Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Dogs

PawTracks may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

8 useful tips for grooming your cocker spaniel

Gabrielle LaFrank
By

When it comes to cocker spaniel care, grooming is one of the most complex pieces. With their long coats and predisposition to skin issues, this breed requires more bathing, brushing, and trimming than others. It’s no wonder dog-show spaniels always look so neat and elegant!

Grooming your cocker spaniel at home might sound daunting, but it can be done. Here are a few tips and tricks to help you get started, but with the right tools and a positive outlook, you and your pup will figure it out. Having a few treats on hand doesn’t hurt, either!

a white and brown cocker spaniel stands, tongue out, in the grass in the sunshine
Eudyptula/Shutterstock

Comb your spaniel’s fur daily (yes, daily)

The key to keeping your cocker spaniel’s fur soft and tangle-free is consistent combing and brushing. Although every three days is the minimum frequency for effective brushing, daily care is the only guaranteed way to keep your pup’s long coat nice and neat. If your cocker spaniel has a “traditional” or “best in show” haircut, their extra-lengthy “skirt” will pick up dust, dirt, and anything else they walk over throughout the day.

Recommended Videos

Invest in both a comb and a brush

While a slicker brush feels lovely on the skin and coat, it won’t really help untangle mats and knots. Consequently, you should invest in a high-quality metal-pin dog comb with fine or medium-spaced teeth. Some dog grooming tools have bristles on one side and pins on the other, so you’ll need only one brush for every step of grooming.

Don’t comb through mats and tangles

While brushing, you’re bound to run into a few knots that need to be coaxed out of your pup’s coat, and although you may be tempted to, it’s best not to brush right through tangles. Instead, use your metal-pin comb to gently pick through mats beginning at the ends of the fur and working your way up toward the skin.

O_Lypa/Shutterstock

A high-quality shampoo will help

Because cocker spaniels are at high risk for skin sensitivity (thanks to their thick coats), a shampoo with gentle ingredients might help avoid any itching or discomfort. Shampoos with colloidal oatmeal are known for their skin-protecting properties, though a moisturizing conditioner will make a world of difference in your cocker spaniel’s coat health.

Don’t be afraid to try a few different formulas to see what works best for your dog. Since you’ll be bathing him so frequently, your soap options really do make a difference.

When you think you’re done rinsing, rinse again

If you have thick hair, you’ll be familiar with this struggle. For the same reason you should carefully select your cocker spaniel’s shampoo and conditioner, you should also be sure to rinse off the soap as thoroughly as you can. Any residue, even from gentle ingredients, can irritate the skin as it sits beneath a thick coat of fur, probably gathering dirt along with it.

While combs can also help remove dirt, dry skin, and shampoo residue, your dog will be much comfier if you nip the problem in the bud by rinsing thoroughly in the first place. Not only does it help wash out all soapy particles, but it also removes any excess oil that your cocker spaniel’s skin may be carrying (via Rau Animal Hospital).

Wash and groom your cocker’s ears with extra care

Because of their predisposition toward skin sensitivities, cockers are also prone to ear infections. Your best chance to keep this in line is to learn how to properly wash your dog’s ears, both inside and outside, though you should check the status of each ear during bathing at a minimum. You can always leave this step to a professional cocker spaniel groomer if you prefer.

The skin of your pup’s ears is delicate and thin, so even combing can cause injury if done carelessly. Use your metal-pin comb to gently pick apart any knots, tangles, and mats, though you shouldn’t do anything to an ear that looks like it may be infected.

a blonde cocker spaniel with curly ears and red plaid pajamas looks up and past the camera
RODNAE Productions/Pexels

Find a professional for your cocker’s haircuts

Since cocker spaniels require such frequent, high-quality grooming (including bathing, brushing, and haircuts), it will be worth your time to find a professional groomer who meets your needs. Look for someone with experience grooming cocker spaniels, since this breed has so many specific needs, especially if you want a more traditional haircut for your pup. Not just anyone can do it!

Have a consistent grooming schedule

Most importantly, whatever you do for your cocker spaniel’s grooming, make sure to do it regularly. Skipping a day of brushing can result in multiple mats and tangles, so you can imagine what might happen if your pup misses his coveted grooming appointment. Plus, bathing and brushing your dog is a great way to bond, so why not make a routine of it?

Whether you choose to DIY your cocker spaniel’s coat care, or you have a groomer you know and love, keeping these few things in mind will ensure your dog stays healthy, cool, and luxuriously soft. It takes a bit of time and patience, but your pup will surely thank you.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Gabrielle LaFrank
Gabrielle LaFrank
Contributor
Gabrielle LaFrank has written for sites such as Psych2Go, Elite Daily, and, currently, PawTracks. When she's not writing, you…
The best ways to pet your dog to show them how much you care
There's a right way to pet your dog. Here's what you need to know
A man's hand pets the head of a shepherd dog

There are a hundred ways to make a dog happy, from delicious treats to epic playtime. Pets, scratches, and belly rubs almost always make the top of the list, too  -- but did you know there are particular ways to pet your dog to show them how much you love them?
In this article, you’ll learn how to pet your dog -- what tricks and techniques to use to relax them, what spots to avoid, and how to keep everyone comfy and happy. Of course, every dog has their own likes and dislikes, so it’s important to pay attention to your fur baby’s body language and behavior during your massage sessions.
This is what you need to know.

How to pet your dog to show them you love them
In general, most pups are just happy to get some attention from their favorite person, but there are a few specific things you can do to make your next pamper sesh a little more special.

Read more
Off-leash dog training is easy if you follow these 5 tips
These tips will make this process smoother
Puppy learning to heel

We’re going out on a limb here, but it’s safe to say that if you’ve ever caught the look on a dog’s face when he’s running off leash at the dog park, you’ve caught a glimpse of what pure bliss looks like.

As a pet parent, it’s only natural to want to see that expression more often. And, without disparaging the leashed walk around the neighborhood, your dog would probably tell you he’d prefer being off leash more often. Is that possible, given local leash laws and all the mischief your untethered pet can get himself into? Perhaps, if he is well trained.

Read more
The smartest dog breeds: Yours might not be as intelligent as you think
These smart dog breeds are at the top of the canine class
german shepherd in grass

Your dog is like a furry child, and no one wants to believe their kid isn't one of the brightest pupils in the classroom. But, just like with human children, not all dogs excel in academic pursuits. Every dog has its own unique personality, but there are several defining characteristics commonly found in certain breeds.

Some breeds, like French bulldogs, are natural entertainers known for their playfulness. Others, like Great Danes, are sturdy and dignified. Yet other breeds are known for their intelligence. Have you ever wondered, "Which breeds are the smartest dog breeds in the world?" Is your dog on the list? The results might surprise you. 

Read more