Pet insurance for Cavalier King Charles Spaniels

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel is a toy breed that has captured the hearts of many with its sweet and playful nature. They usually come in a few colours or tricolours, with black and tan markings or black and white markings.¹ These little dogs are known for their:¹

• Affectionate personality: Cavaliers are famous for their love and loyalty to their family. They are often described as ‘lap dogs’ because they love cuddling and spending time with their families.
• Social and friendly disposition: Cavaliers are known for being exceptionally friendly and get along well with children, other dogs and even strangers.
• Moderate energy levels: While Cavaliers are energetic and enjoy playtime, they’re not as high-energy as some other toy breeds. Short walks and mental stimulation playtimes are usually enough to keep them happy.
• Intelligence and trainability: These dogs are quick learners and enjoy training sessions, making them great candidates as therapy dogs or companion dogs.

The Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed is beloved for their affectionate personality, gentle nature and elegance. While Cavaliers are generally healthy, they are prone to certain breed-specific health conditions due to their specific breed traits.¹

You should always ensure that you get these dogs from a responsible and reputable breeder, that will do genetic testing before breeding, lowering the risks of these health problems.

Some of the more common health issues include:

• Mitral Valve Disease(MVD): This is a heart condition that begins with a heart murmur, progressing to congestive heart failure.¹ It’s one of the most common health issues in the breed, especially in Cavalier dogs over five years old.
• Syringomyelia (SM): This is a neurological condition where cavities or cysts form within the spinal cord near the brain.¹ It’s often excruciating and can cause symptoms like head tilting, yelping and sensitivity around the neck area.
• Brachycephalic Airway Obstruction Syndrome (BAOS): Cavalier King Charles spaniels are a breathing-impaired breed (BIB) and are more likely to suffer from brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome.² This disorder significantly limits a dog’s ability to breathe.
• Patellar luxation: This condition, also known as kneecap dislocation, may cause limping and lameness, usually affecting both hind legs.¹
• Hip dysplasia: Like many dog breeds, Cavaliers can be prone to hip dysplasia, a hip joint malformation that causes arthritis and pain.¹
• Ear infections: Due to their long, floppy ears, Cavaliers are more susceptible to ear infections, which can become chronic if not managed properly.² Regular cleaning and maintenance of the ears are essential to prevent these infections.
• Eye problems: Cavaliers can suffer from various eye conditions, including cataracts, retinal issues and dry eye.¹ Regular eye exams are necessary to catch and treat these conditions early.
• Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD): Cavaliers are at risk for spinal disc disease, where the discs in the spine can degenerate, causing pain or even paralysis if left untreated.³

Given the prevalence of these conditions, dog owners need to be proactive about their dogs’ health and well-being.

Pet insurance can offer significant peace of mind for Cavalier King Charles Spaniel owners. As the breed does have known hereditary conditions, securing pet insurance for your furry family member can help you ensure their health and well-being is attended to throughout their lifespan.

Here’s why you should consider investing in insurance for your furry companion:

• Rising vet bills: As veterinary care becomes more advanced, the cost of treatment for conditions like MVD, syringomyelia and IVDD can be expensive. With pet insurance, you can lessen the burden of hefty medical bills.
• Chronic conditions: Cavaliers are prone to long-term, chronic conditions that require ongoing management, such as heart disease and skin conditions. Pet insurance may help cover health tests such as X-rays and MRI scans, vaccinations, preventive care, medications and surgeries, ensuring your dog’s needs are met without financial stress.
• Emergency cover: Dogs, like people, can experience sudden accidents or injuries requiring emergency treatment. Pet insurance can help cover the cost of emergency visits, surgeries and follow-up care.
• Hereditary health problems: Since Cavaliers are a pedigree breed, they may suffer from inherited health conditions like syringomyelia, requiring specialised treatments. Some pet insurance policies offer coverage for hereditary and congenital conditions, which are common in this breed.
• Peace of mind: With the uncertainty of potential health issues, having pet insurance can provide comfort, knowing that you won’t have to make difficult decisions based solely on financial constraints.

Pet insurance companies offer different levels of cover for you to consider when looking for the best pet insurance for your Cavalier. A popular policy is an accident and illness policy as it provides cover for accidents, illnesses, surgeries and sometimes routine care. Breeds like Cavaliers have potential long-term health problems, so looking for policies that suit you could be especially important.

Insurance plans with higher payout limits could be worth considering, especially since treatment for heart disease, surgeries or neurological conditions can get expensive. Some plans have annual or per-condition sub-limits, so it’s essential to understand these before signing up.

Every insurance provider also has a waiting period before the insurance policy coverage starts. The waiting period for illnesses might be longer than for accidents, so ensure you’re okay with the waiting time. This can vary from a few days to a few weeks.

Compare different pet insurance policies to know what is and isn’t covered, and to look for the pet insurance type that best fits your breed of dog. Many pet insurance providers won’t cover pre-existing conditions, so insuring your dog early is important. If your Cavalier already has any health issues, check how the insurer handles these.

Always read the policy terms on the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS) and the Target Market Determination (TMD) to know what the inclusions and exclusions of your policy are, and to make sure that the pet insurance cover is the right fit for your pet.

Proper care is essential for maintaining the health and happiness of your Cavalier King Charles Spaniel dog. Here are some key elements of care to keep in mind:⁴

• Diet and nutrition: Feeding your Cavalier a balanced, high-quality diet is crucial for overall health. Look for dog food rich in protein, healthy fats and essential vitamins. Be mindful of their weight, as Cavaliers are prone to obesity, which can exacerbate joint problems and heart issues.
• Regular exercise: Cavaliers are moderate in energy, so regular exercise is essential to keep them fit. Daily walks, playtime in the yard and interactive toys can stimulate them mentally and physically.
• Grooming needs: Cavaliers have beautiful, silky coats that require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangles. Brushing a few times a week is recommended, and regular baths help keep them looking their best. Additionally, don’t forget to trim their nails and clean their ears to prevent infections.
• Vet checkups: Regular veterinary checkups are vital for monitoring your Cavalier’s health, especially given the breed’s predisposition to conditions like heart disease and syringomyelia. A yearly checkup will help catch potential issues early, ensuring timely treatment.
• Dental health: Dental issues are common in small dog breeds, and Cavaliers are no exception. Regular brushing of your dog’s teeth, along with occasional professional cleanings, can prevent dental disease, which could lead to more serious health issues.
• Socialisation: Given their friendly nature, Cavaliers enjoy socialising with other pets and people. Early socialisation and positive reinforcement are key to ensuring your dog grows up to be well-adjusted and happy.

• Compare dog insurance
• Small dog breeds
• Cost of pet insurance
• Common exclusions in pet insurance