Spaniel Care and Common Health Concerns: A Practical Guide for UK Owners

Spaniels are a popular and affectionate group of breeds in the UK, from working springer spaniels to the lap-loving Cavalier King Charles. Their friendly nature and often luxuriant coats make them wonderful companions, but different spaniels can be predisposed to particular health and welfare issues. This guide explains common signs to watch for, why you should act, immediate steps to take, when to contact a vet urgently, what a vet may discuss, and useful questions to ask during appointments.

Common health issues in spaniels

• Ear infections and irritation – Drop ears and dense ear hair trap moisture and debris, increasing the risk of infections. Signs include scratching at the ear, redness, brown or black discharge, shaking the head and an unpleasant smell.
• Skin and coat problems – Allergies, hotspots and seborrhoea are common. Look for persistent itching, inflamed skin, scabs, bald patches or greasy fur.
• Orthopaedic conditions – Hip dysplasia and cruciate ligament injuries can affect mobility, causing limping, stiffness after rest and reluctance to jump or climb stairs.
• Eye disease – Spaniels may develop conditions such as cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) or dry eye. Watch for squinting, a cloudy eye, excessive tearing or a change in pupil size.
• Heart disease (especially Cavaliers) – Mitral valve disease is particularly associated with Cavalier King Charles spaniels. Early signs may be subtle, like reduced exercise tolerance or a cough.
• Weight and fitness – Many spaniels enjoy food and can become overweight without appropriate exercise and portion control, which worsens joint and heart health.
• Neurological issues – Some breeds are predisposed to conditions such as syringomyelia (notably Cavaliers). Signs include neck sensitivity, excessive scratching at the neck/shoulders and changes in gait or behaviour.

Why you should act

Early recognition and timely action can prevent discomfort, avoid progression to more serious disease and often reduce treatment complexity and cost. Many conditions that seem minor — such as an ear infection or a skin hotspot — can escalate quickly if untreated. Routine checks and prompt attention help maintain quality of life for your dog.

What to do next: practical first steps

1. Carry out a calm visual check: look for wounds, discharge, swelling, or signs of pain when you gently handle the ears, joints and eyes.
2. Make notes: when symptoms began, any triggers (new food, bathing, recent walks), and any changes in appetite, toileting or behaviour.
3. Reduce potential irritants: avoid bathing with unfamiliar products and prevent your dog from incessantly scratching or rubbing the affected area to minimise trauma.
4. Contact your vet for advice if signs persist, worsen or you are unsure — many practices offer telephone triage or online advice to guide next steps.

When to contact a vet urgently

Contact a vet urgently or attend an emergency clinic if your spaniel shows any of the following:

• Difficulty breathing, collapsed or very weak — immediate emergency care needed.
• Severe bleeding or a deep wound that will not stop with gentle pressure.
• Sudden inability to stand, severe lameness or paralysis — could indicate a serious orthopaedic or neurological problem.
• Continuous vomiting or diarrhoea with signs of dehydration, collapse or blood present.
• Sudden eye injury, bulging eye, or rapid vision loss — urgent assessment required.
• Signs of severe pain such as loud crying, tense posture or unwillingness to move.

What your vet may discuss and consider

At the appointment, the vet will usually take a thorough history and perform a physical examination. They may discuss:

• Detailed symptom timeline and any environmental or dietary changes.
• Diagnostic tests such as ear swabs, skin cytology, blood tests, urine analysis, X-rays, ultrasound, or referral for echocardiography or specialist ophthalmic assessment.
• Management options: medical treatment, parasite control, diet modification, physiotherapy, and when surgical referral might be appropriate.
• Preventive care including vaccination, dental care and weight management plans.
• Potential need for monitoring and follow-up appointments to assess response to treatment.

Practical questions to ask your vet

• What is the most likely cause of these signs, and are there other possibilities?
• What tests do you recommend and why? What will they involve and how quickly will we get results?
• What are the treatment options, and what are the benefits and risks of each?
• How can I manage this at home safely while we wait for the appointment or test results?
• Are there lifestyle, grooming or dietary changes I should make to help prevent recurrence?
• When should I bring my dog back, and what signs would indicate the problem is getting worse?

Everyday care tips for spaniels

• Check and gently clean ears regularly, especially after swimming, using a vet-recommended product when advised.
• Brush frequently to prevent matting and inspect the skin for hotspots or parasites.
• Keep nails trimmed and ensure dental care with regular tooth brushing or professional advice on chews and diets that support dental health.
• Maintain a healthy weight with portion control and regular exercise suited to your dog’s age and breed type.
• Schedule regular vet checks, including breed-specific screens if your dog is predisposed to certain conditions.

FAQ

How often should I check my spaniel’s ears?

Check ears at least once a week for dogs with longer, heavier ears, and more frequently after swimming or muddy walks. Look for redness, discharge, swelling or a strong smell. If you notice anything unusual, contact your vet for advice before using over-the-counter cleaners.

My spaniel is scratching a lot — could it be allergies?

Yes. Persistent itching is commonly caused by allergies (environmental, food or flea-related), parasites or skin infections. A vet can help determine the cause through examination and tests, and recommend a management plan which may include diet changes, flea control and targeted treatment.

Is my spaniel too old for surgery if needed?

Age alone does not rule out surgery. Vets assess overall health using physical exams and blood tests to estimate anaesthetic risk. They will discuss the likely benefits and risks and whether alternative, non-surgical options are suitable.

How can I tell if my spaniel is overweight?

You should be able to feel the ribs with a light covering of fat and see a waist behind the ribs when viewed from above. If you cannot feel the ribs easily or the waist is absent, your dog may be overweight. Your vet can provide a tailored weight-loss plan.

When should I start breed-specific health screening?

Many screening programmes can begin when a dog reaches maturity, often around one to two years depending on the test. Talk to your vet or breeder about recommended screening for hips, eyes and heart for your specific spaniel breed.

If you’re concerned about a symptom now, do not hesitate to seek professional advice. For routine checks or to find a practice near you: Find a vet near you.