If you’ve never had a Cocker Spaniel, you might look at their beautiful locks and think that their coat requires extensive grooming. Cocker Spaniels are considered moderate shedders, so you won’t have to deal with as much fur on your furniture as you might have thought. However, these dogs do require regular grooming sessions to avoid tangling or matting. To keep your pet’s coat healthy, you must brush it daily, which can be time-consuming. Here, we discuss everything that you need to know about a Cocker Spaniel’s fur.
Do Cocker Spaniels Shed?
Cocker Spaniels do shed. They might not shed as much as a Golden Retriever, for example, but in relation to their size, they are considered to shed moderately. The good thing is that the more their coats are brushed and maintained, the less likely they are to shed, so it’s in your interest to keep up with their grooming routine.
As with most dogs, Cocker Spaniels have “shedding seasons,” which means there are certain times of their year when you will notice more fur around the house. They also have delicate coats, so more work is involved in keeping them healthy.
When Is “Shedding Season?”
A Cocker Spaniel has a double coat, and you’ll notice that it sheds heavily during spring and autumn. This isn’t something isolated only to this breed, however. In spring, shedding keeps many dogs cool in preparation for the summer, and they then shed their fur in autumn to build up a new coat in preparation for the cold winter. This means you have to groom them more often during these times.
How to Care for a Cocker Spaniel’s Coat
There are many ways to care for your Cocker Spaniel’s coat to reduce how much they shed.
- Establish a routine: Setting up a grooming routine will ensure that your dog will get used to being groomed, making it much less stressful for you and them. Daily brushing will ensure that your Cocker Spaniel sheds less, and it means their coats won’t tangle or mat.
- Use the correct brush/comb: Pick a dog-friendly comb made of metal with medium spacing between the teeth. If you encounter a knot when brushing your dog, pick it apart slowly so you don’t hurt them. A slicker brush is gentle on sensitive areas like their ears, where their fur is particularly thick and the skin tends to be thin at the edges.
- Pick the right products: Purchase vet-recommended products for bath time, as these are gentler on a dog’s coat and skin.
- Provide a nutritionally balanced diet: The condition of your Cocker Spaniel’s fur reflects how good their diet is. If you pick a high-quality and nutritionally balanced dog food, their coat will be stronger and healthier for it.
- Ensure that water is readily available: Dehydration can cause the skin and fur to become crusty and dry. Their skin will crack, and their hair will not be healthy looking. Ensure that your dog drinks enough, and contact your vet if you are ever worried.
Are Cocker Spaniels Hypoallergenic?
No dog is truly hypoallergenic. However, some shed less and produce less of the dander that triggers pet-related allergies than other breeds. Unfortunately, the Cocker Spaniel is not one of those breeds.
If you suffer from allergies, that doesn’t mean you can’t get a Cocker Spaniel, though. You can control their shedding with regular grooming, and there are medications that you can take to control your symptoms. However, this issue is sometimes easier to manage if you pick a dog that is considered hypoallergenic. There is a spaniel with a hypoallergenic coat: the Irish Water Spaniel. This large canine requires lots of daily exercise and has a thick, curly coat like that of a Poodle.
Our Favorite Products Selecting the right shampoo and conditioner makes the world of a difference when grooming your pup. Our favorite products are the duo by Hepper. The Oatmeal Pet Shampoo is formulated with aloe and oatmeal to soothe skin and hydrate the coat. The Pet Conditioner works at eliminating tangles and taming frizz and static. Both products are pH-balanced and formulated with pet-friendly ingredients, free of harsh soaps, chemicals, and dyes. Give this duo a try to heal and nourish your dog's coat, and leave them with an irresistible just-left-the-spa cucumber and aloe scent.
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Conclusion
If you’re here because you’re thinking of getting a Cocker Spaniel, we can certainly see why: They’re a happy, playful, patient dog that can make an excellent addition to any family they join.
Cocker Spaniels are considered moderate shedders. While they are not the most high-maintenance animals regarding their grooming needs, their coats require significant care and attention, which is sometimes more than some owners can handle. However, the more you care for their coat, the less they will shed and the healthier they will be.
Featured Image Credit: MT.PHOTOSTOCK, Shutterstock
