How to Bathe a Cocker Spaniel Puppy & Clean Its Ears

Dogs don't need baths as often as people do, but sometimes adventurous cocker spaniel puppies get into things they shouldn't. Cocker spaniels were bred as hunting dogs, and most actually enjoy baths. Their job was to take to the water and retrieve fallen ducks for hunters. If you start bathing your cocker spaniel puppy early, she's much less likely to put up a fuss as an adult. This breed's long, floppy ears tend to trap humidity and debris, so keeping ears clean is even more important than keeping the dog clean.

Things You'll Need

  • Dog shampoo
  • Cup
  • Comb
  • Hair dryer (optional)
  • Ear cleaning solution
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Instructions

    • 1

      Fill the bathtub with a few inches of warm water. Don't make the water too hot. Lukewarm is best.

    • 2

      Place the puppy in the bathtub. Cocker spaniels are water dogs, and most love baths. Use a cup to pour water over the puppy's back, being careful not to get water in the puppy's ears.

    • 3

      Squeeze the bottle of dog shampoo over the puppy's back, running it down the spine. Massage the shampoo into the dog's fur until it forms a lather, being careful not get the lather in the dog's eyes. Don't use people shampoo, it's too drying for dogs' skin.

    • 4

      Drain the dirty water out of the tub and rinse the puppy with fresh, clean water from the faucet. Again, be careful the water is not too hot. Test the temperature before you pour it on the dog.

    • 5

      Pour the water over the puppy's back or use a gentle sprayer until the soap suds are gone, then dry the puppy by rubbing him briskly with an old towel.

    • 6

      Comb the puppy's fur out while it is still damp. This allows you to get out any tangles or mats. Once the mats and tangles are out, dry the puppy again with a fresh towel, then give a final combing. Comb the ears from the base of the ear towards the edges.

    • 7

      Obtain a solution for cleaning dogs' ears. You can buy it from your vet, or at the pet store. You can also make your own by mixing a 50/50 solution of white vinegar and rubbing alcohol in a squirt bottle.

    • 8

      Lift the dog's ear flap and gently squirt the solution into the ear canal until it overflows. Release the puppy's ear flap and rub the base of the ear. Repeat for the other side. Dry the skin around the ear opening, but don't stick anything inside.