How To Groom Your Cavachon at Home

cavachon laying on a wood floor

Caring for your dog is an essential part of being a dog owner and requires many different tasks. Providing ideal nutrition, engaging your dog with adequate exercise, obtaining routine medical care, and keeping your dog looking and feeling great are just some of the steps that we take to care for our beloved pups. How you groom your dog can depend on a variety of factors, especially the type of coat that they have.

For Cavachon owners, their dog’s health and wellness are the priority. This means that many Cavachon owners will learn how to groom their pup at home. Not only does it save some money, but it also creates strong bonding and a nice routine between you and your dog. Properly caring for and grooming your dog does take a bit of time and research. Every dog is different, so some dogs need different grooming methods, different products, foods, and more. Finding the best way to care for your pup is always worth the time that you put into it. There’s nothing like seeing a happy Cavachon running up to give you some kisses!

So, what products are best for your Cavachon? Is there a specific way that you should be caring for them? Grooming and bathing them? We’ll go over all of the Cavachon grooming basics so you can feel confident that your pup is looking and feeling its best. With some practice and education, your Cavachon will be looking great in no time thanks to some high-quality at-home grooming and bathing. If you value your dog’s health and care, such as grooming, then we have all of the information you may need.

Cavachon Breed History

Cavachons are well-known and loved dogs by many owners. They are a mixed-breed dog that has resulted from a Bichon Frise and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel crossing. Originating in the Mediterranean area, the Bichon Frise parent breed has descended from dogs called barbets and small white lapdogs. They are believed to have been brought to the Canary Island of Teneriffe by Spanish sailors. A short while after, Italian sailors stumbled upon the breed and brought them home, where they were a prized possession of Italian nobility. The Bichon Frise breed made its arrival in the United States in 1955 and was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1971.

The parent breed of Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has a history dating back to the 1600s when they have made an appearance in famous paintings. It’s believed that this breed was very important to British royals from the 1600s to the 1800s. The breed is named after King Charles II who reigned over Britain during the late 1600s thanks to his fond love of these sweet dogs. They made their arrival in the United States in 1952, though they weren’t recognized by the American Kennel Club until 1996.

Narrowing down when the Cavachon first came to be is a bit difficult, though many believe it was during the 1990s. They have always been house pets and fit in well with many different families. The Cavachon isn’t recognized by the American Kennel club since they are a mixed-breed, though there are many Cavachon clubs in a variety of regions.

cavachon sitting under a table

Cavachon Personality

Knowing what to expect from your dog regarding temperament is very important to consider during grooming. This can help you to know how your dog will react to certain tasks, such as nail trimming or teeth cleaning. Being aware of how reactive your dog’s breed may generally be can help you take proper precautions for grooming tasks they may dislike.

For Cavachons, you can expect a loving and gentle personality that fits well with children. Unlike some small dog breeds, they aren’t known to be snappy when they are scared or nervous, such as during grooming. Cavachons get along well with other dogs and cats, especially when they have been socialized from a young age. Puppy socialization can help ensure your Cavachon is friendly and fun-loving no matter who they are with. Cavachons are intelligent and eager to please making them very easy to work with during the dog training process.

Cavachons aren’t known for needing an abundance of exercise, though they are still very active dogs. Typically, daily walks will be enough to keep them fit and healthy. While Cavachons may bark at strangers, they aren’t considered to be the most effective guard dogs due to their small size. Overall, Cavachons are easy-going, sweet dogs who usually do well with at-home grooming.

Cavachon Physical Traits

Cavachons are a small dog breed, typically weighing between 15 to 20 pounds. They average around 12 to 13 inches of height, making them perfect for apartment living and lap sitting. Their coat can be white, cream, or a mix of black and white. Their coat length is medium, though very thick- which makes grooming essential. Their fur is considered to be wavy, giving them their adorable signature look.

