What to feed a Papillon at home

Rating of the 10 best dry food for Papillon

How to feed

Dry food naturally cleanses enamel and trains the bite.
So that its fragments are small in size so that the pet does not choke and does not injure its teeth. There is food for puppies of this breed, which contains increased dosages of protein, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, fats, carbohydrates, trace elements, vitamins, and minerals.

Puppies are considered animals under one year of age and eat 4-5 times a day. The heaviest feeding is in the evening. Older individuals switch to food for adult dogs and two meals a day.

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A Papillon needs 100-150 grams of food per day.

Proteins make up the bulk of high-quality dry food. Manufacturers include chicken meat or a mixture of chicken, lamb, and salmon. Premium pet food never contains any by-products.

Dog food packages are marked with age and weight marks. Food for older and less active Papillons should be lower in calories.

Having bought an eared puppy from us, you can always choose any food from a high-quality line of food, and you don’t have to feed it what the puppy eats at home. But be sure to consult with me. Fine?

So the daily routine is basically always the same. At the time of sale, babies eat either two or three times a day. Children should not feed freely. In the morning the first portion is given, half an hour to eat, after which the bowl is removed, day and evening the same is repeated. Thus, I teach my children to eat at the right time. For me personally, this is convenient. My adults also eat separately, each in their own carrier, so that you can see who ate how. There are individuals who eat slowly and are given more time to chew.

By the time of sale, the children are already crunching the unsoaked food. It is also better to discuss the serving dose with me. Because there are little ones, and there are big ones. You shouldn’t overfeed a puppy, because the baby is growing, joints and ligaments are developing, and if we load the little ears with food from the heart, this practice will not lead to anything good. Yes, the puppy should be a cute soft fluffy one, BUT NOT FAT. It’s easier with little ones; they eat exactly as much as they want, but pronounced food eaters have practically no brakes. This is where you need to monitor the dose of what the cute fat-bottomed child ate. I will dwell separately on the food from the table. I kindly ask everyone NOT TO FEED OR FEED puppies and already adult dogs from the table. Please do not disturb the established rhythm of digestion in the body. Do not expose your dog to indigestion, which will result in vomiting, diarrhea, and other things. This is one of the options for the “kindness” of the owners... after which no one can understand how to restore the previous excellent mood of your dog’s stomach.

There is also a negative point in feeding from the table, when the dog grows up, if such a thing has been practiced, the dog will know where it can steal goodies while the owners are somewhere relaxing in bliss, or while they arrive at work. You will be very, very surprised by the jumping ability and impudence of your eared joy.

Next on feeding. You can give your puppy both cottage cheese and kefir. Everything is not greasy. Just don’t get carried away with kefir. I would be careful about milk. I want to warn you that with cottage cheese there can be a problem of poisoning, so if you give it to a child, look at the dates very carefully, and buy only from trusted manufacturers. Although I personally avoided this because I had already suffered from a reliable manufacturer with very good expiration dates.

Until four months I hardly give any snacks. The puppy eats food. Sometimes I add Belcando canned meat 2-3 times a week. By a little. If the puppy eats premium and super premium food, I do not recommend adding vitamins, since these foods contain plenty of necessary vitamins. And in this case, overdoing it is bad.

After eating, I do not recommend squeezing the puppy, so as not to bruise his tummy. Let the child decide for herself how to behave, whether to run or lie down.

I feed my baby up to 4 months with PAPI food, for babies,

Afterwards I recommend switching to JUNIOR food and eating it for about a year. After which you can switch to food for adult dogs of small and medium breeds. The granules in the feed should not be very small. The sable should actually gnaw them, and not “suck them in” like dust. This cleans the teeth.

When switching from food to food, be sure to pay attention to its composition. Fatty adult foods are not very suitable for Papillons due to the fact that dogs have small livers, and it is quite difficult for the liver to digest fatty foods. While the dog is young, this will not be very noticeable, the only thing that can immediately indicate a failure is the dog’s hair of poor quality, otherwise it will not be very noticeable. But when the dog gets older, all the problems about this may come out. For example, in the form of its own in metabolism. Diarrhea, vomiting, and all this out of the blue... Take care of your dog and its liver. These are not people!!!!!!

