Do Cockapoos Smell? 5 Easy Ways To Fix A Stinky Cockapoo

We all love dogs, but sometimes they STINK. For some people, a lousy doggy odor can be a deal-breaker! Luckily some Poodle mix breeds do not smell.

Do Cockapoos smell? How do Cockapoos smell compared to other types of dogs? (Would they smell less than a GIANT Bernedoodle?)

This is a standard line of questions targeted at many dog breeds, and the delightful Poodle Mix breeds Cockapoos. People don’t want a stinky dog!

For the answer to these questions and a bit more on Cockapoos and dog odor, read on! 

Do Cockapoos Smell?

Let’s face it – all dogs have the potential to smell. Like a person, a shower stall, or a microwave, dogs can end up stinky.

But many dogs can also have no discernible odor or even be made to actually smell good. All of the time!

For the most part, an offensive odor is a product of a lack of cleanliness, no matter who or what you are – even a dog!

If you are looking for a dog that puts off little to no pet odor in most typical conditions, the Cockapoo is a great option among many. 

This designer breed is a mix between the cocker spaniel and the poodle. Through that mix, it is equipped with a medium-length coat that is not at all too difficult to maintain.

So, aside from possibly being dirty or having an ongoing medical issue, Cockapoos should be relatively stink-free dogs!

Why does my Cockapoo stink?

Under “normal” circumstances, your Cockapoo should be relatively stink-free. Still, there are some situations where odor could arise, in this dog breed or any other.  

If this occurs, it’s definitely best to be proactive. You will want to get to the bottom of the smell as soon as possible.

What kind of smell is it? Where is it coming from? You will want to ask these questions as you inspect your stinky, four-legged friend.

Bad breath and dental problems are typically easy to sniff out and isolate. Simultaneously, a generally dirty dog that just needs a good, old-fashioned bath can make an overall, funky dog smell better. Check out the list of the best shampoos for a Cockapoo to see the recommended budget-friendly option.

If you specifically need an antibacterial dog shampoo, the best one is reviewed here. And it is budget conscious!

Cockapoo ear smells can arise if the narrow ear canals are not cleaning properly. You need to learn how to both clean the ears using natural detergent – and also for some Cockapoos trim or PLUCK the ear hairs to prevent wax and bacteria build up.

Waste smells are less common but could simply mean that your Cockapoo accidentally (or intentionally in some cases) got into something they shouldn’t have. This also just calls for a good bath. Deliberate destructive behaviours are a problem that Cockapoos need to be trained to overcome.

Flatulence is another smell concern for some, and for great reason! Dog flatulence can be tough to handle, and Cockapoos are definitely better friends when not gassy. 

If you notice this becoming an issue with your dog, try changing or otherwise upgrading the quality of the dog food they usually eat. No improvement? Ask your Vet for their advice on diet types for your dog. Sometimes a raw food or natural diet can help with Cockapoo smell.

Finally, a more genuinely concerning odor in any dog is that of infection. If you’re asking yourself, “why does my Cockapoo stink so badly?” the smell might be an infection. It’s definitely best to get your dog to the Vet as soon as possible to be checked.  

Infection is severe and must be dealt with medically right away, whether internal or external in nature.

Can You Shampoo a Cockapoo Puppy?

Another general question, especially from new dog owners, is that of shampooing their puppy. Should I shampoo my Cockapoo puppy? If I should, then how should it be done?

You definitely should shampoo and wash your dog periodically. That goes for puppies too! If they are getting stinky or dirty, they should always be bathed. Here are the three best Cockapoo shampoos tested and reviewed.

The place in which you do the bathing is totally up to you, however. Anywhere that there is access to water, and it can be splashed around and drained off, is a great location.

To that end, most choose either outside with a garden hose and buckets or inside in a shower stall or bathtub. Inside is particularly important in the colder months.

Next, it’s all just a matter of using the best Cockapoo shampoo to lather them up and then thoroughly rinse them off. On that note, it’s also best to utilize dog shampoo correctly. Don’t use the stuff made for humans!

The experts at PetMD discuss at length in their article “Can You Use Human Shampoo on Dogs? Maintaining Your Dog’s Skin pH.” 

While using human shampoo once in a pinch won’t likely injure your dog, it is not recommended ever. You should absolutely be sure to keep it away from their eyes. Rinse them very thoroughly after shampooing to remove as much of the treatment as possible.

If you are finding yourself in that occasional “stinky dog” situation  –  the following represents some great ways to safely and effectively tackle those most common problems.

Cockapoo Deodorizing Tip #1: The Full Groom

Although Cockapoos don’t shed a whole lot compared to other dog breeds, they do sometimes require some brushing and coat maintenance in addition to full bathing.

