Sanflorian Cavaliers

Regular veterinary care is very important to your dog's health and longevity. We can't
emphasize enough the importance of a respectful and trusting relationship with your vet.
Veterinarians are trained professionals, and they are human. They can vary greatly in
approach, education, and experience. It's worth your effort to find a vet whose opinion you
trust and respect.

There are a wide variety of approaches, treatments, and therapies available now in
veterinary medicine. Which you pursue and use for your dog is entirely up to you. We urge
you, however, to be sure that you are working with someone who is trained in what they are
practicing. All alternative therapies have certification or licensing guidelines. Make sure that
the practitioner you choose has met them and has some successful experience.

Appropriate vaccination is a part of regular veterinary care. This topic spurs intense debate
among veterinarians, breeders, and pet owners alike. It is important that you educate
yourself with factual, scientific information and make choices regarding vaccination that are
appropriate for your individual dog, your lifestyle, and your geographic location. The website
of the American Animal Hospital Association is one place to start in researching appropriate
vaccination protocols.

Obviously, good nutrition is vital to overall good health. How to accomplish feeding a
nutritious diet is another topic sure to trigger hot debate among anyone who cares for dogs.
Again the bottom line is that you must educate yourself so that you can make appropriate
choices for your dog, his/her special needs, and your lifestyle. Our thoughts and experiences
related to canine nutrition are explained on our nutrition page.

Cavaliers are genetically pre-disposed to several serious conditions, including, but not limited
to, Mitral Valve Disease, Hip Dysplasia, Retinal Dysplasia, and Luxating Patellas.
Syringomyelia also occurs in this breed. We strongly suggest that you familiarize yourself
with these disorders prior to deciding a Cavalier is the right dog for your family. Good
places to start reading about these conditions are the websites of the Cavalier King Charles
Spaniel Club, USA and the American Cavalier King Charles Spaniel Club. Many
veterinarians are an excellent source of information. Internet searches will also turn up some
good information, though as with everything on the web, you must consider carefully the
source. If you need, we can help you find information.

There are screenings for some of these conditions. Click here for a description of how we
use health testing to inform our breeding decisions.