Proper Papillon Grooming

Correctly grooming your papillon helps improve its looks. Grooming also provides an opportunity for you to examine your dog for problems. Additionally, grooming gives you an opportunity to train your dog in being handled and helps you bond with your pet, according to author and trainer Kathy Diamond Davis. Papillons are generally less than 10 lbs. with silky coats, so grooming is easy once you know how.

  1. Coat

    • Correct grooming requires the selection of the right type of brush or comb, according to Mary Smith, veterinarian with PetEducation.com. Tools to help keep your papillon's soft silky coat in condition include soft- to medium-bristle, wire-pin and slicker brushes, Smith says. Brush your dog once or twice a week to keep the coat in good shape, according to Papillon Canada. Brush gently. If you find a mat, carefully pull it apart or cut it rather than pulling or trying to comb it loose. You may need to brush daily and bathe approximately once a week to keep your papillon's coat ready for the show ring, according to breeders Ruth Ann Ford and Danny Ford. Trimming the whiskers for the show ring depends on the shape of your papillon's muzzle; therefore, ask an experienced papillon breeder to evaluate if your dog needs trimming.

    Paws

    • Grooming the feet of your papillon includes the hair and paw pads. Start grooming the feet by trimming the hair. Cutting hair between the toes and pads help your dog's feet remain cleaner and helps it obtain better traction on surfaces. Trim the outer hairs along the shape of the toes to accent their pointed hair-foot shape. While trimming, look for any problems with the pads, toenails and between the toes. Rough pads help protect your dog from surfaces; however, cracked pads may require a veterinary visit to evaluate the cause and recommend treatment.

    Nail

    • Trim the nails using canine nail clippers. Cut only the tips of the nails to avoid hitting nerves and blood vessels. For overgrown nails, especially dewclaws, ask your veterinarian to cut the nails and show you how to maintain them. Long nails may require several visits to your veterinarian or a groomer to get the nails at a proper length.

    Bathing

    • Your papillon generally needs a bath only every month or more. Select a high-quality dog shampoo that rinses out of the coat easily and a conditioner without lanolin, to avoid buildup. Dry the dog with a towel and allow the hair to air-dry or use a blow dryer. Using a blow dryer creates the proper look for a papillon going into the conformation ring. Bathing provides an opportunity to trim hair from around the anus and check anal glands. Ask your veterinarian to show you how to check the anal glands if your papillon frequently develops gland issues.

    Teeth

    • A frequently overlooked grooming need, the teeth, may cause serious health issues for your dog. More than 80 percent of dogs develop periodontal disease by the time they reach 3 years of age, according to Mar Vista Animal Medical Center. Getting your dog used to daily brushing helps its teeth, breath and health. Get a toothbrush for your dog, selecting one specifically made for dogs, a toddler-sized one suitable for a papillon or one designed to fit over your finger. Apply canine toothpaste and brush the outside surface of the teeth. The inside of the teeth stay clean from your dog's saliva, according to Mar Vista Animal Medical Center. Never use human toothpaste; it has ingredients that aren't safe for dogs.