Keeping your Cavalier looking his best is not difficult but proper grooming does require some diligence. There is no substitute for daily care. You can do the grooming yourself as many professional groomers do not groom Cavaliers properly and your efforts will help your dog look his best.
Develop the habit of cleaning under your Cavalier’s eyes every day. It will contribute greatly to your dog’s appearance. Using a large cotton ball or cotton pad, wipe under each eye with Diamond Eye or a similar product. Cavaliers have large eyes and a good portion of the eye is exposed to the elements. Dirt collects in the inside corners of the eye and excess tears create stain under the eyes. Cleaning and drying under the eyes daily will help prevent unattractive tear stains and the bacteria which may accompany neglected eyes. Wipe the inside corner of the eye up and in. Wiping down will just spread the eye stain.
If your puppy is very young he may have very little coat, but now is the time to accustom your Cavalier to being brushed and combed. Using a very soft bristle brush go over your puppy every day, preferably when he’s tired. This few minutes a day of pleasant brushing will teach the puppy to enjoy his grooming session. Once he is older, you will still use the soft brush on his top coat but will also need a pin brush and a slicker brush for his ears and featherings.
The best brushes and combs are easily available through catalogs. Pet stores rarely carry high quality grooming tools. A few well chosen brushes should last you for many years and are definitely worth the initial investment.
When taking time to brush your puppy, also play with the puppy’s feet to help him become accustomed to the nail and foot trimming process. Another good practice is to run your finger around in your puppy’s mouth as though you were brushing his teeth. He will soon realize that you are not hurting him, making the future brushing process easier.
Below is a short list of grooming materials you can purchase from dog supply catalogs.
TOOLS:
Chris Christianson pocket/toy pin brush with 27 mm pins
Chris Christianson medium texture boar brush for finishing the top coat and for brushing your puppy.
Mars Dog Brush - Bent Safety Pins for long feathering and ears (HP Pets)
“Mark 1” x-small Chris Christianson slicker for hocks and ears.
6” greyhound (metal) comb with narrow and wide teeth
Crown Royale Formula #2 Magic Touch spray - will help brushes and combs glide through long har. Use sparingly.
Toothbrush or textured finger cover and paste: brush at least twice a week as a habit. This preventative measure will help save your dog’s teeth but may also contribute to better heart health over the life of your dog.
Nail clipper & Kwick-Stop styptic powder for inadvertent close shaves – Trim nails bi-weekly. Please do not forget to trim any remaining dew claws. You can trim young Cavalier’s nails with adult toenail clippers.
Shampoo – Chris Christiansen #1 All Systems, Bio-Groom, or best of all (expensive) Isle of Dogs Royal Jelly #20 (shampoo) and Light Management Conditioner #50 cream rinse. They also have a grooming spray #60. You can use “Dawn Dishwashing Liquid” on his feet and baby shampoo on the top of his head and face. If you use a dog shampoo you should follow it with a cream rinse which you rinse out as well. Comb out your Cavalier and blow dry him on medium heatr. DO NOT USE HOT AIR. Check your Cavalier’s ears at bath time. They should be pink inside, have no built up gunky matter in them and smell sweet. If you suspect an ear infection, get him checked by your veterinarian right away. Yeast infections are the most common ear problems.
SOURCES:
