How Often Do Springer Spaniels Need To Be Groomed?

By / June 16, 2021
Do Springer Spaniels Need to Be Groomed

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Daily Grooming – Do Springer Spaniels Need Grooming every day?

Consistency in grooming is the key, to not only keeping your springer spaniel clean but healthy as well. To avoid matting, eliminate loose hair and dirt, your dog should be brushed every day or at least three times a week.

This can save so much time, energy, and even pain from tangled mats in the long run. Again, starting young is key because your spaniel will quickly ease into the routine.

You will need a few different grooming items to accomplish the task at hand and a few tips on how to use them. 

Slicker Brush-

The slicker brush works wonderfully but is a bit picky, so use care, especially around delicate areas. Begin at your dog’s head, brushing back in the direction their hair grows, continuing to shoulders and down their legs. Be gentle if there are any mats and hold the hair close to their head when trying to detangle. Mats can be painful to untangle. 

A smaller slicker brush can be used around their face. Be especially careful around their eyes and nose. Make sure to brush behind ears as this is generally a hot spot for mats. Gently brush and untangle any mats. Sometimes clipping or cutting out mats is necessary if they are too knotted. This may sound time-consuming, but daily brushing can avoid any mats. 

Steel Comb-

A steel comb is good for detangling knots and mats as well as cleaning out any loose hair and dirt. A doggie detangling spray can be used to help in the process and keep fur soft and shiny.

Wire Pin Brush-  

Wire pin brushes are excellent for dogs with medium to long coats. Use the brush in the same way you would the slicker brush by brushing the same way the hair grows.

Undercoat Rake-

An undercoat rake is just that; used for the undercoat, to remove loose hair and also for finishing.

Extensive Grooming

A springer spaniel should be groomed daily, with attention paid to the face and ears to remove mats from behind the ears and food from the tips of the ears. The rest of the body can be groomed around every 2 to 3 days. 

That question can be a hard one because there are many variables to consider. For one thing, spaniels definitely do need to be groomed. Their coats have double layers; an outer coat and an undercoat, and their fur is generally medium to long length. The fur sheds all year long but more so in fall and springtime. 

After a springer spaniel reaches six months of age, their fur becomes thicker. The grooming process should begin when they are young because they will get used to the routine, and it will be easier for both your dog and you. 

There are a few different parts that are included in the grooming process. There is daily grooming, extensive grooming, and bathing. 

Daily grooming is just that, brushing daily, or at least, three times a week. This will get your pup used to you handling them.   

Extensive grooming includes clipping, thinning, and removing any mats. This should be performed quarterly or even every two months, depending on your dog’s coat and how fast it grows.

Bathing is dependent on your preference. If your spaniel is very active, running outside in dirt and mud, then bathing more frequently is for them. A less active dog doesn’t need to be bathed as often. Take into consideration if they have dry skin or if they tend to smell. You’ll know when your pup needs a bath.

Listed below are details about each area in the grooming process.

Extensive Grooming

Extensive grooming should be done every few months, especially in spring and fall when excessive shedding occurs. You can either take your springer to a groomer or give it a whirl yourself. 

Taking your dog to a professional groomer at least once is a good idea because you can observe and ask questions before you try it yourself. You can save money in the long run with some DIY grooming, but you have to ask yourself if it’s worth it if you don’t feel comfortable performing this task. 

Regardless of whether you will be doing the grooming or not, there are a few items you can purchase to make the task a little easier on both you and your dog. 

Clippers–

These can be handy for touch-ups, or if your pup needs a small trim or has some mats, you can’t comb out.

Clippers can be used on most of your dog’s body, but only if you feel comfortable. You can go over their body using either 9, 7 or 5 mm blades depending on how short you want to go. Never use clippers on their face or around their ears. Watching your dog’s groomer would be advisable before using clippers.

Thinning Shears-

Thinning shears can be used just about anywhere, and you may feel more comfortable with these than clippers. They are also useful for blending. Make sure you purchase a good quality pair.

Straight Edge Shears-

Straight edge shears are perfect for trimming underneath the feet and between footpads. They can also help cutting out a mat just be careful.

Rubber Grooming Gloves-

Rubber grooming gloves are excellent for removing loose hair from your dog. Just by running them along the fur, you can just pull the hair off. Another fabulous tip is that you can use the gloves on furniture for gathering up fur that has stuck in the fabric. Simply vacuum it away! 

Trimming and clipping requires a steady hand, a willing and cooperative dog and some patience. If you do not feel comfortable, then it would be wise to seek out a professional groomer.

How Often Should I Bath My Springer Spaniel

Bathing your springer should be done as often as needed but not so much as to dry out their skin. Do Not use human bath/shower gel on your dog, as it can quickly cause dry skin and irritation, use only dog shampoo. Sometimes just a rinse with clean water can be enough for a fairly clean pup!

Brush your dog well beforehand to remove loose hair and dirt. 

Fill your bathtub or a child’s pool with several inches of water and put your spaniel in using a treat or toy if urging is necessary. Wet your dogs coat well using either a handheld showerhead or hose with a shower spray, making sure to wet their undercoat. 

Never spray water in their face or ears, use a washcloth instead. 

Using a gentle dog shampoo, preferably organic and squirt it along their back. Lather your dog up and gently scrub or use a bath mitt. 

Rinse your dog well, both over and undercoat. A doggie conditioner can be used or a detangling spray to make combing easier.

Pat your pup dry with a large towel. You can dry with a blow dryer on low heat setting and take care to keep the dryer moving so as not to burn your dog.

Areas You Should Pay Extra Attention Too

Five extra spots on your spaniel that need some attention are their eyes, mouth, ears and teeth and feet. 

  • Eyes – Regularly clean around your springer’s eyes with doggie eye cleansing pads. If you notice any unusual discharge, alert your veterinarian.
  • Mouth – Wipe around your dog’s mouth every day. Food can collect in the fur, become trapped and make for a stinky smell, plus this could cause mouth sores.
  • Ears – Springer spaniels are prone to ear infections because of their long, floppy ears. Their ears need to be cleaned regularly, not just when they are bathed. Use a specially made ear solution and a gauze pad or ear wipes can be used occasionally. Never use Q Tips in their ears.
  • Teeth – Good dental hygiene is another part of grooming. Start your pup off young and brush at least two times a week using doggie toothpaste. Just don’t mix it up with yours! Yuck! Dental treats and toys can also be used to help to remove tartar and plaque.
  • Feet/Paws – When grooming your dog you should always check around the paws you should look for and cuts, thorns or any other foreign objects and also check between the toes for matted fur, Be careful cutting mats out around the feet as dogs have a very thin webbing between the toes! also, grass seeds can be a problem for dogs feet getting stuck in the fur. Be sure to also check and trim the nails. 

In Summary

There are many different tasks included in the grooming process. Remember to start your spaniel young and get them into a routine.

A little grooming every day will mean less time spent during larger grooming processes. Your spaniel may never reside at the White House, but they will be happy, healthy, and clean! 

Disclaimer
Myspringerspaniel.com does not provide veterinary advice. We aim to provide you with information to enable you to make a good decision when making a purchase or to care for your dog.
All content is for informational purposes only and should not be taken as medical advice.

If you’re concerned about the health of your pet, you should contact your vet for advice.
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