7 Cockapoo Health Issues to Look Out For

There are many different health issues that can affect your specific breed of dog. As a mixed breed, cockapoos may be predisposed to certain health conditions seen in their parent breeds, the Cocker Spaniel and Poodle. The best way to help prevent or manage your dog’s potential health issues and support early detection is to research their breed and look out for common signs. Many of these health issues may become more common with age, and that’s okay, but even then, there are options to keep your dog comfortable.

Keep reading to learn what health issues can affect your cockapoo and what to look out for.

The 7 Most Common Cockapoo Health Issues

1. Heart Disease

Cockapoos can be prone to heart conditions, particularly mitral valve disease, which can be inherited from their parent breeds. This condition affects the heart’s ability to pump blood efficiently over time and may worsen with age. In the early stages, there may be no obvious signs, but as the condition progresses, it can lead to more noticeable signs.

2. Joint Problems

Luxating Patella

The cockapoo can have issues with its bones, muscles, and joints. There are a couple of areas in the body where these issues are more common. One condition is called luxating patella, which is when a dog’s kneecap moves out of its original position in the joint. This can result in pain, intermittent lameness, and secondary inflammation, and in some cases may contribute to cartilage wear over time. This condition is relatively common in small and toy breeds, including cockapoos, and the kneecap may intermittently displace (“luxate”), which can be uncomfortable or painful depending on severity.

Hip Dysplasia

An additional joint problem that is common in cockapoos is hip dysplasia. This is a developmental orthopedic condition in cockapoos that can affect joint stability and mobility over time. In some cases, severe hip dysplasia may require surgical management, but many dogs are managed with weight control, appropriate exercise, physical therapy, and medications. It can be reduced in risk through responsible breeding practices and supported by maintaining a healthy body condition and lifestyle.

3. Ear Problems

Cockapoos are known to have issues with their ears due to their floppy nature. This makes them more susceptible to getting ear infections and may need extra attention in comparison to other dog breeds. While this occurs a lot across all dog breeds due to allergies or infections, the cockapoo is more likely to have ear issues as their floppy ears restrict airflow and create a more humid environment within the ear canal. These types of problems may be reduced with regular ear cleaning.

4. Eye Problems

Cockapoos can have many different issues with their eyes, and this may be one of the top health concerns to look out for. A condition called Progressive Retinal Atrophy (or PRA) can affect the cockapoo’s ability to see. It affects the retina by gradually degenerating over time and eventually leads to vision loss.

Additional health issues that affect a cockapoo's eyes are cataracts and glaucoma. They are both conditions that can occur and may have a genetic component. Cataracts can be recognized by cloudiness in a dog’s eyes and usually progress over time, and may lead to vision impairment. Glaucoma is a condition involving increased pressure inside the eye that can damage the optic nerve and other eye structures.

5. Skin Issues

This breed will often have issues with their skin due to their thick coats, including irritation, redness, and itchiness. They can get hot spots because of a reaction to something they are in contact with when outdoors or secondary to allergies, parasites, or skin infections. You will notice that cockapoos can have issues with their skin throughout their whole body. In relation to their eye and ear health issues, the skin around these areas can also become irritated.

6. Dental Problems

Like many other dog breeds, cockapoos can encounter dental health issues caused by many different factors. Sometimes, a build-up of plaque or other contributing factors, such as oral bacteria, can result in dental issues. Teeth can sometimes break or become infected, and gums might get swollen or deteriorate in your dog’s mouth. Regular tooth brushing and professional dental cleanings can help reduce the risk of your Cockapoo developing these issues.

7. Allergies

Cockapoos are prone to skin sensitivities and allergic conditions. It’s important to recognize any foods or outside factors that can irritate their skin, ears, nose, mouths, and more. This can be learned over time while you groom and feed your dog. Keep an eye out for things that make your dog react negatively, like vomiting after meals or scratching at one spot after being outside. These allergic reactions often require ongoing management with veterinary guidance, which may include medicated shampoos, medications, and, in some cases, dietary changes. A veterinarian will be able to address these concerns effectively.

In Conclusion

Your cockapoo might have a lengthy list of potential health issues, but as you may notice after reading is many of these can be prevented, managed or treated. With the title of pet ownership comes the task of keeping your dog happy and healthy from puppyhood to adulthood through a good diet, healthy amounts of exercise, and a lot of love and attention. Keeping up with the common potential health concerns of your dog’s breed is a great first step.

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Featured Image Credit: MT.PHOTOSTOCK, Shutterstock