The Ultimate Guide on the Coton de Tulear Dog Breed

coton de tulear standing in the grass

Key Points

  • The royal dog of Madagascar, called the coton de Tulear, is an immensely charming companion.

  • This long-lived dog is unique, lively, and always ready to entertain and please.

  • Here is the ultimate guide on the coton de Tulear breed.

The coton de Tulear, “Royal Dog of Madagascar,” is a bright, sturdy, yet small dog recognized by its profuse, white, cottony coat. The coton de Tulear (pronounced KO-Tone Dih TOO-Lay-ARE) is an immensely charming, happy-go-lucky dog that weighs between eight to 13 pounds and is 9 and 11 inches high. The coton de Tulear is named after the Madagascar seaport town of Tulear and their coat that is soft as cotton (or, as the French say, “coton”). The coton de Tulear originated in the 1500s, belonging to the Barbichon family in Madagascar.

Coton de Tulear Care Package

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What Makes the Coton de Tulear Unique?

The coton de Tulear has a lifespan of 13 to 15 years. They are a lively dog breed that is always ready to entertain and please. They love to be pampered and get along with people well. The coton de Tulear puppy is trained easily. They have calm personalities, making them an un-demanding dog.

The coton de Tulear is recognized as a playful dog who is affectionate with family; they are good with strangers, pets, and other dogs. They have a profuse white coat with a texture similar to cotton, hence the name. The coton de Tulear puppy may be born with spots, mainly around the ears and head. These spots fade away as the puppy ages.

When it comes to upkeep, the coton de Tulear is an active dog that loves to play with you. Their high energy allows them to play indoors as well as outdoors.

The coton de Tulear sheds little. Coat care is challenging at times because it mats and tangles easily. Brush the coat daily to avoid matting. Remove any twigs or leaves right away before they result in tangling.

coton de tulear sitting in the grassCoton de Tulear Traits

The coton de Tulear is a friendly dog that loves children. They are known for their energy, affection, loyalty, and big heart. Though they are small, the coton de Tulear has a lively and loving personality. Some delightful traits of the coton de Tulear include distinctive vocalizations and a talent for walking on their hind legs.

The coton de Tulear is a soft dog with a childlike and cuddly personality. They are highly devoted and loyal to their owners. However, if the coton de Tulear puppy is not socialized early, they remain cautious and reserved around unfamiliar people.

Puppies should be well-socialized with and handled by 100 different people, especially men, children, and strangers, starting at two weeks of age through weaning at about eight weeks. In the first three months after they are weaned and start life in their new home, socialization should continue by being safely hand-fed, hugged, and trained by 100 additional strangers, including men and children, as well as safe introductions to different animals, pets, and novel environments.

The coton de Tulear is not much of a guard dog, but they sound the alarm at the slightest of things that they consider a threat, even a squirrel. It’s an absolute joy to live with a coton de Tulear puppy. They live an active lifestyle and are very playful. The coton de Tulear enjoys apartment life, and they happily play and run inside a fenced yard.

Coton de Tulear Intelligence

The coton de Tulear is an incredibly intelligent dog. They are an observant dog breed who quickly learns and adapts to things and are flexible to their owner’s needs. The coton de Tulear is a delightful and people-pleasing dog. Because of its adaptable and observant nature, the coton de Tulear puppy is easily trained.

The intelligence of the coton de Tulear is further shown in their ability to solve problems and communicate easily. They are quick learners and quickly adapt to a routine. This is because of their excellent observation skills.

This intelligence aids in training the coton de Tulear. Your coton de Tulear puppy grasps things quickly with concise and clear communication.

Health of the Coton de Tulear

The coton de Tulear remains relatively free from genetic disorders, not to say that they don’t exist. The percentage of such incidents is reasonably low. Treatment and care for brain health involves giving the right amount of nutrition that the breed needs. Nutrition plays a vital role in enhancing your dog’s ability to learn. Omega fatty acids play a crucial role in brain and retinal development in young animals. Fish oil is an excellent source of Omega fatty acids. Coldwater fish have a superior level of long-chain omega-3 polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs) such as EPA (eicosapentaenoic acid) and DHA (docosahexaenoic acid). These fatty acids are found in anchovies, sardines, salmon, mackerel, and trout.

