How to Take Care of Cocker Spaniels

Cocker Spaniels are one of the most popular and well-known dog breeds. Cocker Spaniels are a happy and easily trainable breed, contributing to their popularity as a family dog. Caring for Cocker Spaniels can be achieved by nearly anyone, with a little bit of time and knowledge.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Toys
• Treats
• Crate
• Collar
• Lead
• Food and water bowls
• Dog food
• Grooming supplies
• Cotton Balls
• Eye Wash

1. Call your vet and make an appointment to have your Cocker Spaniel examined. Regular vet checks and vaccinations are vital to ensuring the health of your dog.

2. Offer your dog plenty of fresh water and high-quality dog food. Many dog foods are made with substandard ingredients, so choose a good-quality food. The Dog Food Project website offers a good amount of information regarding dog food choices. Cockers care prone to food allergies, so choose your dog's food carefully.

3. Groom your Cocker Spaniel regularly. Cockers are a breed that requires frequent clipping and brushing. Keeping your dog properly groomed avoids painful mats or tangles. Check you Cocker's skin after you clip him for signs of primary seborrhea, a skin condition common in Cocker Spaniels. Report any scaly or itchy spots to your vet for diagnosis.

4. Clean your Cocker Spaniel's eyes frequently. Cockers are prone to a host of eye diseases such as distichia, conjunctivitis and cataracts, so cleaning them often will help you to monitor and avoid these problems. Use a cotton ball and good eye cleaning solutions to remove any fluid or buildup from around the eyes.

5. Trim the hair from inside your Cocker Spaniel's ears. Cockers have a high incidence of ear infections, so their ears must be kept clean and dry at all times. Cut the hair with a small pair of scissors and remove it from the ear. Clean your Cocker's ears with a cotton ball soaked in an alcohol/water solution. This will ensure that you remove any moisture and grime from the dog's ear.

6. Crate your Cocker Spaniel when you are not home. Crating your dog will make sure that she stays out of trouble while you are gone.

7. Keep a collar on your Cocker Spaniel at all times. A collar is a good place to attach your dog’s identification tags, so be sure that your dog’s collar is strong and in good repair.

8. Exercise your Cocker Spaniel frequently. The Cocker Spaniel is a sporting breed with a high amount of energy and frequent play or walks will help him to burn off that excess energy.

9. Train your Cocker Spaniel. Cockers are highly intelligent dogs and they benefit from short, frequent training sessions. A bored Cocker Spaniel will act out aggressively. But, keeping him well-trained will help to avoid any behavior problems.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure that your Cocker Spaniel is kept contained at all times. Allowing your dog to roam is dangerous and can lead to injury and illness.
• Never physically harm or punish your dog. Physical punishment can make a dog flighty and skittish.