Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I have to pay $175 to adopt a rescued cocker spaniel?

In this world, there is no such thing as a free lunch. It’s as simple as that.  Certainly, your love and devotion to this rescue are important assets and we are pleased that you are interested in adopting.  However, please remember the fact that this Rescue Group is a volunteer organization.  We have dogs from shelters; dogs that are dumped on us by people who no longer want a pet; strays we find; and some dogs who have been terribly abused by former owners.  Each and every cocker we take in is given a health check, becomes up-to-date on shots, and is neutered or spayed before ever being offered for adoption.  We also work with these dogs in an attempt to socialize them so that they will trust humans.  For some of these dogs, it is a long and arduous task.  Sometimes this takes weeks, sometimes it takes months and even years before an animal can be expected to trust human society again.  During such a period, your Rescue Group has to pay for the dog’s food, medicine and general upkeep.

The bills continue to mount up.  As a volunteer organization, we do not have Foundation grants to underwrite these kind of costs.  There is no way that $175 even comes close to covering all the costs of rescuing a cocker.  Please note also that if you were to purchase a dog, you probably would pay more, well over the $175 adoption fee, for the
necessary injections, health check, and neutering by your local vet.  These items have already been done for you.

Finally, there is an old adage that something is more highly regarded when it costs something.  We want you to bond with and enjoy your adopted cocker for the rest of your and your dog’s life.  Your payment helps keep Cocker Rescue going while you get a wonderful dog for a reasonable price.  To simply "give away" cockers to anyone, without home checks and procedures, would be irresponsible on our part as Cocker Rescue people.  Regrettably, there have been numerous incidents where dogs advertised in the paper as "free to a good home" were later found to have been picked up and then later sold to laboratories for medical experimentation.  We wish to avoid this.  Charging nominal adoption fees and conducting home checks of all who apply to adopt a cocker spaniel helps ensure that a viable "match" is made forever.   These dogs have suffered enough because of a previous owner’s unknowing or uncaring attitude.  They deserve better with their future owner.  We hope you would agree with us that such a policy is necessary.  The result is adopting an animal that will give you and your family great love and affection.  After all, you are saving a life by adopting!  And you are helping other cockers needing rescue as well.  What greater good can there be?

Are Cocker Spaniels good with Children?

It depends.  Twenty years ago, or more, cocker spaniels were highly regarded as being sweet tempered and gentle with children, no matter how much the children might rough house with the dog.  With the advent of the Disney movie, "Lady and the Tramp" however, back yard breeders stepped in to take advantage of the increased demand for
cockers, and continual in-breeding caused many lesser quality traits to come to the fore.  Today, cockers are still wonderful dogs and can be wonderful, loving pets, but only if you understand that these dogs do have some limitations.  These rescued dogs have also been uprooted from their previous homes, either from neglect or abuse, and thrust into a totally new world with no fixed roots as yet.  To expect anyone, let alone a poor defenseless animal, to remain sweet and loving in a new, more stressful environment with very young children, is a very high expectation indeed.  Yet, for the most part, these dogs are even tempered and will give lots of love and attention to any owner willing to recognize what they have undergone, and who is willing to devote a good deal of time, love, patience, and attention to their dog’s well-being.

Given the fact that children will naturally want to play with their new pet, one has to recognize the problems and possible abuse that the cocker has already undergone.  Thus, it is important to ask the Cocker Rescue people whether this or that cocker would be good with children.  Some cockers we would not recommend to anyone with children, at any age, simply because the dog might have been severely abused by a child and distrusts or fears all children.  Some dogs might be fine for "older children", who are more mature and understanding of the background of
their new pet and do not consider the dog a toy.  Then, there are those cockers who have a sweet, gentle disposition and who would probably work out wonderfully for any family with children.

In short, it depends!  It is so important to talk to the Cocker Rescue people to check whether the cocker you are considering would be good with children.  Please tell us the ages, and temperament of your children.  We can then advise you whether the dog you have selected could tolerate the stress and demands that children bring to the play arena.  None of us want a dog to bite due to being put on the defensive in what children consider "play".  It is our current policy not to adopt any rescued cockers to families who have any children under 10 years of age.  This policy is somewhat flexible, but we believe we have to examine conditions very carefully, given the changes in cockers over the years, and for the happiness of both your children and the rescued cocker.

What about Cocker Spaniels and Hypothyroidism?

What does it mean if your cocker has been diagnosed as being HYPOTHYROID?  This is a condition, quite common in some breeds, where the thyroid gland decreases its production of thyroid hormone.  This hormone is necessary for the dog’s body to metabolize energy correctly.   Usually the first symptoms of hypothyroidism begin with the hair and skin.  Abnormal or excessive shedding, dry scaly skin, bacterial skin infections, pressure point calluses, "preen" gland inflammation, and a "sagging" appearance to the skin are the most commonly seen symptoms and can occur in any combination, with or without itching.  There are also numerous other symptoms your dog may exhibit, including weight gain and lethargy.

Hypothyroid dogs may exhibit symptoms of Allergic Inhalant Disease.  Allergic Inhalant Disease is often exacerbated by hypothyroidism and hypothyroidism may make the dog slower to respond to allergy medications.

Hypothyroid dogs are treated with a supplement of thyroid hormone, in pill form, usually given twice daily.  When the dog is placed on thyroid therapy, it takes about 2 to 4 months before the skin becomes normalized.

