Information:
The products, experiences and methods discussed on my website are strictly what I learned through my own experiences and through my Veterinarian's guidance. I share my knowledge but advise to always please check with your own veterinarian. I always and continue to advise to contact your veterinarian prior to using any products you purchase to assure they are healthy for your pets. Always Always think health and safety first when it comes to our little babies, young and old.
Nemo's offspring "Harley" learning how to brush his teeth and take good care of his teeth the rest of his life by his owner Nicole! Thank you Nicole for this wonderful video on how you train your pooch to brush his teeth! :)
Health Links & Health Information:
Hello,
I not an expert but I have picked up much knowledge along the way and I keep on learning on a daily basis.
Health issues can crop up in canines as they do with people or any other species. I find there is controversy over what is genetic or not. The veterinarian is the best person to go to for these answers, but like anything, you can also get several opinions because veterinarians have their own view point on health issues such as, are they passed on genetically? or, Can your environment be the cause? for instance exposure to chemicals, an accident or injury, so therefore they are not passed on genetically? As a show kennel owner I want to breed the healthiest papillon’s as possible and that should be foremost. At Playful Papillon’s we take trips to the veterinarians office on a regular basis to ensure good health and happiness, when you know your vets phone number by heart that's pretty often! My goal is to OFA test (Heart and Patella's) and CERF test (eye health) at adult age. I also have a goal to not only get DNA samples to the American Kennel Club for the males but also for the females which plays a part in making sure we have accurate purebreds in our breeding program.
All my papillons are cleared by testing and parentage, grandparents testing for PRA1 also known as Progressive retinal atrophy 1 and NAD also known as Neuroaxonal Dystrophy (Papillon Type) I have used a couple different testing facilities such as Paw Print Genetics. and my veterinarian also checks each one of my papillons, eyes, heart and patella's. In addition, micro chipping is important for their safety so as another goal we do want our dog’s micro chipped and require this for any papillons that are rehomed. As you can imagine it is a costly adventure, but this make my little pack as healthy and well cared for both physically and mentally.
As of 2019 I have learned of two more new test through Paw Prints Genetics which I am testing my papillons for. These test are called Coagulation Factor VII Deficiency, Von Willebrand's disease (Click on disease name to learn more details about them)
I not an expert but I have picked up much knowledge along the way and I keep on learning on a daily basis.
Health issues can crop up in canines as they do with people or any other species. I find there is controversy over what is genetic or not. The veterinarian is the best person to go to for these answers, but like anything, you can also get several opinions because veterinarians have their own view point on health issues such as, are they passed on genetically? or, Can your environment be the cause? for instance exposure to chemicals, an accident or injury, so therefore they are not passed on genetically? As a show kennel owner I want to breed the healthiest papillon’s as possible and that should be foremost. At Playful Papillon’s we take trips to the veterinarians office on a regular basis to ensure good health and happiness, when you know your vets phone number by heart that's pretty often! My goal is to OFA test (Heart and Patella's) and CERF test (eye health) at adult age. I also have a goal to not only get DNA samples to the American Kennel Club for the males but also for the females which plays a part in making sure we have accurate purebreds in our breeding program.
All my papillons are cleared by testing and parentage, grandparents testing for PRA1 also known as Progressive retinal atrophy 1 and NAD also known as Neuroaxonal Dystrophy (Papillon Type) I have used a couple different testing facilities such as Paw Print Genetics. and my veterinarian also checks each one of my papillons, eyes, heart and patella's. In addition, micro chipping is important for their safety so as another goal we do want our dog’s micro chipped and require this for any papillons that are rehomed. As you can imagine it is a costly adventure, but this make my little pack as healthy and well cared for both physically and mentally.
As of 2019 I have learned of two more new test through Paw Prints Genetics which I am testing my papillons for. These test are called Coagulation Factor VII Deficiency, Von Willebrand's disease (Click on disease name to learn more details about them)
Always think safety and health first....
Giardia Information : https://www.revivalanimal.com/learning-center/giardia-in-dogs-and-cats It is in the environment. from Revival Animal Website
Mama and Puppies together :
As the puppies get to be about 5-6 weeks old they are getting extra energy to play! I love the energy too ! They are starting to cry to be picked up and in order to give mom some free time I have to keep the doors on the whelping box so she can have that free space around the whelping box...she jumps in and out of it...but two or three times a day I let them run a muck all around her and but within the exercise pen.
As the puppies get to be about 5-6 weeks old they are getting extra energy to play! I love the energy too ! They are starting to cry to be picked up and in order to give mom some free time I have to keep the doors on the whelping box so she can have that free space around the whelping box...she jumps in and out of it...but two or three times a day I let them run a muck all around her and but within the exercise pen.
