Grooming Your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel

Keeping your Cavalier looking and feeling their best doesn't have to be difficult, but regular grooming is essential. A little time spent each day will help maintain their beautiful coat, healthy skin, and overall wellbeing.

Daily Eye Care

Cavaliers have large, expressive eyes that can easily collect dirt and debris. Excess tears can also lead to staining beneath the eyes.

We recommend gently cleaning under each eye daily using a soft cotton ball and a tear stain or eye-cleaning solution. This simple two-minute routine can help prevent tear staining, reduce bacteria build-up, and keep your Cavalier looking fresh and bright.

Coat Care & Brushing

If you have a young puppy, they may not yet have their full coat, but it's never too early to introduce grooming.

Use a soft-bristle brush each day, ideally when your puppy is relaxed or tired. These short, positive grooming sessions help your puppy learn that grooming is enjoyable.

As your Cavalier matures and develops their feathering and longer coat, you'll also need:

• A pin brush for the body and feathering

• A slicker brush for the ears and legs

• A comb for finishing and checking for tangles

Regular brushing helps prevent knots and mats while keeping the coat healthy and shiny.

Feet & Nail Care

Handling your puppy's feet from an early age will make nail trimming much easier as they grow.

Keep the hair trimmed underneath the paw pads to prevent slipping on smooth floors. Use small, sharp, blunt-ended scissors and only trim the hair on the underside of the foot. Cavaliers should retain their characteristic fluffy "slippers" around their feet.

Nails should be trimmed weekly or at least every two weeks. Don't forget any dew claws, as these can easily become overgrown.

Dental Care

Good dental habits should start early.

When your puppy is relaxed, gently touch around their mouth and teeth to get them used to the sensation. Once comfortable, introduce a toothbrush or finger brush and pet-safe toothpaste.

Ideally, teeth should be brushed daily, but even a few times each week can make a significant difference. Regular dental care helps maintain healthy teeth and gums and may contribute to better overall health throughout your dog's life.

Bathing & Coat Maintenance

Choose a quality shampoo suitable for dogs. Many owners use whitening shampoos on white areas such as the feet, while a gentle everyday shampoo can be used on the body.

For puppies and sensitive dogs, a tear-free shampoo is recommended around the head and ears.

After bathing, a conditioning rinse can help keep the coat soft and manageable. Waterless shampoos are also handy for quick clean-ups between baths, especially for muddy feet.

For long ear feathering, a light grooming spray can help brushes glide through the coat more easily.

Artificial lubricating eye drops can be useful after bathing, particularly for puppies and dogs with sensitive eyes.

Feeding Time Tip

Many adult Cavaliers benefit from wearing a snood while eating. A snood helps keep their long ears clean and prevents them from dragging through food and water bowls.

Recommended Grooming Equipment

Brushes & Combs

• Oval pin brush

• Soft boar bristle brush for finishing the coat

• Slicker brush for ears and feathering

• 6-inch metal comb

Bathing & Coat Care

• Whitening shampoo for white areas

• Gentle everyday shampoo

• Tear-free puppy shampoo

• Conditioner or coat rinse

• Waterless shampoo for spot cleaning

• Grooming spray for ears and feathering

Dental Care

• Dog toothbrush or finger brush

• Pet-safe toothpaste

Nail Care

• Nail clippers

• Styptic powder (for accidental over-trimming)