Now I’ll tell you about all sorts of delicious food additives. Natural supplements. In the summer, I recommend giving your little ears fresh tomatoes. This is a wonderful remedy for plaque and tartar. Almost all dogs eat tomatoes for their sweet soul. Also give us fresh cucumbers and zucchini in the summer. Apples can be given all year round, carrots too. True, don’t give a lot of carrots, no more than two or three times a week. And if you’re not too lazy, it’s better to make a salad and top it with butter so that the vitamins are better absorbed. Dogs also love Chinese cabbage. My elders happily eat a couple of leaves. I don’t give regular white cabbage, it causes soft stools in mine.

I can’t write anything about straight food, since I don’t feed mine this way. In our house, it is customary to feed dogs dry food, and add vegetables and meat from cans to this food. Personally, I give my dogs Prizer canned food and also Belcando canned food. Both dogs eat wonderfully. I don’t give canned food to dogs separately; I always mix it with dry food, I repeat, 2-3 times a week. Otherwise, if you give it separately, almost immediately after the first feeding, you may get a question in the eyes of the dog like

- WHERE IS MOMMY MEAT, I won’t eat this dry food anymore.....

It happens often...

Don't load your dog's stomach with everything at once. Distribute what you will give in addition to feedings. You can replace one feeding with vegetables. But I usually don’t replace anything. Dry the leaves separately. And he eats everything with pleasure.

1st Choice Breeders for miniature breeds with chicken (20kg)

The best option among super-premium feeds. It consists of high-quality meat, vegetables, and does not contain unnecessary third-rate components and by-products. The composition does not contain taste or smell enhancers or other artificial additives.

The price per kilogram (366 rubles/kg) is budget-friendly for a product of this quality. Product, there is a huge range of food for small breeds with other tastes, hypoallergenic types that are suitable for animals with a tendency to allergies.

pros

• There is no unpleasant smell, the animal’s mouth does not smell after eating;
• The condition of the coat improves;
• Does not cause digestive upset, suitable for animals with a weak gastrointestinal tract;
• Each product in the line is balanced according to the age of the animal for which it is intended (this product for adult miniature dogs contains the required 22% protein);
• Does not cause allergies;
• Convenient packaging with a clasp, the product does not run out.

Minuses

• It has the form of granules, which are much more difficult to digest when not chewed;
• Difficult to find in pet stores.

ProNature Holistic (for miniature breeds) (0.34 kg)

The best option from holisticists. The composition contains minerals, animal proteins, trace elements, vitamins. Consists of meat, fish, egg products, berries, fruits, vegetables, does not contain corn, wheat, soy, or other grains.

There are no chemical preservatives, aroma or taste enhancers. Veterinarians consider the products of this brand to be among the best for the constant feeding of miniature breed dogs.

pros

• High calorie content, the dog remains full for a long time, eating a small portion;
• The appearance of the coat improves with constant holistic nutrition;
• No problems with the gastrointestinal tract, well absorbed by the animal’s body;
• Suitable for dogs with intolerance to certain foods;
• After eating, the animal's mouth does not smell;
• The small package has a convenient clasp, the food does not run out.
• Does not cause allergies;
• Convenient packaging with a clasp, the product does not run out.

Minuses

• Not found in all pet stores.

Description of the breed

The breed is known for its easy intelligibility and ease of teaching commands. If you are determined to find out, with a strong desire, act easily and simply. Simple tricks - lying down, sitting or giving a voice - are learned at a time.

The Papillon breed is kind to its owner. A dog does not require excess time and effort in training. Despite its small size, it is distinguished by high endurance and will happily accompany you on short walks and long journeys, calmly enduring the road. Papillon managed to live in all the palaces of the European nobility.

Dog breed puppies need early socialization. Dogs often bite when they are afraid. With proper upbringing and breeding, the deficiency can be corrected.

Character of Papillons

• Loyal to owners.
• Having a cheerful temperament.
• Energetic dogs.
• They love to hunt butterflies and other small animals.

