Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Grooming Guide:

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are beloved across Scotland for their gentle nature, silky coats, and soulful eyes. Their single-layer coat with feathering on the ears, chest, legs, and tail gives them that elegant look—but it also needs regular care to stay tangle-free, glossy, and healthy in our damp, changeable climate. At Kinga’s Dog Grooming in Edinburgh, we’ve perfected the routine. Follow our guide for home maintenance, essential tools, and when to book a professional touch.

How Often Should You Groom a Cavalier?

• Brushing: 3–4× per week to prevent tangles in feathered areas.

• Bathing: Every 4–6 weeks, or sooner if muddy.

• Professional Groom: Every 6–8 weeks for a trim of feathering, paw pads, and sanitary areas.

A consistent routine keeps coats shiny, ears clean, and mats at bay—no matter the downpour outside.

Step-by-Step Brushing & Combing Routine

1. Set Up

   • Choose a calm, well-lit area. Lay a towel or grooming mat.

   • Have all tools within arm’s reach.

2. Slicker Brush First

   • Divide coat into sections: head → neck → shoulders → back → sides → chest, legs, tail.

   • Brush with the grain to lift out loose hairs and surface dirt.

3. Comb-Through

   • Use the Safari comb to check each section, running teeth parallel to the skin.

   • Hold hair at the roots when you encounter a knot to minimise tugging.

4. Target Feathering

   • Focus on ears, chest, legs, and tail—these areas may be first.

   • Gently tease out small tangles; for stubborn knots, mist with detangler or book a dematting session at Kinga’s.

5. Final Slicker Pass & Reward

   • Smooth the coat with one last slicker brush pass.

   • Offer praise and a favourite treat to reinforce positive grooming.

🛁 Bathing Your Cavalier

• Frequency: Every 4–6 weeks or after muddy adventures.

• Shampoo: Wet coat thoroughly, then apply Burt’s Bees Oatmeal Shampoo—massage gently into feathering and body.

• Conditioner: Leave Burt’s Bees Conditioner on for 2–3 minutes to soften hair and ease combing.

• Rinse: Rinse until water runs clear—leftover residue irritates sensitive skin.

• Drying: Towel-dry, then use Andis ProDry on low heat/high airflow while brushing lightly to prevent mats.

Scottish Tip: Always finish drying indoors—Cavaliers’ long fur traps moisture, which can lead to skin irritation in our damp climate.

✂️ Trimming & Coat Maintenance Tasks

• Ear Feathers: Trim stray hairs along edge to keep ears neat (Every 6–8 weeks)

• Leg & Chest Feathers: Tidy with curved scissors to prevent dirt accumulation (Every 6–8 weeks)

• Paw Pads: Clip hair between toes for better traction (Every 4–6 weeks)

• Sanitary Trim: Neaten under tail and belly for hygiene (Every 6–8 weeks)

Home Grooming vs Professional Grooming

• Brushing & Combing:

  • DIY Home Care: 3–4× weekly

  • Kinga’s Dog Grooming: Included in every full groom

• Bathing:

  • DIY Home Care: 4–6 weekly

  • Kinga’s Dog Grooming: Deep-cleanse + blow-dry

• Nail Trimming:

  • DIY Home Care: Every 3–4 weeks

  • Kinga’s Dog Grooming: Precise guillotine nail trim

• Ear Cleaning:

  • DIY Home Care: Weekly with Virbac Epi-Otic

  • Kinga’s Dog Grooming: Thorough professional clean + check

• Feather & Coat Trimming:

  • DIY Home Care: Basic DIY with scissors

  • Kinga’s Dog Grooming: Expert scissor styling & scissoring

• Dematting:

  • DIY Home Care: Small knots only

  • Kinga’s Dog Grooming: Gentle dematting service

Booking professional visits every 6–8 weeks keeps coats healthy, mats away, and gives your Cavalier a spa-day they deserve.

❓ FAQ Section

Q: My Cavalier’s ears look greasy—how often should I clean them?
A: Weekly with Virbac Epi-Otic. If grease persists, check with your vet to rule out infection.

Q: Can I clip all the feathering short?
A: You can trim, but avoid shaving completely—feathers protect skin and regulate temperature.

Q: My Cavalier hates the slicker—any tips?
A: Start with gentle strokes, keep sessions short, and reward frequently. A detangler spray can help reduce resistance.

🏴 Scottish-Specific Grooming Tips

• Mud Patrol: Keep grooming wipes by the door for quick clean-ups—Cavaliers love puddles!

• Winter Coats: In autumn, consider a slightly shorter trim to reduce damp mats and ice ball formation.

• Indoor Drying Station: Set up a dedicated spot with towels and dryer to avoid wet paw prints across your home.

• Sun Safety: Feathered areas can catch the sun—apply pet-safe sunscreen to exposed skin on sunny days.

Ready to Book Your Cavalier’s Next Groom?

At Kinga’s Dog Grooming in Edinburgh, we specialise in Cavalier coat care—from gentle dematting to precision scissoring. Keep your companion looking and feeling their best, whatever the Scottish weather.

Book Your Appointment Today and let your Cavalier shine—rain or shine!