Caring for your Clumber Spaniel

Quick answer

Clumber Spaniels are affectionate and steady companions that thrive on routine and gentle activity. Daily care should focus on maintaining a healthy weight, monitoring skin folds, and keeping a close eye on joint and eye health. Because they are prone to specific physical conditions, consistent observation of their movement, skin, and eyes is the most effective way to ensure they remain comfortable and healthy throughout their lives.

Hip Dysplasia

This is a well recognised condition in the breed. You may notice your dog struggling to rise from a lying position, showing an unusual gait, or appearing reluctant to climb stairs or jump onto furniture. At home, you might observe a bunny-hopping motion when they run or a general stiffness after rest. Your veterinarian will perform a physical examination to check for joint laxity and range of motion. If they suspect this issue, they will use X-rays to assess the fit of the hip joint. It is important to avoid excessive high-impact exercise on hard surfaces, as this can exacerbate symptoms. The urgency of seeking advice depends on the level of discomfort your dog displays; if they are limping or showing signs of pain, you should schedule an appointment promptly.

Ectropion

This is a recognised tendency in the breed. You might notice your dog's lower eyelids drooping or rolling outward, which can expose the delicate lining of the eye. This often leads to chronic tearing, redness, or a persistent discharge that collects in the corners of the eyes. Your vet will examine the eyelid structure to determine if the condition is causing irritation to the surface of the eye. They may use specialized dyes to check for scratches on the cornea. The most common mistake is ignoring the discharge, which can lead to secondary infections. Keep the area clean with gentle, vet-approved wipes, but seek assistance if you see cloudiness on the eyeball or if the dog is squinting frequently.

Entropion

This is a well recognised condition in the breed. Unlike ectropion, this involves the eyelid rolling inward, causing the eyelashes to rub directly against the eyeball. You will likely notice your dog squinting, pawing at their eyes, or showing excessive tearing. Because the eyelashes can cause painful corneal ulcers, this is a condition that requires professional attention. Your vet will perform a thorough eye exam to assess the degree of inward rolling. If left unaddressed, the constant friction can cause permanent damage to the cornea. If your dog suddenly starts holding an eye shut or shows signs of significant pain, this is an urgent matter that requires immediate veterinary assessment.

Macroblepharon

This is a recognised tendency in the breed. This condition refers to eyelids that are too large for the eye, often resulting in a widened appearance that leaves the eye vulnerable to environmental debris and drying. You may notice that your dog's eyes appear to be constantly irritated or that they have difficulty fully closing their lids when resting. Your vet will evaluate the eyelid opening and the health of the ocular surface. Owners often mistake the resulting discharge for simple allergies, but it is important to have a professional confirm the cause. If the eyes appear dry or if your dog is sensitive to light, discuss a plan for protective eye care with your vet.

Intervertebral Disc Disease

This is a recognised tendency in the breed. This condition affects the cushioning discs between the vertebrae. You might notice your dog acting unusually cautious, arching their back, or showing a lack of coordination in their hind limbs. In more severe cases, they may seem unable to walk or drag their feet. Your vet will conduct a neurological exam to assess reflexes and sensitivity. If this is suspected, advanced imaging is often required for a definitive diagnosis. The most important thing is to limit jumping and stair-climbing immediately if you notice any changes in their gait. If your dog shows signs of weakness or paralysis in the legs, this is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention.

Hypothyroidism

This is a recognised tendency in the breed. This occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormone, which regulates the body's metabolism. You might notice your dog gaining weight despite no changes in diet, becoming lethargic, or developing skin issues like hair loss or dull, brittle fur. Owners often attribute these changes to aging, which is a common mistake that delays necessary treatment. Your vet will perform blood tests to measure thyroid hormone levels. Once diagnosed, this is typically managed with daily medication. If you notice a significant drop in your dog's energy levels or unexplained weight gain, a blood panel is the appropriate next step.

Inherited Cataracts

This is a recognised tendency in the breed. You may notice a cloudy or milky appearance developing in the center of your dog's eyes. While this often progresses slowly, it can eventually impair vision. Your vet will use a specialized light to look into the back of the eye and determine the extent of the cloudiness. It is important to note that not all cloudiness is a cataract, but any change in the appearance of the eye warrants a professional look. While there is no way to prevent these, early detection allows you to help your dog adapt to changes in their vision as they age.