Tag / Tips

Fred, chocolate cocker spaniel puppy in the snow photographed by Natalia Ashton (C) Perfect cocker spaniel / Copyrighted / English cocker spaniel guide to how to choose, find, raise a puppy, grooming and hand-stripping english cocker spaniel, cocker spaniel diet, nutrition, health advice
by Natalia

Does a cocker need a coat?

This weather is no joke, so I got an adorable photo of Fred and his irresistible bum as a part of the “let’s keep smiling” package deal.

And talking of packages… Do you ever wonder if your dog needs to wrap up? Or got him to wear a coat already?

Most cocker spaniels can be pretty weather-proof even in sub-zero temperatures. Their double coat serves them well.

However, some dogs may benefit from a stylish top up if…
… they are young & have to be outside for longer then their typical short walk (a two month old pup would only need 10 minutes, so will be fine playing in the snow without a coat or jumper);
… they are senior & developed sensitivity to cold or suffer from arthritis;
… they are recovering from an illness or have an underlying health condition, for example underactive thyroid;
… the pooch is over or underweight;
… the dog was neutered – the overproduction of gonadotrophic hormones caused by the op affects thyroid stimulating hormone – and the gland function. Thyroid helps the body maintain its temperature. If this function is altered, so is the body’s response to the temperature changes;
… the coat of a cocker was clipped, which removes the undercoat and also makes the resulting coat attract and trap the moisture;
… you walk in a thick wet snow that can cover the fur with huge snowballs and make your spaniel uncomfortable.

Shivering is a sign that your pooch is cold and needs to be taken to a warm place as soon as possible.

The coat needs to be comfortable for your cocker. Remember that dogs see anything that covers and presses on their back as a possible dominant object. Make sure that the coat fits well, let the dog sniff it, be gentle when putting it on and whenever possible – take your spaniel for a walk straight away. No dog will ever enjoy wearing a coat but they can learn to associate a coat with a positive experience (i.e. a walk) & accept it in anticipation of something great and fun.

 

Photo credit: Fred photographed by me

 

by Natalia

10 ways to make your spaniel happy. And they won’t cost you a thing!

Do you ever feel that having a dog can cost a fortune? Then allow me to share these totally free ideas that you and your pup will enjoy any time.

Quality morning cuddles. Instead of reaching out for your phone or jumping out of bed, spend a few minutes to cuddle with your pup. It will set the mood for the day for both of you!

Have a surprise walk! Add an extra impromptu walk – just grab a lead and go!

Explore new places. Take your spaniel somewhere new, and spend a few moments absorbing everything together, breathing in the air and taking in the scenery.

Let him sniff. Even if it’s just your usual walk, don’t rush through it and let your dog sniff as much as he wants.

Make an obstacle course indoors or in your garden using flower pots, sturdy boxes, broom sticks, old towels, bubble wrap – anything that comes to mind. Teach the pup to step over and walk between these objects, step on surfaces and sniff out treats hidden inside the boxes, toilet or kitchen rolls, egg boxes, shoe boxes – use your imagination!

Bake some biscuits. Ok, you do need to have ingredients, but most of them are already in your fridge and cupboards, so technically you don’t go out to shop. You can use Beyond the Doughnut and Treats for the most indulgent biscuits and bakes.

Play hide-and-seek at home: dogs really enjoy this because they can use their brain to sniff you out and get to run around too!

Give your pup a massage. Ear rubs, head massage or long gentle strokes – anything your dog loves will do just fine.

Teach him a new trick. Cockers are workers. Learning a new activity and rewards that follow will make them feel amazing.

Set the mood with music. There are some wonderful tracks created especially for dogs to help them relax. Available free on YouTube, Spotify and radio. Slightly unconventional choice – my pups and I rather enjoy Enigma that I play via YouTube.


Photo of me and Fred by Elizabeth Clark / I am Family photography

Diet & nutrition advice for dogs \ Can dogs eat pumpkin \ benefits of pumpkin for dogs / Perfect cocker spaniel dog blog / breed, puppy, grooming, nutrition advice for english cocker spaniels (C)
by Natalia

Can my dog eat… pumpkin?

Pumpkin season is one of the true joys of autumn. They are so adorable – and delicious, too.

CAN A DOG EAT PUMPKIN?

YES, absolutely!

This vegetable (though it’s actually a fruit) is a fantastic source of beta-carotene – a pigment, vitamin and antioxidant that gives pumpkin its orange colour. Beta-carotene takes care of the eye health and maintains resilient immune system. It also protects the body from free radical damage, which may reduce the risk of some cancers.

Pumpkin is also packed with B vitamins, vitamin C, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, zinc and copper that are important for energy production and metabolism, healthy nervous system, and strong bones.

The fibre in pumpkin helps to maintain healthy digestion.

Pumpkin has also being praised for being a natural antibiotic, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory agent.

Studies also showed that including pumpkin in a diet could reduce formation of kidney stones, improve weight loss in obese dogs, protect heart and liver, and reduce dermatitis.

Always use food-grade fresh pumpkin – not the one left on a porch on a Halloween night. Always cook it before feeding to the dog and watch the quantities – 1-2 tsp per day is all a cocker needs.

 

Photo source: Matthias Böckel from Pixabay