Things to Consider

Caring for a new Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Puppy

When you first get your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy home your new puppy will miss its litter mates and familiar surroundings of my house the first few days. Your puppy may cry off and on which is very normal. We always try to NOT pick up the puppies when they are actually crying because it will teach them to cry in order to get picked up. Wait them out and go pick them up and comfort them the second the stop crying for a second.

Your new puppy should only cry the first night or two and then will begin to settle into your new surroundings.

Once you have taken your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy home you will need to schedule an appointment with your vet for a wellness check-up (per our contract) then for when their next puppy shot is due. Be sure and take the shot record with you so your vet can record the information on their chart.

GROOMING YOUR NEW CAVALIER

Part 1 http://www.thedogplace.org/HEALTH/Grooming1-Haircoat_Lanting-105.asp

Part 2 http://www.thedogplace.org/HEALTH/Grooming2-Clean-Dog_Lanting-106.asp

Part 3 http://www.thedogplace.org/HEALTH/Grooming3-Tooth-Nails_Lanting-109.asp

*There’s no way I could have explained the grooming process in depth this much. THANK YOU DOG PLACE!!!

Lets talk hernias

Umbilical Hernia – I can usually tell by seven weeks of age if one of my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppies is going to have a little hernia. Umbilical hernias are usually caused by chewing/cutting the umbilical cord too short by the dam or the cord being under stress or unusually short at delivery.  There are many disagreeing studies that they may or may not be hereditary. The mode of inheritance is unknown, but regardless this condition is minor in comparison to other health issues.

What actually is a umbilical hernia? If the umbilical ring does not close immediately after birth sometimes a little fatty tissue is trapped on the outside of the abdomen after the ring closes causing a bubble-like area where the umbilical cord was attached. If the bubble cannot be pushed back up into the abdomen it is called a non-reducible hernia. If the bubble can be pushed back up into the abdomen then it is called a reducible hernia. Sometimes people refer to them as an “outie”  In either case, about 99% of the time they are completely harmless and cosmetic only. Some DVM’s and puppy families opt to never think a thing about them, while others opt to fix them during sterilization.

A companion pet owner need not be alarmed if their new Cavalier King Charles Spaniel puppy does have an umbilical hernia. As I said before, it can easily be corrected during the spay/neuter process or just left as is since majority of the time they pose no threat to the dog. I will let all puppy families know (if I catch it) in advance of picking up their puppy that he has an umbilical hernia. That away you can mention it to your DVM and verify the information I have given you. In the unlikely event where an umbilical hernia becomes painful to the touch, red or swollen, take your dog to be examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible.

“Umbilical hernias” can appear on any breed of dogs. They really are just a part of each puppies own uniqueness as are our belly buttons.  Just seems to me, we have given them an extremely medical term for canines.

Inguinal Hernia – This is the condition which is the result of abdominal organs, fat or tissue protruding through the inguinal ring. Inguinal hernias are presented as skin-covered bulges in the groin. They can be bilateral, involving both sides, or unilateral, involving only one side. Inguinal hernias are more common in females than males, but do occur in both sexes. As with umbilical hernias most inguinal hernias will shrink and disappear as the puppy grows, although you and your vet must keep an eye on the size of the hernia(s).

This is the condition which is the result of abdominal organs, fat or tissue protruding through the inguinal ring. Inguinal hernias are presented as skin-covered bulges in the groin. They can be bilateral, involving both sides, or unilateral, involving only one side. Inguinal hernias are more common in females than males, but do occur in both sexes. As with umbilical hernias most inguinal hernias will shrink and disappear as the puppy grows, although you and your vet must keep an eye on the size of the hernia(s). These to are usually not serious and certainly not life threatening or altering.

Scrotal Hernia – Affects only male Cavalier King Charles Spaniels) The tube that descends into the scrotum is too large, which allows intestines to descend into the scrotal canal. This type of hernia will also need to be watched carefully and if it does not repair on its own it will need to be fixed during the neutering process.

TEETH TOYS AND TEE TEE

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels may need to have their teeth cleaned by a veterinarian. Especially if you choose to feed dry and/or wet kibble. Oral hygiene has been linked to health. When teeth are cleaned by a veterinarian they are put under anesthesia. WARNING: Make sure you always use toothpaste made for dogs only because people toothpaste is poisonous for dogs. A child’s soft toothbrush or an electric toothbrushes work great. Tarter can form on teeth after 24 – 48 hours just like human teeth so brushing your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s teeth each night before bedtime is going to give your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel the best protection. If you cannot do it daily then try weekly. If you cannot do it weekly then you will need to keep a close watch on the back molars because over time they will turn brown and this can lead to health issues not to mention causing them pain when they eat. We give our Cavalier King Charles Spaniels baby carrots, celery, apples and of course RAW meaty bones every and have found they really help to control the tarter buildup naturally.

