All dog breeds have health issues to worry about. Some are hereditary and others are particular to certain breeds. For Cocker Spaniels, particular areas to be concerned with include the eyes, ears, and skin. By learning about these conditions, you will be able to avoid serious health complications and learn how to manage Cocker Spaniel problems.
Cocker Spaniel problems should not deter you from wanting to make one a member of your family. Most likely, he will never find a serious problem. However, he must be aware of the problems that he may encounter when having one. This type of dog is popular because he is considered affectionate, loyal, and good with children. They are also known for their friendly personality and good temperament of him. Of course, these are not Cocker Spaniel problems, but being able to spot the first sign of trouble and address health concerns will help keep your pup happy, healthy, and alive.
hearing trouble
Cocker Spaniels are subject to hearing problems, including deafness. This problem occurs when there is not enough blood supply to the inner ear. Deafness is usually seen in puppies that are four to six weeks old. Head tilt, lack of response to loud noises, and problems with training are symptoms of this problem. A Cocker is prone to ear infections if it is not kept clean.
eye problems
Symptoms to watch out for are; pain and sensitivity to light, red eyes, bulging eyeballs, conjunctivitis, swelling and redness of the eyelids. It is important to note that any abnormal symptoms should be brought to the attention of your veterinarian immediately. Glaucoma that is left untreated can lead to blindness in your Cocker Spaniel.
hypothyroidism
Cocker Spaniels are said to appear to have a predisposition to hypothyroidism. This happens when the dog’s body cannot produce enough of the thyroid hormone that is used to help regulate metabolism. Sometimes tumors and other diseases can interfere with proper thyroid function, causing the dog to become hypothyroid.
food allergies
Food allergies are another common problem for Cocker Spaniels. From birth, these dogs have the potential to develop some type of allergy to the food they are eating, especially if the type of food they are eating changes abruptly. You can tell when a Cocker has food allergies if he tends to scratch his ears and feet a lot. You can be proactive by checking their ears and feet for red or swollen skin conditions that are signs of an allergy.
Common sense
To ensure that your Cocker Spaniel stays away from these and other common dog problems, it is essential that he is well groomed and checked regularly at a veterinarian’s office. Otherwise, you may face serious health problems that may go unnoticed until it’s too late. Feeding your pets a balanced diet and exercising them regularly is also a good way to help prevent any potential dangers and health risks.
Research
There is a lot of information that can be found on the Internet for dog owners. Too much to present in an article. The best way to investigate is to look for a particular problem and consult with other dog owners of the same breed. Internet forums can provide a wealth of information. Simply type the breed of dog and the word forums into a Google search box, for example: cocker spaniel forum. Of course, your vet should be your main resource. Your dog may or may not experience any of the problems, but it is good practice to be vigilant and watchful for potential health issues. Getting the right treatment early will be less expensive and possibly save your pet. It will also keep the Cocker Spaniel problem under control for a speedy recovery.
Many Cocker Spaniels live trouble-free lives. Breeders, for the most part, have tried to eliminate some of the hereditary problems by breeding healthy animals. Always discuss the history of these problems with your breeder. Your pup may or may not experience some of the conditions listed. As a general rule, preventative medicine is the best medicine. With proper care and handling, your pup will live a long, healthy and happy life and will reward you with many years of entertainment and companionship.
