Your Cockapoo's Health: Skin Issues

As a Cockapoo owner, chances are you have experienced some form of skin health or ear issue in your dogs lifetime. The fact seems to be that many Cockapoos not only have very sensitive dispositions, but can have skin allergies and dermatological problems. This does not mean that your Cockapoo will definitely experience skin problems, but here we will talk about a few of the more common skin ailments that can affect the Cockapoo breed.

Ragweed is a common allergen for dogs.

Canine atopic dermatitis is a skin issue that is inherited, but can also begin by the dog being exposed to an irritant over extended periods of time. This can be as common as just taking your dog outside when there are ragweed or other common allergens in the air. This results in allergic reactions and can make your Cockapoo itchy, irritated, and may cause redness on the skin and paws. Most dogs that have experienced this developed it within the age of one to three years old. You will notice your dog itching and biting at paws, hind quarters or underarms. They can experience hair loss from itching. The veterinarian may treat your dog and you should see improvement from this. If you notice your dog itching paws and other common areas, you can give 1 milligram of Benadryl (diphenhydramine) per pound of your dog's weight without harm. If you are nervous about doing this, get veterinarian approval first.

Seborrhea is another skin issue that affects the cocker breed and should be watched for in your Cockapoo. Much like the human skin problem, seborrheic dermatitis, this manifests as scaly skin that can be wet or dry. It will flake and form scales around the coat, which can also cause hair loss in some areas of the Cockapoo's body. This can be caused by many different things, including allergies, ringworm, metabolic disorders, or an auto-immune issue. This can only be determined by a professional so please see your dog's vet if you see these symptoms. If no underlying cause can be found, you will be able to treat the skin with soothing shampoos and they may benefit from dietary changes.

Hypothyroidism can also cause skin problems like thinning hair, increases in itching, and dry skin or dog dandruff. If your Cockapoo has hypothyroidism, you will most likely notice other symptoms like weight loss or gain without diet changes, seizures, or behavioral changes. This is a hormonal disease which your veterinarian can diagnose and will most likely be able to treat with a hormone supplement affecting the thyroid. This is a completely treatable issue, with the correct diagnosis and treatment.

Your Cockapoo could experience one or more of these skin ailments in their life. There are many others that affect all dogs and whether or not a certain type of skin problem is common in Cockapos, all should be watched for to keep your dog healthy. Get regular grooming done whenever possible for health and comfort, and try to check the skin at least once a week while petting or playing with your Cockapoo. As with any sickness, the earlier you catch it, the more likely you are to be able to treat and make your dog feel better fast!