Now these are classic lap dogs, they mostly sit on the lap or in the owner’s purse and watch what is happening.

From an early age, puppies are supposed to develop a calm and trusting character. With the right approach, the dog will become curious and calm at the same time. Dogs are smart and easy to train. Despite its modest size, the dog has a big heart. The butterfly is incapable of getting angry and objecting.

• Papillon puppies are highly intelligent and can learn new tricks and commands at any age. They remember it the first time.
• Papillon will not bark to no avail. Always assesses the situation and, as a last resort, barks.
• Animals love children and other pets. They get along well with cats and parrots. They treat small children with care, not allowing them to be scared or hurt.

Thanks to its cheerful disposition, the Papillon dog breed is considered a desirable pet. The dog is easy to interact with and incredibly kind.

• Knows how to be thoughtful and calm.

According to some data, the Papillon ranks first in intelligence development and training ability among toy breeds. Attached and devoted to the owner. Depends on attention and praise. Loves to be around. If a person is sitting at the computer, doing business, the dog will sit next to him and not bother him. The awareness of the owner’s presence nearby is enough for her.

If the owner has taken care of the dog’s socialization from the first months of life, difficulties in the dog’s natural behavior are eliminated. For example, the Papillon's small size and protective instincts forced it to adapt and use attacking capabilities at the first hint of danger. Starting from a young age, dogs of this breed actively bite. With the right approach to raising your pet, the habit will disappear as it grows.

Breed standard

The modern Papillon is not very different from its ancestor of the distant 11th century. He retained his miniature size and devoted eyes. The Papillon is considered a French breed and is rightfully considered the pride of the exquisite country where the small dog was first seen in the company of a royal person.

Let us denote the characteristics of the breed:

1. The dog's height reaches 30 cm at the withers. Short stature and miniature size allow you to feel great in an apartment.
2. The weight of an adult male is 5 kg, which is rare. Typically the Papillon weighs 2-3.5 kg.
3. The head is proportional to the body, light.
4. The transition from forehead to muzzle is clearly defined.
5. The muzzle is elongated, pointed with large eyes. The coat is short.
6. The bridge of the nose is straight. Small round nose, black.
7. Narrow lips fit tightly to the jaws.
8. The strong jaws form a scissor bite.
9. Large almond-shaped eyes are set low. Mostly dark in color. The eyelids match the lips and nose.
10. Large ears with rounded tips are set high, stand up, and are located closer to the back of the head.
11. The neck is of moderate length, slightly curved towards the back of the head. There is long hair around the neck, forming a thick collar that falls onto the chest.
12. The skeleton is strong, the back is straight, turning into a slightly convex loin.
13. The abdomen is moderately tucked.
14. The girdle of the forelimbs is represented by oblique shoulder blades, tightly fitting to the body, and straight, strong, parallel legs. The elbow joint is directed back and fits tightly to the side of the sternum. The back of the front paws has feathers.
15. The hind limbs are strong, long, with developed articulation angles. The muscles are well developed. The hind legs from the croup to the knee are abundantly covered with long hair.
16. The wide chest is deep.
17. The coat is long and has no undercoat. Has a natural silky shine.
18. The color is necessarily white with spots of any color. The head is painted symmetrically. On the head, white does not remain the predominant color.
19. The tail is set high and well framed with long hair. When excited, it rises and touches the back or side. Not twisted into a ring, or lying on the back.

Orijen Original (6 kg)

Super premium product, suitable for all breeds, including small ones. Includes high-quality fish and meat, the content of which reaches a record 80% among other dry food, healthy herbs (dandelion, mint, turmeric).

All these ingredients help strengthen canine immunity. Does not contain third-rate by-products, chemical preservatives, flavor enhancers, aroma, vegetable proteins, gluten, or cereals. Orijen is suitable for active miniature dogs.

pros

• Record high animal protein content;
• Does not cause allergies;
• The composition contains several types of fish.

