Maintenance and Everyday Care of your Papillon

Bathing
The amount of baths your
Papillon needs depends on
your life style.
Some pet dogs are very
seldom bathed, but if they
are brushed at a regular
time, they can stay very
clean.
A sink, tub with a shower
attachment and a non slip
surface to stand on , is all
you need.
Avoid getting water in the
ear canal.
(I do blow dry their hair
after bathing , brush them,
and let them wear a
sweater for a while, to keep
them from getting chilled.)
Always brush your dog
before bathing.
Mats, not combed out, will
only harden and tighten to
the point where cutting
them is the only solution.

Trimming feet and hocks

Trimming the feet and hocks will make
your Papillon not only look better, but
he will track less dirt into the house.
Trim around and under the feet and trim
the long feathery hair on the back of his
legs a little; up his leg to his hock (heel
bone) .
A trimmed hock will show off the dainty,
elegant appearance of your Papillon.

Road's End Einstein. Photo taken by his new owner.

Dental Health/Care

Papillons, like all other Toy Breeds
should get their teeth cleaned
once per year.
They have a full set of teeth in a
tiny muzzle, the buildup of
bacteria happens fast and leads to
teeth loss, and can lead to liver,
kidney and heart problems.

Maintenance & Everyday Care of your Papillon

Feeding & Dietary Recommendations

Studies have proven that a balanced, high- quality diet is essential for the
dog's behavior, activity level, and a healthy coat.
.

Feed kibble rather than canned food for better dental maintenance, check
the ingredients of the item and choose those who produce chicken, beef,
turkey, rather than "chicken by-products",
You’ll be surprised to learn that many leading dog food brands use animal
by-products, corn gluten and artificial preservatives.
Make sure that the 'real meat" is mentioned as the first, and, or second,
ingredient (This is very important!)

All dogs like to have a little extras in their diet:
my Papillons get a little cottage cheese, fresh chicken, chicken liver with
brown rice and vegetable, or fresh farm egg bits and pieces. They like
berries for treats, semi cooked pasta, whole grain bred.....
All of this in small quantities, and earlier in the day time, so they don't
"sleep on it"
go to: Weight Gain Diet & Tips for Papillons and other small Toy Dogs

Long Life.
Papillons are a breed of
long lives if healthy.
16 - 20 years is not
uncommon.
Before you purchase a
Papillon you might
reconsider the long
term commitment.
The Papillon can be a
wonderful member of
the family for a long
time.

Grooming

Regular brushing, combing, trimming and bathing, in
combination with dental care and nail trimming will
make your Papillon feel and look good.

The Papillon has a soft, silky coat with no "under coat",
that requires little grooming. The Papillons
long-haired coat, along with ear fringes look dramatic,
but require less grooming than most long-haired coats,
and they do not need professional grooming.

Brush/comb your dog a couple of times per week to
keep mats out, improve blood circulation and
bonding!!
Pay attention to your Papillons culottes , the hair
under his belly, inner thighs and - most-around his
ears. These spots are matted easily .
Spray a little mist on him to prevent his hair from
breaking.
Start brushing him from the first day on to get him
used to it; no matter how long his coat is.
Wipe his ears with a soft damp cloth to remove dirt
and built-up wax.

Nail Clipping

If you can hear your Papillons nails
clicking on the floor, his nails are to long.
Make sure you know how to identify
the "quick" in each nail.
Perhaps a Groomer or Veterinary service
can show you how to trim his nails