Cocker Spaniel Care?

Question

Just adopted a 10 mo. old cocker and need some info on his care so that he will live a happy and healthy life. Would also like some suggestions on otc flea treatments

Answer 1

Cockers are so happy! And they so love their family.
Spoil him.
Others have touched on the eyes, ears and grooming requirements so I am just going to add to the flea treatments.
Check out this link:
http://www.dog.com/flea.asp?catID=81

It is a very good summation/comparison of the different brands and they have the best prices on everything that is dog than you will find anywhere else. I use Bio-Spot and have found it to be a wonderful, effective product. Frontline and Advantage are alot more expensive and do well for flea control but it has been my experience that they are not so great in the tick and mosquito area.

Oooh! the thumbs down fairy doesn't like a slam on brand name flea control..

Answer 2

Is he neutered yet? This needs to be done from 5 months of age, to protect him from testicular cancer and prostate problems in later life, which are naaaaasty.

The most important thing to recognise about flea treatments is that NONE you can buy at pet stores or supermarkets will work. Stores aren't licensed to sell the right chemicals, so any flea treatment you buy from there will contain a random pesticide like permethrin - crop sprays in other words, which aren't suitable for application to animals. Don't fall in to the trap of the cheap stuff, just get Frontline or Revolution from a vets.

Has he had vaccinations? These should be done from 8 weeks of age. Basically vaccinations, regular worming and defleaing, neutering and choosing a high quality food and of course spending a lot of time training and loving the dog are what's important. Do find a vet you're happy with that you can direct any questions like these at.

Chalice

Answer 3

First of all, I would not recommend otc flea treatments. I recommend using vet supplied Sentinel. It covers more than just fleas and it is once a month. It is a "five in one" treatment. Well worth the price!

As for care info, you want to make sure that your pup is healthy so get him to the vet to get a check up. With cockers, you have to make sure that you keep his ears clean. This is one of the biggest ailments with cocker spaniels. When I had my cocker, we would clean her ears daily with a cotton ball. Cockers are notorious for their ear infections.
Brushing daily is important, so set up a routine so as to be sure to get this done daily. I prefer first thing in the morning or last thing at night.
Obedience class is also a great start to your relationship. Obedience training is not just about training your dog. You're building your bond as well and establishing your place in your "pack".
When you visit the vet, have them recommend an appropriate diet.

Answer 4

Frontline plus for flea control. FYI for everyone, the package may say to apply every month for flea control, but it's just as affective for 3 months (dogs), yrs ago it said this but the FDA approved it safe for monthly usage and this what they put know. It hasn't changes and I've used and still use it for 12 yr.s know. 4 dogs and 4 cats (6 weeks for them) no fleas:) No bath 3 days before or after application. It's only affective on tick control for a month. Man sure to keep up on regular grooming, and check ears for infections. They are sweet wonderful dogs, and what else helps with long/healthy life get him neutered asap:) Enjoy

Wendy:
It's not that expensive, I save on hot spot, other product to control fleas, baths, dry skin, vet bills, anyways for the x-tra large it's $32.00 on ebay and other website (cheap) and the 3 pack takes care of 2 large dogs (collies) and anyways it's good for 3 months so per month it'll run $1.78 per month. NOT EXPENSIVE $32 divided by 9 months is 3.55 and then two (treats two dogs) is $1.78 per month. FYI those little tube things are more costly.

Not a Black St. Bernard:
You check back when the product frist came out and you'll see it's the same ingredients, and just the label has changed. It's said 3 months for flea control and nothing at that time about mange control. Anyways sorry you have a problem with it.
I've neighobors, friends, family, co-workers, animal shelter and my own animals on it with no problems, fleas or complaints.
Very important NO bath 3 days before or after. When you do bath use regular pet shamphoo.

Answer 5

Over the counter flea treatments are ineffective at best, and can have dangerous side effects. The best flea and tick preventative is Frontline plus. You can get more information and advice on dealing with fleas at this url http://www.the-puppy-dog-place.com/fleas-and-ticks.html

Cocker Spaniels are generally happy, friendly, intelligent little dogs. They do great in obedience work, and attending formal obedience classes would probably be fun for both you and your dog. It will help strengthen the bond between you too. He'll need a fair bit of exercise as they can be energetic dogs, daily walks are a must. Regular socialization and getting out and about with him will help him mature into a confident adult.He'll need regular brushing and trimming to keep his coat in good condition, daily brushing is good.

You can find lots of free information, tips and advice on taking care of a puppy (plus lots of fun and interesting articles) at the website below. Enjoy your pup!

Answer 6

All I can say, as an owner of cocker spaniels for over 20 years, is to brush them frequently and have them bathed and groomed by a professional groomer every 4 - 6 weeks. Cockers usually need frequent attention to their ears and eyes. Keep their ears clean by using an ear cleaner with alcohol and a cotton ball. If your cocker has eye drainage, keep under the eyes clean either with a damp cloth or a stain remover such as Diamond Eye. Cockers are active dogs and require frequent exercise...they love to run in the yard and taking walks. They are very people social and demand lots of attention. Be sure to feed a good quality dog food that will keep their skin and coat in good condition. As far as flea preventative...other answerer's have given you good advice.
Enjoy your little cocker. They can be a very delightful breed!

Answer 7

Advantage and Frontline are the only things that work for fleas. Both are OTC now. Don't waste you money on the other crap that can kill your dog.

Care is basic. Vet yearly and when it need it. Exercise and good diet. Just common sense goes a long way.


***I have NEVER found Frontline to work for three months. That is probably why it now says you can apply it monthly. Results with three months were not the best.

Answer 8

Wow - I can't believe the number of folks who are duped into believing that they have to buy expensive flea control products from the vet!
I have TEN Collies and NONE of them have fleas. And I buy their flea control at Walmart! Go figure. I buy whatever is the cheapest of those little tube thingies. I use them once a month on all of my Collies.
My dogs all get a weekly bath - so this probably helps. They live outside in the kennel during the day when my husband & I are at work. At night they all take turns in the house. We live in Florida - so they are not suffering out in the kennel. It's not very cold!
As far as normal care for your dog - a once a year trip to the vet is all he needs. He can get his shots, heartworm preventive etc. Feed him a good quality dog food - IAMS is just fine. You don't have to spend a lot to keep him happy & healthy.

Answer 9

The best health insurance for your pet is going to be assuring that his immune system is maintained at its peak. You accomplish that by keeping his Glutathione levels high.

Glutathione is his body's Master Antioxidant, his Immune Booster and his Detoxifier. It accomplishes this at the cellular level throughout his entire body.

Feel free to visit my group forum called Pets Cell Health
in yahoo groups or you can e-mail me directly
at [e-mail]
I can provide you all the info you need so as to accomplish this for your pet.

Tom Perez
Nutraceutical Consultant

Answer 10

my vet in Ireland is investigating a mystery rash that some dogs here are getting after owners using frontline I personally sawtwo dogs of different breeds suffering with this rash looks like there is a faulty batch of frontline around check with your local vet please