Cavoodle Grooming Tips for Healthy Coats

Cavoodle grooming is essential for keeping your fluffy companion healthy, comfortable, and looking their best. As professional groomers who work with Cavoodles daily at our Cessnock salon, we’ve seen it all: perfectly maintained coats, neglected mats, and everything in between.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll share what we’ve learned from grooming thousands of Cavoodles over the years. Whether you’re a new Cavoodle owner or looking to improve your home grooming routine, you’ll discover expert tips to keep your pup looking and feeling their best between professional grooms.

What We Actually See at the Salon

After grooming thousands of Cavoodles, we’ve noticed they arrive in one of three conditions:

The Well-Maintained Cavoodle

These dogs are brushed regularly at home. Their coat glides under the comb. No hidden mats. Grooming is quick, stress-free, and the dog actually enjoys it. These owners usually book every 6 weeks like clockwork.

The “I Thought I Was Brushing Properly” Cavoodle

This is the most common one we see. The owner brushes—but only the top layer. The coat looks fine until we part it and find a solid mat underneath, right against the skin. The dog isn’t badly neglected; the owner just didn’t know they needed to brush through to the skin, not just over the surface.

The Matted Cavoodle

We won’t sugarcoat this: severely matted Cavoodles are uncomfortable. The mats pull on their skin constantly. Sometimes we find skin infections hiding underneath. In these cases, shaving is the kindest option—not because we want to, but because brushing out severe mats would cause real pain.

Here’s what matters: We never judge. Life gets busy. Puppies are hard work. We’ve seen it all, and our job is to help you move forward—not make you feel bad about the past.

The honest truth: If you’re finding mats every time you brush, you’re either not brushing often enough, not brushing deep enough, or your dog needs a shorter haircut that matches your realistic maintenance level.

Cavoodle Grooming Basics: Understanding Coat Types

Not all Cavoodle coats are created equal. Understanding your dog’s specific coat type is the essential first step to proper cavoodle grooming.

Wool Coat vs Fleece Coat

Cavoodles inherit their coat from their Poodle and Cavalier King Charles Spaniel parents. This creates two main coat types:

Wool Coat (More Poodle-Like)

• Tight, curly texture similar to a Poodle
• Low to no shedding
• Requires more frequent brushing (daily is ideal)
• Prone to matting if neglected
• Needs professional grooming every 4-6 weeks

Fleece Coat (More Cavalier-Like)

• Softer, wavy texture
• May shed slightly
• Easier to maintain than wool coats
• Still requires regular brushing (every 2-3 days)
• Professional grooming every 6-8 weeks

The Ear Test: How Groomers Identify Coat Type in 5 Seconds

Want to know how groomers identify a Cavoodle’s coat type almost instantly? We look at the ears.

The Ear Test:

1. Look at the hair growing on the top of your Cavoodle’s ears (not inside—on the leather)
2. Check the texture:

Curly/kinky ear hair = Wool coat — Higher maintenance, daily brushing needed, groom every 4-6 weeks

Wavy/loose ear hair = Fleece coat — Medium maintenance, brush every 2-3 days, groom every 6-8 weeks

Straight/silky ear hair = Hair coat — Lower maintenance but will shed, brush weekly, groom every 8-10 weeks

Why this works: The ear hair often shows the true texture before the body coat fully develops. It’s also the area least affected by previous grooming or environmental factors.

Note: Many Cavoodles have a combination of textures—curlier on the body, wavier on the ears. Match your grooming routine to the highest-maintenance area.

The Puppy Coat Transition (What Nobody Tells You)

Here’s something most Cavoodle owners don’t expect: your puppy’s coat will completely change texture between 6 and 12 months old.

That soft, easy-to-manage puppy fluff? It’s temporary. The adult coat grows in underneath, and during the transition, the two coats can tangle together into a matted nightmare—even if you were brushing regularly before.

What Actually Happens

• The adult coat (curlier, denser) grows in while the puppy coat is still attached
• The two textures don’t play well together
• Mats form faster than you’d ever expect
• Your usual brushing routine suddenly isn’t enough

Signs the Coat Transition Is Starting

• Coat feels thicker or denser than before
• You’re finding more tangles than usual
• The texture seems different in some areas
• Your puppy suddenly hates being brushed (because it’s pulling more)

What to Do During the Transition

Increase your brushing. If you were brushing every 2-3 days, switch to daily during this period. Yes, really.

Book more frequent grooms. We recommend every 4 weeks during coat transition instead of the usual 6-8. This isn’t upselling—it’s preventing the misery of a full shave-down.

