One of the most noticeable traits of a Cockapoo dog is its cute floppy ears. When looking at those sweet ears, dog owners tend to wonder “are Cockapoos prone to ear infections?“
Unfortunately, Cockapoos are prone to ear infections. Their ears collect a lot of wax and debris that can build up if the dog’s ears aren’t cleaned properly. When a Cockapoo has dirty ears, it can smell foul and it’s more likely to get an infection.
Ear infections can be very painful and lead to other problems in a dog’s ears. On this page, we’re going to discuss if Cockapoos are prone to ears infections and what dog owners should know about keeping their dog’s ears clean and healthy. Keep reading to learn more.
Are Cockapoos Prone to Ear Infections?
Cockapoos are prone to ear infections. If you’re a Cockapoo owner, you will need to ensure that ear cleaning becomes a regular part of your dog’s grooming routine. This is very important because if the ears are left unclean, the dog is very likely to get an ear infection and other damage could occur.
While dirty ears are a big contributor to why Cockapoos are prone to ear infections, it’s not the only one. There are a number of reasons why a Cockapoo can get an ear infection.
- Ear wax build-up
- Water trapped in ears
- Yeast or bacteria growing in the ears
- Fur growing in or around the ears
- Ear mites
- Allergies
- Hyperthyroidism
- Tumor
How to Tell if a Cockapoo Has an Ear Infection
Ear infections can cause a lot of discomfort and even pain for dogs. If your Cockapoo has an ear infection, you may notice it scratching at its ears more frequently and trying to find something to rub them against. When you notice your dog paying more attention to its ears, you should examine it.
You should start by looking at the inside of your Cockapoo’s ears, which will be easy because they are floppy. If the ears appear to be red and inflamed, the dog likely has an ear infection. Its ears may even feel warmer than the rest of its body. In some cases, a rash may develop and the dog could lose fur around its ears.
In very severe cases, the ear infection can lead to swelling of the ears, a dark brown discharge, and a foul odor. It’s important to get your Cockapoo’s ears examined upon the first signs of an ear infection. If it gets worse, it can become painful for the dog.
Preventing Ear Infections in Cockapoos
The easiest way to prevent ear infections in a Cockapoo is to routinely clean the dog’s ears. Dog owners should prepare for a challenge, as Cockapoos don’t enjoy this process. Always be patient when cleaning your dog’s ears and ensure the dog is comfortable.
It’s not recommended to use a solution made for cleaning a human’s ears or swimmer’s ears. Use a natural solution formulated for dogs’ ears and either a soft microfiber cloth or a cotton swab to clean the ears. When cleaning the dog’s ears, always wipe from the inside out, so you don’t push wax and debris into the ear canal.
Final Thoughts
Are Cockapoos prone to ear infections? Cockapoos are prone to ear infections because wax and debris can easily build up in the dog’s floppy ears. This is why regular cleaning of a Cockapoo’s ears needs to be a part of its grooming routine. If your Cockapoo is showing signs of an ear infection, always contact your vet immediately to have the dog examined.