Apart from fish oil, high-quality dog food also has all the necessary nutrients for your dog. Pet dogs tend to become overweight, so watch your coton de Tulear’s weight level and calorie consumption. Many dog owners prefer giving treats to train their dogs, but too many often lead to obesity in dogs. Learn which human foods are safe for your coton de Tulear, and ask your vet if you have any concerns regarding your dog’s diet or weight.

Stress in Coton de Tulear

We often encounter statements like ‘that dog just bit someone out of nowhere’. The fact is, dogs don’t just bite someone without a warning sign. The primary way for dogs to communicate with us is through body language. Hence, the dog owner must keep an eye out for behaviors such as growling, unusual barking, pacing, freezing, or anything that looks different in your dog’s body language.

The coton de Tulear is called the ‘anti-stress dog of the 20th century’. That is because they have pleasant and happy-go-lucky personalities. Responding sometimes with unique vocalizations and cocking their head to the side while talking to them, the coton de Tulear puppy is recognized as a happy dog breed. However, since the coton de Tulear is a social and easy-to-get-along dog, they get stressed when left alone.

If your coton de Tulear is growling all of a sudden, it shows that they are not comfortable and something is bothering them. This may be an indication of stress. It indicates that they are feeling threatened or uncomfortable.

If your coton de Tulear is barking or whining excessively, it may also be an indication of stress. It’s a clue that something in the environment makes your coton de Tulear pup unhappy or anxious.

Your coton de Tulear primarily communicates through body language. Some stress signs to look for include yawning, lip-licking, raised hackles, panting, tucked ears, or whale eyes (when dogs reveal the whites of their eyes).

Another sign to look out for is pacing. When your coton de Tulear is walking back and forth, it’s a symptom of stress. You should notice when your dog engages in this behavior and determine what is triggering them.

Treatment & Care

As an owner of the Coton de Tulear, it’s essential to reflect on their behavior and figure out what is causing stress. Some of the ways a dog owner causes stress in their puppy are by not giving them clear instructions, staring at them threateningly, or punishing them. The best possible way to relieve the stress of your coton de Tulear is by figuring out what is bothering them and working with your vet or a professional trainer to eliminate their response to that trigger.

To know when your coton de Tulear is stressed, know their natural demeanor. You learn whether they are licking themself for grooming or if something is making them anxious. When your coton de Tulear is relaxed, they have a soft mouth, semi-erect or forward-facing ears, and round eyes.

When your dog is stressed, pamper them with treats or play with them. If you notice that your coton de Tulear is constantly stressed, see a vet immediately. Exercise or physical activity is another stress reliever for a dog.

coton de tulear sitting in front of white background

Anxiety in the Coton de Tulear

Dogs experience anxiety, just like humans. Anxiety is an unpleasant emotion; however, it is normal, and in low amounts, even healthy. Dog anxiety is present in all dog breeds, but the degree varies in each dog. Although anxiety is something that your dog deals with from time to time, chronic anxiety leads to an anxiety disorder. Anxiety in the coton de Tulear is due to multiple causes. Some of them include anxiety related to fear, separation anxiety, or age-related anxiety.

You might have noticed that your coton de Tulear gets extremely uncomfortable with loud noises, strange or new environments, strange people or animals, or specific situations such as car rides or at the vet’s office. This uncomfortable behavior is an indication of fear-related anxiety in your coton de Tulear.

Since the coton de Tulear is affectionate and gets along with people well, they find it uncomfortable when left alone or separated from their owner. Your coton de Tulear puppy may show signs of discomfort when left alone, such as soiling in the house, destroying furniture, or barking often.

Some dogs often deal with age-related anxiety. Age-related anxiety usually occurs in dogs with cognitive dysfunction syndrome (CDS). Since CDS is not so common in the coton de Tulear, your pup may not have to deal with age-related anxiety.

Destructive behavior is a common symptom of separation anxiety in the coton de Tulear. Chewing the furnishings, doorways, or windows is a possible sign of separation anxiety. If this continues, immediately take action and ask your veterinarian to refer you to a reputable pet behaviorist in your area.