Consider a shorter cut. A shorter coat during transition is much easier to manage. You can grow it longer once the adult coat is fully in.

Be patient with your puppy. The transition can make grooming uncomfortable. Lots of treats, short sessions, and patience will help them get through it. For more on getting your puppy ready, see our first week with your Cavoodle puppy guide.

Essential Cavoodle Grooming Tools

Having the right tools makes cavoodle grooming easier for you and more comfortable for your dog. Here’s what we recommend:

Must-Have Tools

Slicker Brush
This is the most important tool in your cavoodle grooming kit. Look for one with fine, flexible pins that can reach through the curly coat to the skin. We recommend brushes specifically designed for curly-coated breeds—they make a noticeable difference.

Metal Comb
After brushing, a metal comb helps catch any tangles you missed. If the comb glides through smoothly, you’ve done a thorough job. If it catches, there’s more brushing to do.

Detangling Spray
A good detangling spray makes brushing easier and reduces the pulling that dogs hate. Spray lightly before brushing to help the brush glide through without snagging.

Rounded-Tip Scissors
These are for trimming around eyes, paws, and sanitary areas between professional grooms. Rounded tips are safer if your dog moves unexpectedly.

Nice-to-Have Tools

• Grooming table or non-slip mat (makes grooming easier on your back)
• Nail clippers or grinder
• Ear cleaning solution
• High-velocity dryer (if you’re serious about home grooming)

Need everything in one kit? Our Cavoodle Puppy Kit includes the essentials assembled by our groomers based on what actually works.

How Often Should You Groom Your Cavoodle?

This is the question we get asked most often about cavoodle grooming. The honest answer depends on your dog’s coat type and lifestyle.

Brushing Frequency

Coat Type	Minimum	Ideal
Wool Coat	Every 2 days	Daily
Fleece Coat	Every 3 days	Every 2 days

Reality check: Most Cavoodle owners don’t brush daily—and that’s okay. However, if you’re brushing less than twice a week, you’ll likely need more frequent professional grooms to deal with the matting.

Bathing Frequency

Every 3-4 weeks is typical for most Cavoodles. Bathing too frequently can dry out the skin; bathing too infrequently allows dirt and oil to build up.

If your Cavoodle loves mud or swimming, you may need to bathe more often. Just use a gentle, moisturising shampoo to protect the skin. According to the RSPCA’s pet care guidelines, using appropriate products is essential for maintaining healthy skin and coat.

Professional Grooming Frequency

• Wool coats: Every 4-6 weeks
• Fleece coats: Every 6-8 weeks

If you’re finding mats between grooms, either increase your home brushing or book more frequent professional appointments.

Why Your Cavoodle Hates Being Brushed (And How to Fix It)

We see a lot of Cavoodles who run and hide when the brush comes out. It’s not because they’re “difficult” or “dramatic.” There’s always a reason—and it’s usually one of these three:

1. It Actually Hurts

If there are mats in the coat, every brush stroke pulls on the skin. Dogs learn fast: brush = pain. Even after the mats are gone, they remember.

The fix: Start fresh with a professional groom to remove any mats. Then rebuild positive associations with short, gentle sessions.

2. They Were Never Taught It’s Okay

Puppies need to be desensitised to grooming—the brush, the dryer, being handled all over. If this didn’t happen early, they can be touch-sensitive as adults.

The fix: Go back to basics. Start with just showing them the brush (treat). Then touching them with it (treat). Progress slowly. Five positive seconds beats ten stressful minutes.

3. Previous Bad Experience

Maybe they were brushed too hard, held down, or had a scary grooming experience. Dogs remember.

The fix: Patience and positive reinforcement. Never force it. Let them walk away if they’re stressed. Build trust session by session.

The “5-Minute Positive” Technique

Here’s what we tell owners who are starting over with a brush-phobic dog:

1. Commit to 5 minutes maximum. Set a timer. When it goes off, you stop—no matter what.
2. Treats the entire time. Not just at the end. Constant reward.
3. Start where they’re comfortable. Usually the chest or shoulders. Avoid the face, paws, and back legs until trust is built.
4. Stop before they want you to. End every session while they’re still okay. This builds the association that grooming ends before it becomes unpleasant.
5. Do it every day. Consistency matters more than duration.

Within 2-3 weeks, most dogs show significant improvement. Within 2-3 months, they’re often completely comfortable.

Step-by-Step Home Cavoodle Grooming Routine

Here’s the routine we recommend for Cavoodle owners to follow between professional grooms.