Minuses

• There is no fastener on the packaging so that the food does not dry out; it will have to be poured into a closed container;
• Strong odor and noticeable but short-lived odor from the animal's mouth;
• Rarely, problems with the gastrointestinal tract are possible.

Go! Natural Holistic (holistic menu) Go & NOW Natural (690 g)

Suitable for all dog breeds, especially miniature ones. It contains only natural ingredients, calf meat, turkey, lamb, duck, fruits, berries, vegetables.

The product is perfectly balanced, the necessary animal proteins, carbohydrates, fiber, microelements, acids are present, there are no harmful soybeans, preservatives, odor and taste enhancers, or low-quality by-products. All components retain their properties thanks to gentle processing.

pros

• Convenient sealed packaging with a zipper: the food does not expire and does not lose its properties;
• The amount of excrement is significantly reduced, and its smell becomes less pronounced;
• High calorie content, the dog remains full for a long time;
• The coat becomes more shiny and smooth in appearance with prolonged constant feeding;
• Does not cause allergies or dental problems;
• The condition of the skin and eyes improves noticeably over time;
• Can be found in every pet store;
• Does not have a pronounced odor.

Minuses

• Large granules that are difficult to digest if the dog does not chew them;
• Possible odor from the animal's mouth;
• Occasionally, problems with the gastrointestinal tract occur.

Owner reviews of the Papillon

A very smart breed, in the ranking among all breeds in terms of intelligence they are in 8th place, but among small breeds they are in 1st place. They are really very smart , they simply guess your thoughts. I’m just thinking about getting up and going to the kitchen, and they’re already standing in front of me, and this is just one example of many. If someone causes mischief, they begin to hide, while the one who caused the mischief hides. They also understand you very much; if you feel bad, they will always come and console you in their own way, as best they can. Easy to care for , no haircut required, wash once every 10-14 days, dry the coat with a hairdryer, then the coat will be fluffier, combing 2 times a week is more than enough. They love to play with children , but at the same time they show their temper, but they also don’t touch them; there are, of course, exceptions. They love to go for walks, they just don’t want to go home.

Tatiana

When buying this breed, I could not even imagine that I was buying a MIRACLE! Of course, maybe I was just lucky with the character of my dog, but according to communication and feedback from Papillon fans, they all evoke delight and respect for their intelligence and intelligence. This is a little man, a sunbeam!

Very clean , well, very (for our family this is important), he sees a piece of paper dropped, picks it up and tears it, carries it back, washes toys, likes to play only with clean ones (or brings them to the bathroom and waits for them to wash them or throws them into a basin of water ( put it there on purpose) and is waiting for it to be washed.)))

There have been no problems with clothes since childhood - he’s a fashionista, he’s happy with every suit, he loves to wear boots, and in general he loves everything new. Very patient, obedient, not intrusive, sensitive to mood . And how talkative, you talk, and he answers. (I don’t know, maybe we have something like this?) Cheerful, perky, but in moderation. I’m not picky about food, but food is better either in cans or natural, he loves berries! Health is good. Our Papillon is a guard, but does not bark much , only at strangers, and does not bite. But he doesn’t like to play with other breeds of dogs; he likes poodles.

The dog is not selfish - it won’t wake you up in vain and won’t interfere with your activities. Grooming is not difficult, but clothing is needed, this breed has no undercoat and gets cold in winter.

Papillons are a gift from fate!!!!!

Video

Ontario Mini Weight Control with Turkey and Potatoes (2.25 kg)

Czech super-premium product. Recommended by veterinarians due to its perfectly balanced composition. Does not contain cereals or grains. The composition includes high-quality fish, meat products, vegetables (for example, tomatoes).

There are no low-quality ingredients, chemical preservatives, or meat and bone meal. Suitable for dogs with excess weight problems.

pros

• High content of lycopenes;
• Suitable for dogs with poor health, problems with joints and immunity;
• Does not cause a bad odor from the animal's mouth;
• All useful microelements in the form of chelates are absorbed by the dog’s body 100%;
• Small granules that are easy to digest;
• Distributed in pet stores;
• Hermetically sealed packaging.

Minuses

• Pronounced smell.