We recommend spaying or neutering a puppy after 12 months. Our Health Guarantee states specifically that our guarantee is for the first year through each puppy’s first birthday and they cannot be spayed or neutered prior to 12 months or the guarantee is null and void once spayed or neutered prior to 12 months. Puppies produce hormones and one of the hormones produced regulates the overall size your puppy will grow into. If altered early and the growth hormone is cut off and your puppy will most likely grow into a larger adult than if the growth hormone is still intact and is able to cut off the growth at the time the genes are scheduled to shut off the growth. Puppies need their hormones during the growth period for structural soundness and early altering could affect the structural outcome of your puppy as an adult. Growth plates do not close until closer to 12 months of age and as long as your puppy is still growing he needs to have his hormones intact in order to stay as structurally sound as possible. It is wise for all females to experience one heat cycle. Heat cycles can happen anywhere from around 7 months all the way up 12 months, so you will just need to keep an eye on your girl until she has completed her first cycle. Cycles last for 3 weeks, but the discharge is more around day 3 through day 15 and then the discharge begins to lighten up. Your girl is not fully safe until she has gone through the entire 3 or even 4 weeks so during this time you will need to keep her away from ANY intact dogs. They sell panties at Petco and PetsMart and you can put a panty liner inside to keep things clean during her cycle.

Choosing toys for our canine friends can be very tricky. Unlike children’s toys that come with choking hazards and age appropriate labels to help parents choose safe toys for their children, dog toys do not have warnings and should. I try to purchase toys with very little to no stuffing.

WARNING: Toys with stuffing…when destuffed…can cause a blockage in the intestines and could become fatal.
WARNING: Toys made of rubber…tiny bits are chewed off and swallowed and can also cause blockage in the intestines and could become fatal.
WARNING: Rope toys…bits of the rope always wind up in stools, so this too could be a risk unrealized until too late.
WARNING: Children’s stuffed animals have fire retardant stuffing and when swallowed it becomes gel-like similar to gum and then expands and can be fatal to dogs if ingested. Only give your puppy toys that are made for dogs. Preferably UN STUFFED

      **WEATHER AND CAVALIERS**      

 

COLD WEATHER

Never let your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (dog) off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm — dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure yours always wears ID tags.

Thoroughly wipe off your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s (dog’s) legs and stomach when he comes in out of the sleet, snow, or ice. He can ingest salt, antifreeze or other potentially dangerous chemiclas while licking his paws, and his paw pads may also bleed from snow or encrusted ice.

Never shave your dog down to the skin in winter. A longer coat will provide more warmth. When you bathe your dog in the colder months, be sure to completely dry him before taking him out for a walk. Consider getting short-haired breeds a coat or sweater with a high collar or turtleneck with coverage from the base of the tail to the belly.

Never leave your pet alone in a car during cold weather. A car can act as a refrigerator in the winter, holding in the cold and causing an animal to freeze to death.

Puppies do not tolerate the cold as well as adult dogs, and may be difficult to housebreak during the winter. You may opt to litter box train them inside until warmer weather is available. If your Cavalier KIng Charles Spaniel (dog) is sensitive to the cold due to age or illness, take him outdoors only to relieve himself.

Make sure your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (dog/pet) has a warm place to sleep, off the floor and away from all drafts. A cozy dog bed with a warm blanket or pillow is perfect.

 

HOT WEATHER

In the summertime, the living conditions outdoors isn’t always easy for our animal friends. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (dogs/pets) can suffer from the same problems that humans do, such as overheating, dehydration and even sunburn. By taking some simple precautions, you can celebrate the season and keep your pets happy and healthy. A visit to the veterinarian for a spring or early summer check-up is a wise start. If you do not keep your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (dog/pet) on a year-round heartworm preventive medicine have a heartworm test run to make sure your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (dog/pet) is negative. Ask your vet to recommend a safe, effective flea and tick control program. Never leave your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (dog/pet) alone in a vehicle — hyperthermia can be fatal. Even with the windows open, a parked automobile can quickly become a furnace in no time. Parking in the shade offers little protection as the heat outside can still overheat a parked automobile in the shade also. Always carry a gallon thermos filed with cold, fresh water when traveling with your pet.  The right time for playtime is in the cool of the early morning or evening, but never after a meal or when the weather is humid. When the temperature is very high, don’t let your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (dog/pet) stand on hot asphalt. His or her body can heat up quickly, and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum.

