Good news — Cavaliers are reasonably low-maintenance dogs when it comes to grooming, though they will need a good brush a couple of times a week to prevent mats and tanglers, and to keep that glossy coat looking at its best. They’re average shedders.
As with all breeds, checking ears regularly to look for any signs of dirt or debris, which can turn into an ear infection. Those long, furry ears can trap moisture, potentially putting them at risk of a bacterial infection or at least becoming smelly.
On that subject, like many other dogs, the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel might smell a bit from time to time. Why? Well, in addition to ears getting a bit stinky, bad breath can often be a problem — and of course, this isn’t breed specific. Small dogs like Cavaliers are prone to tartar and plaque buildup, and failure to brush their teeth regularly could cause gum disease.
And, though a Cavalier is a small spaniel, it’s still a spaniel at heart - so don’t be surprised to see yours getting dirty when outside. Dogs don’t generally need a lot of bathing but when they get muddy, you’ll need to wash them off.
A visit to a professional dog groomer a few times a year is always recommended, to ensure your pup is trimmed, cleaned and left smelling fresh and fragrant (at least for a few days).
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel health
The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel — like all breeds of dog — can encounter health issues. Though they can generally lead long and happy lives, it’s always worth being aware of the kind of medical problems that can occur. Cavalier King Charles Spaniel health issues may include:
Mitral Valve Disease
This is the most serious, and sadly, the most prominent of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel health issues. Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) is a form of heart disease; a degenerative condition that often starts with a heart murmur but can eventually lead to heart failure as the mitral valve leaks.
It’s a common condition with this breed, and can affect more than half of all Cavaliers before the age of five. It’s vital that your Cavalier is checked as early as possible — Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies should be tested — as medication will be required if MVD is diagnosed.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia affects many different breeds of dog, and although it’s more likely to be diagnosed in larger breeds such as the
Golden Retriever or
German Shepherd, it can still occur in smaller breeds. It’s listed as a health concern by the American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club (ACKCSC). Hip dysplasia causes malformation of the ball and socket in either one, or both, of the hip joints, which limits movement and can be painful.
Syringomyelia
Syringomyelia (SM) is more common in a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel than many other breeds, though it also primarily affects the
Brussels Griffon, too, and other toy breeds. SM affects the brain and spinal cord; symptoms include ‘phantom’ scratching near the head, whining, and sensitivity around the head, neck and shoulders.
Syringomyelia is a serious condition that can lead to paralysis. Treatment can involve surgery.
Patellar Luxation
Patellar Luxation is common in toy breeds, as well as larger dogs, too. Here, the kneecap becomes dislocated or displaced — it can be an inherited condition diagnosed in Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies, develop later in a dog’s life, or appear as a result of trauma. There are four different grades of patellar luxation, with 1 mild and 4 severe; surgery and medication is needed for most serious cases.
Episodic Falling Syndrome
This condition is considered one of the more common Cavalier King Charles Spaniel health issues — so much so, in fact, that it’s sometimes referred to as
Cavalier Episodic Falling Syndrome or Collapsing Cavaliers Syndrome. Episodic Falling Syndrome (EFS) triggers seizures that can be confused with
epilepsy, but in these instances, your dog is still conscious. Muscles go into spasm and limbs go rigid; EFS can be brought on after exercise or by stress.
No matter what breed of dog you own, poor health is always a concern. Protect your pup with a comprehensive pet insurance plan — use Wag! Compare to find great insurance deals in seconds. Why not add a Wag! Wellness plan to cover routine vet appointments and treatments?
What to feed a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
With a huge range of dog food available — including dry, wet, fresh and raw — it can be difficult to know what to feed a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
More than flavors, what’s important to consider is that you’re feeding your dog a recipe that is both age and breed size appropriate. Don’t feed Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies any adult food, or the other way around. Practice sensible portion control; a small breed won’t need as much food as a large breed, or it runs the risk of becoming overweight.
Read our recommendations for the best dog food for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels here.
Visit our online friends and partners, Dog Food Advisor, for more in-depth reviews of leading dog food brands.
