Basic care of your Cavoodle
The basic care requirements for a Cavoodle are pretty much the same for any other dog breed. They are not a dog with extreme body proportions such as a giant size, flat face, long back etc. Like any other breed, they will need to be vaccinated at 6, 12 and 16 weeks old and then a booster every year. They will need treatment for fleas and worms and this can be done with separate products for each of these or with the use of a single product that treats both at the same time. When using a flea control product it is usually best to use a “spot on” treatment that is a liquid that is placed at the back of your dog’s neck such as frontline. Avoid the use of flea collars as most are ineffective in controlling fleas, and often cause many dogs to develop a skin reaction to the chemical sitting on their necks for weeks. Also if you live in an area that has ticks or where there is a risk of heartworm, preventatives are available for both and should be used to protect your dog from these nasty parasites also. Always check the information provided on the label of the product you choose to use to ensure that it covers your dog for the parasites needed as well as being suitable for the age and size of your dog. If you are unsure of which product to use, ask the seller or consult your veterinarian when you take your dog for it’s first check.
Feeding a Cavoodle
Most Cavoodles are not fussy eaters by nature but some individuals can be fussier eaters than others. Sticking to the same diet that your dog has already been eating is important in preventing gastric upsets that can become serious in young puppies, but will also be what a fussy pup is accustomed to eating. Being a relatively small dog breed, they are generally cheap to feed, so stick with a premium dry food if you choose to feed dry food as Cavoodles generally eat small amounts at a time and need this small amount to provide all the nutrition that they require. This is especially important for growing puppies where for an extra couple of dollars more per week you can provide your Cavoodle with a complete diet including a premium dry food rather than a lower grade dry food. Always consult the Cavoodle breeder or previous owner as to what they have been feeding the puppy and how many meals per day so you can keep your new dog on the same diet. If your vet recommends a different brand of food or different diet completely, a gradual change their diet is much better than a sudden change.
A safe place for your Cavoodle
Your Cavoodle puppy will need to have a comfortable and safe environment to live in. Most new Cavoodle owners keep their dog inside the house at first and many new dog owners allow their Cavoodle puppy to have free access inside their home. Always make sure that any areas your puppy is allowed to go into are safe from items that may injure him. Keep an eye out for sharp objects and anything they may accidentally swallow as well as other dangers and remove from your puppy’s reach. If you are going to keep your Cavoodle outside, you will need to make sure that they have a warm, sheltered, comfortable and safe place that they can use to escape any bad weather. This can be a kennel placed in a protected place in your backyard such as a patio or alfesco area or even in your garage. Be sure to make your yard safe for your Cavoodle puppy or adult as you would the inside but also check for any holes or gaps in your fences that they may escape from. Keep any nasty poisons or chemicals away from curious little paws and noses as some dogs just cannot help themselves from tasting things they really shouldn’t. Cavoodles, both toy and mini are very adaptable that can tolerate a range of living conditions from apartments to rural life, but most are kept as both inside and outside dogs.
Cavoodle coat care
A clipped Cavoodle does not require an enourmous amount of brushing every week, but it is advisable to brush a puppy regularly for a few minutes at a time (once per day for 5 minutes for example) to get them not only accustomed to the brush and the actual brushing procedure, but to actually enjoy and look forward to it. This will make things much easier for you to brush them as adults who stay still, rather than trying to run away as soon as the brush comes out. Cavoodles do not need have their coat clipped short if you prefer a longer coat and many owners opt for this, but a longer coat will require more grooming to keep it free from knots and mats and looking it’s best. Cavoodles do not need to be washed often as frequent washing will remove more of their coat’s natural oils that help to maintain their beautiful coat. Cavoodles only need to be washed about once per month at most and washing them more than once per week on a regular basis will lead to dry skin and a dry flat coat.
Exercise for a Cavoodle
Although Cavoodles are animated and lively dogs, a large yard or strict daily walks are not required. However they are a very social and intelligent breed and will relish the chance to get out and about for a walk whenever you take them, and especially if a walk ends up at a local park or dog park with the opportunity to mingle with other dogs. Cavoodles will burn off some energy throughout the day keeping themselves amused and busy if they are provided with range of different toys to keep them mentally stimulated and occupied while you are away from home. Cavoodles don’t need very long walks when they do go out (for each one of your steps they will need to take many more to keep up with you!) and a brief walk of under 30 minutes will usually suffice. Even a short walk however does provide this highly intelligent breed with a lot of mental stimulation as they quickly gather information about other dogs in the area and what they have been up to (Facebook for dogs!).
