Welcoming a Cavalier Puppy into your family is a joyous event—and keeping them healthy and happy starts with a proper grooming routine. At Golden Paw Cavaliers, each puppy is lovingly raised in our home, surrounded by children, play, and care. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to groom your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy with love and confidence, covering brushing, bathing, nail trimming, ear cleaning, and more. With the right tools and a consistent routine, grooming can be a bonding experience for both of you.
1. Brushing: Keeping the Silky Coat Smooth
Cavaliers have moderate-length silky coats with feathering on the ears, chest, legs, and tail. To prevent mats and loose hair around your home, brushing regularly is important:
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Frequency: Brush at least 2–3 times per week, and during shedding season (spring/fall) increase to daily brushing.
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Tools: Use a slicker or pin brush; they’re gentle and effective at detangling.
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Technique: Lightly mist the coat with water, then begin brushing around the ears and skirts before working through the fringe. Brush feathered areas like chest, tail, behind ears, and under the legs carefully to remove tangles.
Short weekly combing sessions with a wide-tooth comb help keep the coat smooth and healthy.
2. Bathing: Gentle and Infrequent
Cavalier puppies don’t need frequent baths—only about once every four to six weeks is enough unless they get particularly dirty.
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Shampoo: Use a mild, puppy-safe dog shampoo. Lather gently and rinse thoroughly—twice if needed to clear residue.
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Conditioner: Apply dog-specific conditioner to keep the coat soft and detangled.
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Water: Use lukewarm water. Avoid getting soap in the eyes or inside ears.
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Drying: Towel off immediately (cavaliers have water-resistant coats). Use a pet hair dryer on low/cool while brushing to prevent mats.
Bath time can be an opportunity to include gentle massage and words of praise—positive grooming helps puppies feel secure.
3. Nail Trimming: Comfort & Safety
Long nails can change a dog’s gait and cause discomfort over time.
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Frequency: Trim nails every 3–4 weeks or when you hear tapping on the floor.
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Tools: Use small, dog-safe nail clippers (guillotine or scissor style).
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Technique: Trim small amounts at a 45° angle, avoiding the quick. For dark nails, trim very conservatively.
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After bathing: Nails soften with water and may be easier to trim safely.
Take your time and offer treats after positive trimming sessions to build confidence.
4. Ear Care: Preventing Infections
Cavalier’s long, droopy ears can collect moisture and wax, raising risk of infection.
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Frequency: Check ears weekly for redness, odor, or debris.
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Cleaning: Use a veterinarian-approved ear cleaner on a cotton ball. Gently wipe the outer ear—never insert anything deep into the canal.
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Drying: After bathing, make sure ear fur and skin are dry to prevent irritation .
5. Facial & Eye Cleaning: Tear Stain Prevention
Cavaliers may develop tear stains under the eyes. Wipe gently with a damp cloth or a dog‐safe eye cleanser. This helps keep the fur clean and the eyes comfortable .
6. Paw Pads & Trimming: Safe and Neat Feet
Hair grows between paw pads and can become slippery or tangled.
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Trim frequency: Weekly to monthly, or as needed.
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Technique: Use blunt‐end scissors or clippers to carefully trim hair between pads. Be gentle to avoid sensitive areas .
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Check feet and “slippers” for mats regularly and trim lightly to keep movement easy.
7. Dental Care: Protecting Teeth & Gums
Dental hygiene contributes to your puppy’s overall health.
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Frequency: Brush teeth ideally daily; at minimum 2–3 times per week.
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Tools: Use only dog-specific toothbrush and toothpaste.
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Technique: Lift lips, brush gently in circular motion along the gum line. Offer praise or a treat after.
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Chews: Safe dental chews or toys can help reduce plaque, but should not replace brushing.
8. Bonding Through Grooming
Grooming done with care becomes shared quality time:
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Begin routine early, using short (5–10 minute) sessions with treats and praise to make grooming familiar and positive.
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Use grooming to check skin, coat, eyes, ears, and paws for any changes.
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Be patient and calm—Cavalier puppies are sensitive and thrive on gentle attention.
9. Seasonal Shedding: Adjusting Your Routine
Cavaliers shed year-round, with heavier shedding in spring and fall.
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Increase brushing to daily during these seasons to manage loose hair and prevent mats.
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Check coat for tangles more frequently and use de‐shedding tools or rakes as needed.
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Offer a balanced diet to support coat health and reduce shedding in combination with grooming.
10. When to Seek Professional Grooming
While most grooming can be done at home, professional care may help with:
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Paw trimming or sanitary trims if you prefer expert help.
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Seasonal coat thinning or clipping to keep your puppy cool and mat-free.
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Ear plucking for airflow (done carefully if needed) .
If you choose professional help, schedule appointments every 4–6 weeks, especially if you prefer shorter, neater trims .
Summary Table of Grooming Care
| Area | How Often | Tools | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Brushing | 2–3× weekly (daily in shedding season) | Slicker/pin brush, comb | Prevent mats, remove loose hair |
| Bathing | Every 4–6 weeks | Dog shampoo & conditioner | Dry thoroughly to prevent sprays |
| Nail trimming | Every 3–4 weeks | Dog nail clippers | Avoid cutting quick |
| Ear cleaning | Weekly | Cotton + vet ear cleanser | Check for odor/redness |
| Eye & face wipes | As needed | Damp cloth or eye rinse | Prevent tear stains |
| Paw pad trimming | Weekly to monthly | Scissors or clippers | Keep clean and safe for walking |
| Dental care | 2–3× per week | Dog toothbrush & toothpaste | Vital for heart health |
Why Grooming Matters for Cavalier Puppies
Grooming is far more than aesthetic—it’s vital for:
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Preventing painful matting and skin irritation
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Controlling shedding and reducing hair around your home
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Detecting early signs of ear, skin, or dental issues
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Building trust and strengthening the bond with your dog
Each grooming task becomes a moment of connection—a chance to speak softly, offer praise, and show your puppy how loved they are.
Groom with Love, from Golden Paw Cavaliers
Caring for your Cavalier Puppy in a thoughtful, consistent way reflects the ethos we bring to every puppy at Golden Paw Cavaliers. Our puppies are raised in homes, cuddled, handled, and introduced to everyday family life from day one. Grooming continues that care in your home—and helps your puppy feel confident, comfortable, and cherished throughout their life.
If you’re interested in one of our wellness-focused Cavalier Puppies, or want to learn more about our Guardian Home Program, we’d love to hear from you. Our puppies come with health testing, a 1-year genetic guarantee, and early socialization that complements a loving grooming routine at home.
Thank you for caring deeply for this special breed. With gentle brushing, proper baths, tidy paws, and loving touch—your Cavalier will shine both inside and out.
Warmly,
Joanna & The Golden Paw Cavaliers Family
Breeding love, care, and health—one puppy at a time.