Exercise Pen Whelping Area plus Supplies used at Playful Papillons:
When using an exercise pen, I want an exercise pen which is easy to bend over. A good height is about two to three feet tall. Occasionally we have a puppy that likes to climb out of their exercise pen so a cover is needed. Click here to see an example for a exercise pen cover.
I typically use an exercise pen that has a door that opens so I can step in and out of safely. I prefer the Midwest brand that is has a black coating. Click here for an example of the style I like. You may want to do a search for Midwest Exercise Pen that has black coated wires.
Under neat the Exercise Pen , to protect our floors I use a Heavy Duty Polyethylene Tarp. I place the exercise pen on top of the tarp the edges extend out of the exercise pen in order to avoid that the puppies or adults can not chew the edges of the tarp. Normally I use a tarp that is large enough to fold in half so you have double protection for your floor/carpet if needed. Click here for an example of what size we may use, it depends on the size of the exercise pen and floor space. If a puppy chews a hole in the tarp replace it right away.
I have purchased Veterinarian Fleece which can be used in a crate, exercise pen, or as bedding in your home for your pet. Veterinarian fleece is pretty costly and also leaves a lot of lint in your dryer (and possibly washing machine) when cleaned. It does not stay as pretty and fluffy as when you first get it but it sure does it's job. Vet Fleece keeps your pets warm in winter and cool in summer. If you place a piddle pad under it, fluids can run through it to the pad so your pet stays dry. I have had mine for years and they still work great even though they lost their look of beauty. Click here for an example or look up Veterinarian Fleece on a google shopping search.
I use Hi Pile Oversized Fleece Throw from Kmart.com or if you can find it at any other store. The brand is a Shavel Home Product They have several different designs with animal faces,or other designs and last for many many washes. Things to watch for is if your dog chews a hole in the blanket. if this happens cut a straight line starting at the edge of the blanket all the way to the hole. This will prevent them from possibly getting caught or strangled in it. This can happen with any fabric/blanket, so be aware of holes they can get stuck! If the edge or trimming fabric around the blanket starts to unravel... take it off...just pull it off, throw it away. Strings attached to that edging can be harmful. Again, this can happen with any fabric or trimming.
When using an exercise pen, I want an exercise pen which is easy to bend over. A good height is about two to three feet tall. Occasionally we have a puppy that likes to climb out of their exercise pen so a cover is needed. Click here to see an example for a exercise pen cover.
I typically use an exercise pen that has a door that opens so I can step in and out of safely. I prefer the Midwest brand that is has a black coating. Click here for an example of the style I like. You may want to do a search for Midwest Exercise Pen that has black coated wires.
Under neat the Exercise Pen , to protect our floors I use a Heavy Duty Polyethylene Tarp. I place the exercise pen on top of the tarp the edges extend out of the exercise pen in order to avoid that the puppies or adults can not chew the edges of the tarp. Normally I use a tarp that is large enough to fold in half so you have double protection for your floor/carpet if needed. Click here for an example of what size we may use, it depends on the size of the exercise pen and floor space. If a puppy chews a hole in the tarp replace it right away.
I have purchased Veterinarian Fleece which can be used in a crate, exercise pen, or as bedding in your home for your pet. Veterinarian fleece is pretty costly and also leaves a lot of lint in your dryer (and possibly washing machine) when cleaned. It does not stay as pretty and fluffy as when you first get it but it sure does it's job. Vet Fleece keeps your pets warm in winter and cool in summer. If you place a piddle pad under it, fluids can run through it to the pad so your pet stays dry. I have had mine for years and they still work great even though they lost their look of beauty. Click here for an example or look up Veterinarian Fleece on a google shopping search.
I use Hi Pile Oversized Fleece Throw from Kmart.com or if you can find it at any other store. The brand is a Shavel Home Product They have several different designs with animal faces,or other designs and last for many many washes. Things to watch for is if your dog chews a hole in the blanket. if this happens cut a straight line starting at the edge of the blanket all the way to the hole. This will prevent them from possibly getting caught or strangled in it. This can happen with any fabric/blanket, so be aware of holes they can get stuck! If the edge or trimming fabric around the blanket starts to unravel... take it off...just pull it off, throw it away. Strings attached to that edging can be harmful. Again, this can happen with any fabric or trimming.

