Bichon Frise: Five Tips for Taking Special Care

The Bichon Frise can be traced back to the ancient exploration days in the Mediterranean. It is a healthy breed that is believed to have originated from white dogs carried by Phoenicians and other ancient traders on their journeys a long time before Christ. They later took up residence on different parts of the islands and the European mainland before finally spawning the five Bichon breeds we know today: the Havanese, Bolognese, Maltese, Coton de Tulear, and of course, Bichon Frise. If you are planning to adopt the Bichon, a little care may go long a way. Here are five tips for taking special care of a Bichon Frise:

1. Proper Grooming

The Bichon Frise requires frequent grooming. Brush his coat regularly to keep it clean and healthy. Also, take this time to keep an eye on your pet’s health. An unkempt coat will turn stiff and curly and lose its whitish appearance. Remember to remove tangles and matted or loose hair before bathing. Be careful when brushing around the eyes and nose to avoid distressing your Bichon. Clean around the eyes every day to get rid of undesirable tear staining and help keep bacteria and dirt away. Use a warm, damp cloth for cleaning the ears. Since the dog has a naturally thick hair around the ear canals, it is highly susceptible to ear infections.

2. Healthy diet

The Bichon Frise, like most animals, thrives on fresh food. An ideal dietary blend contains fish, lamb, and poultry. Dogs have a natural immunity to bacteria found in uncooked meat, such as salmonella, so it is perfectly safe to feed him raw meat. However, steer away from cooked bones or moldy food. While dogs have a large stomach and short digestive tract needed to digest meat, they are unable to break down complex carbohydrates like wheat, soybean, and corn, which can lead to itchy skin or chronic digestive problems. In addition, avoid corn based dog foods that have may have been tainted with lethal aflatoxins, as well as additives and preservatives that can cause cancer, allergies, or skin problems.

3. The Bed

Place a box/basket at a comfortable spot in the house, where he can see some activity from the household. You can also get some fleecy dog rugs to serve as his bedding. Keep in mind that puppies need a lot of sleep, so his bed will most likely become his sanctuary where he can feel safe and secure. Do not confine him out of the house or in a damp garage, as this is not a healthy environment for a puppy.

4. Exercise

The Bichon Frise is known for its amiable and affectionate nature. They are easy to train and love to perform. They are also full of energy, so they will need daily walks and play sessions. In some cases, you may observe a sudden burst of energy from these dogs, which is referred to as the “Bichon Blitz”. This usually involves sprinting around comically around their space, followed by some cuddle time.

5. Housetraining

A young puppy is like a baby: he does not have self-control. Take him out in the morning before doing anything else, after every two hours during the day, and in the evening before going to sleep. When it’s time to relieve himself, take him to the designated area and wander around until he’s done. Don’t play with him while he’s conducting his business. Praise him when he’s accomplished the mission. Until he is successfully housetrained, spread newspapers around his bed. Steer away from shouting or punishment as this will only make him nervous.

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