Because Cavaliers have long ears that hang over the opening of the ear canal, they probably have more than their fair share of ear problems. This is because air is unable to circulate, which creates a moist climate that is a perfect breeding ground for infectious organisms. Regular and careful examination of the ears is necessary to prevent ear diseases. Preventative care is also essential.

To keep your Cavalier’s ears healthy and well groomed, make sure fur on the outside of the ear remains mat-free through frequent brushing and combing. Also make an inspection of the inside of the ear a weekly habit. Clean out the ear with a cotton ball or soft cloth soaked in ear cleanser. A healthy ear should be light pink. There should be no discharge and no odor. Again, if your dog is scratching and digging at his ear, tilting his head sideways, or if the ear is red, inflamed, or has a smelly discharge, take him to the vet for treatment.

Eye Care

In general, a dog’s eyes don’t require much grooming. They should be clear and bright, and there shouldn’t be any signs of discharge or swelling. However, because Cavaliers have large, prominent eyes, they often have small issues with pinkish staining on the fur under the eyes; this is caused by a variety of things. Allergies to various environmental agents can cause it, as well tear ducts that do not function sufficiently to carry tears away from the surface of the eyes. Teething puppies also develop staining; irritation to the gums will often cause chronic tearing because of the slight discomfort to the area under the eyes.

This usually disappears after 1 year of age. Several commercially available eye stain removers are on the market; these can be found in pet catalogues and pet supply stores. You can also use plain witch hazel, which is available at any drug store. Almost any product will work equally well, and they are all considered to be safe for the dog as long as you avoid getting the solution into the eye.

To remove eye staining, saturate a cotton ball with your chosen product. Using a gentle circular motion, wipe the stained area. Rub lightly with a slight scrubbing action, and take care not to allow the product or the cotton ball to touch the surface of the eye. Next, rinse the area with plain warm water.

Although you may only schedule a bath for your Cavalier every few weeks, you may want to perform this eye cleaning routine daily. Eye stains are not only disfiguring, but they can also be annoying if they begin to produce odor. The odor is caused by bacterial growth when the fur under the eye stays moist all the time; the skin provides the warm environment necessary for bacterial or fungal growth. The combination of moisture and bacterial/ fungal growth will often create an odor much like that of mildewed laundry. Regular use of the product you have chosen will prevent odor and can slowly work to remove the stain.