Features of Maintenance
The American Cocker Spaniel is a rather unpretentious animal that is easy to care for. The dogs feel fine in the apartment, but they cannot be kept in an aviary – despite their thick coat, cockers do not tolerate the cold.
These dogs do not need a lot of space, it is better to place the spaniel’s bed away from heating devices and drafts. Dogs of this breed require long walks, and it is recommended to do so three times a day, giving your pet time to play and run around outside.
The owner of a Cocker Spaniel needs to pay special attention to the care of his pet’s coat, eyes, and ears. To make your American Cocker Spaniel look like the cover of a fashion magazine, it is necessary to constantly take care of its luxurious coat. It should be regularly brushed, trimmed, and periodically give your pet a water treatment.
Cocker Spaniels love to bathe. When bathing, make sure that water does not get into the animal’s ears. It is better to find a professional groomer for haircuts.
Cocker Spaniel ears require special care. They should be checked regularly for infections and parasites and cleaned once or twice a week. The hair from the ear canal should be trimmed, as it prevents proper ventilation and irritates the animal. In addition, it is better to remove the hair between the pads and above the claws. The claws should also be trimmed as needed.
To avoid infections, spaniels’ eyes should be wiped regularly with a cotton swab. Cockers should be given chewy treats to prevent tartar. Cocker Spaniels are omnivores, so feeding these dogs is not a problem. They eat with great appetite, so overfeeding should be avoided.
If we talk about the diseases of cockers, most often their owners have to deal with diseases of the ears, vision, allergies, and joint abnormalities. The ears are the weak point of spaniels, they require constant attention.
Many diseases of this breed are hereditary. That is why it is better to buy a dog in a kennel where you can choose an animal with a good and proven pedigree.