How to Bathe Cocker Spaniels

Cocker spaniels are beautiful dogs that make good family pets. The high energy dogs were originally bred as hunting aids to flush out and retrieve game. They have dense wavy coats that require frequent brushing and long floppy ears that are prone to becoming infected. The dogs need to be bathed every several weeks as part of their normal grooming routine.

Things You'll Need

  • brush
  • cup
  • canine shampoo
  • canine conditioner
  • cotton balls
  • bland eye ointment
  • water
  • ear cleaning solution
  • towels
  • blow dryer
  • scissors
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Instructions

  1. Preparing You Cocker Spaniel For His Bath

    • 1

      Brush the cocker spaniel well before bathing to loosen any dirt or tangles in his fur. Place a cotton ball in each of its ears to prevent water from getting into the ear canal and causing an infection. Apply a bland eye ointment all around his eyes to prevent soap from getting in them and causing discomfort.

    • 2

      Fill a bathtub or sink with an inch of warm water. Place the dog into the tub and use a cup to saturate its coat with water. Apply a mild dog shampoo to its back and beginning at the head work the shampoo into a lather. Gently rub the skin on the entire body including legs, tail and the pads of its feet until it is completely soapy. Allow the shampoo to sit in the fur for a minute then thoroughly rinse it off with clean warm water.

    • 3

      Apply a high quality conditioner to the spaniel's wet fur. Work the conditioner into the coat using your fingers to separate any tangles. Leave the conditioner on for several minutes then rinse it out using clean warm water. Rinse the fur several times to ensure no soap or conditioner remains.

    • 4

      Remove the cotton balls from the dog's ears. Completely fill the ear canal with ear cleaning solution and rub the base of his ears to work it in. Hold the dog's head still for at least one minute to prevent it from shaking it and expelling the solution from its ears. Wipe the eye ointment off with a soft clean cloth.

    • 5

      Briskly rub its fur with a towel until it is slightly damp. Use a blow dryer on the cool or warm setting to complete the drying process. Brush its coat as you blow dry to prevent tangles. Trim the fur around the eyes, ears and paws.