Cocker Spaniel Health Issues
The typical Cocker Spaniel lifespan is 10-14 years, so they’ll be a longtime companion. They are susceptible to a few health conditions, so purchasing pet insurance might be a good investment when bringing home a Cocker Spaniel puppy.
Ear Infections
A Cocker Spaniel’s famously lush ears can be prone to ear infections. This is because the ears’ floppy shape can trap moisture in the ear canals, making it easy for bacteria and/or yeast to thrive.
Signs of an ear infection include:
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Redness
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Odor
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Itching or scratching at the ears
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Head tilt
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Discharge
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Shaking of the head
Contact your vet right away if you notice any of these symptoms.
Ear infections in dogs can be prevented with regular ear cleaning. Ask your vet how often you should clean your Cocker Spaniel’s ears, and always clean them after your dog goes for a swim or takes a bath. It’s important to be proactive about managing your Cocker Spaniel’s ear health.
Skin Infections
Pyoderma, or skin infections, can occur when long hair coats are not routinely groomed or secondary to allergies. The long hair becomes tangled and forms tight mats, trapping moisture and bacteria that can cause an infection. Routine brushing and grooming your dog can help prevent this.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is most common in large pups, but medium-sized dogs like the Cocker Spaniel can develop it as well. The condition occurs when the hip joint doesn’t develop properly as a dog grows, leading to looseness and, if left untreated, arthritis.
Hip dysplasia may be managed in Cocker Spaniels with weight management, joint supplements, and pain medication. However, if your dog’s condition is particularly severe, surgery may be needed.
Von Willebrand Disease (vWD)
A common bleeding disorder, von Willebrand disease makes it difficult for affected dogs to form blood clots. Cocker Spaniels are one of the breeds that can develop vWD, and the condition can make injuries and surgeries dangerous for your dog.
Talk to your vet if you notice any abnormal or prolonged bleeding in your dog, such as nosebleeds, blood in the urine or stool, or bleeding from the gums.