Your Cocker will need to be groomed regularly to keep him healthy and in "good flesh". Professional services are certainly convenient, it costs about $25.00 or so for a routine shampoo, dry, clip, ear and nail care. This must be done every 4-8 weeks (depending on how "dapper" you want your dog to be) The ear care should be repeated at home weekly to prevent infection and to pevent what I call "ear funk" (own a cocker long enough and this odor will be all too familiar). I clean our dogs ears out with q-tips soaked in peroxide solution or rubbing alcohol each week. It also helps to sprinkle a small amount of medicated-type powder in the ear after cleaning. The breeder I bought Moose from feeds her dogs plain yogurt every day (a few spoonfuls at feedtime) and she swears by this to prevent yeast infections in ears, which cockers are prone to because the ears are pendulous and heavy. I also put my dogs ears "up" at least every other day to let them air. I use a regular ladies "scrunchie" and I literally ponytail their ears on top of their heads! I am very careful to make sure it's not too tight and they are not in any discomfort! If you catch your dog napping, flip up their ears! Make sure also that the groomer is clipping out the inside of the ear (near the canal) so that moisture does not get trapped in there.
If your cocker is just a pet, you may want to keep him in a full body clip instead of the traditional clip down the back. This will cut down on the otherwise daily brushing that you would need to do. Cockers look really cute without their hair...like a whole different breed! Nails will need clipping as often as necessary to keep the dog comfortable and healthy. If using professional grooming services...MAKE SURE that the groomer is familiar with how Cockers are clipped! I found this out the hard way. The hair will grow back, but it always seems to take longer when your dog looks funny!! |
