Cocker Spaniel Health

Cocker Spaniel health issues are the main concern of all responsible breeders who produce high quality dogs. Very much in the health of a dog depends on the breeder. Actually, a number of hereditary problems can be avoided in a puppy, if the breeder screens the breeding stock prior to mating and culls defective individuals from the breeding program. Most genetic disorders can be detected by a simple DNA testing; some issues require complicated research. That’s why purebred puppies in good kennels cannot be cheap. Breeders spend much on every litter to make it healthier than the parents.

In general, Cocker Spaniels are healthy and hardy, but there are no absolutely healthy breeds. The main genetic Cocker Spaniel health problems include eye disorders (patellar luxation, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, ectropion, and entropion,) hip or elbow dysplasia, lip fold pyoderma, otitis externa, urolithiasis, liver disease, prolapse of nictitans gland, phosphofructokinase deficiency, Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia, CHF, Familial Nephropathy, and cardiomyopathy. Some bloodlines of the Cocker Spaniel are prone to a few health disorders, others are healthier, but there are no ideal bloodlines. If the breeder claims that there have never been health problems in the bloodlines he/she works with, try to find another breeder.

After the breeder sold you a healthy puppy, you are responsible for its health. Cocker Spaniel health depends much on the owner. The owner should be informed about typical health concerns of the breed. To prevent bloat, the dog should not be exercised after meal; to prevent ear infections, the inside of the ears should be trimmed short. Puppies need vaccinations, and adult dogs need boosters from time to time.

Proper nutrition and enough exercise will prolong happy active life of any dog. A common lifespan of the Cocker Spaniel is 10 to 12 years. Provided with good care, some dogs live well into their teens and others don’t reach 10 years of age. An overall healthy dog can suddenly develop a serious disorder of one of the major organs. Prior to obtaining a purebred puppy the owner has to learn about typical Cocker Spaniel health disorders to be ready to pay vet bills.