A walking powder puff that hypnotizes you with his black eyes and intense gaze, the Bichon Frise is at once the pet dreams are made of and, without thorough knowledge of the breed, the stuff nightmares are made of. This fluffy, high-spirited, loving Bichon can be an amazing companion dog if would-be owner takes the time to research the breed and be fully aware of all the traits the Bichon Frise has, both good and bad.
The Bichon Frise is considered hypo-allergenic, meaning people with allergies are generally not allergic to them. On the other hand, Bichons have a full range of allergies themselves. This fun loving little character can have you scratching your head about what to do to help him while he scratches his tail waiting for you to do it.
Tail scratching, neck scratching, licking incessantly, chewing his toes and just about any other body part he can reach is the first symptom that the Bichon is having an allergic reaction. Your little guy is reacting to a chemical reaction going on inside his body resulting from an allergy.
The Bichon is prone to skin allergies resulting from flea and ant bites, changes in the weather, ingredients in shampoos, and dietary allergies. In addition to external sources, the Bichon can also have emotional issues causing him to scratch and chew. Determining the source of the itching is the first step to a healthy, happy Bichon and owner.
The itching is not entirely due to the flea crawling, it is from the bite inflicted by the flea. Applying a flea and tick repellent to the Bichon will aid in flea allergies. It will not however stop the Bichon from being bitten by other outside insects, from mosquitoes to ants to gnats, all of which can cause an allergic reaction. It only takes one bite for the Bichon's body to turn on itself and the itching and gnawing take over in full force.
If it is determined that a bite has started the itching, over the counter allergy medications for humans, such as Benadryl, can safely be given to ease the itch. Should the itching not lessen with the use of OTC's, a trip to the veterinarian is in order. He will most likely prescribe a low dose steroid to stop the itch or in more severe cases a steroid shot to stop the itching faster. It is also important to try and prevent him from biting and scratching so there is not a tear in his skin. Should this occur, your vet will also prescribe an antibiotic to prevent infection.
Changes in the weather and the shampoos used to bathe the Bichon can also be the culprit behind the discomfort the Bichon is feeling. There are many pet shampoos and leave-in conditioners that contain oatmeal, an ingredient recommended for animals with skin allergies. These products are also helpful during changes in the weather when the Bichon's skin is likely undergoing changes much like human skin does. Replenishing the moisture in your Bichon's skin can alleviate these symptoms. Your vet can also recommend a medicated shampoo for more severe cases of itching.
Food allergies can also cause itching in the Bichon, however determining if it is a food allergy is a trial and error process that takes time. The easiest way to determine if food is the culprit is to change to an all natural food that has no preservatives or additives and refrain from giving the Bichon any treats that are not 100% organic. If the itching stops, you have found your culprit. If not, you will need to investigate further by removing other ingredients, perhaps going to a lamb and rice product and continuing to eliminate until you find the one that does not irritate the Bichon skin.
The Bichon is a very loyal companion. This loyalty does however come with a price, if he is left alone or not getting enough of his companion's attention, he can become very nervous and anxious. This anxiety manifests itself in the form of chewing on his tail or legs, at times they will even chew until there is no hair or they bleed. The vet can prescribe anti-anxiety medications to keep the Bichon calm and yet not sedated. Bichon owners can help keep their pet calm by not giving the dog clues in advance that they are leaving or by making a show of their return. The Bichon is not a pet for anyone who has to leave them alone for extended periods of time as they do grieve their owner's absence.
The Bichon Frise can be the most loyal, loving pet a person could ever want. They can also be the most trying on your nerves and your wallet with their vast array of skin allergies. By doing research and knowing in advance how to combat the common allergies they develop, both owner and pet will live happier, healthier lives together.