8 Cockapoo Health Problems to Know Before Buying

Before owning a Cockapoo, you might be wondering what health problems they may have. Both Poodles and Cocker Spaniels are susceptible to certain genetic health issues. But what about a hybrid between the two; the Cockapoo? We’ll look at the role of genetics and how can you prevent or treat these various health issues in Cockapoos.

white and brown short-haired cockapoos sitting on the floor — *White and brown short-haired Cockapoos*

What Health Problems Do Cockapoos Have?

Cockapoos deal with a variety of different genetic issues. Although they are less common in the Cockapoo than in the Cocker Spaniel or Poodle, be prepared to deal with a variety of hip, joint, and eye issues. Some of these have no prevention or cure while others can be prevented or managed.

Let’s look at some of these issues in more detail so that you can be prepared before adopting or buying a Cockapoo of your own.

Cockapoo Joint Issues

1. Luxating Patella

This condition comes from the Poodle half of the Cockapoo hybrid. The patella is another word for kneecap. Luxating patella refers to the kneecap moving, almost like a dislocation.

Luxating patellas are far more common in smaller varieties of Cockapoos. The reason for that is not very clear, though.

Symptoms

Most of the time, a luxating patella will occur when your Cockapoo is in the middle of running. Signs that it occurred include a sudden skip followed by limping and obvious tenderness.

In severe cases, you may even notice some swelling around the area. But that does not always occur.

Cause and Prevention

The cause of luxating patellas can be a previous injury. But in many cases, it is an abnormality in the groove where the kneecap should sit, which causes it to be too shallow.

Since this cannot be changed through anything you do. There is no real prevention other than not allowing your Cockapoo to participate in intense exercise. It is also important to note that Cockapoos that are overweight are at higher risk.

Treatment

The treatment depends on the level of damage caused by the moving patella. If there are torn muscles or the kneecap does not return to its initial position, surgery may be required.

Otherwise, treatment may only consist of monitoring and anti-inflammatories to manage pain.

2. Hip Dysplasia

The Cockapoo is particularly at risk for hip dysplasia because it originates in both the Poodle and the Cocker Spaniel in terms of genetics. Essentially, it is when the hip socket and ball joint of the thigh does not fit together perfectly.

It is most common in older dogs, but negative symptoms can start before your Cockapoo is even a year old.

Symptoms

The earliest symptoms in your Cockapoo may be shaking in the hind legs or difficulty getting up when it has been lying down for a long time. You may also notice some limping or reluctance to move as it used to.

Causes and Prevention

As mentioned above, the cause of hip dysplasia in the Cockapoo is genetic. However, it can also be aggravated by injuries to the joint. The worst injuries are generally those that occur when your Cockapoo is young.

There are very simple tests that can be done by a vet in a regular consultation which may identify if a dog has poor hips. These dogs should not be used for breeding.

Treatment

There is no true treatment for hip dysplasia. However, there are some things that you can do to minimize pain. These mostly consist of medications. Additionally, high-quality dog food and supplements designed for joint issues can help delay the onset of hip dysplasia in your Cockapoo and perhaps decrease the severity.

Cockapoo Eye Issues

3. Progressive Retinal Atrophy

The genes for PRA are found in at least 20% of Cocker Spaniels and Poodles. Ultimately, these genes result in the eyes no longer being able to pick up light due to damaged receptors.

Symptoms

Progressive Retinal Atrophy in Cockapoos affects their ability to see light, so the first signs will be in situations where lighting is already poor. If you were suddenly not able to see, you would be frightened and lash out; the same is true for dogs. Your Cockapoo may refuse to move or may become snappy at night. Or in dark rooms

Additionally, you may notice a strange reflective quality in the eyes when light shines on them, similar to that of a cat.

Causes and Prevention

There is nothing that can be done to prevent PRA because of its genetic origin. There are genetic tests that can identify some genetic predispositions.

Treatment

There has been some experimentation with antioxidant therapy, but no real results have been proven yet. For the time being, there is no treatment.

4. Cataracts

Most people are familiar with cataracts because they are also common in people. It is a white, milky film over the eyes that can affect vision. In the worst-case scenario, it can cause blindness. Again, this is more prevalent in older dogs.