Character and intelligence

The Papillon is an ideal dog for sociable people. The smart, inquisitive pet loves games, willingly participates in competitions, follows commands, runs in the park and around the apartment. If the owner is used to spending several hours watching television, then an active pet will not sit in his arms for such a long time.

Main character traits:

• curious;
• funny;
• active;
• observant;
• a good watchman, despite his size;
• loves company;
• obedient;
• requires the owner's attention;
• highly trainable;
• can perform complex tricks;
• high intelligence;
• sometimes stubborn;
• gets along well with cats and other pets. The ideal option is for animals to grow together from an early age.

NOW FRESH salmon, duck, turkey (2.72 kg)

Canadian quality holistic. Products of this brand do not include grain crops, by-products, chemical preservatives, aroma or taste enhancers.

High-quality meat, vegetables, and cereals maintain the required level of proteins, fats and carbohydrates in the animal’s body.

pros

• Unfastened packaging;
• Large granules may be difficult to digest if not chewed.

Minuses

• Pronounced smell.

Acana Heritage (6 kg) (for small breeds)

This Canadian product is a good choice for a miniature breed dog. It is suitable for both active animals and completely lazy ones. The food is holistic, that is, it contains only natural ingredients.

There are no cheap low-quality components in the products of this brand; feed wheat and bone meal are completely absent. Contains only meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, and high quality dairy products.

pros

• High concentration of animal proteins;
• Fresh ingredients;
• There are no carbohydrates (the dog’s body does not need them);
• A variety of fruits, vegetables, tonic herbs in the composition, which strengthen the heart and improve the condition of the gastrointestinal tract;
• Reduces insulin levels, strengthens the liver;
• High quality packaging.

Minuses

• May cause allergies;
• Noticeable fishy smell;
• High fat content.

Wolfsblut Gray Peak Small Breed (15 kg)

German quality holistic specialist. The products of this brand include only those components that are easily absorbed by the dog’s body, without causing any digestive problems.

No wheat, oats, corn, starch or gluten. Meat makes up more than half of the food - cod, mackerel, haddock, pheasant, rabbit, trout, salmon, lamb.

pros

• Excellent balance of vitamins, minerals, healthy supplements;
• Complete absence of chemical ingredients (flavor and aroma enhancers and dyes);
• Moderate size granules;
• No noticeable odor;
• Elegant, high quality packaging;
• The company has an official website with a detailed description of the product and instructions;
• The condition of the coat improves.

Minuses

• Rarely available in pet stores;
• In isolated cases may cause constipation

Grandorf (3 kg) Lamb with rice Mini

Suitable for a small breed dog. Veterinarians often mention this brand as the most suitable for dogs prone to allergies. The composition is completely free of chicken and grains.

In addition to meat, it contains components such as vegetables and grains. It is better to take this food for an active dog. If she is lazy, then Grandorf will make her overweight.

pros

• High meat content - >60%;
• High calorie content, the dog will be full for a long time;
• No chemical flavors or additives;
• Improves the condition of the gastrointestinal tract, restores intestinal microflora (and is even indicated for those dogs who have digestive problems);
• Improves the condition of the coat.

Minuses

• High in fat, a lazy dog ​​will quickly gain weight.

Feeding the Papillon

A Papillon dog needs to be fed at strictly designated times. From an early age, the puppy is taught to eat food. Natural feeding is also possible, but you must adhere to the list of prohibited foods. It is strictly forbidden to:

• give sweets, chocolate, spices, onions;
• use chicken for feeding, as well as chicken bones. Remember that chicken meat is a strong allergen;
• give pork, as it is too fatty for such miniature pets.

You must not distract or tease the puppy while he is eating, and also accustom the dog to handouts from the table. This will help avoid difficulties with parenting. Remember that good health depends on proper nutrition for your dog, especially in the first years of life.

A Papillon puppy grows quickly, and for proper development it needs vitamins, proteins and carbohydrates. Otherwise, difficulties with digestion and intestinal function may occur. The dog's diet in the future largely depends on the diet in childhood. Therefore, before choosing what to feed your pet, you need to clarify the dog’s habits with the seller.

