5 Products I Would Never Use on My Cavoodle (And What I Use Instead)

If you own a cavoodle, like me, you know when it comes to their skin, coat, digestion and overall comfort, they can also be surprisingly sensitive. After years of living with cavoodles, grooming them, caring for them and working with them professionally, there are some products I simply won’t use on my own cavoodles. Not because I’m fussy for the sake of it, but because I’ve seen first-hand how the wrong products can lead to itchy skin, coat damage, tummy upsets and long-term issues.

And note that just because something is labelled “for dogs” doesn’t automatically mean it’s suitable for an oodle coat or a cavoodle’s delicate system.

Here are five products I avoid – and what I choose instead.

Human Shampoo 

It’s one of the most common mistakes well-meaning oodle owners make. Your cavoodle rolls in something questionable, you’re in a hurry, and the human shampoo is right there. The problem is that human skin and dog skin have very different pH levels. Human shampoo strips the natural oils from a dog’s coat and disrupts the skin barrier, often leading to dryness, flakiness, itching and irritation. Many generic pet washes are also heavily fragranced and too harsh for curly oodle coats.

What I use instead:
A dog-specific, sulphate-free shampoo formulated for sensitive skin and curly coats. Ours is sulphate, paraben-free, vegan-friendly, hypoallergenic and pH balanced so definitely safe to use for sensitive skin cavoodles without without stripping natural oils. Our quality cavoodle shampoo will leave the coat soft, hydrated and easy to brush, not squeaky-clean and frizzy.

Cheap Slicker Brushes That Rip Through Curls

Cavoodle coats require the right tools. Cheap slicker brushes with sharp, rigid pins can scratch the skin and pull painfully through knots. Over time, this can make grooming a stressful experience and even cause your cavoodle to associate brushing with discomfort.

Brushing should be calm, gentle and positive. If it hurts, your dog will resist, fidget and eventually hate being groomed.

What I use instead:
A high-quality slicker brush designed specifically for oodle coats, paired with a stainless-steel comb for proper line brushing. Look for rounded pins, a flexible base and a brush that glides rather than drags. The right tools protect the skin, reduce breakage and make coat maintenance far more pleasant for both of you.

Supermarket Dental Sticks Full of Fillers

Dental care is crucial for cavoodles, but many popular dental treats are packed with artificial colours, flavourings, sugars and low-quality fillers. They may make your dog’s breath smell fresher temporarily, but they often do very little to actually remove plaque or support gum health. Some can even upset sensitive stomachs. Cavoodles are prone to dental disease, so what you use for oral care really matters.

What I use instead:
A combination approach: vet-approved enzymatic toothpaste and a soft toothbrush, natural dental chews, and appropriate raw bones under supervision. These options provide mechanical cleaning, support gum health and avoid unnecessary additives.

Flea and Tick Products That Aren’t Precisely Matched to Breed and Size

Not all flea and tick treatments are created equal. Some over-the-counter products are too strong, poorly dosed or unsuitable for small, sensitive breeds like cavoodles. Using a “one size fits all” approach can increase the risk of skin reactions, lethargy or neurological side effects, especially in lighter-framed cavoodles.

What I use instead:
Vet-recommended preventatives matched precisely to your dog’s weight, age and health profile. Whether it’s a chew, spot-on or collar, it should be clinically tested, correctly dosed and suitable for small companion breeds. Natural repellents can be helpful as an extra layer of support, but never as the only line of defence.

Cheap Enrichment Toys from Temu and Similar Marketplaces

Enrichment toys can be wonderful for cavoodles, but ultra-cheap versions sold on marketplaces like Temu often come with hidden risks. Many are poorly constructed, made from low-quality plastics, or contain small parts that can break off easily. For a smart, determined cavoodle, that’s a recipe for choking hazards, sharp edges and frustration rather than enrichment. If a toy isn’t designed to withstand chewing, licking and problem-solving, it doesn’t belong in your dog’s routine.

What I use instead:
Well-made enrichment toys from reputable pet brands that clearly state materials and safety standards. Food-grade silicone lick mats, durable rubber toys and high-quality snuffle mats last longer, are safer, and provide meaningful mental stimulation without the risk. A few quality enrichment toys will always outperform a pile of cheap ones.

Why Choosing the Right Products Matters for Cavoodles

Cavoodles combine the intelligence of the poodle with the sensitivity of the spaniel. Their coats mat easily, their skin can be reactive, their digestion can be delicate, and their emotional bond with their humans is incredibly strong. When something causes discomfort – whether it’s an irritating shampoo, a painful brush, a poor-quality chew or a harsh chemical treatment, they feel it deeply. The right products help to:

• Maintain healthy skin and coat
• Prevent painful matting
• Support dental longevity
• Reduce allergic reactions
• Create positive grooming and handling experiences

How to Choose Better Products for Your Cavoodle

Before adding any product to your cavoodle’s routine, ask:

• Is it specifically formulated for dogs, not humans?
• Is it suitable for sensitive skin or curly coats?
• Is it correctly dosed for small breeds?
• Are the ingredients clearly listed and gentle?
• Does it support health, not just convenience or marketing appeal?

Your cavoodle relies entirely on you to make these decisions. They can’t read labels, but they can absolutely feel the difference.

There are endless dog products on the shelves, but not all of them belong in a cavoodle’s life. Being selective isn’t being overprotective,  it’s being informed, responsible and thoughtful.

When you choose products designed for sensitive skin, curly coats and small companion breeds, you’re not just making your cavoodle look good. You’re protecting their comfort, confidence and health for the long term. And that is what truly spoilt, well-loved cavoodles deserve