Like humans, each dog is individual and will have different needs according to the different stages of their life & their health. Here are some simple basics to help keep your spaniel fit & healthy in both body & mind.
Quality Diet
A well-balanced diet is crucial for your spaniel’s well-being and demeanour. Food should be well balanced to support the immune system, promote good vitality & support any existing digestive issues.
Exercise & Training
This will be proportionate to the breed, age & physical ability of your dog. Springers happily enjoy several hours off lead exercise a day while smaller or older spaniels may only require shorter & more frequent walks. Where you can, mix things up – sniffy walks, woodland walks, open fields while incorporating a few minutes of simple training too. Training sessions should be short & always end on a good note – if your dog is not getting it, consider changing the way you train it. Please do ensure your dog has responsive recall before letting them off their lead.
Enrichment
Spaniels are intelligent dogs and like to have their minds occupied as well as their bodies exercised. Dogs need to be both helping &/or doing to keep them happy. Engaging with toys with you, snuffle mats & puzzle games can be used. You can set up your own challenges for your dog – by them sniffing out treats at home or finding an article in one of several boxes – be prepared to supply new boxes too! Spaniels love to seek out their owners too if you can involve a family member or friend to play hide & seek. Playing with another dog gives most dogs great pleasure – but don’t worry if your dog is not the playing type – find something that works for them & engages their brain as well as their body.
Veterinary Care
Please register your new dog as soon as possible with your preferred vet. Dogs should have access to good veterinary treatment as it may be required.
Preventative care should be discussed with your vet too eg vaccination programme, worming & defleaing etc. You may consider joining your vet’s Health Scheme to help spread the cost.
Insurance
Once you have adopted from SCSR we highly recommend you consider insuring your dog. There are two options – cover for vet bills &/or Public Liability which should be your basic cover.
You may have cover on your household insurance for public liability for your dog but you will need to check. Alternatively, The Dogs Trust provide PL Insurance at £25 per year for up to four pets – this is called Companion Club and more details can be found here together with additional benefits.
