Cocker Spaniel Dog Grooming & Clean Up
Do Cocker Spaniels Shed A Lot?
Rocky Kanaka
|
If you are thinking of getting a cocker spaniel as a pet, you might be wondering how much they shed and how to take care of their coat. Cocker spaniels are beautiful dogs with long, silky hair that can come in a variety of colors and patterns. But do cocker spaniels shed a lot? And how can you keep their coat healthy and shiny? In this article, we will answer these questions and more.
Are Cocker Spaniels Double Coated?
Cocker spaniels have a double coat, which means they have two layers of hair: an undercoat and a topcoat. The undercoat is soft, dense, and insulating, while the topcoat is longer, finer, and more water-resistant. The undercoat helps them regulate their body temperature and protect them from the elements, while the topcoat gives them their distinctive appearance.
The amount of shedding depends on the type of cocker spaniel you have. There are two main types of cocker spaniels: American and English. American cocker spaniels have a thicker and longer coat than English cocker spaniels, which means they shed more. English cocker spaniels have a shorter and less dense coat, which means they shed less.
Do Cocker Spaniels Have Hair or Fur?
Some people might wonder if cocker spaniels have hair or fur. The answer is that they have both. Hair and fur are both made of keratin, a protein that also makes up our nails and skin. The difference between hair and fur is mainly in the length, texture, and growth cycle.
Hair is longer, finer, and grows continuously, while fur is shorter, coarser, and grows in cycles. Hair also tends to have less undercoat than fur. Some dog breeds, such as poodles, have hair instead of fur, which means they shed very little or not at all. However, cocker spaniels have both hair and fur, which means they shed moderately.
How Much Do Cocker Spaniels Shed?
Cocker spaniels shed throughout the year, but they shed more during certain seasons. They usually shed more in spring and fall, when they are changing their undercoat to adapt to the weather. They also shed more when they are stressed, sick, or pregnant.
The amount of shedding also depends on the individual dog. Some cocker spaniels might shed more than others due to genetics, diet, health, or grooming habits. Generally speaking, cocker spaniels are not heavy shedders compared to other dog breeds, but they are not hypoallergenic either.
Why Is My Cocker Spaniel Shedding So Much?
If you notice that your cocker spaniel is shedding more than usual, there might be some reasons behind it. Some common causes of excessive shedding are:
1. Allergies
Cocker spaniels can be prone to allergies, which can cause them to scratch and lick their skin, leading to hair loss. Allergies can be triggered by food, environmental factors, or parasites.
2. Parasites
Fleas, ticks, mites, and worms can infest your cocker spaniel’s skin and coat, causing irritation, inflammation, and hair loss. Parasites can also transmit diseases that can affect your dog’s health and immune system.
3. Hormonal imbalances
Hormonal changes can affect your cocker spaniel’s coat quality and shedding. For example, spaying or neutering your dog can reduce their hormone levels and make their coat thinner and more prone to shedding. Other hormonal conditions, such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease, can also cause hair loss.
4. Nutritional deficiencies
Your cocker spaniel’s diet plays a vital role in their coat health and shedding. If your dog is not getting enough protein, vitamins, minerals, or fatty acids from their food, their coat will become dry, brittle, and dull. This can lead to increased shedding and other skin problems.
5. Stress
Stress can affect your cocker spaniel’s physical and mental well-being. Stress can be caused by changes in their environment, routine, or social interactions. Stress can make your dog lose their appetite, sleep poorly, and shed more.
6. Age
As your cocker spaniel gets older, their coat will naturally become thinner and less resilient. This can make them shed more and be more susceptible to skin issues.
If you suspect that your cocker spaniel is shedding too much due to any of these reasons,
you should consult your veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.
How to Reduce Shedding in Cocker Spaniels
While you cannot stop your cocker spaniel from shedding completely, you can take some steps to reduce the amount of shedding and keep their coat healthy and beautiful.
Here are some tips:
1. Brush your cocker spaniel regularly
Regularly grooming your cocker spaniel is the best way to remove loose hairs, dirt, and mats from their coat. This will prevent them from spreading around your house and furniture. You should use a slicker brush to gently detangle their hair and a comb to remove any knots. You should also use a deshedding tool to thin out their undercoat and reduce shedding. You should brush your cocker spaniel at least once a week, or more often during shedding seasons. Just brushing your dog’s coat can help alleviate itchy skin
2. Bathe your cocker spaniel occasionally
Bathing your cocker spaniel can help wash away any dirt, oil, or dead skin cells that can cause shedding. You should also use a mild, moisturizing shampoo and conditioner that are specially formulated for dogs and rinse them thoroughly. How Often Should You Wash Your Dog? Take Our Quiz
3. Trim your cocker spaniel’s coat
Trimming your cocker spaniel’s coat can help reduce the amount of hair they shed and make them more comfortable and neat. You can trim their coat yourself or take them to a professional groomer. You should trim their coat every 6 to 8 weeks, or more often if you prefer a shorter style. You should also trim the hair around their eyes, ears, mouth, feet, and anus to prevent infections and matting.