Treatment & Care

If you’ve noticed signs of anxiety in your coton de Tulear, visit a vet and ask for treatment. Your vet helps you identify the type of anxiety your coton de Tulear is dealing with and lets you know the possible causes and triggers. Your vet provides you with a treatment plan specific to your dog’s condition.

There are various training strategies to adopt that treat your dog’s anxiety. One of these strategies is counterconditioning. This works by shifting your dog’s focus away from the stimuli responsible for the anxiety and focusing on something else, for instance, sitting or playing with the owner.

Additionally, CBD oil is used to reduce stress and relieve dog anxiety. CBD is a compound found in cannabis and hemp that dog owners find helpful in treating various health conditions. CBD products are not yet regulated. Therefore, purity and consistency are not always validated. If you plan to use CBD oil for your dog’s anxiety, consult your vet first.

The best thing to prevent anxiety for your coton de Tulear is to learn their body language. Knowing when your coton de Tulear is scared or uncomfortable helps you prevent them from having an unpleasant experience. Socializing your coton de Tulear puppy helps prevent the development of anxiety. Safely introducing them to new people, dogs, and kids helps them become well-adjusted dogs.

coton de tulear sitting in the grass

Allergies in the Coton de Tulear

If you’re someone looking for a hypoallergenic dog, the coton de Tulear puppy is a perfect choice. The coton de Tulear sheds very little and has low dander. Although the coton de Tulear doesn’t give you an allergic reaction, they deal with certain allergies themselves.

Dog skin allergies are one of the most frustrating problems to endure, and finding the root cause is even more complex at times. Your coton de Tulear has to deal with possible environmental allergies, parasitic dermatitis, food allergies, and other inhalant allergies.

Environmental allergies are one of the most common types of allergies in dogs. They are caused by ragweed, feathers, mold, pollen, grass, trees, animal dander, and plants. Since eliminating the root cause is difficult, you must treat the symptom instead of the culprit. The symptoms include hair loss, chewing, scratching or biting intensely, skin damage due to scratching or licking, and ear infections.

As veterinarian researcher Dr. N. K. Sood et al. published in the Journal of Parasitic Diseases, “Parasitic dermatitis is the commonest clinical presentation in small animal practice.” Fleas are a widespread cause of dog skin allergies. These allergy symptoms include itching, red skin, or bumps appearing on the inner thighs, tail, and stomach.

Your coton de Tulear deals with the possibility of food allergies which range in symptoms from skin conditions (facial swelling, hives, itchiness), to gastrointestinal signs (vomiting or diarrhea), or a combination of both.

Other inhalant allergies are due to cigarette smoke, smog, chemicals in cleaning products, pollen, or some other airborne contaminants that cause allergies to dogs’ skin. Some symptoms are swelling of the lips, throat, and eyelids. Visit your vet immediately if you notice these symptoms in your coton de Tulear.

Treatment & Care

Preventing allergies or taking precautions to fight allergies is not as difficult as it sounds. By taking simple measures, you make sure that your coton de Tulear stays healthy and safe from all sorts of allergies.

Homemade dog food is a good option when treating allergies in dogs. You add all the right ingredients that are beneficial for your dog. Add essential fatty acids to the food like Omega 3 and Omega 6, which relieve itching. Use anti-inflammatory ingredients like kale, sardines, coconut oil, and blueberries. Add other healthy ingredients that your dog loves, such as pumpkin to relieve gastrointestinal upset, blueberries for antioxidants, or ground turmeric to relieve inflammation.

Raw honey is helpful for your coton de Tulear. Giving raw honey in adequate quantity to your coton de Tulear helps with various skin conditions and helps your dog stay healthy. Virgin organic coconut oil provides them with relief and helps with digestive issues.

There are many supplements available over the counter to support healthy skin for your coton De Tulear. Supplements rich in Omega fatty acids are an ideal choice for dogs dealing with allergies. Consult your vet before starting supplements.

If your dog is dealing with skin allergies ask your vet to prescribe a specific shampoo or conditioner for their skin condition. Opt for medicated shampoo and conditioners and check the ingredients in detail beforehand. Soothing ingredients like oatmeal, aloe vera, or eucalyptus help with skin conditions, reduce redness, and soothe itchiness. Sometimes, the shampoos are the reason for the allergy so make sure to verify the ingredients before you apply them.

