How to Groom Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s Ears

This site contains affiliate links, view the disclosure for more information.

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their long, silky ears, which add to their charming and regal appearance. However, without proper maintenance and grooming, their ear fur can develop painful matting, especially behind the ears.

In this how-to-guide, I will walk you through how to groom Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s ears, keeping them neat, comfortable, and healthy.

Trimming your cavalier’s ears is not a mandatory grooming step, as long as you wash and brush them regularly. But trimming them can be more convenient and make them look more tidy and aesthetic.

Many owners worry about trimming their dog’s ears for the first time, fearing they might cut too much or make an uneven trim. The good news is that with the right tools and a gentle approach, you can easily maintain your cavalier’s trimmed ears at home. The more you practice, the better you will become!

---

Cavalier King Charles Spaniels’ Ears

A Cavalier King Charles Spaniel’s ears are one of their most distinctive features. Their long, silky fur gives them an elegant look, but it also requires regular care to keep it in top condition.

Unlike some breeds with shorter or denser ear fur, cavaliers have soft flowing hair that can easily become tangled, especially around the edges and underneath the ear.

Because their ears hang down, they can trap moisture, dirt, and debris, making them more prone to matting and infections.

Food, water, and even outdoor elements like grass or twigs can get caught in the fur, leading to knots that are difficult to remove if not addressed early.

If left unattended, tangled ear fur can pull at the skin, causing discomfort, and in severe cases, mats can create an environment for bacteria and yeast to thrive.

Regular maintenance is essential to prevent these issues:

Brushing your cavalier’s ears a few times a week helps keep them smooth and free of knots. Trimming the fur around the edges and inside the ear flop can make grooming easier while also improving airflow around the ear, reducing the risk of infections.

---

Preparing Your Cavalier for Ear Grooming

Before grooming or trimming your cavalier’s ears, make sure they are calm and comfortable. A short walk or play session beforehand can help reduce their pent-up energy.

Choose a quiet, well-lit space where your dog feels at ease. If your cavalier is nervous about grooming, let them sniff the scissors and comb before you start.

Speaking softly and offering treats throughout the process can help keep them relaxed. Keeping sessions short and positive will make ear trimming an easier part of their routine.

If your dog gets restless easily, you can do brushing, cleaning and trimming in separate sessions.

1. Brushing and Detangling

Before trimming or cleaning, make sure your cavalier’s ears is smooth and tangle-free. Brushing before trimming ensures an even cut and prevents snagging.

1. Use a pin brush or a wide-tooth comb to gently work through the ear fur.
2. If you encounter any knots, hold the base of the ear to avoid pulling the skin, and carefully detangle using a detangling spray if needed.
3. In severe cases, it’s better to cut the knot carefully from the root.

2. Trim the Ears

Once the ears are tangle free, it’s time to do some trimming!

1. Use trimming scissors to carefully trim the edges of the ears, following their natural round shape.
2. If the fur is thick, you can use thinning shears to lighten the ears without making them look choppy.
3. Trim little bit at a time and step back occasionally to check for an even look. Less is more—you can always trim more, but you can’t undo a cut that’s too short.
4. Use clippers to trim the fur outside the ear canal—this helps improve airflow and reduces the risk of moisture buildup, which can lead to infections.

3. Clean the Ears

Keeping your cavalier’s ears clean helps prevent infections:

1. Gently lift the ear flap and check for wax buildup or any redness. If you notice a strong odor, excessive discharge, or swelling, consult a vet, it’s most likely a yeast infection.
2. Apply a dog-safe ear cleaner as the product instructions say. Apply either to a cotton pad or directly few drops to the ear canal. Never use cotton swabs inside the ear canal!
3. Let your cavalier shake their head to disrtibute any excess liquid.
4. Wipe the inside of the ear with a clean cotton pad, focusing on the outer ear canal and folds, but do not push deep inside.

4. Reward Your Cavalier

Make the experience positive so future grooming sessions are easier.

• Offer verbal praise and treats as soon as you’re finished.
• Give your cavalier a break or play a favorite game to associate ear care with something enjoyable.
• Regular positive reinforcement helps them stay relaxed for future trims and cleanings.

---

Common Mistakes You Want to Avoid

Trimming your cavalier’s ears is simple with the right approach, but there are a few common mistakes to watch out for:

• Cutting too much at once – It’s easy to take off too much fur, especially around the edges. Trim gradually and check the shape as you go to avoid an uneven or overly short cut.
• Using the wrong tools – Regular scissors can be risky for detailed trimming. Always use blunt-tipped scissors or thinning shears designed for dog grooming to ensure a natural look and safe handling.
• Not keeping the dog calm and comfortable – If your cavalier is restless, the risk of uneven trimming or accidental nicks increases. Take breaks if needed, use treats for encouragement, and make the experience positive.

Being patient and using the right technique will help you achieve a neat, well-maintained trim without stress for you or your cavalier.

Maintaining Cavalier’s Ear Care Between Grooming Sessions

Keeping up with regular ear care will help your cavalier stay comfortable and avoid problems like matting or infections. Trimming the ears every four to six weeks helps maintain a neat look and prevents tangles, while ear cleaning should be done once a week or as needed, depending on how much wax or dirt builds up.

After baths, swimming, or ear cleaning, always make sure the ears are completely dry to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to infections. Over-cleaning should also be avoided, as it may cause irritation.

If you notice redness, swelling, excessive wax, a strong odor, or if your dog frequently scratches or shakes their head, it may be a sign of an ear infection.

In these cases, a vet visit is necessary to ensure proper treatment. By staying on top of ear care, you’ll keep your cavalier’s ears clean, healthy, and free of discomfort.

Conclusion

Regular ear care is essential for keeping your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel comfortable, clean, and healthy. T

Grooming and trimming helps prevent tangles and matting, while cleaning reduces the risk of infections. By incorporating these into your routine, you can maintain your dog’s signature silky ears without hassle.

With the right tools, a patient approach, and positive reinforcement, ear grooming can become a stress-free experience for both you and your cavalier.

A little regular maintenance goes a long way in keeping their ears looking great and feeling fresh. ✨💚