture at night
- Reluctance to go outside after dusk
- Dilated pupils that do not respond well to light
- Cloudy or reflective-looking eyes
Prevention:
- Buy from a breeder who DNA-tests both parents for PRA. Two clear parents cannot produce an affected puppy.
- Annual eye exams from a board-certified veterinary ophthalmologist
- There is no cure for PRA, but affected dogs adapt well with lifestyle support
3. Ear Infections
What it is: Yeast or bacterial infections in the ear canal, common in this breed due to floppy ears, dense hair inside the ear canal, and the tendency to swim or get wet.
Symptoms to watch for:
- Head shaking or scratching at ears
- Odor from the ears
- Redness or discharge inside the ear
- Head tilt
- Sensitivity when the ears are touched
Prevention:
- Clean ears weekly with a vet-approved solution
- Dry ears thoroughly after baths, swimming, or wet-weather walks
- Have the groomer pluck hair from the ear canal at every appointment
- Watch closely during humid summer months, when infections are most common
- If your dog seems prone to infections, ask your vet about a maintenance cleaning routine
4. Skin and Food Allergies
What it is: An overactive immune response to something in the environment (pollen, dust mites, mold) or in the diet (common triggers are chicken, beef, dairy, wheat, corn, or soy). Interestingly, the same breed developed to reduce human allergies can develop its own.
Symptoms to watch for:
- Constant paw licking or chewing
- Itchy skin, hot spots, or hair loss
- Recurring ear infections
- Reddened belly or armpits
- Digestive upset (loose stools, gas) with food allergies
Prevention:
- Feed a high-quality diet with clean ingredients (no corn, wheat, soy, or by-products). Bestland feeds Life’s Abundance for this reason, and our [nutrition guide](/blog/australian-labradoodle-nutrition/) covers what to look for in detail.
- Bathe regularly to remove environmental allergens from the coat
- Use flea prevention year-round; flea bites are a common allergy trigger
- Work with your vet if symptoms appear; an elimination diet or allergy testing can identify triggers
- Omega-3 fish oil supplements often reduce skin inflammation
5. Patellar Luxation
What it is: A kneecap that slips out of place, more common in mini and medium sizes. Ranges from mild (occasional slipping) to severe (frequent lameness requiring surgery).
Symptoms to watch for:
- Sudden skipping or hopping on one back leg
- Refusal to bear weight on a back leg briefly, then walking normally again
- Stiffness after rest
- Bowlegged appearance in severe cases
Prevention:
- Buy from a breeder who evaluates patellas on parent dogs
- Keep your dog at a healthy weight
- Avoid slick floors that can cause slipping and knee stress
- Provide traction (rugs, runners) in your home
- Joint supplements for at-risk dogs
6. Epilepsy
What it is: A neurological condition causing seizures. Can be inherited (idiopathic) or caused by an underlying condition. Usually first appears between 1 and 5 years of age.
Symptoms to watch for:
- Sudden collapse with paddling or stiff limbs
- Loss of consciousness
- Drooling, chomping, or vocalizing during an episode
- Confusion or disorientation after the seizure
- Recurring episodes
Prevention and management:
- Buy from lines with no history of epilepsy (ask your breeder)
- No true prevention exists, but the condition is manageable with medication
- Keep a seizure log (date, duration, triggers) if seizures occur
- Most dogs with epilepsy live long, otherwise normal lives with proper vet care
7. Addison's Disease
What it is: An endocrine disorder where the adrenal glands do not produce enough cortisol and aldosterone. Life-threatening if left untreated, but very manageable once diagnosed.
Symptoms to watch for:
- Lethargy and weakness
- Vomiting and diarrhea (often intermittent)
- Increased thirst and urination
- Loss of appetite and weight loss
- Trembling or shaking
Prevention:
- No known prevention, but early detection is critical
- If your dog shows vague, intermittent symptoms, ask your vet to test for Addison’s
- Managed for life with medication once diagnosed
- Dogs with Addison’s can live full, normal lifespans with treatment
8. Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (Bloat)
What it is: A medical emergency where the stomach fills with gas and twists on itself, cutting off circulation. Most common in deep-chested standard-size dogs.
