Understanding the Health and Care of Your Papillon

Quick answer

Papillons are lively, intelligent, and energetic companions that thrive with consistent engagement. While generally robust, they have a few specific health tendencies that owners should monitor, including knee joint stability, vision health, and oral hygiene. By maintaining a lean body condition, providing consistent training, and being mindful of their environment, you can support your Papillon throughout their life.

Patellar Luxation

Patellar luxation is a condition where the kneecap moves out of its normal position. This is a recognised tendency in the breed. At home, you might notice your dog skipping a step, holding a leg up briefly while walking, or suddenly extending a limb behind them to try to pop the kneecap back into place. You may also hear a faint clicking sound when they move.

When you visit the clinic, the vet will physically manipulate the knee joint to assess how easily the kneecap slides out of its groove. This examination confirms the diagnosis. Urgency is determined by how much pain your dog is in and whether they are refusing to put weight on the limb. A common mistake is waiting to see if the dog 'grows out of it' or ignoring intermittent limping, which can lead to chronic joint inflammation and damage to the supporting ligaments.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Progressive retinal atrophy refers to a group of conditions that lead to the gradual degeneration of the retina. This is a recognised tendency in the breed, though how this passes down is not settled. Early signs you might notice at home include your dog appearing hesitant or clumsy in dim light, bumping into furniture in the evening, or showing signs of being startled more easily than usual.

Your vet will use a specialized light and magnifying tool to look at the back of the eye. If they suspect this condition, they may refer you to a veterinary ophthalmologist who can perform a formal examination to confirm the diagnosis. There is no cure, so the focus is on adapting your home environment to support your dog as their vision changes. A common mistake is assuming that a dog who is bumping into things is simply 'getting old' rather than experiencing a decline in vision.

Dental Issues

Dental health is a significant consideration for Papillons. This is a recognised tendency in the breed. You might notice bad breath, red or swollen gums, or your dog dropping food while eating. In more advanced stages, you may see visible tartar buildup or loose teeth.

Your vet will perform a thorough oral examination during routine wellness visits. If they find significant buildup or signs of disease, they will likely recommend a professional dental cleaning under anesthesia to safely remove plaque and tartar from below the gum line. A common mistake is failing to provide any form of dental care at home, which allows plaque to harden into tartar that cannot be brushed away.

Daily Care and Environment

Managing your Papillon's environment is essential to their long-term health. Because they are energetic and intelligent, they require consistent, short training sessions to stay mentally sharp. Their small size makes them sensitive to extreme temperatures, so always plan for their comfort during transport and outdoor activities.