HEALTH & NUTRITION

Breeder, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Puppies, Phoenix, Arizona, California, Oregon, New Mexico, Nevada, Utah, Texas, Washington,

Bright, charming and full of playful enthusiasm the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel has become known as the ideal companion dog, a reputation that this breed has earned. As a new Cavalier owner, you should be looking forward to many long and rewarding years together with the vast majority of Cavaliers being happy, healthy dogs. However, you may already be aware that as with all animals, theres is some risk of genetically inherited disease. While conscientious breeders and Kennel Club Accredited Breeders are working continuously with animal health experts to diminish these risks, it is important to note that every Cavalier owner should be aware of these health conditions and the preventative measures that should be taken to ensure a long and happy life together.

If your puppy has come from a breed club member of an accredited breeder it is likely that it comes from health screened stock. While this cannot guarantee that your dog is free from a hereditary condition, health screening is one way that responsible breeders are reducing the risk of passing on pre-existing conditions. There are three main health issues discussed below that Cavaliers are typically screened for today:

MITRAL VALVE DISEASE (MVD)

Mitral Valve Disease is a common health problem in older dogs of all breeds although it has been found to have an earlier onset in the Cavalier. Mitral Valve Disease is the most serious problem facing Cavaliers today. The disease causes a degeneration of the heart's collagen/connective tissue that makes up the mitral valve making it difficult for the mitral valve to not be able to close all the way. Blood leaks backwards and this leakage causes a sound that is called a murmur. Over time, if left untreated the mitral valve gets sloppier and more and more blood leaks backwards causing the murmur to get louder. The more blood that leaks backwards the harder the heart has to work to keep the blood moving so the body can get enough oxygen, eventually leading to congestive heart failure.

Though many dogs diagnosed with Mitral Valve Disease can continue to live to a ripe old age and enjoy a happy life with the assistance of medication. For Cavaliers, current guidelines recommend a check up for Mitral Valve Disease on an annual basis; this can usually be done by your own vet. Alternatively, there health clinics sponsored by clubs such as the Cavaliers of Puget Sound that offer low cost check-ups by a Veterinary Cardiologist.

List of Cardiologists: http://www.acvim.org/Specialist/Search.aspx

SYRINGOMYELIA

Known by some as "neck scratchers disease" where the dog is seen scratching in the air near the neck, usually when excited or on a lead. The term Syringomyelia is a condition where fluid filled cavities (syrinxes) develop within the spinal cord. While some dogs show no or only mild symptoms, unfortunately, in some cases the condition progresses and deteriorates causing the dog pain and neurological problems.

Diagnosis for Syringomyelia is by MRI scan. Veterinary clinics operating low cost MRI scanning can be found on the Cavalier Club website together with advice and further information on Syringomyelia.

List of Neurologists: http://www.acvim.org/Specialist/Search.aspx

MRI Centers: http://www.mrvets.com/mricenter.htm

EYES

The primary genetic eye condition inherited in Cavaliers are cataract (Congenital & Juvenile), and multifocal retinal dysplasia. Fortunately, both diseases are now much less common as reputable breeders test their stock prior to breeding. Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF) certification is what you should be chosing a breeder to work with. The opthamology examination is non-invasive, painless and relatively inexpensive.

Canine Eye Registration Foundation (CERF): http://www.vmbd.org/cerf.html

PATELLAR LUXATION

The patella, or kneecap, is part of the stifle joint (knee). In patellar luxation, the kneecap luxates, or pops out of place, either in a medial or lateral position. Cavaliers can be affected at a very young age as well as later in life, but typically it occurs in Cavaliers within the first year to eighteen months.

Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA): http://www.offa.org

DIET

We have tried almost every type of food on the market to find trying to find the right balanced diet for our Cavaliers. After several years of trying many different brands we settled on FROMM Family Pet Food (5th Generation family owned & operated). Fromm Family Pet Foods are formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Dog Food Nutrient Profiles for All Life Stages.

For PUPPIES: "Puppy Gold" made with Chicken and other wholesome ingredients, including probiotics to aid digestion and salmon oil for a healthy coat

Feeding Instructions: (1/2) to (1-3/4) cup daily up to 12 months of old, typcially best split in half and given in the morning and evening at the same time each day.

Available in 5, 15, and 33 pound bags. You typically get the best deal when you buy the 33 pound bag.

https://frommfamily.com/products/dog/gold/dry/#puppy-gold

Guaranteed Analysis:

Crude Protein -- 27% min | Crude Fat -- 18% | Crude Fiber -- 5.5% min | Moisture -- 10% max

For ADULTS: "Salmon A La Veg" made with wild salmon and real Wisonsin cheese, broccoli, apples, parsley, and other fresh produce

Feeding Instructions: (1) cup daily, typically best split in half and given in the morning and evening at the same time each day

Available in 5, 15, and 30 pound bags. You typically get the best deal when you buy the 30 pound bag.

https://frommfamily.com/products/dog/four-star/dry/#salmon-a-la-veg

Guaranteed Analysis:

WHERE TO BUY FROMM Family Pet Food | https://frommfamily.com/retailers/where-to-buy/

DOG FOOD ADVISOR | http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/dog-food-reviews/taste-of-the-wild-dog-food-dry/

WHY AAFCO YOU ASK?| http://www.dogfoodadvisor.com/frequently-asked-questions/aafco-nutrient-profiles/

ANIMAL FOOD RECALLS & ALERTS | https://www.avma.org/news/issues/recalls-alerts/pages/pet-food-safety-recalls-alerts.aspx