Things You'll Need:
- Time
- Commitment
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Step 1
Begin with a healthy dog. If you are looking for a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, pet stores and puppy mills are not the place to find one. Find a responsible breeder who will educate you about the breed and help you find the right dog for you. Many responsible breeders know of rescues or may have older dogs that were intended for the show ring that need a home. An ethical breeder should be able to provide you with a 3 generation pedigree and be able to talk to you about the health of the parents and grandparents.
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Step 2
Follow the advice of your veterinarian and breeder regarding regular health maintenance related to vaccination schedules, heartworm medication, and flea control for your Cavalier.
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Step 3
Take your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel to health clinics for annual heart and eye exams. Mitral Valve Disease (MVD) can be a problem in the breed and the symptoms are treatable to maintain quality of life. Canine cardiologists can detect heart murmurs and clicks associated with this disorder. Heart and Eye exams are reported by canine heart and eye specialists on specific forms. These exams are often performed for reduced fees at club sponsored dog shows.
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Step 4
Maintain the teeth and gums of your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel through brushing their teeth and regular dental cleaning. Follow the advice of your vet about dental cleaning, since Cavaliers may be prone to MVD, using antibiotics during teeth cleaning may be advised.
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Step 5
Feed your Cavalier a healthy dog food and limit table scraps. Cavaliers love food, but the small breed with their large eyes can quickly become overweight. They love food, and people love to feed them so watch their weight.
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Step 6
Supervise your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel closely. Cavaliers are emotionally intelligent, but may not be as reliable off the leash or at obedience if they are distracted. Similarly, they may allow children or strangers to pet or even hurt them without defending themselves as they are quite non-aggressive. They will depend on you to make sure they are safe from others and even themselves.
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Step 7
Give your Cavalier the love, attention and companionship he needs. Cavaliers can become ill, stop eating and waste away when not given love, attention, and companionship.