A day at the beach is a no-no, unless you can guarantee a shaded spot and plenty of fresh water for your companion. Salty dogs should be rinsed off after a dip in the ocean.

Be especially sensitive to older and overweight animals in hot weather.

Coolant is poison to your pets. Make sure there are no puddles accessible to your pet. You may not even realize a little puddle of water on the sidewalk or road has coolant in it so exercise extreme caution.

Good grooming can eliminate summer skin problems, especially for dogs with heavy coats.

Do not apply any sunscreen or insect repellant product to your pet that is not labeled specifically for use on animals. Ingestion of sunscreen products can result in drooling, diarrhea, excessive thirst and lethargy. The misuse of insect repellant that contains DEET can lead to neurological problems.

Having a backyard barbecue? Always kep matches, lighter fluid, citronella candles and insect coils out of pets’ reach.

Stay alert for signs of overheating in pets, which include excessive panting and drooling and mild weakness, along with an elevated body temperature. I cannot stress the danger when it comes to Cavaliers overheating and dying of heat stroke. I have had numerous encounters with stories about Cavaliers that came inside from outside and layed down as if taking a nap and never woke up again. When you see your Cavalier’s tongue hanging to the side of their mouth while panting or curled in any way they are beginning to overheat. Believe me when I tell you to please be careful with your Cavaliers being outside for even brief periods during the warm weather months.
 POISONS

 

Foods: Chocolate, which contains theobromine, can be potentially fatal to Cavalier King Charles Spaniels (dogs). The darker the chocolate the more theobromine and baking chocolate is the worst. Coffee grounds/beans, anything with caffeine, alcohol, grapes (in large quantities, 1/2 pound to 2 pounds), raisins, onions, broccoli or garlic in large amounts, castor beans, apricots and apricot seeds, pear and peach pits, plum pits, apple seeds, nutmeg, sugarless gums and candies (containing xylitol), wild cherry, almonds, macadamia nuts, balsam pear, yeast dough, tomato and potato leaves and stems, avacados, onions and onion powder, mushrooms, rhubarb, spinach, and japanese plums. 

Plants: Aloe vera, asparagus, fen, azalea, cactus, daffodil, deadly nightshade, dumbcane, elephant’s ear, ficus, foxglove, holly, honeysuckle, horse chestnut, ivy, japanese yew, jasmine, lilies, liy of the valley, marijuana, mistletoe, morning glory flower, mums, oak, oleander, philodendron, poinsettias, poppies, rhododendron, tulip bulbs, Virginia creeper, wild mushrooms.

Household: Antifreeze (even very small doses are lethal), any household cleaners, bleach, toilet bowl cleansers, drain openers, soap, insecticides (including flea products), mothballs, polishes, rodent poisons, sunscreen, fireworks, citronella, fertilizers, herbicides, batteries, ibuprofen, aspirin, toothpaste (containing xylitol), naproxen, acetominophen, human antidepressants, antibiotics, gasoline, motor oil, transmission fluid, or other dangerous chemicals and medicines, boric acid, deodorants, deodorizers, detergents, de-icing agents, disinfectants, drain cleaners, furniture polish, hair coloring, weed killer, kerosene, matches, nail polish and remover, paint, prescription and non-prescription medicine, rubbing alcohol, shoe polish, sleeping pills, snail or slug bait, turpentine, windshield-wiper fluid.

*** WARNING *** 

Cocoa Mulch, which is sold by Home Depot, Foreman’s Garden Supply and other Garden supply stores, contains a lethal ingredient called ‘Theobromine’. It is lethal to dogs and cats. It smells like chocolate and it really attracts dogs. Once ingested they will have a seizure and die…it can take up to 24 hours before the fatal attack occurs.

*** When a Cavalier eats chocolate or something bad *** 

Give 5cc per 10 lbs body weight of 3% food grade hydrogen peroxide, which will cause a Cavalier to regurgitate anything ingested recently within the last 15 minutes or so. If you do not know when the ingestion took place and if the time frame could be hours you need to seek medical attention immediately.