Royal Canin for healthy skin and coat 2 kg (for small breeds)

Famous French super-premium food. It is of good quality, but lower than that of competitors (discussed in paragraphs 1-9).

Royal Canin Mini contains grains and vegetable proteins.

pros

• Does not cause allergies;
• Nutritious, but does not cause excess weight in the animal (the energy intensity of the diet and the protein content in the product are precisely calculated);
• Available at many pet stores;
• High-quality packaging;
• Moderate size granules;
• Restoring the condition of the coat;
• Contains sodium polyphosphate, which prevents the formation of plaque;
• The composition includes many useful microelements;
• Improved digestion.

Minuses

• With constant feeding of this food, it is impossible to do without additional supplements with vitamins and microelements;
• Inconvenient packaging without fastener;
• Contains poorly digestible grains and artificial additives (preservatives, dyes.);

Among these foods, the best choices for a miniature animal would be 1st Choice Breeders Miniature Breed with Chicken (20kg) and Wolfsblut Gray Peak Small Breed (15kg).

The first is the highest quality, and at the same time inexpensive, super-premium food.

The second is a natural holistic company, and the company has a detailed official website with all the information on the food and instructions.

Both products have a minimum of disadvantages, which are offset by advantages from the balance of nutrients, vitamins, microelements and the absence of harmful preservatives to convenient packaging.

Breed standard

The Fédération Cynologique Internationale classification classifies these babies as group 9 – “Companion and decorative dogs”, section 9 – “Russian Toy and Continental Toy Spaniels”, breed – “Papillon”.

Height at the withers is from 20 to 27 centimeters.

By weight they are divided into two categories:

• Females and males from 1.5 to 2.5 kilograms.
• Males from 2.5 to 4.5 kg, females from 2.5 to 5 kg.

The movements of the large, furry ears resemble the flapping of a butterfly's wings and are capable of moving independently of each other. Hence the name of the breed - Papillon, which means “butterfly” in French.

The spaniel's coat is long and without undercoat. Scissor bite, strong jaws. Life expectancy is 13-17 years.

Feeding tips for miniature dogs

To maintain the health of a small dog, it is important to consider recommendations and advice on feeding and managing the animal’s diet:

1. It is advisable for miniature breeds to eat dry food daily. This is due to the fact that they often experience oral diseases: inflammation of the gums, unpleasant odor from the mouth, loose teeth, and excessive deposits of tartar. Diseases develop faster than in large individuals. Preference is given to holistic feeds; they do not contain dyes, preservatives, or by-products. Dry food reduces the risk of these diseases, but is not a panacea.
2. The diet should include wet food. Miniature dogs are prone to diseases of the urinary system; due to their size, the kidneys produce a small amount of urine, which contains a concentration of harmful inorganic substances. Wet food helps saturate the body with additional fluid and prevents the appearance of formations in the urinary system. It is not advisable to mix dry and wet food; it is better to offer them to the animal at different times.
3. Do not choose your own nutritional supplements for the animal and do not give food from your table. The advantage of ready-made dry food is its balance. The substances your dog needs are available in the right quantities. Homemade table food contains a lot of salt, fat, spices, and other substances harmful to the animal. A dog whose diet is based on dry food does not need additional biological additives. An excess of vitamins is more harmful than their deficiency.
4. Do not overfeed. Small individuals have a tendency to become obese. If you do not control the number of servings in the bowl, then over time the animal may become overweight. On packages of ready-made dry food there is a table on portion sizes and feeding frequency. Compliance with these standards will protect your dog from weight problems.

Proper training of a Papillon puppy

Raising a puppy begins from the first days of being in a new place. The sooner they begin to communicate and make contact with a young dog, the faster it will develop reflexes and habits for certain actions and commands. Communication begins with mentioning the animal's name, after which one should move on to certain commands. At this moment it is necessary to show maximum persistence, tact and politeness. Papillons quickly understand what is required of them. Daily repetition of certain exercises and actions quickly gives the desired result.

