General Care of Bichon Frise
The white, fluffy puffball that is known as the Bichon Frise has long been known as one of the dog breeds with the happiest and cheerful dispositions. These make them ideal family pets, much loved by both children and adults. For individuals who suffer from perennial allergies and hay fever, Bichon Frises are among the best dogs to own because of the zero to minimal shedding of their fur. In turn, Bichons could not live without human companionship. If you want your little furball to maintain its sweet, happy nature, pamper it with the proper care. This would include regular brushing of its coat, check-ups with your local veterinarian, and everything else that your dog might need to maintain its health and overall well-being. When it comes to its psychological and emotional needs, all you would need to do is to give it all the attention, love and affection that you can give it. However, take note that Bichons tend to be clingy and may even develop separation anxiety.
The Basics of Bichon Frise Care
Because Bichon Frises can be transformed into adorable “stuff toy” like dogs, it is necessary to acquire the services of a groomer. An expert groomer is much like a Leonardo DaVinci and a babysitter combined – he or she knows what would be the best coat styles for your dog. Not only that, they accord your pet the best care and respect in their grooming salon, in much the same way that you love and respect your little Bichon in your own home. It is for the purpose of finding a talented yet compassionate groomer that many pet owners spend hours finding that man or woman who is sure to pamper their pet. If you have difficulties in finding a reputable groomer in your area, you can make inquiries from your local Bichon Frise breeder or you can check out the American Kennel Club (AKC) website. The AKC website has a list of groomers per state. Or you can contact them directly via email and ask for the information.
Just how important is it to give your dog regular grooming? For one, the fur of Bichons has a tendency to form unsightly mats and tangles, owing to the unique double layer characteristic of its coat. It is also because of this double layered coat that Bichons are prone to skin problems. Because of this, it is very important to give your Bichons daily brushing with a soft brush to remove mats, tangles and dead hair. If your dog gets dirty during playtime, make it a point to give it a good brushing not only to remove dirt and tangles, but also to free any pests from its fur like ticks and fleas. Because their eyes tend to water, tear stains tend to form around your Bichon’s eyes, which may cause dirt and bacteria to accumulate leading to eye infection. Make sure that you wipe your pet’s eyes carefully with a soft, moist cloth. Also, make sure that you give its nails a good clipping every 2 to 3 weeks. Not only will this help prevent any scratches on walls and furniture, your Bichon will not be encumbered by long nails.
Make sure that you bring your Bichon Frise to your veterinarian for regular check-ups. Aside from its annual vaccinations, your vet will need to check out your dog’s teeth and prescribe the necessary home dental care for you to follow to help prevent teeth and gum disease. Bichons are bathed every month, although a good bath is necessary if they get dirty, muddy or smelly. While some pet owners advise giving Bichons a bath every two weeks, it is not advisable because it may lead to dry skin. Since your dog can be frisky during bath time, make it a fun endeavor by giving it toys, doggie treats, and a lot of gentle pampering.
Dietary Concerns for Bichon Frises
Diet is an essential aspect of Bichon Frise puppy care, especially if you want it to grow up into the energetic furball that it will be as an adult. Many pet owners make the mistake in thinking that puppy food is the same as adult dog food because they contain all the basic nutrients and ingredients. Read the nutritional label closely and you will see that puppy food has nutrients and ingredients in amounts that are less or more than what you will find in adult dog foods. This is because its digestive system is still undergoing growth and development, and will not be able to digest certain foods as effectively as adult dogs.
If you are having problems about choosing the best puppy food for your Bichon, ask your veterinarian. Once you have found a good brand – and your puppy likes it – make sure that you stick with this particular brand. While the cheaper option is to use generic dog foods, take note that certain ingredients in these dog foods may cause changes in the consistency in their stools – from very hard and firm (which may lead to constipation) to smelly and watery (diarrhea). Avoid sudden changes in your dog’s diet as these may also cause diarrhea and vomiting. You may feed your dog some table scraps, but be mindful of your dog’s daily intake. Like most dogs, Bichons just cannot seem to want to stop eating, so don’t feed it too much.
It is very important to observe general care of Bichon Frise as early as “puppyhood”. This will help prevent the development of serious diseases and other health concerns as it grows older.
