If you are considering bringing an English Cocker Spaniel puppy into your home, you’ve come to the right place. These cute little pups are raised in a home environment, getting proper socialization and exercise before they leave for their new homes. Plus, before they leave, they will be seen by a veterinarian to make sure they are healthy.
Common health issues in English Cocker Spaniels
English Cocker Spaniel puppies are susceptible to several common health problems. While some of these conditions are hereditary – a dog that has the PRA gene will go blind – most can be prevented. If you notice any of these symptoms in your pup, it is important to have your puppy examined by a vet right away.
Eye problems: Many Cocker Spaniels develop eye problems, which can cause blindness or extreme pain. If untreated, these conditions can be life-threatening. Signs include watery or red eyes, squinting, and bluing of the cornea. In advanced cases, the eyes may bulge or become enlarged. Glaucoma is a serious medical condition that should be treated immediately.
Skin problems: English Cocker Spaniel puppies are susceptible to a variety of skin diseases. Some are allergic to a particular food, causing itchy skin and ear infections. Another common health problem is hypothyroidism, which causes lethargy and hair loss. The condition can be treated with medication. Other common issues include auto-immune hemolytic anemia, which occurs in older dogs. Treatment usually involves medication and medicated baths.
Exercise
Using toys and objects that are safe for your English Cocker Spaniel puppy is a great way to get them interested in new things and socialize them. You can use things around the home to make the exercise fun for your puppy. The room where the puppy spends the most time is a good place to set up these toys.
As with all puppies, the English cocker breed needs to get some exercise daily. The breed is known to be a high-energy dog that likes to run. It also has excellent stamina, making it an ideal dog for any type of environment. This breed requires daily exercise to maintain a healthy weight. Exercise is important for older dogs as well. Check with your vet to make sure your dog is getting the right amount of nutrients to stay healthy.
English Cocker Spaniels are very active dogs. Their tails can grow to 8-9 inches if left alone, but many hunting dogs have their tails docked to four inches. This procedure, which is optional for family dogs, prevents them from getting injured while working in the thick underbrush.
Obedience training
When training a new puppy, it’s best to begin at an early age. This way, you can keep your puppy focused and engaged throughout the training process. You should use frequent treats to motivate your puppy. It’s also important to make sure that you use a safe environment where your puppy can’t see traffic or other hazards.
When beginning to train a new command, start small and work up to more challenging ones. A game like “Push Drop Stick” is an excellent resource, and will help you gradually increase the difficulty of an exercise or behaviour. Your puppy will stick with exercises that are challenging to them because they get rewards. If the exercises are too easy, they will eventually give up and stop learning.
Cocker Spaniels are highly intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement. They should be exposed to different environments from an early age. They should also be exposed to other animals and children, as they can be easily distracted. Socialising your new puppy at an early age will make training easier.
Diet
You can choose to feed your puppy a balanced diet that provides all of the nutrients it needs to grow and develop properly. One great protein source for your puppy is fish meal, which is low in fat and calories, and contains Omega 3’s and DHA. You can also add canola oil, which has essential vitamins and nutrients for strong muscles.
Another good food for your puppy is CANIDAE PURE, which is made from chicken and wholesome grains, but does not contain wheat, corn, or soy. This food also contains salmon and antioxidants to support your puppy’s immune system. And the best thing about it is that it is highly digestible, which is ideal for puppies with sensitive stomachs.
Another good option for your Cocker Spaniel’s diet is a diet rich in vegetables and fruits. While you shouldn’t give him citrus fruits or other fruits that give him gas, vegetables and fruit can be a great source of fibre. Adding a couple of tablespoons of vegetables per day is enough for a Cocker Spaniel. A good diet also contains plenty of carbohydrates. Good carbohydrates are slow-released energy sources. Whole ingredients are best.
Eye infections
Eye infections in English cocker spaniel puppies can be very painful, and they require veterinary care to treat them properly. If left untreated, they can lead to glaucoma or other serious conditions. The treatment for eye infections depends on the cause, and may involve topical or oral medications, or even surgery.
Infected eyes are painful and can lead to permanent vision loss. Symptoms of eye infections in dogs include discharge, redness, and watery eyes. A veterinarian will diagnose the condition by performing a thorough eye exam, and examining the eye for any underlying health issues.
Treatment for dog eye infections varies depending on the cause of the infection. Antibiotics are the most common treatment for dog eye infections. Ointments and eyewashes may also be effective, particularly for nonbacterial infections.
Hip dysplasia
If your puppy has hip dysplasia, you’ll probably want to take him to a veterinarian as soon as possible. Early detection can prevent significant damage, and treatment can include surgery, diet changes, and weight management. While puppies may show signs of hip dysplasia as young as 4 months of age, some cases of hip dysplasia may not be detected until later.
Hip dysplasia can affect any breed, but it is more common in large breed dogs. In addition to genetics, other risk factors include being overweight and over-exertion. While the exact causes of hip dysplasia are unknown, genetics is the most important factor to consider. Keeping your dog physically active and on a balanced diet will help reduce your pup’s risk of developing hip dysplasia.
While there is no cure for hip dysplasia, surgery can correct the symptoms and improve your dog’s quality of life. Depending on the severity of hip dysplasia, this surgery will either repair the joint or remove the affected portion. In some cases, total hip replacement is required.
Ear infections
English cockers are predisposed to ear infections, but a variety of other factors can contribute to this condition as well. These include environmental allergies, food sensitivities, and side-effects of certain medications. Another cause is foreign bodies that can accumulate during a dog’s grooming routine.
If you notice your dog having an ear infection, seek medical attention immediately. An untreated ear infection can lead to chronic problems, including hearing loss or even expensive surgery. Left untreated, an outer ear infection can lead to an infection of the middle and inner ear, affecting nerves, vision, and other body parts. In severe cases, an infection can lead to vestibular disease, causing a dog to be off balance and have dizziness.
The first thing to do is to stop over-cleaning your puppy’s ears. This causes chronic ear infection and requires specialized therapy. If left untreated, long-term ear infections can result in a ruptured ear drum, middle ear infection, or ear canal masses.
Canine retinal atrophy
Canine retinal atrophy is a progressive eye disease caused by damage to the rod cells in the retina. Initially, affected dogs show vision deficits in dim light and lose peripheral vision. Then, as the disease progresses, visual deficits are seen in bright light as well. When the disease is advanced, your puppy may start to lose vision completely. Other symptoms of the disease include changes in reflectivity and the appearance of a structure behind the retina called the Tapetum.
This progressive disease is an inherited trait. A dog with the condition may have problems with nighttime vision and avoid dark spaces. Early-onset PRA usually starts with night blindness, but it may progress to daytime blindness as the rods degenerate.
Although this condition is progressive, it does not cause pain or discomfort. As a result, the dog adapts to its vision loss. However, if a dog shows signs of it, he should consult with a veterinarian. A veterinarian can examine his dog’s eyes with an instrument called an ophthalmoscope and examine the retina. The veterinarian can also check for abnormal blood vessels. If the veterinarian notices any of these signs, he may refer your dog to a veterinary ophthalmologist.
