Caring for your Sussex Spaniel

Quick answer

The Sussex Spaniel is a sturdy and affectionate companion that thrives on consistency. By maintaining a predictable daily routine for feeding, exercise, and rest, you provide the stability this breed needs. Daily health checks focusing on their ears, skin folds, and weight management are the most effective ways to catch potential issues early. Because they are prone to specific health conditions, being proactive with your observations allows you to seek veterinary guidance before minor concerns become urgent problems.

Heart Health

Mitral valve disease is a condition that is well recognised in the breed. At home, you might notice your dog becoming more tired than usual after a short walk or developing a soft cough, particularly at night or when resting. Your veterinarian will use a stethoscope to listen for a heart murmur, which is often the first indicator of this condition. An echocardiogram, or heart ultrasound, is the test used to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity. It is vital to monitor your dog for any changes in breathing rate or increased lethargy, as these signs require prompt veterinary attention to manage heart function effectively.

Spinal Health

Intervertebral disc disease is a recognised tendency in the breed. You may first notice your dog acting stiff, hesitating to jump on furniture, or appearing reluctant to climb stairs. In more severe cases, you might observe weakness in the hind limbs or a hunched back. A veterinarian will perform a neurological examination to assess reflexes and pain response. Advanced imaging, such as an MRI, is usually required to pinpoint the location of the disc issue. If you notice sudden difficulty walking or a loss of coordination, this is an urgent situation that requires immediate veterinary assessment to prevent permanent nerve damage.

Hip Joint Development

Hip dysplasia is a well recognised condition in the breed. Owners often notice this as a change in gait, such as a swaying walk, difficulty rising from a lying position, or a bunny-hopping motion when running. Your veterinarian will perform physical manipulation of the hips and order X-rays to evaluate the fit of the hip joint. While how this passes down is not settled, managing your dog's weight is critical to reducing stress on the joints. If your dog shows sudden lameness or severe pain when moving, contact your vet to discuss pain management and mobility support.

Ear Health

Otitis externa, or inflammation of the ear canal, is a recognised tendency in the breed. You might notice your dog shaking their head frequently, scratching at their ears, or an unpleasant odour emanating from the ear area. Your vet will use an otoscope to look deep into the ear canal to check for redness, debris, or damage to the eardrum. They may also take a swab to identify if bacteria or yeast are present. The most common mistake owners make is attempting to clean deep into the ear canal with cotton swabs, which can push debris further in or damage the delicate skin. Always use a veterinarian-approved ear cleaner and only wipe the visible parts of the ear flap.

Eye Conditions

Entropion is a condition that is well recognised in the breed. This occurs when the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the surface of the eye. You will likely notice excessive tearing, squinting, or your dog pawing at their eyes. A veterinarian can easily diagnose this by observing the eyelid position during a physical exam. If left unaddressed, the constant irritation can lead to corneal ulcers, which are painful and can cause vision loss. If your dog is squinting or has significant eye discharge, this should be treated as an urgent matter to protect their sight.