Known for their stunning coats, long ears, easy-going attitude, and copious tail wagging, gorgeous Cocker Spaniels are one of the happiest dogs you鈥檒l ever meet.
Whether you already have this long-haired pup lying next to you on the couch or you鈥檙e getting ready to welcome one to the family, there are a few common health problems in Cocker Spaniels that owners should be aware of. Just like any other dog breed, the cheerful nature of these pooches can be diminished by certain conditions. We break down the symptoms below to make the job of recognising them easier.
Keep in mind that just because an illness is on our Cocker Spaniel health issues list, it doesn鈥檛 mean your dog will inevitably end up at the vet with these conditions.
Top health issues in Cocker Spaniels
Ear problems
The Cocker Spaniel鈥檚 long ears are more than just a lovely distinctive trait. They serve an important function for any gundog: directing smells from their surroundings to their noise. Although these dogs don鈥檛 have to go chasing their next meal anymore, those impressive ears remain part of a Cocker鈥檚 charm but, unfortunately, they don鈥檛 always come trouble-free.
From bacterial or yeast infections to ear mites, there are many ear problems dog owners should be ready to recognise. Even odd objects or grass seeds can end up causing your precious canine an earache.
Although ear problems are quite common in many breeds, owners can help reduce the chances that this common health problem in Cocker Spaniels will affect their pet. The solution? Keep your dog鈥檚 ears clean, check them regularly, and as soon as there are any unusual signs such as a discharge or odd smell, go straight to the vet for help and advice.
Canine hip dysplasia
Many dog breeds are known to have a genetic predisposition towards developing hip dysplasia. This is a condition in which the ball and socket hip joints don鈥檛 develop normally and don鈥檛 fit together as they should, leading to hip dislocation. You might notice your dog limping, refusing to go on daily walks, or even refusing their favourite games. These could be signs of hip-related issues and should be checked by a vet as soon as possible. Although hip dysplasia is known to be more common in larger canines, especially those bigger than the medium-sized Cocker Spaniel, all dog breeds and sizes can be affected, so don鈥檛 hesitate to call your vet if you recognise some of these signs in your dog.
Luxating patella
Another possible health problem in Cocker Spaniels that manifests through movement difficulties is a condition called luxating patella. Your dog might be limping or walking a few steps with one of their legs in an unusual position. This is caused by dislocation of the kneecap.
In mild cases the kneecap pops back into place by itself. But if your dog has been diagnosed with grade 3 or grade 4 luxating patella, this means that the pet鈥檚 kneecap is permanently dislocated.
Physical therapy and less demanding exercises are key in helping a dog suffering from a mild luxating patella, while surgery is typically recommended for more serious cases.
If you鈥檙e already wondering how owners can protect their best friend and prevent this health issue altogether, there are no guarantees when it comes to dislocated kneecaps. Luxating patella is a genetic condition which causes improper development of the kneecap groove, causing it to become shallow and unable to maintain the kneecap in place. But with patience and proper guidance from a vet, this condition can be managed, and your lovely Cocker Spaniel can continue being their usual happy self. You can find out more about luxating patella in dogs through our quick guide.
Hereditary eye disorders
The health issues affecting Cocker Spaniels can also be related to their lovely eyes. Hereditary cataracts appear as cloudy spots in your dog鈥檚 eyes which may develop early on, even during the first months of puppyhood. Progressive retinal atrophy is a condition in which the cells in the pup鈥檚 retina develop abnormally, eventually leading to blindness. This is an inherited disease which means puppies are already born with it and there鈥檚 nothing an owner can do to prevent its onset.
Thankfully hereditary eye disorders tend not to be painful. If you notice your dog bumping into furniture or other objects, struggling to find their food bowl, or getting lost easily, make sure you discuss this with your vet for a prompt diagnosis. Fortunately, dogs cope quite well with poor eye sight and even blindness. Their other senses will compensate for their vision problems relatively quickly. You can find out more about blindness in dogs and how good these amazing animals are at adapting with our in-depth article.
Discover all about the stunning English Cocker Spaniel and American Cocker Spaniel breeds with our complete breed information guides and, if you鈥檙e looking to add one of these special pooches to your family, here鈥檚 our step-by-step information about adopting a dog or puppy.
