The average life span of an English Springer Spaniel is twelve to fifteen years. The life span of dogs differs depending on breeds. Basically, the larger the dog, the shorter the expected life span is. Great Danes and Dobermans are considered old at five and most don't live much past eight or ten.Toy breeds can live to be eighteen or even twenty years old.

The English Springer Spaniel is considered a senior at age seven. They can be shown in the Veterans Class at specialty shows at that age. And that is the age when we owners should begin to make sure our care is geared to provide for the special needs of our senior dog.

Just like people, as dogs grow older their bodies change. Joints are not as flexible and your dog may be slower to get up, jump up or move. There are great supplements on the market today to help joint flexibility. Discuss these supplements with your vet to determine which is best for your dog. Regular, moderate exercise, such as slow walks and a nice, soft, warm bed is a must to help stiff, sore joints remain flexible.

The digestive system and the metabolism changes in your older dog. Your springer may require a food with less protein to prevent urinary problems. And since older dogs are less active, a food with fewer calories may be needed. It is important to keep your dog, senior or not, at a healthy, slim weight.

You may notice a change in your dog's eyes. Often a blue tinged film will appear over the eyes. There are inherited eye diseases that may appear in older dogs such as cataracts or Progressive Retinal Atrophy. It is important to have your dog's eyes examined yearly by a Veterinary Ophthalmologist. Many clubs offer an eye clinic at a very reasonable price. Take advantage of it.

Lumps and bumps may appear as you dog ages. These may be nothing more that fatty cysts or they could indicate real problems. If a lump appears to grow quickly, seek veterinary council right away, especially if the lump is in the mammary area.

If you have not already done so, have your springer spayed or neutered. The elimination of the reproductive organs can prevent some of the cancers in dogs and extend your dog's life.

Sometimes older dogs will leak urine, especially if they are spayed or neutered. The veterinarian can prescribe hormone medication to stop this problem.

Continue to brush, bathe and groom your springer. Keep his ears clean and his nails short. Perform a mental evaluation of his body each time you bathe him and keep him warm until he is totally dry.

Examine your dog's teeth. It may be time for a thorough cleaning and scaling by the vet. Keeping your dog’s teeth and gums healthy will go a long way to maintain the overall general health of your dog. Infected gums can cause many problems including heart murmurs.

Annual trips to the vet are a must. Discuss vaccination protocol with your vet. You may decide to do titers instead of vaccinations.

There is a saying, Just because there is snow on the rooftop doesn't mean there isn't fire in the furnace. The same goes for springers. A graying muzzle doesn't mean your springer can't continue to enjoy life in a moderate way.

Zippy Cooper - LenLear Springers