Do Cavalier King Charles Spaniels Shed? Vet-Reviewed Facts
By Jordyn Alger
Updated on
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are beloved dogs. They are known for their friendly, gentle temperaments and their adorable looks. If you are considering bringing a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel home, then you surely already know this.
But one thing you may not know about the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is if they shed. While Cavalier King Charles Spaniels do shed, they do not shed excessively. However, they will still leave fur around if they are not properly groomed.
If you want to keep shedding to a minimum, the best way to do so is to groom your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel regularly.
Importance of Grooming Your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
The importance of grooming your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is not limited to keeping your house clean, although that is definitely one of the benefits. The most important reason you should groom your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel regularly is to keep him healthy and well-maintained.
Regular grooming sessions will help to keep your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s coat free from tangles or matting, which can cause your dog pain. Brushing your dog regularly will also keep his coat looking healthy and shiny.
Plus, once your dog grows accustomed to being brushed, bathed, and maintained, he may start to really enjoy it. This may give you a great opportunity to bond with your dog by pampering him frequently.
Preparing for Grooming
Grooming a skittish dog is difficult and possibly even dangerous. The best way to avoid this is to help your dog grow accustomed to the sensations in small steps.
If you have just brought home a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy, give him a week or two to adjust to his new home before taking these steps. Unless, of course, he makes a mess and needs a bath right away.
If possible, before hurrying to brush or bathe your dog, acclimate him to touch by gently handling his face, ears, and body. The more he grows used to this, the sooner he will settle when it is actually time to groom him. Likewise, help him get used to the hairdryer by turning it on around him and blowing some gentle air on him.
Brushing
With medium-length coats, daily brushing is ideal. Brushing should last no more than 10 minutes, or whatever is necessary to remove any tangles. Daily brushing should help to prevent the formation of most tangles, so matted fur shouldn’t often be an issue.
Pay attention to the ears, chest, backs of the legs, tail, and underbelly. These are the areas where tangles are most likely to form.
Bath Time
Bath time should be reserved for after you’ve brushed your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, if possible. A monthly or bi-monthly bath is a good schedule to stick to. This will help to keep your dog’s coat fresh and healthy.
Be sure you are using canine shampoo and conditioner instead of human products. Human products should not be used on your dog, as they can damage his skin and leave him vulnerable to infection. Canine hairdryers are also ideal, as the temperature is not as intense as human hairdryers.
Don’t Forget the Details
Brushing and bathing are two main components of your dog’s grooming care, but they are far from the only parts. When setting up a grooming schedule for your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, be sure to make room for the following:
Nails
Your dog’s nails need to be trimmed on a consistent basis. A good standard is to clip his nails every 3–4 weeks, but feel free to use your discretion. If you can hear your dog’s nails clicking against the floor, then it is a good time to trim them.
Dental Care
Caring for your dog’s teeth is an important part of managing his health. Dental disease is very common in dogs, so taking preventative measures is crucial. Daily teeth cleaning with oral chews or a canine toothbrush and toothpaste is a good way to maintain his oral health.
Ears and Eyes
The ears and eyes of a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel require frequent upkeep. His ears should be checked weekly for infection and cleaned on a regular basis. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are prone to developing eye stains. Using a canine wipe daily to remove the stain will help to keep him clean.
Conclusion
While Cavalier King Charles Spaniels do not shed often, this does not mean that they don’t require regular grooming and upkeep. Grooming is an important part of any dog’s health, and although it may seem daunting, it is something you can learn to do. If there is ever any task that you feel unequipped for, do not hesitate to reach out to a professional groomer for their services or advice.
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Featured Image Credit: Courtney Mihaka, Unsplash
