Do Cocker Spaniels Shed? Everything You Need to Know!
With their long, silky fur and adorably lush ears, Cocker Spaniels make for one of the most loved dog breeds (at BarkingTalk we should know, thanks to our beautiful Salsa). Active and frolicsome, many Cocker Spaniels can be fantastic house dogs or hunting dogs. But do Cocker Spaniels shed? Can this dog breed shed more than others? And how do you deal with shedding in Cocker Spaniels? Sit tight because we’ve got all the answers.
Cocker Spaniel – The Smallest Sporting Spaniel According To The AKC
Recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1878, the Cocker Spaniel stands 14 to 15 inches in height. This medium-sized cheerful pup is known for its lovable, big eyes and floppy ears. The Cocker’s coat can be a plethora of coat colors and patterns (with arguably red dogs the most famous), and they’re considered the most popular Spaniel breed in the UK! Cocker Spaniels have a double coat with long, silky hair and require regular brushing and grooming.
Two breeds of Cocker Spaniel include the English Cocker Spaniel and the American Cocker Spaniel. There’s a moderate amount of shedding in both types of Cocker Spaniels. But the American Cocker Spaniel requires more grooming because of its delicate coat.
What Is Shedding?
Shedding is a natural occurrence in animals with furry coats or excess fur. The process of shedding generally discards dead or damaged fur only for it to be replaced with new, stronger fur. It’s essentially a regulating process. For example, some dogs use shedding to moderate their body temperature while others simply benefit from being able to maintain a nice fur coat.
Do Some Dogs Shed More Than Others?
Yes. While shedding occurs in every dog breed, some dogs will shed more than others. Different factors such as breed, coat type, health conditions, and the environment can influence the extent of shedding in dogs. Understanding why dogs shed and how to combat excessive shedding is important for Cocker Spaniel owners.
Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce shedding and make life easier for you and your pooch. If you’re worried about loose hair around the house, we’ll discuss some grooming tips in this blog and how to tackle heavy shedding periods.
You could also think about getting a breed that sheds less. Poodle mixed breeds, such as the mini Goldendoodle, the Schnoodle, and the Aussiedoodle are good choices. You could even get a Cocker Spaniel Poodle mix!
Cocker Spaniel Shedding – How Much Do Cocker Spaniels Shed?
Cocker Spaniels are no exception when it comes to shedding. This shedding breed can lose hair quite moderately throughout the year. But it may increase during the shedding season. It’s common for dead hair to increase with the onset of spring and autumn.
Based on the health of your Cocker Spaniel and some external influences like climate and stress, the extent of shedding may vary. In addition to your dog’s fur and coat type, it’s important to understand other factors that affect shedding such as their physical fitness, nutrition, mental health, and symptoms of an allergic reaction. Fresh dog food could be a good idea if you want to improve your pup’s coat.
A Cocker Spaniel puppy tends to have a soft coat that lines the body. They shed their puppy hair at around 8 to 12 months. This hair is then replaced with a double coat of long and stiff hair in an adult dog.
How Does The Cocker Spaniel’s Coat Type Affect Shedding?
An adult Cocker Spaniel’s hair consists of a double-layered fur coat. That means instead of a single coat, they have an outer coat and an additional layer of hair as an undercoat. As for the outer coat, they have a nice long coat on their body, and the fur around their head is shorter.
The hair is also long under their ears and chest. With several variations of colors, this layer of fur has a silky and smooth texture with the form ranging from flat to slightly wavy.
The short and thick undercoat is the layer that keeps these dogs from feeling extreme temperatures, ensuring they’re well-insulated. But this coat of fur can be responsible for significant amounts of shedding. This individual dog breed requires a moderate to high level of care and professional grooming to maintain the dog’s coat.
A key difference between Cocker Spaniels vs Springer Spaniels is their coat length and how much grooming they require. Some owners find Springer pups the easier option.
Are Cocker Spaniels Hypoallergenic?