Cavachons don’t shed much and are considered to be hypoallergenic. If you have dog allergies, this may be the breed for you. While all breeds shed a little, Cavachons shed significantly less than most, which is what makes them ideal for homes with dog allergies. Despite not shedding, they still need to be groomed regularly to avoid tangles and matting. Cavachons are the ideal pet for a variety of different households.

cavachon laying on a dog bed

Cavachon Grooming

All dog owners want to provide their dogs with the best life possible. To do so, you must know how to properly groom your Cavachon. Grooming goes beyond keeping your dog’s coat clean and healthy. It also addresses other areas of health in the process, such as their teeth, nails, ears, and more. Without proper grooming, your dog may experience risks for infections, coat issues, and other health problems. We’ll take a look at all the Cavachon grooming basics, as well as how to groom your Cavachon at home.

Why Grooming Is Important

There are many reasons, both physical and psychological, to consider grooming your Cavachon at home. To start, a Cavachon coat that isn’t properly groomed and maintained can end up becoming matted, tangled, and uncomfortable for your Cavachon pup. No one wants their dog to be anything less than happy and comfortable- which is why grooming is so important.

In addition, proper grooming can also prevent odors from developing due to a coat that hasn’t been cleaned or cared for. Grooming also helps avoid fur matting, creating a shinier and softer coat. While Cavachons are considered hypoallergenic, they do shed a bit. If you have dog allergies, grooming your Cavachon pup regularly can decrease the small amount of shedding that does occur. Grooming removes loose hair that is already dead and ready to be shed before it falls off. Removing this hair through grooming will decrease the pet hair that ends up on your floor and furniture, leading to lessened dog allergy symptoms. Overall, regular grooming improves not only the look and feel of your dog’s coat but also their health and wellbeing.

Many preventative measures can be taken during the grooming process. For example, you will be able to see if your dog has any signs of fleas when you are grooming them. If you notice any fleas during your grooming session, you will be able to get prompt treatment. Without grooming, these fleas may have gone unnoticed for much longer. Grooming also minimizes the risk of ear infections due to regular care of your dog’s ears. During a grooming session, you will be able to do a deep ear cleaning as well as remove any excess ear hairs, which are known for trapping debris that may cause an ear infection. Finally, grooming can also detect any skin health conditions, such as allergies. All in all, grooming is a great way to keep up with your dog’s appearance as well as maintain their health.

cavachon laying on a tile floor

Grooming Essentials We Love

Cavachon Grooming Tools

Canine products are abundant on the market today, including those that are used for grooming. Knowing which grooming tools are best for your Cavachon’s specific coat is essential to having a smooth and easy grooming experience. The Cavachon coat differs from other breeds, which is why it’s so important that you have the correct tools to care for it. To start, be sure to purchase a pin brush. This pin brush can be used for removing mats and tangles in a breeze.

In addition to a pin brush, a slicker brush is another grooming must-have. Cavachons have relatively long hair compared to some other breeds. A slicker brush will remove any debris, dead hair, and tangles within the fur before they turn to mats.

To keep your dog clean and feeling fresh, a high-quality canine shampoo and conditioner are essential to your grooming tool collection. These shampoos are specially formulated to clean and soften canine coats, leaving them smelling fresh and feeling soft. If your Cavachon suffers from skin issues, such as allergies, be sure to use a soothing shampoo with special ingredients. Aloe vera and oatmeal are known to be effective at soothing your dog’s skin by reducing inflammation, as well as the itching and irritation it may cause. Dog conditioners help to soften your dog’s coat and keep it as shiny as possible.

Oral health care is another aspect of grooming that may go overlooked. Brushing your dog’s teeth regularly is key to preventing dental diseases and other health issues that can come from an unhealthy canine mouth. To properly care for your dog’s mouth during grooming, be sure to pick up a dog toothbrush and toothpaste to add to your grooming toolkit. While at-home tooth brushing is essential, your Cavachon will also need professional teeth-cleaning sessions to clean hard-to-reach areas. Brushing their teeth regularly in between these professional sessions will help keep their teeth as healthy as possible.

Caring for your dog’s ears is a must during grooming. Ear wipes and drops are a great way to thoroughly clean your dog’s ears and prevent possible ear infections. Ear wipes will remove debris from the ear opening and ear flap, while ear drops will clean deeper into the ear canal. Your dog is sure to be grateful for their clean ears after an at-home grooming session.

