Caring for a spaniel involves more than feeding and exercise. Spaniels are active, intelligent dogs with specific physical, mental, and emotional needs. When these needs are met consistently, most common problems — behavioural, health-related, and lifestyle — are significantly reduced.
This guide covers the essential aspects of spaniel care, from daily routines and grooming to feeding, exercise, and long-term wellbeing. It is designed to help owners provide structured, practical care throughout every stage of a spaniel’s life.
Explore Spaniel Care: Use the guides below to find the exact help you need — from feeding and grooming to home routines and travel.
Common care problems: If you’re dealing with a specific day-to-day issue, start with one of these guides.
- My spaniel won’t settle or sleep properly
- Toileting accidents and house training
- Why my spaniel keeps peeing indoors
- Car travel sickness (vomiting in the car)
- Whining or anxiety in the car
- Won’t jump into the car anymore
- Mud, sore paws and outdoor paw care
- Nails too long (how short should they be?)
- Best shampoo and bathing products
- How often you should bathe a spaniel
- Choosing the right bed for comfort and sleep
- Keeping your house clean with a spaniel
What “Care” Means for Spaniels
Care sits between training and welfare.
- Training teaches skills and behaviours
- Welfare focuses on quality of life and ethical needs
- Care is the day-to-day management that supports both
- Health – Keeping your spaniel healthy
Good care prevents many future problems. Poor care, even unintentionally, often leads to frustration, ill health, or behavioural issues.
Daily Care Requirements for Spaniels
Spaniels thrive on routine. A predictable structure helps regulate energy levels, behaviour, and emotional stability.
Daily care includes:
- Appropriate exercise
- Mental stimulation
- Feeding and nutrition
- Grooming checks
- Rest and sleep
Consistency is more important than perfection.
Feeding and Nutrition
Feeding plays a major role in a spaniel’s health, coat condition, energy levels, and behaviour.
How Much Should a Spaniel Eat?
The amount depends on:
- Age
- Size and breed
- Activity level
- Type of food
Overfeeding is a common issue in spaniels, who are often food-motivated and prone to weight gain.
Types of Diets
Spaniels can thrive on a variety of diets if balanced correctly:
- Dry food
- Wet food
- Raw or fresh diets
- Home-cooked meals (with guidance)
Consistency and portion control matter more than brand choice.
Feeding Routines
Best practice includes:
- Feeding at consistent times
- Measuring portions accurately
- Adjusting intake based on workload
- Monitoring weight regularly
Feeding routines also support calm behaviour.
Exercise and Physical Care
Spaniels are active dogs bred to work.
Exercise Needs
Most adult spaniels need:
- Daily structured walks
- Opportunities to run safely
- Purposeful activity, not just free roaming
Exercise should be appropriate to age and fitness level.
Over-Exercise vs Under-Exercise
Both can cause problems.
- Under-exercise may lead to restlessness and destructive behaviour
- Over-exercise can cause fatigue, injury, or over-arousal
Balance is key.
Grooming and Coat Care
Spaniel coats require regular maintenance.
Brushing
Regular brushing:
- Prevents matting
- Reduces shedding
- Keeps skin healthy
Frequency depends on coat type and lifestyle.
Bathing
Bathing should be:
- Occasional, not excessive
- Done with dog-appropriate products
- Followed by thorough drying
Over-bathing can damage the skin and coat.
Ear Care
Spaniels are particularly prone to ear issues.
Routine ear care includes:
- Regular checks
- Keeping ears dry
- Early attention to redness or odour
Preventative care is far easier than treatment.
Nail, Teeth, and General Maintenance
Basic maintenance is often overlooked.
Nails
Long nails can:
- Affect movement
- Cause discomfort
- Lead to joint issues
Regular trimming or natural wear is essential.
Dental Care
Dental health impacts overall health.
Good practice includes:
- Regular tooth brushing
- Dental chews where appropriate
- Routine checks
Rest and Sleep
Spaniels need more rest than many owners expect.
Adequate rest:
- Improves behaviour
- Supports recovery
- Prevents over-arousal
A spaniel that cannot settle is often overtired, not under-exercised.
Caring for Spaniels at Different Life Stages
Care needs change over time.
Puppy Care
Puppies require:
- Frequent rest
- Gentle exercise
- Careful feeding
- Positive handling
Overdoing activity at this stage can cause long-term issues.
Adult Care
Adult spaniels need:
- Balanced routines
- Consistent exercise
- Ongoing mental stimulation
- Weight management
Senior Care
Older spaniels benefit from:
- Adjusted exercise
- Joint support
- Regular health checks
- Increased comfort
Ageing is gradual and should be supported proactively.
Home Environment and Care
The home environment directly affects care.
Important factors include:
- Safe resting areas
- Clear routines
- Calm handling
- Appropriate boundaries
A well-managed home reduces stress and confusion.
Preventative Care and Monitoring
Good care is preventative.
Owners should regularly monitor:
- Weight
- Coat condition
- Ears and eyes
- Energy levels
- Appetite
Small changes often signal developing issues.
When Care Issues Become Health or Behaviour Issues
Many problems labelled as “health” or “behaviour” begin as care issues.
Examples include:
- Weight gain from overfeeding
- Ear infections from poor drying
- Restlessness from lack of rest
- Reactivity from overstimulation
Care is the foundation that supports both health and behaviour.
Related Guides
- /spaniel-health/ – medical conditions and prevention
- /spaniel-behaviour/ – understanding behavioural responses
- /spaniel-welfare/ – quality of life and ethical care
Each explores its area in greater depth.
Final Thoughts on Spaniel Care
Good spaniel care is about consistency, awareness, and balance. When owners understand what their spaniel needs day to day, problems are easier to prevent and dogs are more settled, healthy, and content.
Care is not complicated, but it must be deliberate. With structured routines and attentive management, spaniels thrive as energetic, affectionate companions.