[But-A-Fly Kis-is]

Hi I have a 6month old papillon and her ears are still down they go up when she tilts her head up and I have noticed in the last 2 days she is moving them a lot I have been told to massage inside the ears where the crease is does anyone else have any ideas that may help me to get those ears up both mum and dad have erect ears Milly is my dogs name she is registered and I am in the process of training her for shows not much use if the ears don't go up has any one else had this problem any help much appreciated cheers Joy here is a pic of Milly

[Yogi]

Originally Posted by But-A-Fly Kis-is

Hi I have a 6month old papillon and her ears are still down they go up when she tilts her head up and I have noticed in the last 2 days she is moving them a lot I have been told to massage inside the ears where the crease is does anyone else have any ideas that may help me to get those ears up both mum and dad have erect ears Milly is my dogs name she is registered and I am in the process of training her for shows not much use if the ears don't go up has any one else had this problem any help much appreciated cheers Joy here is a pic of Milly

During teething it is not uncommon for a dogs ears to droop. Calcium is diverted to the teeth. If her ears stood erect prior than give it a little time. If her ears were not erect as a puppy, you may have what is referred to as a Phalene. These are the droop ear version of the Papillon. Both french words, with Papillon meaning butterfly to describe the dogs ears as shaped like a butterfly wing when the fringe is grown in or Phalene meaning moth which will have a semi raised ear which more resembles the wings of a moth.

[But-A-Fly Kis-is]

Thank you for your reply but I don't think she will be a phalene either as her ears are not flat enough, so I have been told, they have never been up. At training class I was told to massage the inside of the ear where there is a crease running down, and give her plenty of bones to chew as that gets the jaw moving the ears so here is hoping will let you know of the progress if any Joy

[Yogi]

rubbing the ears stimulates blood flow thus increasing the development of the cartilage which is the main stay for keeping the ears erect. This comes from calcium in that a puppy produces only enough calcium to handle one issue at a time. As the pup is but 6 months old, it is still teething. The emphasis on the chews is to help promote the teeth though it can in some cases help the ears. A Papillon when a young pup should and does have natural standing ears. Rarely will they fall even during teething like some small breeds. The ear does not necessarily have to lay to be a Phalene, the term is generally given to a Papillon who's ears do not stand erect. Though recognized as one breed in the US (Papillon), in Europe they are listed as 2 separate breeds.
I would look to increase slightly her calcium, yogurt could be added to her diet as a start. The rubbing of the ears though is a hit and miss, it does occasionally work, so go with this also. Hopefully by the time she is done with her teething and the adult teeth come in, the ears will stand. Good luck.

[But-A-Fly Kis-is]

I really appreciate your help I have been giving her cottage cheese but will try the yoghurt just a little bit I live in New Zealand and we have no Phalene's in the south Island which is where I live but there is some in the north Island so that shall be interesting if the ears don't go up as to how the judging shall go I know both breeds are treated as equals but the stand up ears are the main one's here I may have started a trend did you look at the pictures of Milly she is very cute I have had a lot of people saying they like her ears down cheers for now Joy

[Yogi]

sorry, I forgot to mention the cottage cheese. This is also a common in place of the yogurt.
I actually am partial to both Papillons and Phalenes. I think both are good looking and entertaining companion breed. I love their natural agility and overall attitude. They can be very feisty as well as very loving.
Many of mine have gone to first time dog owners and young couples and also to senior people looking for a companion lap dog.

[But-A-Fly Kis-is]

My Katie has gone a little feisty since she has had her pups but she is still very lovable I also had to have her spaded her coat has gone curly as well I also like both breeds I have registered Milly with the kennell club as a papillon so don't know how I would get on changing her to a Phalene her kennell name is Monarch But-A-Fly Kis-is Milly I have sold both mine to show homes don't know how they will feel if those ears don't go up I had a look at your Papillons they are just adorable cheers Joy