Cockapoos are a beloved mix of Poodle and American Cocker Spaniel. One of the reasons that many families have come to adore this pooch is because of their Teddy Bear-like faces. They have larger eyes, happy little mouths, and soft, flappy, ears that tend to waggle whenever they run up to you. Cockapoos have a unique disposition that makes them great outdoor and indoor pets. They have a good amount of energy that means they love to be outside and playing. However, their temperament also makes them want to stick close by you and cuddle on the couch.
Because they like to be both outside and inside, knowing just how often they need to be bathed can be complex. Are they any dirtier than other dog breeds? Does their unique coat mean that they need to be washed more or less than other breeds? How much bathing is too much bathing and is it detrimental? These are all factors that you should be thinking about when it comes to bathing your Cockapoo.
How often should I bathe my Cockapoo? Cockapoos are typically the most healthy when you bathe them once every two to three months. For Cockapoos that are primarily inside of the home, you can probably get away with bathing them once every four to six months. For Cockapoos that spend a lot of time outdoors, then you might need to bathe them once every one to two months.
Bathing is an important part of keeping your Cockapoo healthy. While they’re water dogs, not all dogs love taking a bath. Read on to find out how you can keep your dog calm and have an effective bath.
Introducing a Bath and Keeping Your Cockapoo Calm
Not all dogs enjoy baths. The enclosed space, the loud water, the temperature, and the general bathing process can stress them out a lot. To help keep your Cockapoo calm, you should introduce it to them with a comfortable and positive atmosphere. Puppies can first be bathed in the sink. A large tub of water might scare them. They’ll associate that fear with the tub even when they’re adults.
- Check the Temperature
- Use A Warm Wet Washcloth
- Keep speaking to them and encouraging them
You need to first make sure that the temperature of the water is comfortable for them. What might seem warm for you could be hot for them. Body temperatures between dogs and people are different. You’ll want to aim for a temperature that rests around 70 degrees Fahrenheit. It should feel lukewarm to you. However, it’s comfortable for them and won’t cause their skin to become dry.
With the right temperature, you can then place your dog into the sink. For older dogs who are using the tub, it’s a good idea to have them get into the tub themselves. Physically carrying and handling your dog can stress them out. Think about using a dog step if the tub is too tall for them to jump into.
Once they’re inside, you should always start with a wet cloth against their chest. This is a good way to calm them and get them used to the water. Once they’re not actively trying to run away and are sitting or standing calmly, you can clean the rest of them.
Throughout the bathing experience, make sure that you’re praising them. Once the bath is over, you can offer them a treat.
What Can I Do To Make Bath Time Easier For My Cockapoo?
For dogs who are wary of bathtime, there are a few measures that you can take which will make bathing easier for them. The first is to avoid direct water contact with the face. This can cause a lot of distress. Instead, use a cloth to dampen and clean the face area. Cockapoos have floppy ears. That means that if water gets into them or underneath them, it can cause an ear infection. This might be another reason why they’re less happy about bathtime. Using a cloth to gently clean around and under the ears can effectively clean them without causing an ear infection. You should never clean inside the ear.
You can also make the experience better by remaining calm and patient through the bathing activity. If you’re stressed or getting angry, they can sense it and will become moody themselves. Instead, continue to praise and soothe them. Use a soft voice and slow movements to keep them from becoming startled.
One last thing that you can do to make the bathing experience easier for your Cockapoo is not to chase them if they run away. You can call them into the bathroom, and then turn on the water in the bath if the sound sends them running. Chasing your pet can make it a game to them. Instead of being scared of taking a bath, they may find that being difficult is more fun. Call your dog to you when it’s bathtime and close the door once they’re inside.
Best Cockapoo Shampoo
The coat for your Cockapoo is a little different than most dog breed’s coats. It can either be tight and curly or longer and wavy. There are also variations between the two extremes. Yet all Cockapoos have some sense of curl to their hair. Those curls need to be protected. Too much bathing can strip the dog’s coat of oils and minerals that their bodies naturally produce. This can dry out their skin and cause irritation. It can also cause their coats to become matted and brittle.
You need to keep an eye out for shampoos that will help nourish the skin and add oil rather than strip oil. For a more expensive brand of dog shampoo that moisturizes the skin and can help keep your dog calm during bathtime is Buddy Wash Original Lavender & Mint Dog Shampoo and Conditioner. This 2-in-1 shampoo doesn’t contain soap. While we might think of soap as a great thing, it can actually irritate a dog’s skin. Instead, the shampoo uses wheat protein to destroy bacteria, remove dust and dandruff, and keep your dog smelling great.
For dogs who have allergies, you may want a gentler shampoo. One to consider is the Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Antiseptic & Antifungal Shampoo. It does have a lot of chemicals but it has a gentle shampooing effect that gets rid of bacteria that may be causing irritation in your dog. It also treats dermatitis and pyoderma. Finally, the aloe vera within the bottle can further help soothe their skin. This bottle is more of a treatment than a regular bathtime shampoo, so you might only want to use it when you notice that your Cockapoo’s skin is irritated or dry.
Can I blow dry my Cockapoo?
Another aspect of bathing a Cockapoo is the drying half. While some may simply want to use a towel to dry off their favorite pooch, that can actually make their curly hair matt. Since you just spent some time in the bath working out the matting, this would be counterproductive. Another method of drying to consider is using a hair blowdryer.
One thing that you need to keep in mind is that the sound of the blowdryer might scare your Cockapoo at first. They can be quite loud, especially to a dog. It’s best to use the dryer on the lowest setting to prevent the sound from being too painful for them.
The heat is another factor to consider. While blowing hot air does help dry things faster, your dog’s skin is extremely sensitive to heat. There are two ways that you can help with this. The first is to use a warm or cool setting on the dryer. The second is to ensure that you’re not blowing their hair close to the skin.
In order to effectively blowdry your Cockapoo’s hair, you should be a good three to six inches away from their skin. The length largely depends on how long their hair is. The longer the hair is, the further back your hand should be. Then simply pass the dryer along the body while using a brush to prevent matting.
What Are Owners Saying?
I bathe bailey once a week, he’s white so you can imagine the state he can get into
Well if you talk to my aunt, she proudly never bathes her dog and is a huge believer that you strip the oils. Personally, I rinse Millie’s paws if she’s just had a muddy walk. But around every 2/4 weeks she gets a bath with shampoo & conditioner. It helps with grooming too.
However often you need or want to….it is very old fashioned thinking that shampooing strips the natural oils. This was true when shampoos were coal tar based. As long as you use a good / mild puppy shampoo you will do no harm.
Personally I give mine a full bath every week – sometime more, and rinse legs and belly in between.
Mine get their feet rinsed when needed. They get a real bath once a month (unless they go for a swim in the lake infront of our home, then it’s right after I drag them out)