Make sure that your dog’s home environment is clean. Avoid using excessive chemicals that harm the dog instead of benefiting them. Use pet-safe products and keep the dust away as much as possible.

While your dog is suffering from allergies, limit exposure to outdoor areas. Keep your dog confined to clean, designated areas. Make sure your coton de Tulear is not exposed to allergens when you take them to different places.

Give your dogs a weekly bath to significantly reduce allergies and provide time for the skin to heal and remove all harmful pollutants. Make sure to use lukewarm or cool water for the bath to ensure that the bath offers therapeutic effects. Giving your dog a foot bath when they come inside after being outdoors also removes potential allergens.

coton de tulear sititng in the grass

 

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Gut Health of the Coton de Tulear

Dogs have jaws made for crushing, tearing, and wolfing down food. The enzymes in dogs’ saliva kill bacteria. Many factors disrupt or damage this well-balanced digestive process, resulting in diarrhea or other gut health issues. Diarrhea in coton de Tulears is due to several reasons, such as a change in diet, food intolerance, allergies, poisonous substances or plants, illnesses, bacterial infections, stress or emotional upset, parasites, and more.

It’s a fact that gut health is the center of overall health for our four-legged friends. An unhealthy gut leads to an imbalanced immune response and poor nutrient absorption, leading to many other health issues such as inflammation in the body. The gut is the house of the microbiome (also known as gut flora). The balance of harmful and beneficial bacteria that make up the microbiome links to the development of several health conditions such as diabetes, anxiety, obesity, food allergies, and inflammatory-related conditions such as skin complaints, arthritis, and asthma.

Many of the health issues in the coton de Tulear are traced back to the gut. It is important to keep track of the gut health of your coton de Tulear.

Treatment & Care

A raw diet significantly elevates the balance of the microbiome by sustaining beneficial bacteria, as compared to processed food. Processed food loaded with synthetics, additives, and chemicals disturbs the balance of the microbiome by sustaining harmful bacteria.

This condition sometimes results in leaky gut syndrome where the intestine lining becomes permeable. This lining functions as an efficient barrier against toxins entering and passing through the dog’s system. When this lining becomes permeable, toxins and food particles pass through it and pave the way for inflammation, making your pup prone to illness.

The immune system is the natural protective mechanism of each being, whether human or our four-legged friends. When the immune system functions efficiently, it responds to possible threats, toxins, or bacteria that harm your coton de Tulear. A consequential portion of the immune system is located in the gut, which increases the significance of maintaining the gut health of your coton de Tulear. To ensure that the immune system is functioning at its best, feeding a natural raw diet to your coton de Tulear maximizes their natural defense mechanism, protecting them from infections and illnesses.

If your coton de Tulear has an upset stomach, you need to find out the root cause before changing his diet. Your coton de Tulear might be sensitive to certain foods. Make an appointment with your vet and let them examine your coton de Tulear.

Once you’ve ruled out other health conditions, move on with finding other causes of a sensitive stomach in your coton de Tulear. There is a possibility that your dog food is lacking essential nutrients or minerals or contains something in excess, like fat. The symptoms of a sensitive stomach are loose stools, occasional vomiting, and flatulence.

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Eye Health of the Coton de Tulear

Pet owners usually opt for general practice vets to assist them in maintaining their dog’s overall health. Some conditions need specialized care and are not within the scope of a general practice veterinarian. In those cases it’s essential to consult a specialist.

There are various eye health issues observed in dogs, and many of them lead to vision loss or complete impairment. The most common diseases veterinarians see in the canine eye are cataracts, dry eye, and glaucoma. In addition, progressive retinal atrophy is a common eye health condition observed in the coton de Tulear.

This condition involves a group of diseases that lead to the retina’s degeneration. This involves photoreceptor dysplasia and degenerations that have similar symptoms. The first symptom of progressive retinal atrophy is night blindness. This eventually leads to complete blindness over time, varying from dog to dog. Progressive retinal atrophy progresses to cataracts in the coton de Tulear, masking the underlying disease of the retina. The vet looks for alterations in the retina consistent with progressive retinal atrophy.