Symptoms to watch for:
- Distended, hard belly
- Restlessness or pacing
- Unproductive attempts to vomit
- Excessive drooling
- Rapid breathing and pale gums
Prevention:
- Feed 2 to 3 smaller meals per day rather than one large meal
- Use a slow-feeder bowl if your dog eats fast
- Avoid heavy exercise for 1 hour before and after meals
- Never elevate food bowls unless your vet specifically recommends it
- Ask your vet about preventive gastropexy surgery for high-risk dogs
Bloat kills fast. If you suspect it, get to an emergency vet immediately. Every minute matters.
How Responsible Breeding Prevents Most Genetic Issues
Six of the eight conditions above (hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, PRA, patellar luxation, epilepsy tendency, and to a large degree, allergies) are heavily influenced by genetics. A breeder who tests every parent dog through OFA, PennHIP, CAER eye exams, and a full DNA panel dramatically reduces the risk of any puppy inheriting these conditions.
Multigenerational Australian Labradoodles have an additional advantage: decades of selective breeding have already removed many of the worst genetic risks from the gene pool. Our guide on what a multigenerational Australian Labradoodle actually is explains how this works.
When you meet with a breeder, ask for:
- OFA hip and elbow certificate numbers (verifiable online)
- Complete DNA panel results (PRA, EIC, vWD, DM, IC, and other breed-specific markers)
- Current OFA or CAER eye certifications
- Cardiac evaluations
- Patella evaluations for mini and medium lines
A breeder who cannot produce these documents is not testing.
Preventive Care You Can Do at Home
Beyond starting with a healthy puppy, most of the work of long-term health happens in your day-to-day care.
Daily:
- Provide fresh water at all times
- Watch for changes in appetite, energy, or bathroom habits
- Brush your dog’s teeth or offer a dental chew
Weekly:
- Brush the coat 2 to 3 times to prevent matting and check for skin issues, ticks, or lumps
- Clean ears with a vet-approved solution
- Check paws and pads for cracks, foreign objects, or overgrown nails
Monthly:
- Administer flea, tick, and heartworm prevention year-round
- Weigh your dog and check body condition
- Trim nails as needed
Every 6 to 8 weeks:
- Professional grooming appointment
- Ear plucking as part of the groom
Annually:
- Full wellness exam with your vet
- Vaccinations as recommended
- Bloodwork starting around age 3 to 4
- Dental cleaning as recommended by your vet
Warning Signs That Warrant a Vet Visit
Trust your instincts. If your dog is acting off, call your vet. Specifically, seek care for:
- Vomiting or diarrhea lasting more than 24 hours
- Refusal to eat for more than 24 hours
- Sudden lethargy or weakness
- Difficulty breathing
- Distended abdomen (possible bloat)
- Seizures or collapse
- Blood in vomit, stool, or urine
- Sudden lameness or reluctance to stand
- Cloudy eyes, discharge, or squinting
- Persistent scratching, hair loss, or open sores
Early diagnosis is almost always cheaper and more effective than treating an advanced condition.
Senior Health Care (Age 7 and Up)
Australian Labradoodles are considered seniors around age 7 to 8. Extra attention makes a real difference in their comfort and longevity.
- Move to twice-yearly vet exams
- Add senior bloodwork panels
- Adjust diet to senior-appropriate formulas with joint support
- Reduce high-impact exercise; maintain gentle daily walks and swimming
- Provide an orthopedic bed and consider stairs or ramps for elevated surfaces
- Watch for cognitive decline (confusion, changed sleep patterns, house soiling)
The average Australian Labradoodle stays active and engaged well into its senior years with proper care. Many of our Bestland families have dogs living well past 13 or 14.
How Bestland's Approach Reduces Risk From Day One
At Bestland, every parent dog completes:
- OFA hip and elbow evaluations after age 2
- Full DNA panel (PRA, EIC, vWD, DM, IC, and other breed markers)
- OFA or CAER eye certifications
- Cardiac evaluations
- Patella evaluations
We are members of the Australian Labradoodle Club of America (ALCA), which requires ongoing health testing for all breeding dogs, and we align with WALA and ALAA standards. Every Bestland puppy comes with a 2-year written genetic health guarantee, lifetime breeder support, and access to our private Facebook community, where families share tips on grooming, nutrition, and everyday care. You can meet our parent dogs, learn how our breeding program works, or browse current litters.
Start With a Health-Tested Bestland Puppy
Call or text 770-709-8497 to ask about our health testing, our genetic health guarantee, or our current litters. With 15 years of breeding experience and ALCA-aligned standards, we serve families across Georgia, Alabama, Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, and nearby areas. You can also start the adoption process online. Domestic delivery is available to major U.S. airports.