Spaniel Training and Dog Care

Spaniel Health: Common Issues, Symptoms and Preventative Care

Spaniels are energetic, active dogs — and because they’re curious, people-focused, and often outdoors in long grass, woodland and muddy environments, they can be prone to certain recurring health issues. Some problems are minor and easily managed at home. Others need quick veterinary support.

This health guide is designed to help you understand what’s normal, what isn’t, and what to do next if something seems off. It also links you to the most important health topics for spaniels, including common symptoms, prevention routines, and condition-specific support.

Important: This site provides general guidance for spaniel owners. If you’re worried your dog is in pain, deteriorating quickly, or showing urgent symptoms, contact a vet.

How to use this health section

If you’re here because something has changed (itching, diarrhoea, ear smell, limping, etc.), start by choosing the topic that matches the main symptom.

If you’re here to improve long-term wellbeing, you’ll get the best results by working through:

  • preventative care routines
  • parasite prevention and checks
  • dental care
  • weight and mobility support

Quick symptom check: when to contact a vet urgently

Some symptoms should always be treated as urgent, even if your dog seems “mostly okay”.

Contact a vet urgently if your spaniel has:

  • difficulty breathing or repeated choking/gagging
  • collapse, seizures, or severe weakness
  • pale gums or blue gums
  • repeated vomiting or vomiting + lethargy
  • blood in vomit or stool
  • severe diarrhoea (especially with dehydration)
  • suspected poisoning or ingestion of sharp objects
  • sudden swelling of the face or hives (possible allergic reaction)
  • uncontrolled bleeding or significant injury
  • sudden severe pain, crying out, or inability to stand

For urgent topics, go here:
➡️ Emergency symptoms: /spaniel-health/emergencies/

Browse spaniel health topics

Use the guides below to jump to the right section.

Ear problems and infections

Smelly ears, head shaking, redness, wax build-up, scratching ears
Spaniels are more prone to ear problems due to floppy ears and warm, enclosed ear canals.

➡️ Start here: /spaniel-health/ear-problems/

Skin, itching and allergies

Itchy skin, licking paws, redness, hotspots, flaky skin, seasonal allergy signs
Skin issues are one of the most common reasons spaniel owners visit the vet. The cause can range from parasites to allergies or infection.

➡️ Start here: /spaniel-health/skin-allergies/

Digestion and sensitive stomach

Diarrhoea, vomiting, loose stools, gas, eating grass, food intolerance
Digestive issues are common and often short-lived — but some symptoms need immediate attention.

➡️ Start here: /spaniel-health/digestion/

Fleas, ticks, worms and parasites

Scratching, biting skin, flea dirt, tick bites, worm symptoms
Because spaniels often push through long grass and dense cover, parasite checks are a core health routine.

➡️ Start here: /spaniel-health/parasites/

Joints, mobility and pain

Limping, stiffness, reluctance to jump, slowing down on walks
Mobility issues are not always “old age”. Pain can be subtle and easy to miss — especially in tough, driven dogs.

➡️ Start here: /spaniel-health/joints-mobility/

Eye problems

Redness, discharge, squinting, cloudy eyes, irritation
Eye symptoms should always be treated seriously because problems can deteriorate quickly.

➡️ Start here: /spaniel-health/eye-problems/

Dental care and bad breath

Smelly breath, tartar, gum disease, chewing issues
Dental health impacts overall wellbeing far more than most owners realise, and it’s one of the easiest areas to improve with routine.

➡️ Start here: /spaniel-health/dental-care/

Weight management and healthy body condition

Weight gain, overeating, treat balance, feeding control
Spaniels often love food, and small increases in weight can reduce fitness, energy, and joint comfort.

➡️ Start here: /spaniel-health/weight-management/

Routine vet care and preventative health checks

Vaccines, checkups, long-term prevention, what to monitor at home
Prevention is easier than treatment. This section helps you keep health routines consistent.

➡️ Start here: /spaniel-health/vet-care/

Emergencies and urgent symptoms

Poisoning, heatstroke, seizures, bloat signs, collapse
If your dog is unwell and you’re unsure what to do, start here.

➡️ Start here: /spaniel-health/emergencies/

Common conditions

For information on:

  • ear problems
  • itching/allergies
  • digestion
  • mobility
  • parasites
  • eye issues
  • dental
  • weight

➡️ Visit: /common-conditions/

Preventative care

How to prevent your spaniel developing issues such as:

  • parasites
  • dental care
  • weight management
  • vet care
  • grooming and ear care
  • injury prevention

➡️ Visit: /preventative-care/

Injury prevention

Spaniels are athletic and often run hard, jump, twist, and crash through cover. Injury prevention should be one of your key considerations.

➡️ Visit: /injury-prevention/

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