6 Common Cockapoo Eye Problems and How to Fix Them

  • By: Kirsty Lunn
  • Date: August 13, 2022
  • Time to read: 3 min.

Cockapoo hybrids come in a variety of sizes and colours. They’re also prone to several eye issues. With hybrid breeding, it’s not unusual for dogs to inherit two sets of eyes. Cockapoos are also prone to narrow palpebral fissures, a condition that makes them more susceptible to eye infections and other complications. If you own a cockapoo, or if you’re thinking about getting one, read on to learn more about common cockapoo eye problems and the best ways to prevent or treat them.

What are the most common cockapoo eye problems?

Most cockapoo eye problems are inherited. These are usually treatable with medication and proper care. Depending on the breed, a cockapoo may be prone to one or more of the following eye issues:

– Dry eye in cockapoos – When a cockapoo doesn’t produce enough tears, they’re at higher risk of corneal degeneration. If this isn’t treated, it can lead to blindness. Dry eyes are more common in certain cockapoo breeds, including cocker spaniel, poodle, and cockapoo.

– Cloudy eyes in Cockapoos – The pigmentation around the eyes, known as the tapetum lucidum, gets stained by certain substances like dust. This stains the tapetum and turns it from a shiny silver to a yellow-green colour. The only way to get rid of this staining is to have the dog’s eyes cleaned by a vet.

– Infection of the nictitating membrane in Cockapoos – The nictitating membrane is the third eyelid that only some dogs have. It’s located under the normal eyelid and moves up and down to clean the eye and remove debris. In cockapoos, the nictitating membrane is prone to infection. This can cause the dog a lot of pain. If left untreated, it can lead to blindness.

– Staining of the nictitating membrane in Cockapoos – The same staining that causes cloudy eyes can also discolour the nictitating membrane, leading to a third eyelid that looks brown or black. This isn’t considered a serious health concern, but it can be unsightly. In some cases, it can be treated with eye drops.

– Constricted iridium in cockapoos – The iris is the part of the eye that controls the size of the pupil. In rare cases, a cockapoo may be born with a constricted iris. This makes it difficult to see in the dark and can lead to accidents. Fortunately, it’s usually easy to treat with medication.

Conclusion

Cockapoos are hybrid dogs that are prone to several eye issues. Dry eye, cloudy eyes, infection of the nictitating membrane, staining of the nictitating membrane, and constricted iridum are all common among cockapoos.

Cockapoos can inherit two sets of eyes from their parents, and they’re also more susceptible to narrowing of the palpebral fissures, which makes them more likely to suffer from eye injuries and infections. If you own a cockapoo, or are thinking about getting one, make sure you’re aware of these common eye problems and how to treat them. If you’re concerned about your Cockapoo or any of the issues listed above then please speak to your vet to seek advice.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Previous Post

How to Treat a Cockapoo’s Constipation

Next Post

Why Cockapoos Are Fussy Eaters And What You Can Do About It