A large pin brush will be needed to give your dog a good overall brushing. [3] X Research source A matting comb will help you comb out any matted hair. [4] X Research source Wide-toothed combs could also be used for this. [5] X Research source Clippers and blades will be needed for shaving the hair. You will need three different blades: 10 blade, 15 blade, and 3 ¾ blade. Grooming scissors and thinning shears will be needed for some of the more detailed trimming of the hair. Scissors are typically used on the feet and the feathering on the back legs. Thinning shears help you blend uneven hair around the shoulders, back leg feathering and chest. [6] X Research source If you are unsure of what specific scissors and shears to purchase, consult a groomer or go to your local pet store.
Finding the right shampoo and conditioner is likely going to be a trial and error process. [7] X Research source Cocker Spaniels are prone to a skin disease called seborrhea, which causes their coats to become greasy and flaky. [8] X Research source If your dog has seborrhea, your veterinarian can help you determine what specific shampoo and conditioner would work best for this skin condition. Make sure you use a shampoo and conditioner that’s meant for dogs specifically.
To clean his ears, you will need an ear cleaning solution that removes wax buildup in the ears. Your veterinarian can recommend which solution to use. [9] X Research source For cleaning his eyes, you will need to use a dog-safe soap. Talk with your veterinarian before going to the pet store to purchase the soap. [10] X Research source Guillotine-style nail clippers are preferable for trimming a dog’s nails. Unlike regular human clippers, guillotine-style clippers do not squeeze the nail before cutting it, making the nail-trimming process less painful for your dog. In addition to clippers, you will need either styptic powder or baking soda in case a nail starts to bleed after your trim it. To brush your dog’s teeth, you will need dog-specific toothpaste and a toothbrush. Your veterinarian can recommend which toothpaste and toothbrush to use.
If your Cocker Spaniel is a show dog, consider having your dog professionally groomed. Although you could learn how to do this level of grooming on your own, it is probably worth the investment to have your dog groomed by a groomer who is well versed in American Kennel Club grooming guidelines. [12] X Research source
Dog owners often make the mistake of only combing the outer layer of hair, which leaves the under coat more prone to getting dirty and matted. Begin at your dog’s neck and brush back to your dog’s tail and down his legs in the direction of hair growth. Because Cocker Spaniels have a lot of hair, it may be helpful to section the hair and work section by section. [13] X Research source Use your comb for detangling, if necessary. You may need to use scissors to cut out the matted hair if it is too tangled to comb and brush through. If you have to use the scissors, take care not to make the section where you cut uneven with the rest of the coat. [14] X Research source When you brush your dog’s head and ears, use a soft-bristled brush. [15] X Research source Be sure to brush your cocker spaniel at least once per day.
It would be good to bathe your dog about every three months. [16] X Research source Do not bathe him too frequently, since frequent bathing could strip out the essential oils that keep his skin and hair healthy. [17] X Research source Using warm water will feel good on your dog’s skin. Dry off your dog with a professional blow dryer. You can ask a groomer for recommendations on what type of blow dryer to use.
Pull and hold his ear back. Since Cocker Spaniels have such large and floppy ears, you can simply flop his ear back and hold it on the top of his head. Starting near the opening of his ear, shave forward all the way down to his lips, being careful not to nick the skin. Lift the floppy part on both sides of his upper lip and shave the hair under his upper lip. The hair in this area can become moist and dirty with mucous, so it’s important to keep that hair short and clean. Carefully shave against the direction of hair growth around your dog’s eyes, being careful not to shave off his eyebrows. Angle his head upward and shave his neck, going upward from his sternum (breastbone) all the way up to his chin. The skin in this area is very sensitive, so be extra careful not to nick the skin; holding the skin taut will help prevent nicks. Shave around the top of your dog’s head (the crown). You may want to switch to a 3 ¾ blade for a closer trim. After you have shaved this area, comb any remaining hair forward and use your scissors and thinning shears to trim the hair that is closer to your dog’s eyes. As you are clipping, don’t forget regularly check to blade to see if it is hot. If the blade is hot, let it cool down before resuming clipping; the heat could damage your dog’s skin.
Use a 10 blade or 15 blade to shave his ears. To stabilize the ear while you are shaving it, hold the underside of the ear with your opposite hand and bend the ear over that hand.
When you shave your dog’s tail, continue to use the 7 blade and shave down in the direction of hair growth. After shaving, comb his tail and see if there are any areas that need to be trimmed with more detail using your scissors.
Work your way around the pad in a circular fashion, making sure not to accidentally clip the paw pad with your scissors. Then, turn the paw back over, comb the hair again, and clip more as needed to create a bevel shape with the hair. When you have finished trimming the hair, the hair should still cover the toenails.
If the nail starts to bleed, dab a small amount of styptic powder or baking soda on the nail. The bleeding will stop immediately. It is recommended to trim your dog’s nails about every two to three weeks. [18] X Research source If you are uncomfortable with your dog’s nails, your veterinarian or veterinary technician can do so.
If the ears have a foul odor, an ear infection is likely. Your veterinarian will be able to determine the cause of the infection (eg, bacteria) and prescribe an ear drop solution that you can administer at home. If you see a lot of wax, you will need use an ear cleaning solution to remove the wax. There are over-the-counter ear cleaning products that you can purchase at your local pet store. Read and understand the directions carefully before cleaning your dog’s ears on your own. In more serious cases of ear infection and wax buildup, your veterinarian can flush out your dog’s ears. [21] X Research source Be sure to check your dog’s ears frequently.
Gradually introduce him to the toothbrush and toothpaste. Be gentle when you brush his teeth, and do it in short intervals (about 5 minutes). [23] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source If you are having trouble with brushing your dog’s teeth, your veterinarian can teach you the proper technique.