The Lapki.pet animal search service will be useful in terms of advice and recommendations on the methods and features of raising dogs of decorative breeds.

The Papillon is a decorative breed, so for normal keeping of an animal at home, it will be quite enough to teach the dog a minimum set of commands. The main emphasis is on raising the dog, accustoming it to an established home lifestyle with the family. The success of the educational process will certainly affect the quality of living together between a four-legged pet and a person. Raising and training a Papillon puppy will be complete and effective if each mastered command is voiced during play, walking, or repeated during communication with other family members.

At first, the puppy must be supervised. His every step and action is voiced with a mention of his nickname. This will make it easier to toilet train your pet and develop the habit of sleeping and resting in a designated place. At an early age, it is best to develop an adequate reaction to prohibitions in your pet. The dog must know its place and not overstep acceptable boundaries.

Dogs of decorative breeds have a tendency to sleep with their owner. Papillons are no exception in this regard. With the connivance of the owner, the animal will quickly orient itself to the situation and take a place next to the bed, next to the owner. It will no longer be easy to wean an older dog from this habit. To prevent this from happening, always return the puppy to its proper place, repeating the appropriate command.

What vitamins are needed when feeding small breed dogs

If the dog’s diet consists of natural food, ready-made vitamin complexes will serve as an additional source of vitamins and minerals. There are many types of multivitamins and specialty vitamins on the pet market designed for small dog breeds.

The vitamin multicomplex solves the problem of vitamin deficiency in the body of an adult animal.

For example, Farmavit Active, Wolmar Winsome Pro Bio Booster Ca Mini or Galakan Champion. These nutritional supplements are developed for small breed dogs, are hypoallergenic, and do not cause side effects.

How to properly feed small breed dog puppies

When a puppy is just born, its digestive system is on its way to development; a diet of the right foods is the key to health for years to come. Newborn puppies can be supplemented with milk or a specialized formula. At the age of about 1-3 months, you need to feed puppies with natural food: lean meat, eggs, fish, porridge, fermented milk.

Protein should make up at least 70% of the diet. We add healthy fats and boiled vegetables to the rest of the diet. This menu may seem boring to humans, but puppies do not need a variety of foods.

Their gastrointestinal tract is just learning how to digest food, and preference is given to simple and healthy foods. The diet should not contain fatty, fried, sweet foods; they are prohibited for puppies and cause serious health and digestive problems.

If your miniature dog has digestive problems due to food

A common reason for visiting a veterinarian is gastrointestinal problems. Not a single animal is safe from them.

The reasons for their appearance are usually similar: either a specific brand of ready-made dry or wet food is not suitable for the animal, or the owner decides to save money and buys cheap brands of food that have an unbalanced and even harmful composition.

The most common digestive disorders are:

• Diarrhea, constipation
• Allergies that cause a skin reaction
• Intolerance to components included in the finished feed
• Uncontrollable vomiting
• Poisoning

For each of these symptoms, the dog should be shown to a veterinarian to establish an accurate diagnosis and prescribe treatment. Self-medication or self-diagnosis is fraught with the emergence of new diseases. If you do not review your dog’s diet, then over time, minor problems with the gastrointestinal tract will lead to the development of chronic diseases of the internal organs.

The damage will mainly be caused to the stomach and liver, and various parts of the intestines.

To solve the problem, it is enough to change the brand of food, choosing a diet without harmful and poorly digestible components. A competent veterinarian can advise which food is best to introduce, based on the health of a particular dog. Change the food gradually; too sudden a change will cause severe digestive upset. The replacement should be made within a week, mixing the new type of food with the old one.

Maintenance and care

First of all, Papillons are still decorative dogs that are not accustomed to being kept outdoors, but feel great in an apartment and do not cause unnecessary trouble, so even novice dog breeders can cope with them. They get along well with other animals in the house and love to play with children, but only well-mannered pets who are not afraid of loud sounds or sudden movements and will definitely not bite the baby can be left alone with the child.

Looking at the graceful “butterfly” dog, as if straight out of a picture, you might think that it will require increased and complex care. In fact, the breed does not have any special requirements for its maintenance.