*** Traveling With Pets ***

By Car: Use a crate or a harness that attaches to the seat belt. Be sure the crate is large enough to allow the dog to stand, turn and lie down and is secured to the vehicle. If it’s hot, open car windows to provide sufficient ventilation or make sure the air conditioner is at an appropriate setting to cool your dog. Small battery-operated fans attached to your dog’s crate can help. Do not let your dog stick its head out of the window; this may lead to eye or ear injuries. Also, do not let your dog travel in the back of an open pickup truck. Your dog could be injured in an accident. Never leave a dog alone in a hot car during warm weather. To help prevent motion sickness take several short trips in the car before your journey. Also, you may consider feeding your dog its normal amount of food several hours before travel or skip the meal entirely if travel is scheduled too close to feeding time.

By Plane: We ONLY fly with our dogs in the cabin with us and ONLY allow them to fly in the cabin with their new families. The following information is for anyone who is planning to fly to pick their new puppy up or wants to take their pet along with them. You could run into some of the following situations and hopefully having this information before hand will help you make proper arrangements for travel.

Your dog should be at least 8 weeks old and weaned before flying. Be sure to inquire about individual airlines specific requirements regarding health certification for the acceptance of pets for travel in the cabin or as checked baggage within the United States (Hawaii has quarantine requirements). Sometimes certifications of health must be dated no more than 10 days before travel. All states require proof of current rabies vaccination for dogs by the time they are three to four months. Check individual state requirements. Contact your local veterinarian who will be issuing the health certification because they should be familiar with each states rabies requirement age.

Plan for unexpected set backs such as an unforseen overnight stay due to weather. Put essential items such as food, water bowls, medications in an easily identifiable bag should you need to get to these items. Airlines make it clear that it is the owner’s responsibility to verify the dog’s health and ability to fly. Be sure to check the temperature of the flight’s starting point, transfer points and destination if for any reason your pet must ride in baggage because it may be too hot or too cold to be safe for your pet.

Federal regulations prohibit shipping live animals as excess baggage or cargo if an animal will be exposed to temperatures that are below 45 degrees F or above 85 degrees F for more than four hours during departure, arrival or while making connections. Some airlines do not ship dogs as excess baggage (when a dog either flies in the cabin with you or on the same plane as checked luggage). Passengers on these airlines have no choice but to ship their dogs as cargo, which costs more and does not guarantee a dog will travel on the same plane as its owner.

Remember that each airline has its own variations on regulations and services. For example, if your crate doesn’t meet its requirements (which can include specific number of water and food bowls attached to the crate as well as two crate latching mechanisms) the airline may not allow your dog in the passenger cabin, if your crate or carrier fits under the seat in front of you. Ask about the maximum weight requirements for cabin travel, which vary from airline to airline. If using a crate be sure the crate has a leak-proof bottom covered with plenty of absorbent material, has a water bowl that can be filled without opening the crate, has a label with owner’s name, address and phone number and “LIVE ANIMAL” sticker with arrows upright. When making your reservations you must make reservations for your dog. There are restrictions on the number of animals permitted on each flight. Animals are accepted on a first-come, first-served basis.

By Train: If you decide to travel by train, you may be dissappointed. Amtrak does not allow pets of any kind, including dogs. (Service dogs are permitted.) Local and commuter trains have their own policies.

By Bus: If you decide to travel by bus, you may be equally dissappointed. Greyhound and other bus companies that travel interstate are not allowed to carry live animals, including dogs. (Service dogs are permitted.) Local bus companies have their own policies.

Service Dogs: Federal Law, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), allows equal access to all “Service Dogs” (ie., hearing assistance, mobility assistance, etc.) It is crucial if you are traveling with a service dog to alert the carrier that you are coming with a service dog so that they may accommodate you with special seating, if available. If you travel with a service dog, you need to know those laws and carry a copy of the law with you and the number for the ADA office in the U.S. Department of Justice, (800) 514-0301 (voice) and (800) 514-0383 (TTY). You may come across a gate agent, ticket seller, conductor, etc. who does not know the law.

By Boat: The QM2 luxury cruiser sails from New York to England/France and provides special lodging and meals for your dog. But it can be hard to find ships that accept pets. Check with individual cruise lines, charter ships and sightseeing companies if you’re interested in taking your canine companion aboard.

