My Cocker Spaniel – Page 40 – Cocker spaniel news, information, media, and online community

Protecting your cocker spaniel from dog attacks

There is no chance of your cocker spaniel winning a fight against a pit bull. In fact, your cocker spaniel will probably be seriously injured or even die. I’ve read story after story of cocker spaniels being killed by loose pit bulls. Tragically, a woman in Ohio was attacked and lost her beloved cocker spaniel to pit bulls last Friday. Take a few precautions the next time you’re out with your pet.

Bring a cell phone with you in case of emergencies. You can call for help (911) if you’re attacked. Have your veterinarian’s number stored in your phone in case your cocker is injured.

Carry a stick, umbrella or pepper spray to fend off an attack. I carry pepper spray on a wrist key holder. It’s always there on my wrist and fits naturally in my hand. If you use pepper spray be mindful where you point it and realize you may spray yourself and your pet in the process (see first aid). If the attacking dog is sprayed please contact the owner or authorities so that the dog can receive first aid.

While you’re out with your cocker spaniel always be vigilant for loose dogs. If you see a loose dog walk the other way without drawing attention to yourself–hopefully it hasn’t seen you or your cocker spaniel. If the loose dog approaches yell no! Yelling “No!” may be enough stop him. Make sure your cocker is at your side to protect him. If possible, pick your cocker up and hold him in your arms–the aggressing dog can’t attack your cocker if he can’t reach him. From this position you can kick the attacking dog or pepper spray him if necessary.

Disclaimer: This article is for your information only. Use your own judgment.

Pit bulls attack woman and kill cocker spaniel

A seventy-year-old woman and her cocker spaniel were brutally attacked in their own yard in Rootstown, Ohio. Marie Hustead was in her front yard around 7:30 a.m. last Friday morning walking her two-year-old cocker spaniel Lucky when she noticed two pit bulls (American Staffordshire terriers) across the street. She lost sight of them for a brief instant. The next thing she saw was Lucky being savagely attacked by both pit bulls. Hustead screamed, “They’re killing my dog, help him!” Desperately, she attempted to force them off Lucky when they began attacking her. Hustead was bitten multiple times before she ran inside her house retrieving a Swivel Sweeper. Unfortunately, the sweeper was of no use against the pit bulls.

By this time neighbor Vicky Spriggel heard the screams and came after the pit bulls with a log. She managed to chase them away. The pit bulls ran back to their home on Greenwood Road. Paramedics came and took Hustead to Robinson Memorial Hospital for treatment. Hustead believes she has between 20 – 40 stitches in both her hands and left arm.

Meanwhile, Lucky was taken by a neighbor to a local veterinary hospital and placed in critical care on a ventilator. After the vet explained the extent of Lucky’s internal injuries, Hustead made the difficult decision of putting Lucky down fearing he would suffer. “Yesterday I couldn’t stop crying, trying to come to terms with my little doggie…That was the best dog I ever had, the most loving. I couldn’t believe it happened that quick.”

Hustead had no idea pit bulls were in her neighborhood. Their owners had recently moved into town. “If we did know I would have been cautious,” says Hustead. Hustead says her neighbors with small children and pets are now afraid.

Cocker breeder prosecuted under new puppy mill law

Rescued Missouri Cocker Spaniel — Cocker rescued from puppy mill. Photo Humane Society of Missouri Lawrence County

Cocker spaniel breeder Linda Brisco, owner of Moser Kennel, was the first prosecuted under Missouri’s new [Puppy Mill] Canine Cruelty Prevention Act. The new law was also known as Proposition B approved by voters last year.

Brisco’s kennel was raided on June 28th for inhumane conditions she kept her dogs including failing to provide veterinary care for sick and injured dogs. State inspectors said they couldn’t see the kennel’s floor because it was covered with a thick layer of feces. Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster says Brisco routinely used a shotgun to euthanize her dogs.

Seventy-three dogs were taken from Brisco’s kennel including cocker spaniels, Labradors, and other breeds. They are receiving medical care at the Humane Society of Missouri Lawrence County. Kostner says she will be unable to breed dogs for six years in a judgement handed down by the court.

Many Missouri breeders opposed Proposition B including Joe Overlease, president of the Professional Kennel Club of Missouri, claiming it denies Americans their rights and “lowers animal care standards.” Overlease owns a large scale operation called C & J Cockers which was cited last year for overcrowding and inadequate shelter.

Attorney General Chris Koster wants to rid Missouri’s reputation as a puppy mill state. “It is our goal that Missouri will gain the reputation as the state with the best and most humane breeders in the country.”

Cocker grooming: The bare essentials

If you want to keep your cocker spaniel healthy then a minimum amount of grooming is necessary. You’ll need to bathe your cocker spaniel as needed to keep the skin and hair clean. How often you bath your cocker will vary depending on environment and activity. You’ll also need to keep your cocker’s hair free from tangles and mats. Mats hold moisture and may cause skin breakdown underneath. Brush using a slicker brush. How often you brush your cocker will also vary with activity, environment, and especially length of hair.

There’s a few places to pay particular attention including the paws, ears, and the mouth. It is important to keep the paw pads and nails trimmed to prevent slipping. This is especially true with older cockers and those with joint problems. Slipping due to excess hair and untrimmed nails can cause further injury in a cocker with a preexisting injury or joint problem. Scissor the pads to remove excess hair. You should clearly see the pads when you’re done. Your vet or groomer can trim the nails. You may also trim the nails after receiving proper instructions from your vet or groomer.

The ears must also be trimmed to prevent infections. Cocker spaniels are prone to ear infections because their long floppy ears trap moisture. Trimming the hair on the inner surface of the ears as well as around the temples will prevent trapping of excess moisture. Use clippers for the area around the ears. Always run the clippers in the direction the hair lays.

Cockers need their teeth brushed just like humans. The frequency varies from dog to dog. Your goal is to eliminate mouth odor, prevent tartar, and maintain healthy looking gums. You can use a regular tooth brush (without toothpaste) and brush as you would your own teeth. Even a wet wash cloth can do. Wrap a moist wash cloth around your finger and rub the teeth and gums. There are also brushes you can obtain at a pet store.

Some cocker spaniels have folds in their lower lips that hold moisture and make trimming difficult. Excess hair in these folds may cause infection. Using a wash cloth as needed can keep these areas clean. You can also manipulate the folds with your fingers to clip hidden hair. Use care not to nick the delicate skin of the lips with your clippers.

Another area that may need trimming is the anus. This will vary case by case but realize excess hair may cause hygiene problems. Again, clip in the same direction the hair lays. You may also clean the anus as needed with a wash cloth or disposable baby wipes.

Grooming Summary:

Trim the paw pads and nails
Trim the inside of the ears and around the ears
Brush the teeth
Trim and clean the mouth skin folds (if needed)
Trim the anus and clean as needed

Bath time for Hoshi

Stinky boy needed a bath last night. He wanted to play but I didn’t want him near me. I just gave him a bath and a quick trim. That gave me an idea. I’m going to write an article on what absolutely needs trimming (for health reasons). Hoshi has some pretty convoluted folds on his bottom lip which make trimming difficult. I think I figured out a way to safely get in all those nooks and crannies.

I’ve been thinking too…Gabby didn’t need a bath as often as Hoshi. I’m not sure what the difference is.