Cocker spaniels are great dogs. Whether your Cocker is a pet or working dog, you’ll know just what great companions and friends they are.
There is one thing about spaniels though, and Cockers are experts at this, – the matter of getting dirty and smelly.
When we think about ‘cleaning our Cocker spaniel‘ just what is the best shampoo for Cocker spaniels? In our experience the best shampoo for your Cocker will be one that removes grease and grime and leaves your dog smelling clean and fresh.
The best shampoo will be gentle on his skin and coat without causing irritation or dryness.
Our favourite dog shampoo
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The importance of bathing your dog
Looking after a Cocker spaniel is not difficult, like all dogs as long as they have a safe home, place to sleep, water, daily exercise and stimulation, they are happy dogs that are keen to please their owners.
As a Cocker spaniel parent one of the biggest challenges that you are likely to face is keeping your Cocker clean. They love mud and enjoy getting wet and dirty.
There are many dog cleaning products available and we will look at the most popular, the ones that we have used and the shampoos that you should consider for bathing and washing your spaniel.
How often should I bathe my Cocker spaniel?
Many people bathe their Cockers too often, which can lead to skin complaints such as dryness, itching and rashes.
The reality is that you only really need to bath a Cocker spaniel when he either gets really dirty or smelly and, at the most frequent, no more than once a month.
Often you will be able to rinse your spaniel off, with a hosepipe or bucket of clean, warm water – to remove dirt and mud. You should not be excessive with soap or shampoo as this can dry his coat and cause problems.
Give your spaniel a rinse off with clean water and towel him down and you will keep his coat in good condition. Only bathe him when he needs it.
Our 5 favourite shampoos for Cocker spaniels
There are lots of shampoos available for Cocker spaniels and finding the right one for your dog can be tricky without lots of checking and research.
We’ve outlined our top 5 favourite shampoos for Cocker Spaniels here to help you to decide which one will suit your spaniel the best.
C&G Pets Dog Shampoo
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This shampoo uses a simple holistic approach with natural organic oils and beneficial essential oils to achieve gentle cleaning, moisturizing, and conditioning of your dog’s skin and coat.
The shampoo provides a completely non-toxic and safe cleaning that allows their own natural oils to help regulate their skin’s health.
A fully organic, veterinarian recommended shampoo, which contains no artificial additves or oils which will gently clean and moisturise your dog’s skin and coat.
Veterinary Formula Clinical Care
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With an easy treatment regimen of shampooing 2-3 times per week initially and then less frequently as skin improves, you can give your pet relief from hair loss, flaking skin, red skin rashes, inflamed scalp, greasy or waxy skin, itching, thick crusted skin, foul odor, ear infections, and hot spots.
Your dog will feel fast acting relief from skin infections and you will notice that your dog’s skin is calmer, less inflamed and the itching is controlled.
You can get more information about this dog shampoo here on Amazon.
Oatmeal Dog Shampoo
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Soothing Oatmeal Shampoo For Dogs with Aloe Vera for anti shedding, anti dandruff Dog Shampoo.
Will Make bath time a delight – The Relaxing Moisturizing Cucumber Essence and Ripe Melon Extract Scented Aroma Will Be Calming & Relaxing For Both You and Your Puppies
K9-Max Cruelty Free Deodorizing Dog Shampoo also has a whitening effect for white dogs – and brings out the natural hair color for all other pets colors and is great for fine or coarse doggie hair types.
K9 Pro tearless dander free odor eliminating non toxic formula works great for dogs large and small and all breeds.
You can find this skin calming shampoo here on Amazon.
Belly organic dog shampoo
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All-natural and hypoallergenic soap/shampoo/conditioner/lotion with anti-bacterial & anti-fungal treatment which to helps protect your dog from itching, shedding, fleas, yeast, & allergies.
ZERO harmful chemicals.
Oatmeal cookie scent which keeps smells at bay, this shampoo is vet endorsed and is ideal for all breeds of spaniels and other medium sized dogs.
Burt’s Bees Natural Oatmeal Shampoo for Dogs
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This is another great product from Burt’s Bees who provide care products for both humans and pets.
