Papillon Age Calculator

An incomplete closure of the skull bones at the top of the head, leaving a soft spot similar to that found in human infants. While some toy breeds retain a small fontanelle that eventually closes, a persistently open fontanelle leaves the brain vulnerable to injury from even minor head trauma. The condition is more common in very small or poorly bred Papillons and can predispose to hydrocephalus.

Prevention: Select puppies from reputable breeders who screen for this condition. A veterinarian should palpate the skull during early puppy visits to assess fontanelle status. Most small fontanelles close by 12 months. If a fontanelle persists, protect the dog from head trauma by preventing rough play with larger dogs, avoiding overhead hazards, and using caution when handling. Dogs with persistent open fontanelles should not be bred.

Symptoms: soft spot palpable on top of skull, dome-shaped head (if associated with hydrocephalus), seizures (if hydrocephalus develops), vision problems, pressing head against objects

A condition where the kneecap (patella) slides out of its normal groove in the femur, causing intermittent or chronic lameness. Papillons are predisposed due to their small size and fine bone structure. The condition is graded from I (mild, manually luxatable) to IV (permanent luxation). Grades I-II may be managed conservatively, while grades III-IV typically require surgical correction to prevent progressive arthritis and lameness.

Prevention: Source puppies from breeders who screen for patellar luxation (OFA certification). Maintain a lean body weight to reduce stress on the small knee joints. Avoid allowing the dog to jump from excessive heights (couches, beds) — provide ramps or steps. Keep nails trimmed short, as long nails alter gait mechanics and worsen patellar tracking. Build leg muscle through regular, moderate exercise.

Symptoms: intermittent skipping or hopping on one hind leg, sudden yelp followed by leg holding, stiff or bowlegged gait, reluctance to jump, sitting with one leg extended to the side, clicking sound from the knee

Papillons, like most toy breeds, are extremely susceptible to periodontal disease due to crowded teeth in a small jaw. Plaque and tartar accumulate rapidly, and without intervention, gingivitis progresses to periodontitis, bone loss, and tooth loss. Advanced dental disease can seed bacteria into the bloodstream, potentially affecting the heart, liver, and kidneys. By age three, most Papillons without dental care have significant dental disease.

Prevention: Daily tooth brushing is non-negotiable for Papillons — it is the single most effective prevention. Begin in puppyhood and use enzymatic dog toothpaste. Schedule professional dental cleanings annually or as recommended by your vet. Provide dental-specific chews and toys. Consider a dental diet if recommended. Water additives can provide supplementary benefit but should not replace brushing.

Symptoms: bad breath (halitosis), red or bleeding gums, yellow-brown tartar on teeth, difficulty eating or dropping food, facial swelling, pawing at mouth, loose or missing teeth

A group of inherited degenerative diseases affecting the photoreceptor cells in the retina, leading to progressive vision loss and eventually blindness. In Papillons, PRA typically begins with night blindness as rod cells degenerate first, followed by gradual loss of daytime vision as cone cells are affected. The condition is painless but irreversible, and there is no treatment once it begins.

Prevention: The most effective prevention is genetic testing of breeding dogs. DNA tests are available for PRA variants found in Papillons — ensure both parents have been tested clear before purchasing a puppy. Annual ophthalmologic examinations can detect early retinal changes before clinical signs appear. While PRA cannot be prevented in affected dogs, early detection allows time to adapt the home environment and train the dog with verbal and scent cues before vision is lost.

Symptoms: night blindness (bumping into things in dim light), reluctance to navigate in dark rooms, dilated pupils, increased eye shine (tapetal reflection), bumping into unfamiliar furniture, anxiety in new environments

Degenerative thickening and prolapse of the mitral valve in the heart, causing blood to leak backward (regurgitation) with each heartbeat. The heart gradually enlarges to compensate, eventually leading to congestive heart failure. MVD is the most common cardiac condition in small breeds and is a leading cause of death in older Papillons. The disease progresses slowly and can often be managed for years with medication.

Prevention: There is no way to prevent MVD, as it has a strong genetic component and is related to aging. Annual cardiac auscultation starting at age 5 allows early detection of murmurs. Once a murmur is detected, echocardiography monitors progression and guides when medication should begin. Maintaining a lean body weight and appropriate exercise reduces cardiac workload. Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation may support cardiac health.

Symptoms: heart murmur detected during veterinary exam, coughing (especially at night or after exercise), decreased exercise tolerance, rapid breathing at rest, fainting or collapse, distended abdomen