Top Five Essential Care Tips For Cockapoo Owners
In this article, you will learn the key aspects of cockapoo care. Whether you are looking into getting a cockapoo or you have cockapoo already and are simply in search of knowledge, this article is the best place for all your cockapoo information needs.
Regular Vet Checkups
Vet checkups are one of the most important parts of cockapoo care. It is recommended that you bring your dog in once every year for things like yearly vaccinations. But, there are other factors to consider; for instance, a dog with diabetes might need more check-ups than other dogs you just have to play it by situation. Another good rule is to watch for are things out of the ordinary. If a certain behavior is alarming you, take your puppy in because it’s better to be safe than sorry. Cockapoos are more apt to have problems with things like hip dysplasia or eye issues. Cockapoos even with those cute floppy ears tend to be more susceptible to infection. Which is all the more reason to be on the lookout for unusual problems and issues. However, it's important not to stress; while your puppy may be more prone to these problems, it does not necessarily mean they will develop them. In fact, with proper care and regular vet checks, you can be confident that your puppy will live a long and healthy life.
Regular Grooming
It is completely fine to do at-home grooming as long as you cover all the steps. Make sure to trim the hair around the eyes at least once every two weeks or more depending on how fast hair grows. Doing so prevents eye infections and diseases. You should be washing your dog's fur every 2 to 3 weeks with special attention to the inner ear, which, as mentioned before, is more prone to infection. Brush their teeth and trim their nails about once a week. Brush your dog's fur as often as you can, which isn’t hard and should be enjoyable as it is a chance to bond with your puppy while doing a relatively simple task. When cleaning a puppy's eyes there is a right and a wrong way to clean eyes . For example, when cleaning a puppy's eyes you should always use a wipe specifically made for puppy cleaning. You would then very gently wash their eyes to avoid any irritation. After you're done be sure to wash your hands. Make sure you never use the same wipe more than once. Each eye should be cleaned with a separate wipe.
Adequate Exercise
Since exercising is necessary for your dog's health and yours, it is the perfect opportunity for quality bonding time. You can go on walks together, play tug of war, swim, hike, and more. When deciding the kind of exercise and for how long, keep in mind that each type of cockapoo needs different things. For example, the toy cockapoo needs less exercise than the standard cockapoo because of their differing size. Exercising helps to prevent hip dysplasia and provides the mental stimulation that cockapoos need. With that being said, some activities help to strengthen the brain, like hide and seek and obstacle courses. Try to follow a routine, exercising at the same time every day. Finally, try not to force your dog to exercise. If you find them getting tired or uninterested, take a break or try something new.
Socialization
Proper Cockapoo care includes making sure your puppy has their daily socialization. There are a lot of simple ways to include this in your schedule. One option is to bring them to the dog park, which not only takes care of socialization but exercise too. If you have kids, let them go on a walk with your puppy or play outside for an hour or two. This is especially nice for busy days where you do not have the time to do it yourself. Another simple way is to play games or cuddle with them; they are cuddly dogs for a reason. Socialization helps puppies get used to kids and other dogs and animals. Being comfortable with strangers, whether human or animal, is critical if you want a friendly and happy puppy that does not bark or get scared when in crowds. You can see how important socialization is, so be sure to find a way to get that hour of socialization in for your puppy and maybe even for you!
Proper Diet and Feeding
The proper diet for a cockapoo includes proteins, fibers, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals, and lots and lots of water. In case you feel a little overwhelmed reading that list, keep in mind that many different types of meats cover all that is mentioned on that list. In fact, your dog can eat fish, chicken, beef, and lamb. These meats can cover close to 90% of the proteins and fats needed. Add some vegetables like sweet potatoes or some fruits and you will have your fibers and carbohydrates. Since most dogs do not really care for things like sweet potatoes, it might be better to use a dog food brand that includes all those items you need. The amount of food you are feeding your dog depends a lot on their size and the amount of exercise your puppy is getting, think less for smaller dogs and more for bigger dogs. If you are unsure what to do, you can always call your vet and get their advice. While this does not go much into depth, it should help you have a better understanding of a proper diet for good cockapoo care.
In Conclusion
There are many steps in cockapoo care, from adequate exercise to proper socialization. You and your puppy will be much happier and healthier after following this list of tips. If you do not have a cockapoo but are looking into getting one, My Doodle Puppy is the best place for you. Good luck with your cockapoo journey!