How to take excellent care of your Cockapoo dog

Cockapoos, the mongrel dog produced by crossing a Poodle and a Cocker Spaniel, require special care in certain areas due to the characteristics of their breed.

Specific areas for Cockapoo dogs are highlighted below.

ear care

Cockapoo dogs’ ears need to be inspected for irritation and/or redness at least once a month or if the dog scratches his ears frequently. Cockapoo ears can easily become infected. You can lift the ear and clean the outside of the ear with a cotton ball or get an ear cleaning solution from your vet.

Cleanliness

Take your Cockapoo to a trusted professional groomer every six to eight weeks or learn how to groom yourself. Otherwise, it will eventually look like a sheepdog. The longer the dog’s hair, the faster it will tangle. If excess matting occurs, your dog can be shaved down to his underwear to remove it.

Between professional fixes, you should do the following:

• Brush or comb your dog as often as you can. Daily brushing prevents mats and cleans the dog’s coat. Look for mats under the front legs, behind the ears, and on the chest and belly. If the mat does not come off easily, apply a makeup remover solution and then brush. If the mat still does not disappear after applying the solution, carefully cut it.
• Trim the fur between the paw pads and between the nails, as well as the dog’s nails every two to three weeks. When cutting your nails, make sure the styptic powder is ready in case you cut into the root of a nail and cause bleeding. You can also use a dog nail file to smooth out the sharp claws that cuts sometimes cause. You’ll know when the nails are too long when you hear a click on hardwood or tile floors. A Cockapoo with furry paws will scoot across uncarpeted floors.
• Inspect your dog’s skin for hot spots: irritation, scabs, or raw areas caused by excessive scratching. Pay special attention to the legs, neck and head. Ask your vet about the best way to prevent and treat them. Excessive bathing can dry out the Cockapoo’s skin.

The following items highlight areas that apply to all dog breeds:

• Schedule an annual veterinary visit to vaccinate and check the general health of the dog.
• Brush your dog’s teeth at least every few days. Excess plaque left on the teeth causes gum infection and internal medical problems.
• When you walk your dog, check his stool for changes in color, frequency, and consistency. Watery stools can indicate a number of conditions that require the services of a veterinarian.
• Administer monthly flea and tick protection and heartworm medication.