Nail clippers are another grooming must have. While nails are naturally filed when your dog walks or runs on concrete, this may not be enough. Because of this, we recommend getting an auto-stop nail clipper for grooming needs. This nail clipper will keep your dog’s nails at a comfortable length, without cutting them too short and possibly causing injury.

Finally, a pair of hair-cutting scissors will be needed to fully groom your Cavachon. Since Cavachons don’t shed much, you won’t need a electric clippers to keep their coat from becoming overgrown Instead, a pair of regular hair-cutting scissors can be used to trim fur around the ears, tail, and in between paw pads.

After you have gathered all of the necessary grooming tools, you will be able to properly groom your Cavachon pup at home. Only have a few tools to start out with? Don’t worry! Start with what you have and continue to practice as you acquire more grooming tools. With time, this will become an activity that you feel more confident doing and that forms a stronger bond between you and your dog. Soon, you will have all of the skills and tools you need to keep your dog looking and feeling fresh.

two cavachon puppies laying on a couch

How To Groom A Cavachon At Home

At-home grooming with your Cavachon is a relatively easy process that shouldn’t take up too much of your time. To start, be sure to thoroughly brush your Cavachon dog with both a pin brush and slicker brush. Doing so will remove any tangles, debris, and mats that have formed. After they have been brushed, clip any areas of their coat that have become overgrown. Be sure to check between their paw pads, around their ears and around their tails. Carefully snip long hairs with hair-cutting scissors.

Once your dog’s coat has been brushed and trimmed, check if their anal sacs need to be released. If they do and you know how to do this at home, feel free to do so. If not, it’s best to let a professional groomer handle this. The next step in grooming is a proper bath.

To bathe your Cavachon, simply wet them with medium-warm water, thoroughly soaking their fur. Scrub their coat with canine shampoo, allowing it to sit a moment and soak up any extra dirt and debris. After rinsing the shampoo, coat your Cavachon pup with canine conditioner and allow it to sit for a minute or two before rinsing. Once your dog’s bath is complete, be sure to thoroughly wash them with a towel or dryer.

After bathing, you can move on to ear and eye care. Be sure to clean your dog’s ears and eyes with appropriate products, such as special drops and wipes. Nail clipping should also be completed at this time to ensure that your dog’s nails don’t become overgrown or uncomfortable. Using an electric nail trimmer, be sure to lightly file or clip their nails to an appropriate length. Be careful not to cut them too short as this can cause injury.

Next, you can move onto oral health care by brushing your dog’s teeth. Between toothbrushing sessions, consider using other dental health products to keep their mouth healthy. Dental chews, wipes, and foods are all effective and easy ways to keep up on your dog’s oral health and prevent any bacteria.

After all previous steps of grooming are complete, brush your Cavachon’s coat out once more. If you are using a canine leave-in conditioner, the last step will be to apply it now. Once you have completed all grooming steps, your dog is sure to be looking and feeling great. Overall, grooming shouldn’t take more than an hour to complete. This small amount of time will have big results in terms of your dog’s health and happiness.

cavachon puppy sleeping on a couch

Grooming Essentials We Love

Wrapping Up

Regular grooming has an abundance of benefits for both you and your dog. Grooming your dog at home can save you money and keeps your dog’s coat looking and feeling great. Grooming your Cavachon dog at home is a simple task that can be completed in a short amount of time with lots of benefits.

Before grooming your Cavachon at home, be sure to purchase all necessary tools, including brushes, bathing supplies, nail trimmers, ear care products, and oral health care tools. Cavachons should be brushed weekly and bathed no less than once every two months for optimal coat care and health. With some practice, your Cavachon will be looking and feeling great. If you ever need any guidance on dog grooming specifics, such as hair trimming or nail clipping, but don’t hesitate to reach out to a professional groomer. They will be able to give you any assistance you may need, and make sure you’re feeling confident about your grooming abilities.

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