Daily/Every Other Day: Quick Brush (5-10 minutes)

1. Start with detangling spray – Lightly mist the coat, focusing on areas prone to matting.
2. Brush in sections – Don’t just skim the surface. Part the coat and brush from the skin outward in small sections.
3. Pay attention to trouble spots:
   • Behind the ears
   • Under the collar
   • Armpits
   • Back of legs (especially “pantaloons”)
   • Around the tail
   • Chest and belly
4. Finish with a comb – Run a metal comb through to check your work. If it snags, go back with the brush.

Weekly: Full Grooming Session (20-30 minutes)

1. Thorough all-over brush – Take your time, section by section.
2. Check ears – Look for redness, odour, or excessive wax. Clean with ear solution if needed.
3. Wipe eye area – Cavoodles are prone to tear staining. Wipe gently with a damp cloth or tear stain wipes.
4. Check paws – Look for hair growing between pads, which can cause slipping and collect debris.
5. Sanitary trim if needed – Keep the area around the bottom clean with careful scissor work.
6. Nail check – Trim if you hear clicking on hard floors (or save for your groomer).

The Between-Grooms Survival Guide

Most Cavoodles get professionally groomed every 6-8 weeks. Here’s what to focus on at home during that time:

Week 1-2: The Easy Zone

Your Cavoodle just came back from the groomer looking fresh. The coat is short and tangle-free.

• Focus: Light brushing every 2-3 days to maintain the good condition
• Pay attention to: Face (around eyes), and under the collar
• Risk level: Low

Week 3-4: The Maintenance Zone

The coat is growing back. This is where consistent brushing prevents problems.

• Focus: Brush through to the skin, not just the surface
• Pay attention to: Armpits, behind ears, back of legs
• Risk level: Medium—mats can start forming if you skip sessions

Week 5-6: The Danger Zone

The coat is longer now. Friction areas are prime for matting.

• Focus: Thorough brushing sessions, especially trouble spots
• Pay attention to: Check belly, groin area, and anywhere a harness touches
• Risk level: High—a few missed brushing sessions can mean mats
• Pro tip: This is when to book your next groom if you haven’t already

Week 7-8+: The Overdue Zone

If your Cavoodle hasn’t been groomed and brushing has been inconsistent, expect mats.

• Reality check: At this point, some shaving may be needed
• Don’t wait longer: Mats get worse, not better
• No shame: Just book in and we’ll sort it out

The 30-Second Mat Check

Once a week, do this quick check:

1. Run your fingers through the coat behind each ear
2. Feel under the collar
3. Check both armpits (have your dog stand, lift each front leg)
4. Feel along the belly
5. Check where the back legs meet the body

If your fingers snag anywhere, that’s a mat forming. Address it now before it gets worse.

Common Cavoodle Grooming Problems and Solutions

Problem: Matting

Why it happens: Friction (collar, harness, lying down), moisture, lack of brushing, or coat texture change.

Solution:

• Prevention is always easier than removal. Brush consistently.
• For small mats: Spray with detangler, hold the base of the mat to protect the skin, and work through gently with a slicker brush.
• For large mats: See a professional. Attempting to brush out severe mats hurts your dog and damages the coat.

Pro tip: If your groomer says the coat needs to be shaved, please understand this is often the kindest option. Brushing out severe matting is painful and stressful for your dog.

Problem: Tear Staining

Why it happens: Genetic factors, diet, or blocked tear ducts cause reddish-brown staining under the eyes.

Solution:

• Wipe daily with a damp cloth or specific tear stain wipes
• Keep facial hair trimmed to reduce moisture retention
• Consider a diet change (some dogs improve with different protein sources)
• See your vet if excessive tearing develops suddenly

Problem: Itchy, Flaky Skin

Why it happens: Allergies, dry skin, overbathing, or sensitivity to grooming products.

Solution:

• Use a gentle, soap-free shampoo designed for sensitive skin
• Don’t bathe more than necessary
• Add omega-3 supplements to diet for skin health
• See your vet if itching is persistent (this could indicate allergies)

For more information on skin conditions, see our guide on common doodle skin problems or the Australian Veterinary Association resources.

When to Book Professional Cavoodle Grooming

Home cavoodle grooming is essential, but it doesn’t replace professional care. You should book a groomer when:

• It’s been 6-8 weeks – Regular professional grooms keep the coat manageable
• You feel mats forming – Better to address them early before they become severe
• Nails are getting long – Especially if you’re not comfortable doing this yourself
• Ears smell or look irritated – A groomer can clean thoroughly and spot issues
• Your dog needs a haircut – Always leave clipper work to the pros
• You’re feeling overwhelmed – It’s okay to outsource. That’s what we’re here for.

