older doodle

[Lynn Stoops]

I did post this on another DK group...

Hello

Does anyone have experience with adopting/fostering an older (5 years old) male labradoodle that has not been neutered? Our neighbors are thinking about helping with a doodle that needs a home ~ they have a male labradoodle and a female golden retriever (both neutered and spayed). Would this male be OK around their dogs do you think he would be aggressive, mark...etc.

They would plan on having this boy neutered ASAP. They have met him and he seemed sweet. He has horrible hotspots or allergies they would need to change his food to a better diet he is eating the Wal-mart brand of dog food and has been suffering with hotspots and ear infections for the past 2 years (poor boy)!

His current owners have lost their jobs and cannot afford his medications (ear infections), food or grooming. He is UTD on vaccines.

[Karen, Jasper and Jackdoodle]

Lynn, the chances are 90% that the hot spots and allergy issues are not food allergies. While the dog does need a better diet, and the poor quality food is contributing to his skin issues, it's extremely likely that he has Atopic Dermatitis, which are inhalant allergies. They may be seasonal, but at his age they could very well be year round. Please believe me on this one.

Severe Atopic Dermatitis is extremely expensive and difficult to treat, and the treatment is for the life of the dog. The condition is not curable, it can only be managed, sometimes with great difficulty. This is one reason dogs are given up by their owners, and in fact, severe allergies are second only to aggression issues in terms of a dog being considered unadoptable. We are pretty sure Jackdoodle was relinquished for this reason. Many dogs with Atopy are euthanized because their owners cannot provide the care required. I had a foster years ago who was euthanized at 6 years old because of this condition, and this was a $30,000 former police dog.

If these people want to adopt this dog, they must be prepared to spend about $2000-3000 the first year, and they are going to need to be near a veterinary dermatology specialist. If you add in the kind of food, grooming, supplements, and allergy treatments that he will require after that, they could very well be looking at a huge expense, not to mention living with a dog who is miserable part of the year, for the rest of his life.

[Lynn Stoops]

Thanks karen

 

I printed off your response and took it over to Maggie and Richard.  I think they are going to talk with the current owner again today and make a decision.

[Sally, Ditzy Mitzi & Sgt. Pepper]

We don't have experience with a 5 year old doodle, but we do have experience with adopting a 5 year old, male standard poodle.  My daughter's dog, Elliott, is just that.  About two years ago (seems like a week) she adopted a 5 year old male, standard poodle from a dog rescue group.  He has never had a problem fitting in with our other dogs, a female and a male.(They have all been fixed.)  He also has a "brother cat"  whom he loves.   I really think he appreciates being surrounded by a loving family.  He only visits with us,though, and he really loves coming over to play.  He, however, is sweet by nature and everyone who meets him falls in love with him.