4. Feed your cocker spaniel a high-quality diet
Your cocker spaniel’s diet can affect their coat health and shedding. You should feed your cocker spaniel a high-quality, balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs and suits their age, size, and activity level. You should also avoid any foods that can cause allergies or sensitivities in your dog. You can also supplement their diet with omega-3 fatty acids, which can improve their skin and coat condition and reduce inflammation.
5. Keep your cocker spaniel hydrated
Your cocker spaniel’s hydration level can also affect their coat health and shedding. You should make sure that your cocker spaniel has access to fresh, clean water at all times and encourage them to drink enough. Dehydration can cause dryness, itching, and flaking of the skin and coat, which can lead to more shedding.
6. Keep your cocker spaniel healthy
Your cocker spaniel’s overall health can also influence their coat health and shedding. You should take your cocker spaniel to the veterinarian for regular check-ups, vaccinations, deworming, and parasite prevention. You should also monitor your cocker spaniel for any signs of illness or injury that can affect their skin and coat, such as infections, wounds, rashes, lumps, or bald spots. If you notice anything unusual or concerning, you should seek veterinary attention as soon as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Cocker Spaniels Shed a Lot?
Cocker spaniels shed moderately throughout the year, but they shed more during spring and fall, when they are changing their undercoat. The amount of shedding also depends on the type and individual of cocker spaniel.
Are Cocker Spaniels Hypoallergenic?
Cocker spaniels are not hypoallergenic, as they produce dander and saliva
that can trigger allergic reactions in some people. However, some people might be less allergic to cocker spaniels than other dog breeds, depending on their sensitivity and exposure.
Does Cocker Spaniel Shed More Than Other Dog Breeds?
Cocker spaniels do not shed more than other dog breeds that have a similar coat type and length.However, they might shed more than dog breeds that have a shorter or single coat, or that have hair instead of fur.
Do English Cocker Spaniels Shed Less Than American Cocker Spaniels?
English cocker spaniels tend to shed less than American cocker spaniels, as they have a shorter and less dense coat. However, the amount of shedding also depends on the individual dog.
How Often Should I Groom My Cocker Spaniel?
You should groom your cocker spaniel at least once a week, or more often during shedding seasons.
You should also trim their coat every 6 to 8 weeks, or more often if you prefer a shorter style.
The three foods that are super healthy and that almost every dog loves, even the pickiest dogs, are:
1. The Farmer’s Dog.
This is a fresh-frozen food that’s delivered to your home in just the right amounts for your dog. There are a number of fresh frozen dog foods available on the market and I tested them all. The Farmer’s Dog came up the winner with my picky dogs. You can see the fresh frozen food test here.
Save 60% on your first order
—
2. Sundays Food For Dogs
This is an air-dried food. It has the convenience of kibble (just pour it in the bow) but is much much healthier. It’s like little pieces of jerky, so dogs go crazy for it. There are a number of air-dried foods on the market. My dogs tested 3 of them. You can see the results of the air-dried food test here.
Get 35% off your first order + free shipping w/ code ROCKY35
3. We Feed Raw.
This raw food for dogs comes delivered to your home is perfectly sized portions for your pup. They primarily source their ingredients from trusted U.S. farmers, with two exceptions: venison and lamb. These ingredients are sourced from New Zealand, where some of the highest-quality and most ethically raised venison and lamb can be found. Pasture-raised and grass-fed and finished, we highly recommend trying these formulas if you’re interested in the best-quality ingredients. Save 25% on your first order.
Supplements:
I highly recommend using a supplement on your dog’s food, not matter what you feed them, to ensure the meal is balanced and they are getting all the right supplements to help them stay healthy. The supplement I use is called The One from Front of the Pack. It has 12 ingredients that have been clinically-proven to keep your dog’s joints, skin, heart, digestion, and even their breath in tip-top shape. It’s also a powder, so easy to sprinkle on your dog’s food. For a limited time, when you buy one month you get a second month free.
Conclusion
Cocker Spaniels make wonderful companions despite their shedding tendencies. By understanding their unique coat characteristics and implementing effective grooming practices, you can enjoy a clean and well-maintained living environment while providing the best care for your furry friend.
Related posts:
- Ted the Cocker Spaniel’s Incredible Grooming Journey + How To Shave A Matted Dog
- Are Cocker Spaniels Hypoallergenic? If You Want One But Have Allergies, Read This First
- Just brushing your dog’s coat can help alleviate itchy skin
- Your Guide To The Best Dog Shampoos