Your vet confirms the condition in your coton de Tulear by performing electroretinography which is a test that measures the electrical responses of the eye. Efficient treatment has not yet been discovered for this disease.

If your coton de Tulear is suffering from cataracts, the central part of the eye appears cloudy because the lens loses its transparency. Cataracts affect one eye or both. Cataracts are inherited or occur due to another disease. Diabetes is one cause of cataracts because the excess glucose leads to causing the lens to swell.

Cataracts develop in your dog as a part of the normal aging process. They also form due to an infection or inflammation within the eye. Depending on the severity and size of the cataract, some dogs become blind or lose significant vision.

Watery eyes are also referred to as epiphora, common in many breeds along with the coton de Tulear. If your coton de Tulear’s eyes are red or the skin surrounding is irritated or red, it is essential to take your dog to the vet to treat the inflammation. Watery eyes also happen due to infection or allergy, so watch your coton de Tulear and notice any signs such as a discharge or watery eye.

Glaucoma refers to increased pressure in the dog’s eye. If your dog suffers from glaucoma, too much fluid is going inside or outside the ciliary body within the dog’s eye, which causes increased pressure.

The symptoms of this include redness in the eye and visible vessels on the white area of the eyes. The dog’s eye size increases when the disease progresses and is very painful. The cornea is cloudy because of it being stretched.

Cherry eye is another condition that refers to the displacement of the tear gland on a dog’s eyelid. The symptoms of cherry eyes are that the tear gland shifts behind the third eyelid and becomes swollen and inflamed. It forms a ball of pink tissue, which blocks the inside of the eye. It causes immense irritation and creates problems in dogs. You must take your dog to the vet as soon as you note these symptoms.

Treatment & Care

While there is a hereditary origin to eye conditions, some conditions like cataracts result from disorders of another disease like diabetes. Conditions such as diabetes, some cancers, and high blood pressure lead to eye health issues.

The first and the most important preventative measure is a periodic examination by your vet. Do that annually or as recommended by your specialist. Some eye health issues have irreversible and significant impacts on the quality of your dog’s life. Therefore, it’s essential to visit the vet as soon as you notice something unusual, for instance, a watery discharge.

Unfortunately, there is no effective cure for progressive retinal atrophy. The use of vitamins and antioxidant supplements has also not shown considerable improvement in this health condition. These supplements only help delay the formation of cataracts in your coton de Tulear without having any harmful impact on the eye.

Cataracts are not preventable, but ensure that your coton de Tulear’s vision is preserved by taking steps like examining your coton de Tulear’s eye annually or every 6 months. Take your coton de Tulear to the vet if their eyes look bluish-gray or cloudy and if you notice that your dog is having trouble with their vision.

If possible find out the medical history of your dog’s parents, and be aware and prevent conditions that cause cataracts in your coton de Tulear, for instance, diabetes.

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Ear Health of the Coton de Tulear

Having an ear problem or an ear infection is extremely uncomfortable, so it’s important for dog owners to notice any ear issues. Unfortunately, many dog owners don’t routinely peer into their dog’s ears. To protect your coton de Tulear’s ear health, keep a check on their ears every once in a while, for instance, every week. You are able to check for ear health issues such as infections and take preventative measures before these problems develop into serious health issues.

Signs of ear problems in your coton de Tulear include pungent odor, discharge, irritated or red skin, blood, and inflammation.

Common behaviors to look out for include your dog excessively pawing or scratching their ears, flipping or tilting their head, turning in circles, or tripping over objects. If your coton de Tulear shows these behaviors, visit your vet and let them examine your dog.

Ear infections are a common health issue in the coton de Tulear. Symptoms of ear infections include head shaking, dark discharge, scratching at the affected ear, pain, odor, redness or swelling, and itchiness. Dogs are more prone to ear infections because the ear canal of dogs is more vertical than that of a human, tending to hold in fluids. Factors that lead to ear infection in your coton de Tulear include autoimmune disorders, injury to the ear canal, wax buildup, and excessive cleaning.