The best results can be achieved by making sure to give your Cockapoo a full stroke down with a medium to heavy-bristle dog brush. Make sure to remove any matting and knots that you may find along the way. Follow this with a thorough bath and dry.  

Just be sure your fur-baby doesn’t then decide to run off and roll in something “fresh” right afterward! (Or run straight to a stinky toy or blanket that needs a shampoo itself!)

The best brushes for Cockapoos are a slicker brush and a simple metal comb. The best slicker brush on the market by far is the Chris Christensen Long pin brush. A drawback is cost, but this is a once in a pet lifetime purchase.

For the comb, the super simple and budget conscious Andis steel comb with individually blunted ends tapered for comfort is an easy and cheap winner. My favourite comb to recommend to Poodle Mix owners. It is my top comb recommendation for wavy and curly Goldendoodles, Bernedoodles and even my own Labradoodle.

Cockapoo Deodorizing Tip #2 Don’t Forget The Bedding

So, you’ve got doggy all nice and clean and feel great, right? You should, but actually, there’s another crucial step here that many totally overlook. 

That step is to also clean your dog’s bedding and other areas they enjoy lying in. After all, there’s little point to a clean dog that goes straight to a dirty, dingy, stinky bed for a post-wash nap.

If your dog’s bedding areas are already clean, you’re a step ahead of the game. 

If not, as noted by the experts at the American Kennel Club, there are many kinds of dog beds and materials. So to get the best level of clean at the end of the day, be sure you are addressing your dog’s bedding material as per the manufacturer’s specific instructions. Neutral detergents work on most dog beds.

Not all beds are machine-washable and dryable, but when possible, these are easiest to clean.

Cockapoo Deodorizing Tip #3: Tooth-Brushing Time

Dog breath is seldom what one would call “pleasant,” but in some dogs, that typical doggy breath can turn into a real beast. If your Cockapoo’s breath fits this description, it could be that they just need a good tooth-brushing. The natural way that dogs do this is through chewing on things, and dog chews and treats designed to clean and freshen breath can often do the trick.

You can also opt to brush your dog’s teeth manually with a dog tooth-brush and dog toothpaste. Never use the human version of toothpaste in this case, however, even in a pinch. If odor persists from here or you notice other signs of dental health issues, a visit to the Vet is the next step.

Cockapoo Deodorizing Tip #4: Check Those Ears

Next up, dog ears can also be a real source of funk at times. That’s because they are growth environments for bacteria and many yeasts that occur naturally in the air and environment. Odor and inner ear redness and debris and discharge are definite signs of trouble.

In more severe cases where the odor, discharge, or ear-itching is strong, a vet should always be consulted before anything. 

However, in less severe situations in which simple cleaning is all that’s needed, you can accomplish this in several safe and effective ways.

One of our favorite methods for this is the cotton ball method that uses a vet-approved ear-cleaning solution. 

For those interested, there is an excellent article on how to clean Cockapoo ears with step by step instructions and budget product recommendations.

Cockapoo Deodorizing Tip #5: Try Scented Dog Products

Finally, when it comes to a stinky Cockapoo – you can try looking into some of the growing numbers of scented dog products out there today.  

From scented sprays to aromatic dog shampoos that leave a lasting impression, there are many options available at this point. 

Always remember your dog’s safety first, though, and only utilize dog-safe products and in the exact manner in which they are prescribed to be used by the manufacturer.

Do Cockapoos Smell Conclusions

It is true that Cockapoos can smell. The most common cause is going to be either a dirty coat, or build up in the ears.

Fortunately both of these situations can be easily remedied. You can DIY clean Cockapoo ears simply at home using basic products.

A dirty coat can be easily dealt with using the best Cockapoo shampoos. We reviewed and tested the best three.

If the cause if infection, you will need to consult a Vet. If the condition is a minor skin condition an Antibacterial dog shampoo might be recommended by the Vet professional.

Sometimes flatulence and odor can be caused by an incorrect diet – or troubles with the teeth. Switching up the diet – keeping snacks healthy (you could even try vegetables like carrot or bell peppers) and consider a raw natural diet. You Vet will be able to guide you if drastic dietary change needs to occur.

Further Cockapoo Reading

• Compare the Cockapoo vs the Cavapoo before you pick! Learn the differences between these two super cute and popular Poodle mix dog breeds.
• Find out if Cockapoos bark a lot, and how owners deal with this trouble EARLY to avoid long term issues.
• Learn 35 Indoor dog games and activities to play with your Cockapoo Puppy
• See photos of Cockapoos and Cockapoo coat images in our gallery!
• See the best small dogs for autistic children (would the Cockapoo make the cut?)