How to Take Care of Your Spaniel’s Ear, Eye, Joint and Heart Health

A spaniel’s floppy ears, expressive eyes and breed-specific traits come with some important health considerations. Whether you’ve recently rehomed a rescue spaniel or have been a devoted owner for years, understanding spaniel health care can help your dog live a longer, happier life. This guide covers the four key areas to watch: ears, eyes, joints and heart.

Spaniel ear health

Those long ears that make spaniels so distinctive are also prone to picking up nasty intruders. The ear flap covers the canal, trapping warmth and moisture making it the perfect environment for bacteria and yeast. Ear infections (otitis externa) are common in spaniels, and dogs that swim or spend time in long grass are at even greater risk.

Signs to watch for: head shaking, scratching at ears, redness or discharge inside the ear, a foul smell or sensitivity when the ear is touched.

What to do: Check ears weekly and clean monthly using a vet-approved ear cleaner –never cotton buds, which push debris deeper and risk damaging the canal. Dry ears thoroughly after swimming or bathing and ask your groomer to keep the hair inside the ear flap trimmed to improve airflow. Recurring infections can sometimes be linked to food allergies, so mention this to your vet if the problem keeps coming back.

Cocker Spaniels have a higher incidence of ear canal polyps and tumours than many other breeds. If you notice persistent infections that don't respond to treatment, a visible growth or bleeding from the ear, seek veterinary advice promptly.

Spaniel eye health

Spaniels are genetically predisposed to several inherited eye conditions, and dogs coming into rescue may not always have a known health history, making awareness vital.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) causes gradual deterioration of the retina, eventually leading to blindness. Early signs include difficulty seeing in low light. There is no cure, but affected dogs often adapt well. DNA tests are available through The Kennel Club's health scheme.

Hereditary Cataract (HC) can develop earlier in life in Cocker Spaniels than the age-related cataracts seen in other breeds. Surgical treatment is available at specialist centres across the UK.

Dry Eye (KCS) is a common condition in Cocker Spaniels. When tear glands don't produce enough moisture it can lead to sticky discharge, cloudy corneas and discomfort. It's a lifelong condition managed with daily prescription eye drops so if your spaniel has a recurring gunky eye, don't dismiss it as a minor irritation.

Entropion and ectropion – where the eyelids roll inward or droops outward – can cause corneal damage and recurring infections, and surgical correction is sometimes recommended.

For day-to-day care, wipe gently around the eyes each day with a damp cotton pad, keep the surrounding hair trimmed, and book an annual eye check with your vet.

Spaniel joint health

Spaniels are working dogs at heart, and their joints take considerable strain over a lifetime of activity. Joint problems are common in middle-aged and older spaniels but can appear earlier in dogs who were overworked as puppies.

Hip dysplasia – abnormal development of the hip joint – causes pain, reduced mobility and eventually arthritis. The British Veterinary Association (BVA) and The Kennel Club run a Hip Dysplasia Scheme where dogs are X-rayed and given a hip score. Elbow dysplasia is particularly prevalent in Springer Spaniels and is assessed through the BVA's Elbow Dysplasia Scheme.

Arthritis is extremely common in older spaniels and is often underdiagnosed because dogs are skilled at hiding pain. Watch for stiffness after rest, reluctance to jump or climb stairs, reduced enthusiasm for walks or visible joint swelling. Management options include vet-prescribed NSAIDs, joint supplements (glucosamine and omega-3 fatty acids), hydrotherapy and physiotherapy.

Preventative measures include maintaining a healthy body weight, avoiding repetitive high-impact exercise like ball throwing on hard ground, using ramps to reduce jumping in and out of cars and considering an orthopaedic bed for older dogs.

Spaniel heart health

Heart disease is a serious concern for several spaniel breeds, and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has the highest prevalence of Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) of almost any breed in the world.

MVD causes the heart's mitral valve to degenerate over time, producing a murmur and eventually heart failure if left untreated. The Kennel Club supports an MVD Breeding Protocol recommending that both parents are examined by a cardiologist before mating.

Signs to watch for: a murmur detected at a routine vet check, coughing (especially at night or after exercise), tiring quickly on walks, laboured breathing or fainting.

Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), where the heart muscle weakens and enlarges, has also been identified in some larger spaniel breeds. Symptoms are similar to MVD and are confirmed by echocardiogram.

The most important step is not skipping annual vet check-ups – murmurs are often caught before symptoms appear. If heart disease is suspected, ask for a referral to a veterinary cardiologist.