Treatment & Care

If your coton de Tulear shows any signs of ear health issues, visit the vet immediately. Quick treatment is crucial to eliminate the spreading of the infection and relieve the discomfort for your coton de Tulear. Your vet asks you the complete history of your coton de Tulear, so be prepared for questions like What has your dog been eating lately? Is your dog on any medication? Or recent activities, such as grooming, bath, or swimming.

Your veterinarian thoroughly cleans your dog’s ears using a medicated ear cleanser. Your dog is prescribed an ear cleanser and a topical medication that is used at home. Follow your vet’s instructions carefully and take special care of cleanliness. Your vet performs an ear swab to check for bacteria, yeast, or ear mites.

When it comes to cleaning your coton de Tulear’s ear, excessive cleaning is harmful to your dog. Consider cleaning your dog’s ears monthly. Be careful when taking your coton de Tulear swimming or bathing them to prevent water from entering their ears.

Check your dog’s ears weekly for any signs of odor or unusual discharge. Keeping the ears clean is an essential part of ear health care. Cleaning the ears is challenging for many pet owners. Some dogs have naturally healthy and clean ears, while others need regular cleaning to prevent the buildup of wax and dirt, leading to infections.

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Immune Health of the Coton de Tulear

The primary role of the immune system is to protect the body from foreign invaders. The immune system differentiates between ‘self’ and ‘non-self .’For instance, the immune system recognizes invading microorganisms like chemical agents, viruses, or other foreign elements.

An immune response is stimulated in the body with substances called antigens. Antigens are present on or within bacteria, cancer cells, or other microorganisms. Antigens are present on their own, such as food molecules or pollen. A simple immune response includes recognizing a foreign antigen and attacking it or defending the body against it.

The immune system comprises a network of antibodies, white blood cells, or substances that reject foreign invaders and fight off infections. The immune system includes different organs such as bone marrow and the thymus gland, significant sites where the white blood cells help fight infections. Lymph nodes and the spleen trap foreign substances and microorganisms and provide a space for cells to interact and create an immune response.

Your coton de Tulear pup potentially faces a deficiency in phagocytosis. A crucial part of the immune system, phagocytes are cells that engulf, digest, and kill foreign invaders. Phagocytes immediately work against foreign invasions. They operate to alert other cells in the adaptive immune system about foreign invasions. If your coton de Tulear has a phagocytosis deficiency, this is due to a low number of phagocytes in the bloodstream or a defect in their capability to perform normally. This deficiency is either present in your coton de Tulear puppy at birth or due to a drug or disease.

coton de tulear running through grass field

Treatment & Care

An immune system that does not work efficiently paves the way for many diseases in your coton de Tulear. These diseases are in the form of infections, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and cancer. Keeping the immune system of your dog balanced eliminates these risks and contributes to the overall health of your coton de Tulear. The immune system operates to identify potentially harmful substances like viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites and then attack them before they harm the body. The proper functioning of the immune system is essential in your coton de Tulear.

There are various natural ways to boost the immunity of your coton de Tulear. To prevent your coton de Tulear from being vulnerable to diseases and infections the below-mentioned natural ways help improve the immunity of your coton de Tulear.

Feed your coton de Tulear pup the right food to boost their immunity. The diet of your coton de Tulear plays a significant role in maintaining their immunity. A diet that comprises a considerable quantity of good fiber and live bacteria from fresh food is crucial to maintaining a healthy microbiome.

Nutrition is different for every dog. Before you change your coton de Tulear’s diet consult a vet first. To boost the immune health of your coton de Tulear, add supplements to their diet.

Use probiotics that add beneficial microorganisms into the digestive tract. An additional benefit is that probiotics help prevent outside bacteria, such as salmonella and E. coli, from causing your dog to get sick.

Keeping your coton de Tulear fit is another way to boost their immunity. Encourage your coton de Tulear to exercise regularly and play with them daily to keep them active and fit.

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Joint Health of the Coton de Tulear

Although the coton de Tulear is a healthy breed, they suffer from different joint health issues such as luxating patellas. Since the coton de Tulear is a small dog, they quickly gain excess weight, and this puts extra stress on their joints, leading to various joint health issues.

