Things Parents Need to Know Before Raising a Cocker Spaniel

Cocker Spaniel
To ensure the healthy growth of puppies, this article briefly introduces some living habits and feeding key points for all parents.
The English Cocker Spaniel is called "the size of a small dog, the stamina of a large dog." Therefore, they require a lot of exercise and are naturally lively and active.
They may run around the house or tear up objects they consider suitable for chewing. If they damage items during their activities, please do not scold them too harshly. Take them to the "crime scene," show them what was wrong, then tap their head. Repeating this several times will help them understand it is wrong behavior and they will not do it again. Remember, never hit the waist or hip area, as it can cause serious injury.
Due to their high activity level, nutritional supplementation must be timely. Firstly, it is recommended to avoid feeding homemade food because it may lack balanced nutrition and insufficient calcium and vitamins. Therefore, professionally produced dog food should be the main diet. Popular brands available on the market include "Purina produced by Nestlé," "Royal Canin from France," among others.
In addition, regular supplements are needed. Before six to eight months of age, it is best to add "Fayubao" to the dog food to promote physical development. To timely supplement calcium, "Calcium Weinen" should be added long-term to fulfill the calcium needs of bones. Both products are produced by "Taiwan Yoda Co., Ltd." Market price is approximately 60-80 yuan per can.
Another recently popular nutritional product is the American IN, which is dog soybean lecithin. We have been feeding this product since last year. It effectively improves the dog's constitution and supplements various trace elements. After eating it, dogs can eliminate bad habits like chewing wall paint, eating grass, or feces.
Most pet stores currently carry it. It is recommended to buy the 680g canned version. The general price is 80-100 yuan per can.
Also, regularly feeding carrots can make their coat shinier and smoother. Preparation: clean the carrot without peeling, steam it using steam without water. Drip two drops of edible olive oil on the carrot to help absorption, then steam until soft. You can feed directly or mix into dog food.
Once puppies reach six months, families can prepare a bottle of edible olive oil and add a small spoonful to each meal. Long-term consumption of olive oil can keep the dog's coat shiny. It is recommended to increase the amount gradually. If diarrhea occurs, stop immediately and resume supplementation when the dog is older.
Puppies need regular baths, generally once or twice a month. Avoid bathing too frequently, as it can damage their skin and coat. Always use dog-specific shampoo, never human shampoo, because different ingredients may make the dog's coat dry, lose luster, or cause dandruff and skin issues. Recommended products are "Top Super Silky Shampoo" or "8-in-1 Shampoo"
Cocker Spaniels have very long ears, which are also the most prone to problems and require special attention. Their ears should be cleaned regularly using cotton swabs to carefully wipe the ear canal to prevent bacteria and ear mites. This can be done during every bath. Recommended are: "Vick Ear Cream" used with "CARDINAL" ear cleaning powder.
What you give them is part of your life, but what they give you is their whole life. Treat them as family members, and they will surely bring you more happiness.
Finally, we hope all parents take responsibility for their dogs by registering them, taking them outdoors for outings when possible, and paying attention to their health and development.
Before bringing your dog home, please prepare the following supplies:
Feeding utensils: Pet stores sell special Cocker Spaniel feeding bowls, which are taller than ordinary bowls and help prevent dogs from dirtying their ears while eating (never tie their ears with ropes or clips, as prolonged pressure can cause ischemia and necrosis). Market price is around 12.00 yuan.
Brush: Try to purchase one with a cushion pad so it won't hurt the dog while brushing. Cocker Spaniels have longer hair and need daily grooming, generally brushing 3-6 times a day. Price about 10 yuan.
Absorbent towel: Available in supermarkets and pet stores.
Water drinking utensil: It is recommended to use a water nozzle, which is convenient, clean, and won’t dirty the ears. Available in pet stores, priced around 10.00-15.00 yuan.
Crate: It is recommended to buy a stainless steel product. If you have enough space for them to play, a crate may not be necessary.
Sleeping bed: Can be homemade or purchased.
Nail clippers
Collar + leash: Since Cocker Spaniels are quite active, it is recommended to use a collar for training from an early age.
Toys: It is recommended to buy toys made of high-density plastic; plush toys may be torn apart and swallowed during play.