Symptoms

Cloudy eyes are the first symptom of cataracts. Additionally, you may notice your Cockapoo is uncomfortable, rubbing at their eyes. Otherwise, normal symptoms that your dog may be losing their sight will also be present.

Causes and Prevention

Most causes are genetic, but some of them may also be diet-induced. Diabetes, especially, may cause cataracts in your Cockapoo.

Other than making sure that your dog is eating a high-quality diet, you cannot do anything to prevent cataracts.

Treatment

You may be able to treat cataracts with surgery. However, this requires anesthesia which may not be worth the risk if your Cockapoo is older or has other risk factors.

5. Glaucoma

Glaucoma is yet another eye issue Cockapoos may be prone to. It occurs when the nerve between the eye and the brain starts dying. It is more common in Poodles, but Cockapoos often experience it too.

Symptoms

Obvious discomfort in the eyes and sometimes reddening are the most common symptoms in Cockapoos. In a few cases, it is difficult to tell the difference between glaucoma and cataracts because the eyes can also appear quite cloudy.

Cause and Prevention

The most common cause of glaucoma in Cockapoos is a dislocated or damaged lens caused by genetics. Tumors and infections may also cause damage to the optic nerve.

Treatment

Unfortunately, there is no treatment for Glaucoma once the nerve starts dying. If your Cockapoo is diagnosed with Glaucoma, it will likely go blind in the affected eyes.

Other Cockapoo Health Issues

6. Nephropathy

Nephropathy is inherited from Cocker Spaniels. Essentially, it leads to kidney failure, even in young dogs. It seems to be more common in larger Cockapoos.

Symptoms

There are a variety of vague symptoms associated with Nephropathy in Cockapoos. Weight loss, refusing food, vomiting, and general weakness are often the first symptoms.

In more advanced cases, their breath might smell like acetone.

Causes and Prevention

The cause of Nephropathy is mostly genetic and can be prevented through good breeding. Usually, it is caused by the immune system attacking the kidneys. In some cases, it may be related to a lack of collagen, but this is rare in Cockapoos.

There is little that you can do to prevent Nephropathy because of this. But make sure that you keep your Cockapoo’s teeth clean. Groomers may do this for you.

Also, make sure that you keep your dog a healthy weight. This prevents additional pressure on the kidneys due to diabetes and insulin damage.

Treatment

There is nothing that can be done to reverse existing kidney damage. But, medication can be given to prevent additional damage. If the damage is severe enough, transplants or dialysis may be required.

7. Rage Syndrome

Rage syndrome in Cockapoos is exactly what it sounds like. A sudden fit of apparent rage, paired with snapping and aggressive behavior.

This is different from anger or rage for an obvious reason. There seems to be no trend or obvious trigger for these fits of anger.

Symptoms

Along with the obvious rage, your Cockapoo may freeze suddenly. In my opinion, the best way to see if there is something wrong with your dog is to look at their ears. Are they held tightly against your dog’s head?

Cause and Prevention

The cause of Rage Syndrome in Cockapoos is not perfectly known. It is thought to be similar to epilepsy or even a subtype of epilepsy in some cases.

These conditions typically have genetic origins, which makes it difficult to prevent the issue. Make sure that you ask your breeder about Rage syndrome. If there are any indications of it, the Cockapoo should not be used for breeding.

Treatment

Usually, Rage Syndrome is treatable. Even though the origins are not exactly known, anticonvulsant medication seems to be effective.

8. Allergies

cockapoo looking out the window wearing e-collar — *Cockapoo wearing an E-collar*

A lot of people don’t seem to realize that dogs can suffer from allergies and they do so just as often as people do. Cockapoos are particularly susceptible to allergic reactions, both mild and serious.

Symptoms

Depending on the origin of the allergies, your Cockapoo may scratch excessively, experience hair loss or red bumps on the skin, or have stomach issues such as vomiting.

Cause and Prevention

Most of the time, pollen is the main cause of allergies. Other than genetic considerations and good breeding, there seems to be nothing that can be done in terms of prevention.

Treatment

The best way to treat allergies is to remove whatever the dog is allergic to if that is possible. A surprising amount of dogs are allergic to chicken, which can easily be avoided in their diet.

Often, you cannot separate your Cockapoo and the allergen, though. How do you get away from pollen and dust? In these cases, medication may be required.

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