Although Papillons are not among the breeds most susceptible to ear infections, routine cleaning is the best way to ensure that your dog won’t suffer from this uncomfortable condition. An ideal time to clean your dog’s ears is either right before or immediately after his bath, but this should not be the only time you perform this important task. Ideally, you should clean your dog’s ears at least once a week.
Begin by sniffing the ear. It shouldn’t smell foul in any way. If you notice a strong odor, contact your veterinarian because this is a sign of infection. Other red flags include redness, discharge, or sensitivity to touch. Abstain from cleaning the ear if your dog shows any of these symptoms. Not only can cleaning be painful for a pet suffering from an ear infection, but it can also make it difficult for a vet to accurately diagnose the problem.
How to Groom Your Papillon’s Ears
Canine ear cleansers are widely available, but try to avoid those containing alcohol and hydrogen peroxide because they can irritate sensitive skin. A great natural alternative is mixing your own cleaning solution of equal parts vinegar and water. Using a squeezable bottle, squirt a small amount of the solution into your dog’s ear canal. He will likely respond to this by shaking his head. Although he may get you a little wet, this is actually a good thing because this vigorous movement only helps to spread the cleanser and loosen dirt and other debris within the ear. You can also rub the ear from the outside to help with this process.
Once your Papillon has finished flailing about, use a cotton ball (never a swab) to gently wipe the inside of his ear. If the ear is especially dirty, you will notice a dark coloration on the cotton. Continue wiping the ear with fresh cotton balls until they come out mostly clean. Remember, a small amount of wax is necessary, so the cotton doesn’t have to look pristine. Repeat this process on the second ear.
How to Groom Your Papillon’s Eyes
Taking care of your dog’s eyes is probably the easiest of all grooming tasks. All you must do is keep them clean, make a point of checking them regularly for any signs of a problem, and seek veterinary treatment if a problem is discovered. Look for symptoms such as redness, discharge, and cloudiness.
Although tear staining is common in many light-colored dogs, it can sometimes indicate a problem such as a clogged or infected tear duct. Injuries can also cause eye problems, so take care when walking your dog outdoors or placing new furniture in your home.
Keeping the eyes clean is a simple task. All you need to do is gently wipe them daily with a soft cloth dipped in distilled water. This will help keep them free of debris and even prevent normal tear staining. Using an artificial tear solution daily also significantly reduces your dog’s eye discharge.
A great preventive measure for heading off many eye problems is having your Papillon’s eyes checked regularly by a canine ophthalmologist. Your dog’s vet may be able to recommend a doctor, or you can contact the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists at www.acvo.org for the name of an ophthalmologist in your area. Unlike your regular veterinarian, an eye doctor won’t need to see your Papillon annually, but routine exams every few years will help identify any emerging problems.