English Springer Spaniel Grooming Guide: How to
English Springer Spaniels are energetic, affectionate dogs renowned for their beautiful feathered coats—perfect for field work or family life. But Scotland’s damp, muddy terrain can leave those silky ears and leg feathers tangled, dirty, or matted if not tended regularly. At Kinga’s Dog Grooming, we’ve tailored the ultimate Springer grooming routine to tackle brambles, burrs, and wet weather. Read on to master brushing, bathing, trimming, and more, complete with the best Amazon UK tools for every step.
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How Often Should You Groom a Springer Spaniel?
Brushing & Combing: 3–4× per week, focusing on feathered areas.
Bathing: Every 4–6 weeks, or after muddy outings.
Professional Trim: Every 8–10 weeks, for tidy feathering and sanitary care.
A disciplined schedule prevents mats, soothes the skin, and keeps your Springer looking its best on the glens or the garden.
Step-by-Step Brushing & Combing Routine
Preparation
Set up in a calm, well-lit area and lay a towel to catch hair.
Position tools—slicker, rake, comb—within easy reach.
Slicker Brush Pass
Section coat: start at the shoulders → back → sides → chest → legs → tail.
Brush gently with the grain to lift out loose fur and surface debris.
Undercoat Raking
Hold the coat near the skin to minimise pulling.
Rake through thicker areas (flanks, belly, behind ears) to remove dead undercoat.
Comb Through
Use the Safari comb to detect fine mats or tangles.
Run teeth parallel to the skin; hold fur at roots when tackling knots.
Spot-Treat Tangles
Apply detangling spray if needed.
Tease out small mats with a comb; for stubborn mats, book a dematting session at Kinga’s—never cut close to skin.
Finishing Slicker Pass
Smooth the entire coat with one final slicker brush pass.
Reward your Springer with praise and a treat!
🛁 Bathing Your Springer Spaniel
Frequency: Every 4–6 weeks, or immediately after muddy/wet work.
Shampoo: Wet coat thoroughly; lather Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Shampoo, focusing on feathered areas.
Conditioner: Apply mid-coat to tips; leave for 2–3 minutes before rinsing fully.
Dry: Towel-dry to remove excess water; then use the Andis dryer on low heat, medium airflow—brush as you dry to keep feathers tangle-free.
Scottish Tip: Always finish drying indoors—wet feathering in our damp climate can lead to skin irritation and odour.
Feather Trimming & Coat Maintenance Tasks
Leg & Ear Feathers: Trim stray ends for neat outline (Every 8–10 weeks)
Tail & Belly Feathers: Tidy to prevent mud clumps and matting (Every 8–10 weeks)
Paw Pads: Clip hair between toes for grip and cleanliness (Every 6–8 weeks)
Sanitary Trim: Neaten under tail and rear areas for hygiene (Every 6–8 weeks)
Home Grooming vs Professional Grooming
Brushing & Combing:
Home Care: 3–4× weekly
Kinga’s Dog Grooming: Included in every full groom
Bathing:
Home Care: 4–6 weekly
Kinga’s Dog Grooming: Premium bath + professional dry
Feather Trimming:
Home Care: DIY with curved scissors
Kinga’s Dog Grooming: Expert scissor styling
Nail Trimming:
Home Care: Every 3–4 weeks
Kinga’s Dog Grooming: Precise guillotine nail trim
Ear Cleaning:
Home Care: Weekly with Epi-Otic
Kinga’s Dog Grooming: Thorough professional cleaning
Dematting:
Home Care: Small knots only
Kinga’s Dog Grooming: Gentle dematting service
✂️ ❓ FAQ Section
Q: My Springer picks up burrs—how do I remove them?
A: Use a slicker brush first to loosen burrs, then a comb to gently tease them out. For stubborn burrs, a detangling spray or professional dematting at Kinga’s will clear them safely.
Q: Can I clip my Springer’s feathers short?
A: Yes, many owners opt for a “trimmed feather” look to reduce maintenance. Discuss length preferences with your groomer to suit your dog’s lifestyle.
Q: How do I prevent ear infections?
A: Dry ears thoroughly after wet walks, clean weekly with Virbac Epi-Otic, and check for redness or odour. Professional ear care at each groom helps catch early issues.
🏴 Scottish-Specific Grooming Tips
Bramble Check: After countryside walks, inspect and brush out twigs or burrs—Springers love hedgerows.
Mud Station: Keep wipes and a towel near the door for quick clean-ups of legs and belly.
Winter Coat Management: Consider a slightly shorter trim in late autumn to prevent ice-ball formation in feathers.
Indoor Drying Corner: Designate a spot with towels and your dryer—no more wet paw prints everywhere.
Ready to Book Your English Springer Spaniel’s Groom?
At Kinga’s Dog Grooming in Edinburgh, we specialise in Springer Spaniel coat care—from burr removal to precision feather trims. Keep your companion mat free, fresh, and field-ready—rain or shine.
Book Your Appointment Today and let your Springer shine!