Of course, a small pet that has recently appeared in the house will require a large share of attention and care from members of the household. You will have to look after the puppy, who curls up cutely into a ball and resembles a ball of fur, giving all your warmth and affection. It must be remembered that these animals, even at an early age, are so sensitive that they detect the slightest shades of irritation and rudeness in the voice of their owners. A “soulless” atmosphere in the house can cause the pet to withdraw into itself and stop reacting to events around it.

Proper care of puppies of this breed consists of meeting several basic conditions:

• maintaining a clean and tidy appearance - regular cleaning of ears, eyes, nose is recommended (wool requires special attention);
• healthy nutrition that is properly selected for a growing body;
• daily walks on the street - at least twice a day for 20-30 minutes is enough, during which the pet will spend some of its energy frolicking in the fresh air.
• In order for the ears to stand up nicely, they are fixed for about 2-3 months, gluing them with paper tape or adhesive tape.

If we talk about an adult animal, then care will also not cause much trouble and will not require additional effort. Grooming is somewhat different from usual, but not too complicated. Representatives of the breed are brushed a couple of times a week, and every other day during shedding. In addition to the seasonal coat change, dogs can shed their hair after feeding their puppies. When bathing Papillons, it is important to choose the right shampoo, after which the snow-white coat will not acquire a yellow tint. Any chosen product must be rinsed off very thoroughly.

If the dog is healthy, the coat does not need additional moisture; only in summer it may be necessary to use moisturizing masks and conditioners. On the belly and on the paws, around the pads, it is recommended to trim the hair for hygienic reasons. The ears are also periodically checked to ensure they are clean and dry. Animals have their teeth brushed regularly and their nails trimmed if necessary.

Diet for a pregnant miniature dog

Pregnancy of a pet is an important moment; it is necessary to organize the correct diet for the animal. It is advisable to avoid sudden changes in diet; pregnancy is stressful for the pet and changing the diet can aggravate the pet’s condition. The main part of the menu should be animal proteins. An overweight towards fast carbohydrates and fats can cause excess weight.

It is better to choose premium dog food intended for pregnant females; they have a good composition and contain a balanced set of vitamins and minerals necessary for a pregnant animal. It is important to monitor the portions you consume. Excessive feeding can lead to excess weight gain; there is no need to feed your pet for two or three. Additional weight can weaken the dog’s labor and add increased stress to the internal organs.

In the first half of pregnancy, the animal is fed according to the usual schedule, maintaining the portion size that was before pregnancy. To avoid weight gain, small pets need to remain active, but remember - you should not overwork the animal during pregnancy. If it was decided to switch the animal to another food, then the best time for this is the first half of pregnancy. The transition is carried out smoothly, on average about 8-10 days. If the new food is not suitable for a particular pet, the return to the previous one should be gradual.

In the second half of pregnancy, active growth of puppies in the womb begins; if before this excess nutrition was spent on the pet’s excess weight, now all the excess will go to feed the fetuses. The animal’s body gives all its resources to its offspring. It is important to gradually increase the pet's diet; by the end of pregnancy, the bitch should receive about 30% more food than usual.

There are periods when the female’s appetite decreases or disappears. There is no need to force feed; when the dog feels better, it will begin to eat properly again. During this period, it is better to offer food often and in small portions. During pregnancy, the uterus puts a lot of pressure on the internal organs, and large portions of food will worsen the condition, and a lack of food will provoke the birth of weakened offspring.

Character

Papillons are very active, but with good training they can control themselves. These dogs are believed to have a strong and balanced temperament. They are inquisitive, friendly, courageous and playful, and their good learning ability makes them regulars at exhibitions and competitions.

Papillons get along well with cats, and can sometimes be cocky with dogs of other breeds. During walks, you need to keep an eye on your pet, as it can easily start a quarrel with a larger dog.

Representatives of this breed are wary of strangers, but not aggressive. Sensing danger, they burst into loud barking.

Since dogs are very fragile, especially at a young age, it is necessary to teach children (if there are any in the house) to treat them carefully. Excessive petting by children can harm Papillon puppies.