Most dogs do not exhibit side effects of thyroid supplementation.   Common side effects include restlessness, panting, and pacing.  Rare side effects are excessive drinking and urination.  The side effects go away once the dose of thyroid supplement is decreased or stopped.  If your dog exhibits any of these side effects, please contact your vet. 
Note that this is NOT an emergency.

The veterinarian may recommend another blood test called a post-pill thyroid test.  This is usually done 2 to 3 months after starting thyroid pills.  The blood must be drawn between 4 to 6 hours after giving the morning dose of thyroid supplement.

Remember, hypothyroidism is easily controlled, but once a dog is hypothyroid, he is always hypothyroid, and supplementation is for the rest of the dog’s life.

What does it mean if my Cocker has Allergies?

ALLERGIC INHALANT DISEASE: is a common hereditary skin disorder in dogs.  It affects all breeds, however some breeds are more prone to develop the condition.  These include members of the Terrier Group, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, Irish Setters, Lhasa Apsos and Poodles.  The patient with "classical" allergies generally has a history of itching, usually beginning between one and three years of age.  The itching most often begins in the Fall or Spring of the year when the pollen count is the highest in most parts of the U.S. The animal often enjoys its first few Winters free of itching, however as the animal matures and develops, itching may start during the Winter months because house dust and indoor molds may be more allergenic to a particular dog.

Common signs of Allergic Inhalant Disease (AID) are foot licking, leg chewing, face rubbing and armpit scratching.  Also, dogs may show the following signs singly or in varied combinations: sneezing, conjunctivitis, ear infections, belly licking and rear-end scratching or scooting.

Many dogs develop skin infections and dandruff because of their itching which often makes the animal more uncomfortable and even itchier.  Skin infections generally require two or three weeks of antibiotic treatment.  Anal sac problems are often associated with allergies.

There are several ways to treat allergies depending on the severity of the allergy and the history of the individual patient.  Since dogs are generally allergic to many things, avoiding the offending substance is usually not possible.  A mild form of cortisone given in tablet form is safe to use as long as the dosage is kept to a minimum and it is not used continually.  Antihistamines are very safe and help to decrease itching in some dogs.

If an allergic dog scratches for more than 4 months out of the year or has other medical problems, hypo sensitization, or allergy shots is the safest and most effective treatment.  Before a dog can be started on the hypo sensitization program, a skin test must be performed to determine what the dog is allergic to.  This involves shaving an area on the side of the dog and injecting a small amount of about 50 different substances.  This test takes about 45 minutes and is interpreted by a veterinarian specializing in skin diseases.  There are about 100 such Board Certified Vet Dermatologists in the U.S. and we are fortunate to have 2 such specialists in the Washington, DC area.  A solution is prepared containing the substances that the dog is allergic to.  The injections are then administered every two weeks and are required for life.

Allergies are NOT curable – only controlled.  Proper treatment generally allows an allergic dog to live a much happier and healthier life.

What about Grooming A Cocker?   What about Bathing a Cocker?

Groom before you bathe your dog!  Grooming is the process of combing all the knots out of your cocker’s coat.  Grooming a dog once a week will keep the coat, and the dog’s general health in above average condition.  Brushing out your cocker is one of the most beneficial things you can do for your faithful pet.  Combing is crucial to the proper maintenance of your dog’s coat.  A coat that is knotted will retain soap, cause skin eruptions (hot spots) and create discomfort.  Most of us realize that the oil is removed from our hair when it is washed – well, it is removed from the dog’s coat too.  You are left with a dry matted mess that can’t be combed.  The kindest thing you can do at that point is take the dog to a groomer and have the mess shaved off.  Once the hair is off, the skin will be able to breathe and the sores will heal.  Your dog’s skin needs air to remain healthy.  A thorough brushing at least on a weekly basis will help to stimulate the dogs circulation, and remove debris such as leaves or particles of sand.  Brush from the tail to the head, and from the foot up.  Brushing against the grain will remove the dead hair that has accumulated at the skin line.  This dead hair lays on the skin and prevents air from getting to the skin.  After you brush, Comb with a metal comb.  Now your dog is ready for its bath.

Now comes the easy part.  Wet the dog thoroughly with a sprayer or container of warm water.  Do Not submerge the dog.  Be generous with your soap, always starting at the head and washing towards the tail and feet.  If soap gets into the dog’s eyes – flush them gently with water.  RINSE - RINSE - RINSE.  Get all the soap out of the coat.  Brush the dog gently while you blow dry the coat, and comb with your metal comb!

Following these simple directions will give you a healthier and happier pet.  It is perfectly okay to have some treats on hand during the grooming period to reward your pet’s good behavior.  The only dog that does not need combing before the bath is the Mexican Hairless!!!

BRUSHING IS BENEFICIAL.
COMBING IS CRUCIAL.

When brushing and combing – do it on a table.  Put a small bath mat on the table to give the dog traction.  Teach the dog to STAND for grooming.  It is impossible for a groomer to scissors a dog that is laying down. It will help the dog get used to heights.  In the long run your back will be saved, and you will have better control of your dog.   The undivided attention that your dog receives during grooming is just what they want - SO - keep it cheerful!  This is not a time of drudgery – this is time spent with and for your pet. The very same pet that greets you on a daily basis with unconditional love!!!!  A love which has yet to be equaled!!!