Grooming and Coat Care

Introduce your puppy to brushing at a young age. The adult Cavalier boasts a beautiful, long silky coat with feathering, which shines when well-maintained but can look messy when tangled. It's recommended to groom your adult dog daily, or at least three times a week. Pay daily attention to their ears, and make sure to comb their feet to prevent matting. Trim the thick hair under their paws to keep them comfortable.

Ears and Hygiene

Check the puppy’s ears regularly to ensure they're not waxy or smelly. Swiftly address any ear discomfort by visiting your vet promptly.

Caring for Eyes

Cavaliers might experience occasional watery eyes, leading to staining beneath them. Use fresh, damp cotton wool to wipe their eyes daily, using a new piece for each eye. For watery eyes, gently dry them with a clean paper handkerchief. If their eyes show redness, discharge, or excessive watering, consult your vet.

Regularly check for any bothersome long hairs around their eyes and trim as needed.

Nail Care and Teeth

Frequent walks on paved surfaces usually keep their nails in check. However, if they grow too long, you'll need to trim them. Your vet can show you how to do this. Chew toys like nylon or fresh marrow bones can maintain dental health. Avoid small bones like chicken or chop bones that can splinter. Special toothpastes and brushes are available for dogs' teeth. For dirty teeth, consult your vet for cleaning. Wipe the mouth, especially the bottom lip, a few times a week with damp cotton wool to prevent odours and sores.

Anal Glands and Worming

If your dog drags their bottom along the ground, it's often a sign of full anal glands. Consult your vet for proper emptying or guidance on how to do this yourself. Check regularly for worms – tapeworms look like small white grains sticking to the dog's rear. Regular worming is crucial for your dog's health and the safety of your family.

Vaccination and Health

Protect your dog from deadly diseases like Distemper, Hepatitis, Parvo Virus, and Leptospirosis through vaccinations. Start them at 8 - 12 weeks and keep up with the annual boosters. Speak to your vet for guidance.

Community and Clubs

Don't forget your dog's need for companionship. Dogs are social animals and can become distressed if left alone for long periods. Provide a quiet space for rest, and ensure children understand the importance of rest between play sessions. The affectionate nature of Cavaliers makes the effort of care worthwhile.

Cavaliers thrive in the company of others. Joining a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club allows you to connect with fellow breed enthusiasts, sharing experiences and care tips.

Upon purchasing your puppy, the breeder will provide a diet sheet or feeding instructions. Stick to these guidelines for the first few days to prevent digestive issues due to sudden diet changes and new surroundings.

Once your puppy is settled, you can gradually transition to a new diet over a few days. A balanced diet is crucial, and many commercial puppy foods offer the full balance necessary. The feeding instructions on the packaging provide guidance on portions. For homemade food, consider adding a vitamin/mineral supplement to meet dietary needs. Remember, follow the recommended dosage; excessive supplementation can be harmful.

Puppy Feeding Schedule

Puppies need multiple meals a day, gradually reducing as they grow:

• 8-12 weeks: 4 feeds daily
• 12-18 weeks: 3 feeds daily
• 18 weeks - 1 year: 2 feeds daily

Offer at least one milky feed daily until 6-9 months old for optimal growth.

Feeding Adult Dogs

Around 10-12 months, transition your dog from puppy food to adult dog food gradually. Feeding frequency and portion size will vary. Some dogs do well with one meal a day, while others need two. Adjust the food amount to maintain a healthy weight. Both puppies and adults should have access to fresh water at all times. Avoid leaving unfinished food in their dish to prevent food poisoning and discourage flies.

After your dog finishes eating, remove the dish. If there's leftover food, store it in a cool place or dispose of it. Just like humans, dogs can get food poisoning.

Puppies

Refrain from taking your puppy to pavements or areas frequented by other dogs until 5 days after their full vaccination course is completed. However, you can acclimatise them to various environments and people by carrying them to places like shops and getting them accustomed to car rides.Always seek advice from your Vet.

Familiarise them with wearing a collar and lead indoors and in the garden. Encourage interaction with visitors and children, but make sure children understand that the puppy is not a toy but an animal. Once vaccinations are complete, start with short, relaxed lead walks of 5-10 minutes, allowing the puppy to explore sights and smells.

Gradually extend the walks as the puppy grows. However, keep in mind not to subject them to strenuous exercise until they are around 9-10 months old. Avoid long walks for young puppies, as their energy depletes quickly and their bones and joints are still developing.

We recommend that all puppies should attend puppy training classes in their local area which will assist with socialisation and develop their obedience skills.

Adult Cavaliers

Engage in a brisk half-hour walk on a lead daily to maintain muscular tone. Offer your dog the opportunity for free running exercise a few times a week in a secure area, which will not only benefit their physical health but also provide a lot of enjoyment.

Be cautious when they're off the lead to prevent them from running onto roads. Keep in mind that Cavaliers can get absorbed in scents and become unresponsive, so stay vigilant.