When you bring your Cocker Spaniel puppy home, you’re probably thinking waggy tails, silky ears and boundless enthusiasm. Not vet visits. The good news is that most health issues in young Cockers are mild and get better quickly with the right care. Many problems are even preventable with good parasite control, vaccination and safety-checking your puppy’s environment.

This guide is written by our team of vets to help you spot common health issues early, prevent avoidable problems and understand when it’s time to seek veterinary advice. It’ll help you keep your adorable little companion happy, healthy and up for their next adventure.

1. Parasites

Cocker Spaniel puppies are curious, sociable and love exploring with their noses (and often their mouths!). Unfortunately, that makes them more likely to pick up parasites, outdoors or inside.

Common parasites:

• Worms: Roundworms, hookworms, tapeworms and whipworms; may cause diarrhoea, vomiting or a pot-bellied appearance.

• Fleas: Cause itching and may trigger the skin allergies that Cockers are prone to.

• Ticks: Attach to the skin and can carry dangerous infections.

• Ear mites: Particularly problematic in floppy-eared breeds like Cockers.

Treatment
Your vet can advise a safe parasite protection plan, based on your puppy’s habits and lifestyle. Keep bedding clean, check their coat after walks and keep an eye on those long ears. Warm, dark ear canals are a mite paradise.

2. Ear infections

If there’s one thing Cocker Spaniels are known for (besides their charm, of course), it’s their ears. Those gorgeous, long, silky ears, unfortunately, also trap warmth and moisture. Sadly, ear infections are extremely common.

Warning signs:

• Scratching, rubbing, or shaking their head

• Red, swollen or smelly ears

• Dark wax or discharge

• Yelping, snapping or jerking away if ears are touched

Treatment
Most infections respond well to vet-prescribed ear drops. Your vet can show you how to safely clean your puppy’s ears. Regular cleaning and drying their ears after swimming or baths can help prevent ear infections from recurring.

3. Tummy upsets

Cocker Spaniel puppies can be ‘enthusiastic’ eaters and not averse to a bit of scavenging. From gobbling up leftovers to sampling ‘interesting’ things on the ground, they can easily get upset tummies.

Symptoms:

• Vomiting or diarrhoea

• Discomfort: restlessness or a hunched posture

• Eating less

• Tiredness and lack of energy

Treatment
Mild tummy upsets usually get better on a few days of small, bland meals. Avoid making sudden changes in their diet and keep a close eye on what your pup might eat outdoors. Cockers do love snuffling for dubious ‘treasures’. Seek urgent veterinary help if your puppy keeps on being sick, has blood in their vomit or stools or seems to be in pain.

4. Parvovirus

Parvo is a serious, life-threatening virus affecting puppies of all breeds.

Symptoms:

• Severe, often bloody diarrhoea

• Vomiting

• Not eating or drinking

• Lethargy and collapse

Treatment
Puppies with Parvovirus need urgent hospital treatment. Prevention is far easier than a cure. Vaccination offers the best protection, so keep your puppy’s jabs up to date and follow your vet’s advice on mixing safely with other dogs.

5. Respiratory infections (Kennel Cough)

Cocker Spaniels are social butterflies who love meeting new dogs, which means they’ll easily pick up respiratory infections (‘coughs and colds’).

Warning signs:

• A persistent, hacking cough

• Sneezing and/or nasal discharge

• Eating less

• Lethargy, sleeping more

Treatment
Mild cases usually get better with rest and supportive care. Some puppies do need prescription medication. Vaccination helps reduce the likelihood and severity of Kennel Cough.

6. Skin problems and allergies

Cockers have beautiful coats. But they can also have sensitive skin. They are more prone to allergies than many other breeds, especially as they age.

Warning signs:

• Itching or chewing at their skin

• Developing red patches or rashes

• Hair loss or bald patches

• Flaky or scabby skin

Treatment
Treatment depends on the specific cause, but may include creams, oral medication, medicated shampoos or parasite control. Early identification and treatment keep your puppy comfortable and stop things from getting worse.

Care tip!
Brush your Cocker Spaniel puppy regularly. Their thick coat can trap dirt, debris, burrs, grass seeds and moisture. All of which are common triggers for skin irritation!

7. Injuries

Cocker Spaniel puppies are playful, energetic and often delightfully clumsy. Zoomies or a sudden sprint can result in bumps, sprains and the occasional limp.

Symptoms of concern:

• Limping or not putting weight on a leg

• Swelling or bruising

• Crying out or snapping when touched

Treatment
Minor sprains and injuries may be managed at home with rest and monitoring. But seek help from a vet if your pup seems in pain, if their limping doesn't improve within 24 hours or if they’re not taking any weight on a limb.

Care tip!
Cockers’ high energy and excitable nature mean they’ll tend to overdo things. Short, frequent bursts of play are better for growing joints than long walks.

Breed-Specific Problems to Keep in Mind

Eye conditions

Cocker Spaniels can be prone to eye problems such as “cherry eye,” dry eye (KCS), and cataracts. Contact a vet if you notice your puppy:

• Has red or cloudy eyes

• Is squinting

• Has discharge from one or both eyes

Behaviour

Cocker Spaniels are known for being affectionate, intelligent, and sometimes, well … ‘selectively obedient’. Gentle, reward-based training from day one helps channel their enthusiasm and prevent stubborn habits.

Q&A: Common Puppy Concerns

Q: How often should my Cocker Spaniel puppy see the vet?
A: After their initial vaccinations (8–12 weeks), most vets recommend a 6-month check to assess growth, weight, teeth, behaviour, ears, and overall development.

Q: When should I seek emergency care?
A: Seek urgent help if your puppy has: severe vomiting, bloody diarrhoea and/or vomiting, difficulty breathing, collapsed or signs of severe pain.

Tips for Success

• Monitor daily: check their appetite, stools, behaviour, and the condition of their ears and coat.

• Preventive care: Stay up-to-date with vaccines, parasite treatment, grooming and dental care.

• Protect their environment: Puppy-proof your home, provide safe toys, and supervise play.

• Create a routine: Consistent feeding, training and toilet breaks help your puppy behave well and feel secure.

• Trust your vet: Early advice will help stop minor issues from becoming big ones. Especially ear and skin problems.

Join us next month as we explore how much exercise and sleep your growing Cocker Spaniel really needs. From energetic zoomies to essential downtime, we’ll guide you through creating the perfect daily routine for your playful, silky-eared companion.