What to Expect at a Professional Groom

A full Cavoodle groom typically includes:

• Bath with appropriate shampoo and conditioner
• Blow dry (high-velocity dryers are faster and more effective than home dryers)
• Full brush and demat
• Haircut to your preferred style
• Face, feet, and sanitary trim
• Ear cleaning
• Nail trim
• Cologne spritz

Total time is 1.5-2.5 hours depending on coat condition. View our grooming services to see what’s included in each package.

Real Aussie Pricing: What Cavoodle Grooming Actually Costs

We believe in being upfront about costs. Here’s what you can expect to pay for Cavoodle grooming in Australia:

Service	Price Range	Notes
Full groom (bath, dry, haircut)	$80-$120	Depends on size, coat condition, location
Maintenance wash & tidy	$50-$70	Between full grooms, just freshening up
Puppy’s first groom	$60-$80	Usually shorter, focused on desensitisation
De-matting surcharge	$20-$50+	Added when significant matting present
Nail trim only	$15-$25	Quick appointment

What Affects the Price

• Coat condition: A well-maintained coat takes less time. Matted coats cost more because they take significantly longer.
• Size: Mini Cavoodles cost less than standard Cavoodles.
• Behaviour: A calm dog vs. one that needs extra handling time.
• Location: Metro areas typically charge more than regional salons.
• Style requested: More complex cuts take longer.

The real cost breakdown: If you groom every 6 weeks at $100 per groom, that’s about $870 per year on professional grooming. Add in a decent brush ($30-$50) and detangling spray ($15-$20), and you’re looking at around $900-$950 per year for coat care.

Is it worth it? A well-groomed Cavoodle is a comfortable Cavoodle. Matting causes skin issues, hiding places for parasites, and genuine discomfort. Think of grooming as health care, not vanity.

Final Cavoodle Grooming Tips From Professional Groomers

After grooming thousands of Cavoodles, here’s what we wish every owner knew:

1. Consistency beats intensity. Five minutes of daily brushing prevents more problems than an hour-long session once a week.
2. Don’t skip the trouble spots. Behind ears, armpits, and back legs are where mats hide. Check them every time.
3. A clean coat is easier to maintain. Regular baths actually reduce matting because clean hair tangles less.
4. Start young. Get your Cavoodle puppy used to brushing, handling, and grooming from day one. It makes their whole life easier.
5. Communicate with your groomer. Show us photos of what you like. Tell us about any skin issues or sensitivities. We want to help your dog look and feel great.
6. Be realistic about maintenance. Cavoodles are not low-maintenance dogs. If you want a longer, fluffier coat, you need to commit to the brushing. If you can’t, keep them in a shorter clip.

Proper cavoodle grooming is an investment in your dog’s health and happiness. With the right tools, techniques, and schedule, you can keep your Cavoodle looking and feeling fantastic.

Frequently Asked Questions

How often should I brush my Cavoodle?

Wool coats need brushing every day or every second day. Fleece coats can go 2-3 days between brushing. If you’re finding mats regularly, you need to brush more often—or keep the coat shorter.

How often do Cavoodles need professional grooming?

Most Cavoodles need professional grooming every 6-8 weeks. Dogs with wool coats or longer styles may need grooming every 4-6 weeks. Consistency is more important than frequency—book regular appointments and stick to them.

Can I groom my Cavoodle at home?

You can (and should) do maintenance grooming at home: brushing, ear cleaning, eye wiping, and basic trims. However, we recommend professional grooming for full haircuts—clippers require skill and a wrong move can injure your dog.

What’s the best brush for a Cavoodle?

A slicker brush with fine, flexible pins is essential. Pair it with a metal comb to check your work. Avoid brushes with plastic balls on the pin tips—they don’t penetrate curly coats effectively.

Why does my Cavoodle get matted so quickly?

Common causes: friction from collars or harnesses, moisture from swimming or rain, not brushing down to the skin, or coat texture change during the puppy-to-adult transition. The solution is always more consistent, thorough brushing—or a shorter haircut.

How do I stop my Cavoodle from getting tear stains?

Daily wiping with a damp cloth or tear stain wipes helps. Keep the hair around the eyes trimmed short. Some dogs improve with a diet change. If tear staining suddenly gets worse, see your vet—it could indicate an eye issue.

What age should I start grooming my Cavoodle puppy?

Start at home from day one—gentle handling, soft brushing, touching paws and ears. Book the first professional groom around 12-16 weeks, after vaccinations. Early positive experiences make grooming easier for life.

Have questions about cavoodle grooming? Contact us – we’re always happy to help fellow Cavoodle lovers.