"Plush Fleece Throw Blanket - The plush fleece throw blanket from Shavel Home Products is an oversized blanket that the whole family will enjoy. A border finishes off the beautiful throw that is 80 inches long by 60 inches wide. With its oversize dimensions, it is perfect as extra bedding on a chilly night or for cuddling underneath it on the couch.
With its casual style and colorful print, the plush fleece throw blanket easily matches with your home décor. The throw is soft and is made of polyester. When it's time to clean the throw, simply put it into the washing machine. Easy maintenance is great..."
Note: I have used these blankets and washed them time and time again. They stand up to alot of puppy love and they can't tear them up like pet beds. I've even used them to cover pet beds to keep them clean. I would say I still have my original blankets from 4 years ago but keep washing them throughout the year and every year I buy two more. I usually find them at Kmart Store or after christmas you can find them roughly $15 each at www.kmart.com also. My big and little doggies snuggle up in them... Nemo loves to go in circles till he has himself tucked away in the middle on one haha. The prints are mainly animal prints. Occasionally the trim around the blanket tears away so I make sure to cut it off where it tears and cut the string also in order to keep the pups safe. ick here to edit.
With its casual style and colorful print, the plush fleece throw blanket easily matches with your home décor. The throw is soft and is made of polyester. When it's time to clean the throw, simply put it into the washing machine. Easy maintenance is great..."
Note: I have used these blankets and washed them time and time again. They stand up to alot of puppy love and they can't tear them up like pet beds. I've even used them to cover pet beds to keep them clean. I would say I still have my original blankets from 4 years ago but keep washing them throughout the year and every year I buy two more. I usually find them at Kmart Store or after christmas you can find them roughly $15 each at www.kmart.com also. My big and little doggies snuggle up in them... Nemo loves to go in circles till he has himself tucked away in the middle on one haha. The prints are mainly animal prints. Occasionally the trim around the blanket tears away so I make sure to cut it off where it tears and cut the string also in order to keep the pups safe. ick here to edit.

I keep a couple Snuggle Safe Microwave Heat Pads available for transporting to the veternarian with my papillon. I make sure to add extra padding in the crate because these can be somewhat hot when first coming out of the microwave. I have used them to transport the puppies for vet checks also. It is a very useful pad to have, they are made of a hard plastic and I have used a couple of them for several years. (not often but as needed) ... the heat can last up to 10 hours... which can be a life saver when needing to transport in the car.
Shampoo and Conditioner and Grooming Comb -- I use Pure Paws Reconstructing Line which includes the Shampoo and Conditioner which leaves their fur smelling so clean and soft. Here is the link : Reconstructing Line (3dcartstores.com). I also use a grayhound comb to comb out papillons and use the last prong on the comb to gently work out tangles and here is a link to find the grayhound comb (there are a variety here) Show Dog Store
We love our babies so here are some do's and don'ts, some sad stories and ways to avoid future accidents:
- I strickly use metal or ceramic dishes for eating out of or drinking water from ... I typically just have a plastic container with a cover ONLY when traveling and never let any dog be unattended with plastic container. I lost HOPE our papillon to eating her plastic water bowl ..she died the very next morning on the way to emergency vet on New Years Day.
- I have learned to always cut away any strings or freyed edges or fuzzy lint on a blanket or piddle pad. Also if there is a hole in the blanket or piddle pad...cut it through so you have an opening to the edge of blanket or pad and this way you remove the hole. Papillons are so curious and I have had them get into the middle of a blanket that is double lined. They can get stuck and even suffocate.
- Sadly we lost Rolly because he ate a 3-4 foot string. I had always wanted them to be comfortable and have a nice blanket and stuffed animal in their crate at night. Rolly was a 9 month playful boy that ended up in emergency , then back home, then back to the vets office for surgery after many x-rays $4000 later in vet bills...he came home and was suppose to be recovering, but two days after surgery he did not make it, very heartbreaking. I share these stories so my future and current papillon families can avoid what I went through. This article has a lot of Information: Symptoms of Intestinal Blockage in Dogs
- I do not give rawhide, cow hooves, antlers, cooked bones, I do not use "Greenies" of any sort. I do give them Bully sticks as long as they do not get to be 3" small, then I toss them in the garbage and I just give it to them supervised. The veterinarian that saw Rolly recommended only Nylabone and Kong toys only... not even bully sticks..
- I no longer give them any squeaky stuffed animals or plastic cruncy bottle animals that you can buy at the pet store.
- I have had Little Princess chew an electrical cord and cord and plug which was on a fan I had in their room and heard that Freya, who retired in a loving home, chewed up a lap top cord. I now place electrical cords through PVC pipe that is big enough to have the plug go through. Thank goodness Freya was fine but Little Princess was not herself after chewing the electrical cord and plug so I ran her to emergency and she had an xray. They could not find any foreign object in her and she started to feel better after a few days but these are things we can try to avoid by adding an extra step to protect our children and pets.
