How to Bath a Springer Spaniel – Tips | Tricks | Stuff You Need

Author:

Published:

Updated:

how to bath a springer spaniel

Affiliate Disclaimer

As an affiliate, we may earn a commission from qualifying purchases. We get commissions for purchases made through links on this website from Amazon and other third parties.

Springer spaniels are loyal and affectionate dogs who make great family pets. However, looking after a springer can be a challenging task – they need plenty of exercise and are prone to several diseases and ailments.

Another thing to consider is how to bath a springer spaniel, as there is more to it than meets the eye, with their long ears and double coat. It is important that you take good care of your dog, and so here are the best tips and tricks on how to bath a springer spaniel!

What Do I Need to Bath My Springer Spaniel?

Most of the equipment you would need to give your springer a bath is standard for any dog. There are some essential items that you should have in stock before attempting to clean him – these can all be found in most pet stores for a reasonable price, so bathing your dog shouldn’t be too expensive. Here are the essentials for springer spaniel cleaning:

  • A SPRAYER – make sure this is low-pressure to avoid hurting your dog, your shower head on your bath is perfect!
  • DOG SHAMPOO – specialized dog shampoo is best – consult your vet if your dog has any allergies or sensitive skin. Here’s one I like!
Sale
GROOM PROFESSIONAL Baby Fresh Dog Shampoo – Soothing Baby Powder Dog Shampoo – Gentle for Sensitive or Itchy Skin – Removes Dandruff & Smelly Puppy Odours, w/Aloe Vera to Help Itching Relief, 1L
  • MILD AND GENTLE FORMULA: The Baby Fresh Shampoo is specially formulated with a mild and gentle formula, making it ideal for puppies and pets with…
  • SOFT AND FRAGRANT: Enjoy the soft baby powder fragrance that leaves your pet’s coat smelling clean and fresh after each bath.
  • SOOTHING PROPERTIES: Contains Aloe Vera which soothes and heals, as well as acting as a natural conditioner.
  • MOISTURISES AND CONDITIONS: The gentle formula of the Baby Fresh Shampoo helps moisturise and condition your pet’s fur, leaving it soft, shiny, and…
  • PROFESSIONAL QUALITY: Groom Professional is a trusted brand among professional groomers, ensuring that you’re using a high-quality product for your…

Last update on 2024-12-08 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

  • A BRUSH
  • TOWELS
  • A WASHCLOTH
  • EAR CLEANSING SOLUTION – again, speak to your vet before buying any products

How to Bath a Springer Spaniel

Pre-bath

Before any water is involved, it’s best to brush through your springer spaniel’s fur. These dogs have a soft layer of hair underneath their glossy overcoats, and when this gets wet, it can knot and matt together if the fibers aren’t separated first.

In the water

When faced with a tub full of water, some dogs can find it daunting, so you may need to coax your pooch into the bath with a treat or their favorite toy.

Once in the water, wet the spaniel’s fur up to the neckline.

Depending on how thick the coat is, you may have to lift up the overcoat and spray gently underneath to make sure your springer is soaked through – after this; you can gently massage in the shampoo and then rinse it out again with the sprayer.

Approaching your spaniel’s face can be a little bit more tricky, but as long as you are careful, your springer will be fine. Gently wet your dog’s head with water, but don’t get too close to the eyes or ears.

Again, massage shampoo into the fur – if you are worried about this getting into the eyes, then just massage the fur with your hands or comb with the brush and use the water to remove mud and grime instead. You can also use the washcloth to remove sleepy dust from around the eyes.

Ear Care

Arguably, looking after the ears of a springer spaniel is the most important part of bath time. While the long, glossy ears of a spaniel are what makes them so cute, they can also very easily become infected.

If this happens, then ring your vet immediately – tell-tale signs of infection are your dog scratching his ears more than usual or clear or white discharge coming from inside the ear.

Start by wiping the outside of the ear with a damp washcloth, and then turn it inside out and wipe the underneath. Add a few drops (or the amount specified by the bottle or your vet) of the cleansing solution to the inside of the ear and then massage this in – try to get it as far down into the ear canal as possible.

This solution air dries quickly and absorbs any moisture in the process, which is why it is vital to spaniel care.

After cleaning

Lift your dog out of the bath and soak up as much water from the fur as possible. After this, you can either leave your spaniel to air dry or use the blow drier – some dogs love this, and some hate it. It’s all a process of trial and error – just make sure the heat is on the lowest possible setting to avoid burning your springer’s skin.

How Often Should I Bath My Springer Spaniel?

Most dogs will need a deep-clean bath around every three months to stop them from smelling, but they can have quick baths more often if they’ve just been on a muddy walk!

However, you will need to clean your springer spaniel’s ears much more frequently as these can be very easily infected, which can be quite painful for the dog.

Prestige Animal Hospital recommends cleaning your springer’s ears every week, but this doesn’t have to be in the bath – you can just give them a quick wipe and add some cleanser.

Anything to Avoid During Baths?

Springer spaniel bath time isn’t too tricky, so long as you are careful with your dog. That said, there are some things that you should look to avoid when cleaning your springer to keep bath time as smooth running as possible.

  • DON’T SPRAY WATER INTO THE EARS – this is the most important thing to avoid when giving your spaniel a bath, as it can lead to infection. If you’re worried, don’t use a sprayer on the face
  • AVOID COLD WATER – it doesn’t need to be hot, but using lukewarm water will make the process much more comfortable for your dog and should hopefully make them less resistant
  • REMOVE ALL THE SOAP – it is important that all the shampoo is thoroughly removed from your springer’s coat – this could cause grimy build-ups and may also irritate the skin
  • DON’T FORCE YOUR DOG INTO THE TUB – the best way to get your pooch to cooperate is to avoid force – try having the dog in an empty tub and just spraying water, or if this frightens the spaniel, look into professional dog groomers – they can try to ease your dog in and make them less reluctant to water

Final Thoughts

Need to know how to bath a springer spaniel? The fundamentals are to use products that will not irritate your dog’s skin, be calm and gentle if they are afraid of the water, and most importantly, keep your focus on looking after the ears.

Just remember that you can always ask your vet if you have any queries or concerns to do with your springer spaniel.

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.

myspringerspaniel.com

About the author

Latest Posts

  • Adopting a Springer Spaniel vs Buying: What To Consider When Getting a Springer Spaniel

    Adopting a Springer Spaniel vs Buying: What To Consider When Getting a Springer Spaniel

    The Case for Adopting a Springer Spaniel 1. Saving a Life 2. Cost Savings When Adopting a Springer Spaniel 3. Mature Dogs 4. Behavior and Temperament The Case for Buying A Springer Spaniel 1. Predictable Genetics 2. Specific Breed Standards 3. Puppy Socialization 4. Support and Guidance Key Considerations for Adoption Of A Springer Spaniel…

    Read more

  • Do you need to cut a springer spaniel’s nails?

    Do you need to cut a springer spaniel’s nails?

    The English springer spaniel is a very active dog. With regular daily walks, they will likely keep their nails at a suitable length if walking on hard ground such as asphalt or concrete paths.  However, if your springer only ever walks on grass or other soft ground, they may not be wearing the nail down…

    Read more

  • Do Springer Spaniels Have a Double Coat?

    Do Springer Spaniels Have a Double Coat?

    Yes, springer spaniels have a double coat, the springer spaniel breed has a thick, dense coat, and their fur is tight to the body to help them deal with rough and wet conditions. They also have long feathering around their legs, ears, and tail, giving them an almost fluffy appearance at times.  What is a…

    Read more