A luxating patella is a dislocated knee joint. This is an excruciating condition for your coton de Tulear, and they feel the knee popping in and out constantly. Because of the compact size of your coton de Tulear, the joints in their body are small, making them more prone to this condition. The symptoms of luxating patellas include the inability to bend the knee, limping, pain when moving the leg, not being comfortable with exercise, and failure to run or jump.

Improper nutrition or conditions such as obesity magnify joint issues in the coton de Tulear. An obese coton de Tulear has a lot of stress on their joints.

coton de tulear sitting on wood floor

Treatment & Care

Feed your coton de Tulear a proper diet, for the healthy development of bones and joints, reducing the risk of joint disease. Additionally, regular exercise and proper diet prevent obesity in your coton de Tulear, which plays a vital role in contributing to overall health.

Visit your vet for a regular check-up of your coton de Tulear, and they will perform a physical exam. Your coton de Tulear’s exam also includes blood work as the inflammation caused by joint disease is shown in a complete blood count. The most accurate diagnosis is in an X-ray or radiograph.

Treatment for luxating patella is typically surgery. Natural methods are weight loss and temporary exercise restriction. Exercise restrictions differ depending on the severity of your dog’s condition. Make sure to prevent your coton de Tulear from running up the stairs or jumping excessively.

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Skin & Coat Health of the Coton de Tulear

The coat of the coton de Tulear is where the breed gets its name. It’s soft, long, dense, dry, and supple with the texture of cotton. The coton de Tulear comes in three varieties. The first is white, which involves a hint of champagne. They also come in a tri-color including brown, white, and black, which generally fade away as they grow older. The third is a mix of white and black, and black is the color that is retained. Keeping the skin and coat clean contributes to keeping them healthy.

Your coton de Tulear potentially gets allergic dermatitis or hotspots, an allergic reaction caused by food, grooming products, and environmental irritants, such as insect bites or pollen. If your coton de Tulear has this skin condition, they scratch themself continuously and often form a rash.

If your coton de Tulear is constantly scratching or licking their ears or paws, get them to a vet to check if they have a yeast infection. A yeast infection typically strikes the ears or paws.

Fleas are a huge problem for pet owners. Flea eggs or droppings are usually found in a dog’s coat. Symptoms include scabs, excessive licking or scratching, and hot spots. A severe flea infestation often leads to anemia or blood loss. Similar to fleas, ticks are external parasites that feed on the blood of their hosts.

coton de tulear sitting in front of brick wall

Treatment & Care

For the treatment of allergic dermatitis, the best thing to do is keep your coton de Tulear away from allergens. Medicines help with itchy rashes, and your vet recommends medicated shampoos that soothe the injured skin and calm inflammation. Your vet asks you to bathe your coton de Tulear frequently (weekly to every other week) to keep them free of allergens and eliminate allergens from their hair coat.

Give your coton de Tulear a medicated bath consisting of antifungal and antimicrobial agents and ingredients that enable you to bathe your dog often without drying their skin. Yeast infections are diagnosed quickly and often react well to a topical cream. Your veterinarian sometimes recommends using medicated sprays or baths to treat a yeast infection. Use an oral or topical flea killer for fleas and clean the dog’s home and yard thoroughly.

To remove a tick from your dog’s coat, use tweezers. Gently pull it out, ensuring that you get rid of it completely. If the head of the tick remains lodged in your coton de Tulear’s skin, it often leads to an infection. Keep the tick with some alcohol in a jar in case the tick needs to be identified properly. If your coton de Tulear feels ill in a couple of days, visit a vet to diagnose what’s wrong. If you live in an area where ticks are a common problem, consult your vet to recommend tick control products.

Changes in skin color and texture of your coton de Tulear are a sign of infection. Go for a blood test to find out the underlying cause in such a case. Ask your vet about any changes in your dog’s coat.

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Endless Charm in a Small Package

The coton de Tulear is a living testament to charm, wrapped in a fluffy, cotton-like embrace. A coton de Tulear is more than a pet, they’re a lifetime of unconditional devotion.

If you are interested in learning more about this special breed, the United States of America Coton de Tulear Club published its schedule of events and education seminar held in November 2023.

Within their small frame resides an immense reservoir of love. The coton de Tulear is a perpetual reminder that happiness dwells in the small things in life. Their loyalty is boundless, and their love is constant.

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