- Chew Toys - I did a search on Chewy.com (one of my favorite websites for buying dog toys etc) , my search was for puppy chew toys ... I purchased some of the pink and light blue Nylabone teething toys and Kong teething toys for the puppies under 8 months of age. I do not buy any chew toys with strings due to what happened to Rolly intestines. Click here to see some of the types of appropriate chew toys for younger puppies.
- I was asked about dog shoes to protect your papillons feet, however, i do not have experience with dog shoes, so check with your veterinarian about what type of shoes to use for your papillon.
- Papillon bones take two years to grow. Patellas are something we take extra care and ask future papillon families to be aware of so some safety tips included on papillons of all ages but especially on papillons two years and under. I do not let my papillons jump on and off couches and papillons are so fast you want to be ready to grab them incase they run on your couch and jump off the arm rest or back of the couch. I have heard of papillons dying that have hit the floor hard from jumping off a couch, it is best if you can have your couch backed up against a wall. I also do not let my papillons under two years of age, go up and down stairs. My papillons have good patella's but if they get injured this can result in a bad situation.
- While holding a Papillon, adult OR puppy, I make sure to tell people to hold them like your holding a rabbit because I have seen a papillon jump out of the arms of a young girl and land on concrete, and she was sitting on a picnic table bench also, this was an accident but the poor little puppy did cry and was hurt. So everyone sits on the floor and holds them tightly like holding a rabbit. I do not trust my papillon not to jump out of my arms. Having a harness on your papillon maybe a safe way to hold onto them if picking them up but I do not like to leave collars on my papillons.
- My favorite type of collar I use has a quick release lock on it and I buy most of my collars and leashes from https://www.lupinepet.com/. They have beautiful dog styles which help in dog training and have a great lifetime guarantee, which I have taken advantage of a few times! A veterinarian once told me he has seen accidents and he never leaves a collar on his dog. I received this advice many years ago when two of our large dogs where playing together and the collar got stuck in the other dogs mouth and suffocated the one wearing the collar. It was tragic for all of us. so I do not leave collars on my papillons or larger dogs unless we are going out of the house or they are in our arms.
- Walking my dogs, dog parks, classes, or taking them out to go potty. I have placed a papillon in a loving wonderful home in alaska. That papillon was on leash going for a walk with her lovely owner. There was a German Shepard being walked by another owner, two girls. The Shepard saw the papillon and got away from the girls hands and attacked the papillon and the owner of the papillon. The papillon was taken to emergency and treated and thank goodness survived and so did the owner of the papillon. Officials took the German Shepard away from the family. Another story I heard was a small dog was walking by a fenced area and a guard dog pulled the small toy breed into the fence area it was protecting. It did not have a chance! Police were called. Yet, another story, I took an agility class and the teacher told me to be aware because large dogs look at papillons as if they are rabbits (prey) and will go after them! Whenever I walk my papillon I will pick them up if another dog, large or small is walking by. Not only do I worry about other dogs but I worry about Owls, Hawks, and Wildlife attacking them. I also have concerns on my dogs picking up a disease that a wild animal may have. Talk to your veterinarian about what possibilities are out there including Giardia, Leptospirosis and canine influenza among other diseases.
Products I have used:
Puppies Feeding Program at Playful Papillons:
In a rare occasion I always advise to take a papillon puppy to Veterinary or Emergency Veterinary Service if symptoms papillon is showing are weak or lethargic (hypoglycemic ) due to lack of food and was playing too long without food, or reaction to vaccine.
I have been advised by my own veterinarian and have been raising papillons long enough that I know how to treat a hypoglycemic puppy but would not advise anyone to do the same. However I would suggest you have some of these supplies in your home just incase vet ask you if you have them:
- First - As the puppies are growing up Momma is feeding them with her milk.
- Approximately 4-6 weeks of age introduced Chicken Soup For the Puppy Lovers Soul - watered down and smashed up
- Approximately 6-12 weeks introduce Taste of the Wild - Pacific Stream Puppy Formula Kibble + water and smash to make it smaller to digest
- Approximately 12 weeks of age to 8 months old - Taste of the Wild - Pacific Stream Puppy Formula - Dry Kibble.
- As adults my papillons have used adult food called Taste of the Wild, Puppy or adult formula, Fromm Classic or Diamond dog food, Nutri Source. They all seem to be good dog foods and I have had no trouble with them but as with all dog foods you need to introduce it a little bit at a time and increase the new food bit by bit. I like and have always been told to use Grain free but I find some of these foods do contain grains.
