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The average life span of Papillons is 13-16 years. Historically, it was owned by royal courts and aristocrats and was considered a popular adornment for these higher members of society. Perhaps one reason is its sensitivity to sounds which provides their owners a faster warning sign for upcoming threat or danger. Nevertheless, there are several health concerns that every pet owner should know about these dog breeds.

These are as follows:

Progressive Retinal Atrophy

This condition is referred to as night blindness and is characterized by dogs that are afraid to go out in the evening and those who appear to be short-sighted. Dogs age 2-4 years old are most likely to show signs of this condition and may also show other symptoms like tumbling down the stairs or walking a little slower than the ordinary. If you wish to be sure if your pet has this condition, then you may go to your veterinarian and inquire if he or she offers electroretinograph assessment.

Dental Health

Papillons are dog breeds that are prone to dental problems so it is absolutely necessary that they have an annual dental clean-up to avoid the accumulation of tartar on their teeth. You may help them get accustomed to teeth cleaning by maintaining a scheduled brushing every week. You may use a small children toothbrush in cleaning your Pap?s teeth so they will not be too agitated when a veterinarian will do the annual dental clean-up on them.

At the young age of 5 to 7 months, puppies already lose their canine baby teeth. That?s how sensitive and weak their teeth are, so veterinarians often advise pet owners to regularly check their dog?s teeth for possible tartar build up which may further hasten the deterioration of their pet?s teeth. If you notice any loose tooth on your pet?s mouth, inform the veterinarian about this, tooth extraction may be necessary to avoid causing complications.

Other preventive measures that you can do to lessen the dental risk of your pets are; to choose the food that they eat and refrain from giving them hard objects like hooves and indestructible bones as food because these may lead to breakage in their teeth. Moreover, choose an alternative game with your dogs rather than catching toys, flying saucers and the like since this requires your pet to bite hard objects that may damage their teeth.

Skeletal Disorders

Another health concern you should worry about the Papillons is its skeletal system. Amongst other dog breeds, they are more prone to dislocated patella and may even suffer from an opening on its Fontanel, the top of its skull. So be extra careful in handling the pups of your pets because accidental head injuries may lead to their demise.

It would certainly be fun if you can enjoy the company of your pet dogs as they get older but just like us humans they also need proper health care. In as much as you need to go and visit both your doctors and dentists at least twice a year, they also need to undergo the same procedure but with a lesser frequency.

Staying healthy is almost as important as staying alive, as life loses its charm without physical and mental health and fitness. Our Health and Fitness section has thousands of articles on the various physical ailments and mental disorders that eclipse healthy living. Our articles provide you with useful information on the causes, symptoms and treatments for various health disorders as also the preventive measures against diseases and tips to stay healthy. You will also find a glossary of both common and complex terms in health and medicine and a guide to alternative medicine and holistic healing. Start reading, stay healthy.