Breed Specific: The Sweet Cocker Spaniel

Pikes Peak Vet wants you to know about your Cocker Spaniel’s lifestyle and other needs.

Personality and Features: Cocker Spaniels are gentle, yet fun-loving dogs. Though bred to hunt, their sweet personality makes them a sought-after family pet. Sturdy and solid, cockers are eager playmates for children, but can be trained for anything from companion to athlete. Their beautiful coats do require some extra work, but you’ll be rewarded by having the best looking dog on the block.

Males             Height: 14.5-15.5 inches     Weight: 25-30 pounds

Females         Height: 13.5-14.5 inches      Weight: 20-25 pounds

Feeding/Treats/Weight: Discuss an appropriate high-quality diet with your veterinarian. You will need to learn which food works best for your Cocker. A chicken-and-rice-based food has been a good starting point. Maintain proper weight and be careful not to overfeed. Learn which human foods are safe for dogs and which are not. Provide clean, fresh water at all times.

Grooming: Cockers’ beautiful coats need special grooming. Missed sessions mean tangles or mats. Use a professional metal comb with fine and medium spacing for the teeth. Loose hair should be carefully removed, making sure you can see through to the skin everywhere. Snarls should be picked apart, not pulled, starting at the tips of the coat and combing through. Skin at the edges of their ears is thin and can be pierced by too-vigorous combing. Bathing with quality dog shampoo including re-rinsing are crucial as soap residue can cause skin irritation. Dry carefully with a blow-dryer on a low setting. Learn to clean and dry ear canals. During bathing, check for inflamed skin areas and get treatment. If you cannot follow these procedures, you must enlist a professional groomer who is familiar with the breed.

Exercise: Cockers are a sporting breed that requires regular exercise; however, they can get all the exercise they need by chasing a ball, playing with another pet or accompanying their people on a walk. Being with their humans is their best exercise.

Training: Cockers are generally sensitive and responsive to correction and a disapproving tone; harsh corrections are usually not needed. Socialization and puppy training are recommended. Performance activities can be a rewarding event for all.

Thank you to the AKC, and Every Dog by Nancy Hajeski for this information.

BASIC FACTS

Over the Cocker’s 10-14 expected years, you and your vet will create a health plan to evaluate and catch any conditions that may arise.

MEDICAL CONCERNS

• Hip and knee issues
• Eye issues
• Ear cleaning education to prevent infections
• Heart issues

Pikes Peak Vet has the goal of healthy longevity for your Cocker.

Wellness Exams and Vaccinations

• Every 6-12 months, as advised by your veterinarian, until age 6, including a full physical exam and routine bloodwork
• Pets age faster than us and tend to hide symptoms. At age 6, we recommend routine exams and bloodwork every 6 months to catch anything unexpected before it gets too firm a hold.

Other Exams and Screenings

• Joint x-rays
• Regular eye exams
• Regular ear exams
• Skin check for dermatological issues

Reach out for more information by phone or text, 719-475-1747, or through our Pikes Peak Vet app!