- My vet does not recommend freeze dried raw food but I have given raw on rare occasions (no pun intended) and I know other breeders have also used raw food. The problem is if your not keeping things clean then bacteria can cause harm to your pet or if it was not processed correctly.
In a rare occasion I always advise to take a papillon puppy to Veterinary or Emergency Veterinary Service if symptoms papillon is showing are weak or lethargic (hypoglycemic ) due to lack of food and was playing too long without food, or reaction to vaccine.
I have been advised by my own veterinarian and have been raising papillons long enough that I know how to treat a hypoglycemic puppy but would not advise anyone to do the same. However I would suggest you have some of these supplies in your home just incase vet ask you if you have them:
- Honey or Karo Syrup if there is no Nutrical
- Nutri Cal al High Calorie Dietary Puppy Supplement
- Hill's Prescription Diet A/D Urgent Care moistened with water and given with a feeding syringe (needleless).
- When puppy is feeling stronger I give Chicken Soup for the Puppy Lover soul
- When the puppy is well I go back to feeding regular puppy food.
- Please check with your veterinarian on what you should feed but Grain free is what I have always been told for papillons. Always keep an eye on recalls on pet foods also. Here is a good website to check. https://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth/RecallsWithdrawals/default.htm
- I started feeding Nemo - Scooby Dooby Doo Forussi at the age of 13.5 yrs old , Primal Chicken Formula Nuggets Grain-Free Raw Freeze-Dried Dog Food and have discovered that he has a lot more movement and energy. In February 2021 Nemo will be 16 years old !
- I currently feed my papillons Nutri Source - Lamb and Pea, with Pro-biotics and Pre-biotics. For now I really like the Nutri Source. I have been using it over a year and finding good results.
- I used to use Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream - Grain Free Puppy Formula and have had no issues with it . Where Taste of the Wild was one of the better first developed Grain Free Diets, but now there are a larger variety of Grain free Diets where the companies are improving the formulas.
- For our cats, Sponge Bob and Jet Lee, I also use Primal Freeze Dried Cat Food Nuggets in Chicken and Salmon. I started to use this with my cats due to a urinary track infection that was treated and cured and to date we have no more problems. Both the dogs and cats fur is so soft to the touch... you can feel and see the difference in our pets.
Some products I have tried from time to time are listed below:
Thorvin Kelp for Animals
These products are what I choose to use and recommend you discuss with your veterinarian if it's safe for your pet prior to purchasing any products I have listed on my page.

" Thorvin is one of the oldest and most powerful health food ingredients and natural supplements for pets. With more than 60 bioactive compounds, Thorvin belongs in your formula for glossy coats, clearer eyes, and optimal health.
Thorvin kelp contains a complex array of bioavailable minerals, vitamins, and beneficial phytonutrients, which are important for healthy metabolic function including digestion, skin and coat health, and immune response. Thorvin works by filling in micronutrient deficiencies and balancing minerals.
Thorvin is the preferred mineral supplement for pet formulations because it is entirely natural – harvested from the cleanest kelp beds on earth and dried at controlled low temperatures using geothermal energy. The most nutrient‐dense kelp on the market, Thorvin contains one‐third less moisture, 30% more iodine, and is the only kelp supplement with a guaranteed selenium claim.
Blend Thorvin into pet food formulations, supplements, and functional treats. It only takes small amounts (0.25 to 1% of dry matter) to support optimal health. Pets Thrive on ThorvinSM "
Thorvin kelp contains a complex array of bioavailable minerals, vitamins, and beneficial phytonutrients, which are important for healthy metabolic function including digestion, skin and coat health, and immune response. Thorvin works by filling in micronutrient deficiencies and balancing minerals.
Thorvin is the preferred mineral supplement for pet formulations because it is entirely natural – harvested from the cleanest kelp beds on earth and dried at controlled low temperatures using geothermal energy. The most nutrient‐dense kelp on the market, Thorvin contains one‐third less moisture, 30% more iodine, and is the only kelp supplement with a guaranteed selenium claim.
Blend Thorvin into pet food formulations, supplements, and functional treats. It only takes small amounts (0.25 to 1% of dry matter) to support optimal health. Pets Thrive on ThorvinSM "
Article on Benefits to Sea Kelp for Dogs: Natural-dog-health-remedies, kelp-for-dogs

Virgin Camelina Oil for humans and pets Article on Benefits of Oils for Dogs:
Mirra-Coat

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