5 Common Papillion Health Concerns

These small sweethearts make excellent family dogs who are always happy to spend time with their favorite humans. Papillons are surprisingly adaptable and fairly agile, making them amazing dogs for a variety of households.

That being said, it’s important to have a firm understanding of the breed’s health history before bringing one of these beauties into your life. Below, we’ll share 5 of the most common Papillion health concerns so that you can be a prepared pooch parent. 

Patellar Luxation

Unfortunately, many toy breeds like the Papillion suffer from Patellar Luxation. This condition occurs when a dog’s kneecap is dislocated, making it difficult for the affected dog to carry out his everyday activities. In most cases, this condition is hereditary, so it’s worth inquiring with your breeder about the presence of the condition in your puppy’s pedigree.

Thankfully, patellar luxation can be corrected through surgery in serious instances. In other cases, your dog may be able to tolerate the condition by lifestyle changes or with pain management medication. 

Dental Disease

Unfortunately, over 80% of dogs over three years old have dental disease, and the Papillion is no exception. This condition is caused by a variety of factors including your dog’s diet, lifestyle, and mouth shape. You’ll need to stay up to date on your pup’s visits to the vet and routine dental cleanings to keep him feeling his finest. 

Another great practice is to brush your dog’s teeth on a nightly basis. This will cut down on plaque and tartar in the long run, reducing your dog’s chances of developing dental disease. Start your pooch as a puppy so that it becomes a known habit for your best buddy. 

Portosystemic Shunts

One of the more serious conditions that may be experienced by your Papillion is a portosystemic shunt. This condition occurs when a dog’s vein bypasses the liver, returning unfiltered blood to the heart. Dogs with this condition may experience abnormal changes in weight, increased thirst or urination, vomiting, or diarrhea. Fortunately, this condition has a fairly positive outcome with the help of surgery and lifestyle adjustments. 

Collapsing Trachea

Papillons may be susceptible to a collapsing windpipe due to environmental factors and genetics. You’ll want to closely monitor your dog’s breathing and seek out care if your canine companion is experiencing heavy or labored breathing, or excessively snoring. 

In addition, make sure your Papillion is walked with a harness rather than a collar. Collars can put unnecessary pressure on your dog’s fragile trachea, so it’s  best to mitigate this risk as much as possible. 

Deafness

Just like humans, dogs can experience hearing loss as they age. Your pooch may also experience deafness due to his genetics or a traumatic injury. Unfortunately, there is no definitive care for doggie deafness. Thankfully, most dogs are able to adapt fairly quickly to this condition. 

In the event that your dog becomes deaf, you’ll want to prevent your pooch from being off-leash in public places since you can’t rely on the “come” command. You’ll also need to teach those in your dog’s life to respect his new boundaries. Deaf dogs may be more easily startled, for example, so you’ll want to approach them gently. 

Papillons are certainly one of the most endearing breeds to spend your time with. Despite their health concerns, these pint-sized pups are expected to live up to 13 to 15 years. Enjoy spending time with these spirited sweethearts. 

Did you know stem banking during the spay/neuter procedure can be a great benefit to your pup as they age. Learn how stem cell banking can help HERE