Sometimes we want to help our dogs through the hot summers. One of the things we consider is shaving our dogs. I have a Cavalier King Charles, and I was wondering about shaving her. Here is what I found.
No, you should not shave a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel because the Cavalier King Charles has a double coat. The double coat consists of a topcoat and an undercoat. The purpose of the double coat is to protect the dog from the weather elements and keep him cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Shaving the coat will remove the protection and can cause skin problems.
Do you want to keep your dog cool in the summer? The best thing you can do is groom every day. By grooming, you remove the hair from the undercoat he should typically lose by shedding. This way, the fresh wind has more room to flow under his topcoat and reach the skin. This will keep him cooler.
Make sure you use a good quality dog brush designed for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Ask your groomer or veterinarian for help in choosing the right brush.
Shaving his coat will actually make him hotter.
Don’t bathe your cavalier too often, as this can dry out his skin and coat. When you do bathe him, use a good quality dog shampoo designed for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and ensure you rinse all the soap out of his coat.
In addition, shaving the coat will change its appearance. It may make it difficult for the dog to regulate his body temperature.
The coat of a shaved Cavalier King Charles Spaniel will also grow back unevenly, which can be very unsightly. So, in short, don’t shave your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
What Is a Short Hair Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?
Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are adorable! What if there was a different breed standard with short hair?
A short hair Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel with a haircut. They are not their separate breed. A professional groomer has probably clipped all short-haired Cavaliers, you see. The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club in the UK does not recognize short-haired cavaliers as an official type.
Remember that even though they have shorter hair, they will still need to brush regularly to prevent matting and tangles.
What Are The Benefits Of Shaving a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
There are no benefits to shaving a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Shaving the coat will remove the protection and can cause skin problems.
As mentioned above, the Cavalier King Charles has a double coat that serves an essential purpose.
Shaving the coat will change its appearance and make it difficult for the dog to regulate its body temperature. The coat is designed to isolate his body from outside temperatures. It keeps his body warm in the winter, and it cools in the summer.
The only benefits are for yourself. You will have less grooming to do and less hair whirling around the house.
Some might want to shave their cav to prevent shedding a lot. I have an entire article on the topic here.
What Are The Risks Of Shaving a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel?
There are several risks associated with shaving a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. First, as mentioned above, the Cavalier King Charles has a double coat that serves an important purpose. Shaving the coat will remove the protection and can cause skin problems.
Two of the biggest risk your cav can suffer are heat stroke and hypothermia. Because the coat is designed to isolate his body from outside temperatures, shaving it can make it difficult for the dog to regulate his body temperature. I have an article here about when dogs start to regulate their body temperature.
Another risk is that the coat will grow back unevenly, which can be very unsightly. The coat may also be more prone to matting and tangles.
Finally, the coat of a shaved Cavalier King Charles Spaniel will provide less insulation. It could make your dog more susceptible to cold weather injuries such as frostbite in winter.
So, in short, don’t shave your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
Aftercare Tips For Shaved Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
Fortunately, the coat will gradually grow back, although the undercoat will take longer to recover fully. In the meantime, there are a few things you can do to help your dog adjust to being shaved:
- Groom your dog every day. This will help remove any loose hair and will also help stimulate blood flow to the skin.
- Use a good quality dog brush that is designed for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. Ask your groomer or veterinarian for help in choosing the right brush.
- Don’t bathe your cavalier too often, as this can dry out his skin and coat. When you bathe him, use a good quality dog shampoo designed for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and ensure you rinse all the soap out of his fur.
- Consider using a conditioner after bathing to help keep his coat and skin healthy.
- Make sure your dog has plenty of fresh water to drink and access to shade during hot weather.
- Remove snow and ice from his paws and legs in winter to prevent frostbite.
- Protect your dog’s skin from the sun by keeping him in the shade as much as possible.
- Check your dog’s skin daily for any signs of irritation or infection.
With proper care, your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel should soon have a healthy, beautiful coat once again.
Finally, if you have any concerns about your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s coat, please consult your veterinarian or a professional groomer.
How To Know If You Should Shave Your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
In general, you should not shave your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. However, there may be a few circumstances in which shaving your dog would be the best course of action.
If your dog has a very matted coat, shaving may be the only way to get rid of the mats. However, it’s important to have a professional groomer do this, so it’s done safely and correctly.
Suppose your dog has a medical condition requiring shaving (such as surgery). In that case, you will obviously need to follow your veterinarian’s advice.
Otherwise, we recommend against shaving your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. The coat is an integral part of the anatomy and serves many purposes. Shaving it can put your dog at risk for health problems.
If you’re unsure whether shaving is the right decision for your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, please consult your veterinarian or a professional groomer. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action.
Should you decide to consult a professional groomer, pick one very carefully. Be sure to ask about their experience grooming Cavalier King Charles Spaniels specifically. It’s also a good idea to get recommendations from friends or family who have cavaliers.
When you do take your dog in for grooming, tell the groomer precisely what you want to be done. Be specific about the length of the coat and any other special instructions.
The thing is, not all professional groomers will advise against shaving a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.
How To Prepare Your Dog For a Shave
If you’ve decided to shave your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, there are a few things you need to do first.
Start by brushing your dog’s coat thoroughly. This will help remove any knots or mats that could make shaving difficult.
Next, bathe your dog using a good quality dog shampoo. This will help clean his coat and skin and make the hair softer and easier to shave.
Once your dog is clean and dry, it’s time to shave. Be sure to use sharp, clean clippers and blades. Start with the longest blade length and gradually work down to shorter lengths. Be careful not to clip too close to the skin as this could irritate.
When you’re finished shaving, give your dog a good brush to remove loose hair. You may also want to consider using a conditioner to help keep his coat and skin healthy.
And that’s it!
Tips for shaving a cavalier king Charles spaniel
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when shaving your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel:
Be sure to use sharp, clean clippers and blades. This will help prevent irritation and make the job easier.
Start with the longest blade length and gradually work your way down to shorter lengths.
Always shave in the direction of the hair growth. Not against.
Be careful not to clip too close to the skin as this could irritate.
When you’re finished shaving, give your dog a good brush to remove loose hair.
Consider using a conditioner after shaving to help keep his coat and skin healthy.
Shaving a cavalier king Charles spaniel is not difficult, assuming you have the proper tools and equipment. The biggest challenge is keeping your dog calm and still during the process. Here are some tips to make the experience as smooth as possible for both you and your pet:
1. Begin by combing out your Cavalier’s coat to remove any knots or tangles. This will make shaving easier and help avoid irritation.
2. Trim the hair around your dog’s eyes and ears with scissors before beginning to shave. This will help create a clear line of sight and prevent accidental nicks.
3. Use a sharp, clean razor designed specifically for dogs. A human razor can cause irritation and even cuts.
4. Start shaving in the direction of your Cavalier’s hair growth. Shaving against the grain can irritate.
5. Be extra careful around delicate areas like the anus and genitals. It’s best to avoid these areas altogether if possible.
6. Rinse your dog’s coat with cool water after shaving to soothe any irritation.
7. Apply a generous amount of pet-safe conditioner to your Cavalier’s coat to keep it healthy and prevent matting.
And that’s it! With these tips in mind, you should be able to safely and successfully shave your Cavalier King Charles spaniel.
Conclusion
While you can shave a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, it’s generally not recommended. The coat is an integral part of the anatomy and serves many purposes. Shaving it can put your dog at risk for health problems.
If you’re unsure whether shaving is the right decision for your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, please consult your veterinarian or a professional groomer. They will be able to advise you on the best course of action.
