Alice White
Many people have pets – cats, dogs, parrots, etc. However, one should not forget that the life of our smaller brothers is much shorter than humans, it is worth knowing in advance how long it will last so that it does not become a shock, especially for kids. This article describes Springer Spaniels, the characteristics and varieties of the breed, their average life expectancy, and gives advice on optimal care and maintenance of such dogs.
How Long Do English Springer Spaniels Live?
Springer Spaniels are very healthy and live 12-14 years. Among the diseases typical for the breed, the following are distinguished:
progressive retinal atrophy and other visual defects;
fucosidosis;
ear infections;
entropy;
dysplasia of the hip joints;
phosphofructokinase deficiency;
skin diseases;
excess weight.
Sometimes English Springer Spaniels develop rage syndrome, a rare form of epilepsy, the main manifestation of which is outbursts of unreasonable aggression. During seizures, the dog does not respond to commands and can viciously attack the owner. The disease is treatable.
What Determines the Life Expectancy of the English Springer Spaniel
The ideal place of detention is a country house with a garden. Here the dog will be able to move and explore the territory all day long. In this case, you will have to come to terms with the pet’s habit of digging holes in the ground. Springer Spaniel will also feel comfortable in a city apartment if he/she is provided with long walks and full physical activity.
You need to walk your pet 2-3 times a day. The Springer Spaniel should be outdoors for at least 2-3 hours every day. With a lack of physical activity, he/she quickly gains excess weight and becomes lethargic.
Easily tolerates bad weather. In 30-degree heat, he/she runs and plays outside as actively as in a 30-degree frost.
Feeding:
- under the age of 8 months – up to 6 times a day;
- over the age of 8 months – 2 times a day.
Ideally, the dog should only receive natural food. If this is not possible, then you can choose quality dry food.
The following foods should be included in the pet’s daily diet:
lean meat (beef, horse meat);
boiled offal (lungs, heart, liver);
fish without bones;
fermented milk products, low-fat cottage cheese, kefir, yogurt;
porridge made from rice, oatmeal, buckwheat;
vegetables (cucumbers, carrots);
non-acidic fruits (except citrus fruits);
chicken eggs (a couple of times a week).
The food should be supplemented with a complex of vitamins and minerals necessary for the full development of the dog.
English Springer Spaniels need to have their nails trimmed monthly. If the dog lives outside the city and walks outside for a long time, the claws are naturally erased on the ground.
To keep your ears clean and healthy, you need to regularly clean them with a cotton swab or a piece of cotton wool wrapped around your finger. The swab should be moistened with an ear solution available from pet stores and veterinary pharmacies.
Suppuration from a dog’s eyes can be removed with strong tea. If suppuration persists, it is best to contact your veterinarian.
English Springer Spaniels are quick-witted and easy to train, so training will not cause difficulties for the owner.