No, unfortunately, Cocker Spaniels are not hypoallergenic. Unfortunately, there is no 100% hypoallergenic dog breed because all dogs shed dander, fur, and allergens. But with proper care and grooming, you can control excessive shedding in Cocker Spaniels to create a lower chance of allergic reactions.
A major part of shedding that can trigger allergies is dander, which is flakes of skin in hair or fur. Some dogs are labeled hypoallergenic because they don’t shed as often and are less prone to complications that lead to increased shedding. If you’re looking for hypoallergenic dogs, check out these amazing hypoallergenic dog breeds.
Grooming Routine – How to Deal With Your Cocker Spaniel Shedding
Learning what influences their shedding can help pet parents in grooming their dog. Here are some ways to deal with shedding in Cocker Spaniels.
Regular Brushing
A thorough combing and brushing of your dog’s hair, especially during shedding seasons, can prevent matting. For a proper brushing, ensure the comb reaches the full length of hair but doesn’t scrape or scratch your pooch. Inadequate brushing can lead to matting.
To remove mats, you can place a comb under the matted hair and cut it off carefully. A slicker brush or metal comb works well for dogs that shed more than usual. If you’re unsure, ask a groomer so you don’t hurt your pup.
Trim Your Cocker’s Hair
Trimming dog hair is a part of regular grooming. Trimming your Cocker Spaniel’s fur can help maintain the coat. This can help prevent excess shedding by making it easier for you to groom your dog. Many pet owners choose to cut short their Cocker Spaniel’s fur as a successful remedy for frequent matting.
Use Anti-Shed Shampoo
Like most dogs, Cocker Spaniels need routine baths. Sometimes using anti-shed dog shampoo can help. An occasional bath with anti-shed shampoo can help reduce the frequency of shedding in Cocker Spaniels. Consulting with the veterinarian is a great way to narrow down your options for the right shampoo and frequency of these baths.
Maintain A Healthy Diet
While it’s impossible to completely stop shedding, a healthy and balanced diet can prevent excess shedding in Cocker Spaniels. A protein-rich diet in combination with fresh fruit and vegetables, such as lettuce and peas, can promote better health. Added supplementation such as oils with omega-3 fatty acids can also provide sustenance to hair follicles.
This balance of nutrients can add more strength to your dog’s coat, reducing the likelihood of too much shedding. With adequate nutrition also comes the importance of fresh, clean water. Dehydration in dogs can lead to skin problems and ultimately cause increased shedding.
Watch Out For Allergies
If your dog is allergic to certain foods or cleaning products, this may increase shedding. Consult with an expert on how to begin elimination trials if you notice allergy symptoms in your Cocker Spaniel.
When Should You Be Worried About Your Cocker Spaniel Shedding?
Natural shedding isn’t often a cause of concern and it’s common in many long-haired Spaniel breeds. But excessive shedding is usually a sign of underlying problems that require attention. If you’ve noticed more hair around the house, check for other symptoms such as bald patches, inflamed or irritated skin, open sores, brittle fur, or a thinning coat. Infections, diseases, and hormonal imbalances all play a big role in excess shedding. Reach out to an experienced veterinarian to discuss your pet’s health concerns and get a timely diagnosis.
Conclusion
Cocker Spaniels are medium-sized dogs with a tendency to shed moderately. They have long, silky hair with a double coat, and that means they need frequent grooming. Every dog sheds, and this breed is no exception to this natural process.
Cocker Spaniels shed throughout the year, with an increase during the spring and fall seasons. So it’s important to understand their breed, coat type, overall health, and the external environment. For both your dog’s comfort and your own, ensure to groom them thoroughly and keep them as clean and healthy as possible.
As with any dog breed, if you notice signs of skin irritation, bald patches, hair thinning, brittle fur, or open sores, it’s best to consult an expert veterinarian on how to manage your Cocker Spaniel’s shedding. With the right preventative measures, you can help reduce unwanted shedding in your Cocker Spaniel. This will save you time and effort as you won’t need to frequently clean, sweep, or hoover surfaces.
Do you have a Cocker Spaniel? How do you manage their shedding? Let us know!