Lodging: If you plan to stay at a hotel or motel, be sure to find out in advance if it allows dogs because many do not. If your dog is allowed to stay, respect the privacy of other guests and keep your dog as quiet as possible. Beware of leaving your dog unattended. Many dogs bark or may destroy property in a strange place. Prevent any possibility of unwanted messes or an escape. Keep your dog in its crate at night or if you must leave it in your room alone. Keeping a radio or television on while you’re out of your room could help keep your dog quiet. Ask where you should walk your dog, and be sure to clean up after your dog. There is a link to pet friendly hotels on our links page.

Please remember, for hotels to continue to accept guests with dogs, it is important to respect hotel property, staff, and fellow guests.

International: Interantional travel involves much more than interstate travel. Each country has its own rules and regulations. Many countries have a quarantine period. Check with the embassy or consulate of the courtry of your destination for details.

Traveling Tips: Make sure your dog has a sturdy leash and collar. The collar should have identification tags, rabies vaccination license tag (keep in mind authorities who want proof of rabies vaccination will only accept a certificate signed by a veterinarian that shows the type of vaccine used and the date is was administered). Your mobile phone number should be on the tags as well. Use a permanent form of ID (such as a microchip or tattoo) that can increase the likelihood of reuniting you with your dog if it gets lost far from home. Carry recent pictures of your dog with you. If you are accidentally separated , these pictures will help local authorities find your dog. Take the phone number of your veterinarian and any special medication your dog needs. Some dogs can’t adjut to abrupt changes in diet, so pack your dog’s regular food, bowls and water. If you think you might need to board your dog at some point during your travels, be sure to bring your dog’s complete vaccination records. Traveling can be stressful for dogs. Consider keeping your dog on bottled water or bringing water from home and slowly switching the dog over to destination water to prevent intestinal problems.

*** First Aid ***

Car Accidents: A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (dog/pet) that has been hit by a car needs to see a vet immediately. Internal bleeding is common, and outward signs of distress may not show for several hours. A puncture wound that closes rapidly can cause a life-threatening infection later on if left untreated. Slide a heavy towel underneath your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (dog/pet) to help move him. You may also need to cover his face with another towel to keep him from getting overwhelmed. If your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (dog/pet) only seems dazed by the experience and you see no outward signs of injury still take him to a vet immediately for an examination. 

Bleeding: Using direct pressure, apply a clean, dry cloth to the wound. If blood soaks through the first layer of fabric, add more without disturbing the first layer so you do not disrupt any clots that may be forming. Use a tourniquet only as a last resort, and make it just tight enough to significantly reduce the flow of blood. Loosen it every five minutes, and do not keep it on for longer that 20 minutes. Transport your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (dog/pet) to the vet as soon as possible.

Choking: When a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (dog/pet) is choking it may breathe loudly, drool, paw at their mouth, cough, gag, become anxious, or faint. If this happens, gently open your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s (dog’s/pet’s) mouth to locate and manually remove the object. If your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (dog/pet) is not breathing and you cannot find what is obstructing its windpipe, perform a modified Heimlich maneuver. With your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (dog/pet) facing away from you, clasp your hands around its waist, just beneath the rib cage. Compress the abdomen three to five times with quick upward thrusts. Repeat as necessary. If that does not work, take your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (dog/pet) to the vet immediately.

Loss of Consciousness: If your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (dog/pet) exhibits signs of cardiopulmonary arrest — unconsciousness, a weak or irregular pulse, no heartbeat, and no obvious signs of breathing — begin CPR. The techniquest used on humans can be modified easily to work on animals. If possible, enlist someone else’s help — it’s best to perform CPR on your way to the hospital, so that resuscitation can be continued there.

Poisoning: Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, salivation, excitability, difficulty breathing, disorientation, poor coordination, twitching, convulsions, and collapse. Common sources are medications, household cleaning products, rat poisons, antifreeze, insecticides, and plants. Not all poisons are treated alike, so if you think your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (dog/pet) may have ingested something dangerous, head to the vet immediately. Try to bring any plant material, vomit, or toxic substances with you.

As you transport your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (dog/pet) to the hospital, provide a cover for warmth and talk in a soothing voice. That way, your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel (dog/pet) will know it’s in good hands.

*** First Aid Kit ***

  • Phone number and directions for the closest 24-hour clinic
  • Tweezers, to remove ticks, burrs, and splinters
  • Antibiotic ointment for wounds
  • Gauze bandage and bandage tape
  • Wound disinfectant
  • Heavy towel or blanket to use as a stretcher
  • Diphenhydramine (Benadryl), for allergic reactions
  • Sterile saline, for flushing eyes
  • Disposable latex gloves
  • Muzzle