English Springer Spaniels are very active and loving dogs. They are gentle and great with children. Sadly, there are certain illnesses these dogs are prone to get, which may lead to death. However, it’s not to say yours will get these illnesses, only that he is prone to it.
English Springer Spaniels usually die from old age, cancer, or infections like parvovirus and kennel cough. They are also prone to get patent ductus arteriosis, a type of heart condition. Make sure you vaccinate your dog early on and go for regular vet checkups to stay on top of your dog’s health.
This article examines the leading causes of death among English Springer Spaniels and what you can do to take good care of your dog.
The Leading Causes Of Death In English Springer Spaniels
Many things can cause death. The same goes for English Springer Spaniels. The main causes of death in English Springer Spaniels are cancer, old age, infection, or heart conditions.
Old Age
English Springer Spaniels usually have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years. If your dog is healthy with no illnesses and has reached this age, his death will most likely be due to old age.
Cancer
Cancer is said to be the main cause of death among dogs. They are more prone to certain cancers than other dogs. Cancer can result in death if not detected early and treated with chemotherapy.
Thrombocytopenia
Thrombocytopenia in dogs occurs when the body attacks the dog’s platelets, the body’s first deference against bleeding. Ten to 15% of dogs diagnosed with thrombocytopenia pass away or are euthanized due to complications like blood clotting or gastrointestinal bleeding.
Parvovirus
Dogs who contract Parvo have a mortality rate of 30 percent with treatment. Dogs showing symptoms usually die within 2 to 3 days. That is why it’s important to vaccinate your dog fully. Puppies four months and younger are particularly vulnerable. Symptoms include fatigue, diarrhea, appetite loss, lethargy, and vomiting.
Patent Ductus Arteriosis
Patent ductus arteriosis is a common heart congenital heart defect occurring in dogs. This heart condition can occur in any breed, but English Springer Spaniels are some of the predisposed breeds. This condition can be cured if detected early on before irreparable damage has been done to the heart.
Treatment consists of open-chest surgery or a minimally invasive procedure that takes place through the insertion of a special device. Without proper treatment, your dog can die. Symptoms include labored breathing, coughing, fatigue, and exercise intolerance.
Obesity
Believe it or not, an overweight dog’s life can be cut short by two and a half years earlier than dogs at a normal weight. Obese dogs are more likely to have diabetes, orthopedic problems, heart disease, and high blood pressure.
You can prevent obesity in your English Springer Spaniel by ensuring he gets adequate exercise and feeding him the correct amount of food.
So how can you determine whether your English Springer Spaniel is overweight? Run your hand along your English Springer Spaniels flanks with no pressure. If you feel the bumps of his ribs, chances are he’s at a normal weight. If not, chances are your dog is a bit overweight.
Kennel Cough
While Kennel cough can usually clear up on its own within three weeks with treatment at home, it can lead to death in severe cases. Your English Springer Spaniel will likely develop a strong cough that sounds like honking. Another symptom of kennel cough is a runny nose and sneezing.
These symptoms are not always present, but some dogs might present with them. Your dog might also experience lethargy or have a fever. A loss of appetite is usually a sight that he is seriously sick and should be taken to a vet immediately.
How To Ensure Your English Springer Spaniel Stays Healthy
It’s vital to remember that, just like humans, dogs can get sick without any warning. It’s not always someone’s fault. Sickness can creep up on them and be fatal in severe cases. But you want to do everything in your power to make sure you have done the most you can to raise a healthy and happy dog.
Vaccinate Your Dog
Like humans, dogs need to be vaccinated to help them build immunity against infectious and contagious diseases. While vaccinating won’t protect them 100% from contracting an illness, it will lessen their symptoms and severity. If your English Springer Spaniel is vaccinated, he will recover more quickly from disease than if he wasn’t vaccinated.
Give Your Dog Adequate Exercise
Take your dog for a walk ever so often to ensure he stays fit and healthy. Adjust your English Springer Spaniels feedings according to his exercise schedule. If he was very active, feed him a bit more; if he wasn’t, feed him a little less.
Pay Attention
Regularly groom your dog to check for any lumps or skin conditions. It’s also important to be aware of your dog’s behavior. If he is not eating or seems lethargic, it would be best to take him to a vet since that can sometimes indicate a medical condition.
Take Your Dog To The Vet For A Checkup
If you are worried about your English Springer Spaniel’s health, it is best to let a vet give him a checkup to be sure he is healthy. If you can take your dog for routine checkups, even better! This way, if your dog has any illness, it can be identified early on, and treatment started immediately.
Proper Nutrition And Water
You must feed your English Springer Spaniel the right amount of food and ensure the food is of acceptable quality. You also need to give your dog fresh water daily to ensure he stays hydrated.
Conclusion
Many things can lead to the death of your English Springer Spaniel. Cancer is one of the main causes of death in dogs. Other causes include parvovirus, heart conditions, and old age.
Keep an eye on your dog to see if he develops any symptoms that might be a cause of concern. Regular checkups at the vet are recommended to ensure that if your dog is sick, it will be in the early stages, and he can be treated.