This dog shampoo contains honey and colloidal oat flour which soothes, softens and conditions a dog’s coat and skin to clean and nourish in a natural manner.
The shampoo is suitable for dogs of all ages including puppies and is produced from 100% natural ingredients to ensure the wellbeing of your dog.
This is a recommended veterinarian formula and is free from perfumes, colorants, sulfates and other harmful chemicals.
How to give your Cocker spaniel a fluffy coat
Make sure that you brush your Cocker to remove dead and dry hair and that when you do wash him that you use a suitable dog shampoo that will not dry his skin and coat.
Whenever you get your Cocker spaniel trimmed, either by a professional or at home by yourself, do not use clippers on his coat.
If you use clippers and shear him then his coat will grow back wiry and stiff, you will lose that glossy sheen that he once had and will not be able to get it back.
So, to keep your Cocker spaniel’s coat in the best and most glossy condition only ever cut it with scissors, and make sure that your groomer ( if you use one ) knows this and does the same.
FAQs
What is the best shampoo for Cocker Spaniels?
The best shampoo for Cocker Spaniels is one that is specifically formulated for their unique coat and skin needs. Look for shampoos that are gentle, hypoallergenic, and moisturizing.
Can I use any shampoo on my Cocker Spaniel?
It is not recommended to use just any shampoo on a Cocker Spaniel. Their skin can be sensitive, and using harsh or inappropriate shampoos can cause irritation or dryness. Use a shampoo specifically designed for dogs, preferably one tailored for Cocker Spaniels.
How often should I bathe my Cocker Spaniel?
Cocker Spaniels generally require regular bathing every 4 to 6 weeks. However, excessive bathing can strip their coat of natural oils, so it’s important not to overdo it. Adjust the frequency based on your dog’s specific needs and consult your veterinarian if unsure.
Are there any specific ingredients to look for in a shampoo for Cocker Spaniels?
Look for shampoos that contain natural ingredients such as oatmeal, aloe vera, or chamomile. These ingredients can soothe the skin and provide nourishment for your Cocker Spaniel’s coat.
Should I use a conditioner after shampooing my Cocker Spaniel?
Using a conditioner after shampooing can help keep your Cocker Spaniel’s coat soft, smooth, and tangle-free. Look for a conditioner that is specifically formulated for dogs, and make sure to rinse it thoroughly.
Can I use human shampoo on my Cocker Spaniel?
No, it is not recommended to use human shampoo on Cocker Spaniels. Human shampoos are formulated for human hair and can be too harsh for a dog’s sensitive skin and coat.
How can I choose the right shampoo for my Cocker Spaniel’s specific needs?
Consider factors such as your Cocker Spaniel’s skin sensitivity, coat condition, and any specific issues like dryness or allergies. Consult your veterinarian or a professional groomer for recommendations based on your dog’s individual requirements.
Are there any shampoos that can help with Cocker Spaniel’s specific skin issues?
Yes, there are shampoos available that target specific skin issues like dryness, itchiness, or allergies. Look for shampoos with ingredients like oatmeal, tea tree oil, or hydrocortisone to address these concerns.
Should I avoid shampoos with strong fragrances for my Cocker Spaniel?
Yes, it’s generally recommended to avoid shampoos with strong fragrances for Cocker Spaniels. Their sensitive noses may be overwhelmed by strong scents, and some fragrances may even cause allergic reactions. Opt for shampoos with mild or natural scents instead.
Can I bathe my Cocker Spaniel puppy with the same shampoo as an adult Cocker Spaniel?
It’s best to use a puppy-specific shampoo for Cocker Spaniel puppies, as their skin is more delicate and their coat has different needs compared to adult dogs. Puppy shampoos are formulated to be gentle and safe for young dogs.
Final Words
If you want your Cocker spaniel to have a great coat and skin then the best way to do this is to limit the amount of times that you bathe him.
Having a bath is not a natural event for a spaniel and you will help him to avoid skin complaints if you keep him clean with fresh water and/or natural product based dog shampoos.
Only use shampoos that are approved for dogs and resist the temptation to use human hair products as these are not always suitable for your dog’s skin and coat.
