Are you planning on becoming a dog parent to a Bichon Frise? Are you aware of the most common health issues that they face? If not, we’re here to help you out!
The Bichon Frise is vulnerable to certain health issues. In this article, a clear description of the same has been provided.
About The Bichon Frise Breed
The Bichon Frise is a curly, French lap dog. It is known for its jolly and curious temperament. It has an adorable white fur coat and a long, groomed tail.
These features have allowed this breed to become very popular amongst dog lovers.
It’s known for its short height, less weight, and intelligence. Additionally, it socializes well and is active. It can be a good watchdog.
The breed has been referred to as healthy by the American Kennel Club. However, it is still prone to certain common health problems.
The Most Common Health Issues Faced By Bichon Frise
Generally, the Bichon Frise dog breed is healthy. It has the capacity to live long and be the joyous breed it already is! However, similar to other dog breeds, even the Bichon Frise is subject to certain problems.
The details of the same have been given below.
Ear and Eye Infections
Ear and eye infections are common amongst the Bichon Frise. As the Bichon Frise gets old, they get more vulnerable to eye problems like cataracts. This obstructs their vision. Their vision may get blurry.
However, cataracts can be treated by proper surgery.
Legg-Perthes
Legg-Perthes is a condition related to hip displacement in dogs. It can occur in puppies at the age of 6-8 months. It leads to excessive pain in the hip area for the dog.
This makes it difficult for them to move around.
In worst-case scenarios, the leg size may reduce. In other cases, the dog tends to jump around the place to be able to move.
Even though this condition can be cured with surgery, early identification is better.
Gum Diseases and Tooth Decay
Dental issues such as gum diseases and tooth damage are very common amongst the Bichon Frise. This happens on the entry of bacteria into their body.
To avoid such issues, it’s best to clean their teeth properly at least once in 30 days or take them for a tooth cleanup.
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
The Legg-Calve-Perthes disease affects the thighbone ball in the hip of the dog. The bone doesn’t get enough blood in this case and starts to reduce in size. This causes limping.
Even though the reason as to why it occurs isn’t known, it can be cured by surgery or regular medication.
Allergic Reactions
The Bichon Frise tends to get allergies when they’re exposed to pollutants, fleas, and certain kinds of food. Allergic reactions aren’t extremely common amongst them but still occur inevitably.
They can also get allergies because of detergents used to wash bedsheets.
To avoid any such allergic reactions, it’s your responsibility as dog parents to take your dog to the vet.
If you don’t want the situation to arise at all, provide your dog with good food and keep them in safe environments.
Patellar Luxation
Patellar Luxation is another complex name of a disjointed kneecap in a dog. It creates a great amount of difficulty. It usually affects little puppies or dogs.
If your Bichon Frise has a disjointed kneecap, it’s likely to whine and bark in a lot of pain.
Immediate care or treatment is a must in this case. If this isn’t done, the dog can remain crippled for the rest of its life.
White Shaker Disease
The White Shaker Disease is common amongst the Bichon Frise. It leads to shaking of the body and tremors as the dog sleeps or walks. It can also lead to rapid eye movements.
Proper medication given at regular intervals is the best cure for the White Shaker Disease.
Kartagener’s Syndrome
The Kartagener’s Syndrome affects the Bichon Frise quite frequently. It is an immunity-related disease related to the accumulation of mucus and bacteria in the respiratory tract.
It creates difficulty in breathing and has to be treated effectively with the help of medication. Antibiotics are recommended in such cases for a quick cure.
Diabetes
The issue of diabetes is prevalent not only amongst human beings. This point has been proven by its common existence amongst the Bichon Frise.
Why does diabetes happen? It happens due to a lack of insulin ejections from the pancreas. It can prove to be fatal or have severe effects on your dog.
Some signs that your Bichon Frise may have diabetes are increased amount of urine, excessive drinking of water, appetite loss, and decrease in weight.
Constant care and immediate attention are to be paid in such scenarios.
Problems in the Urinary Tract
If your dog has been urinating excessively or not having control of the bladder, there’s a huge possibility that it has been affected by problems in the urinary tract.
In such cases, stones in the urinary bladder are common. However, this can be cured through surgery.
Cushing’s disease
Cushing’s disease arises on account of excessive medication given to a dog. This medication may have been provided to tackle allergies and much more.
If your dog has Cushing’s Disease, it’s likely to have an itchy or dry throat, depression, constant desire for water, panting, seizures, etc. The presence of Cushing’s Disease is very closely linked to the prevalence of diabetes also.
Sensitivity to Vaccination
The Bichon Frise is sensitive to vaccination and can suffer because of it. This includes swelling, lethargy, and soreness. In the worst-case scenarios, these effects can prove to be fatal.
This, however, is a very rare case.
How To Keep Your Bichon Frise Fit?
A number of practices can be adopted to keep your Bichon Frise fit and healthy. A few of them have been listed below. You can refer to these and be a responsible dog parent.
- To keep your Bichon Frise fit and healthy, it’s important for you to adopt some actions. This includes putting in the effort to take your dog out for walks.
- The Bichon Frise isn’t a very sporty dog. As a result, minor exercise or playing hours are helpful.
- Additionally, you can allow your dog to roam around freely in a confined and safe place. That’ll keep them happy and active. That’ll make them feel independent and bark less.
- Thirdly, enroll in dog training lessons. Take some time out to train your Bichon Frise mentally. This will keep them content and jolly. It’ll not only keep them happy mentally and physically.
- Fourthly, you must groom your Bichon Frise regularly. This will keep their body clean and reduce any kind of infections.
- Last but not least, provide good quality food to your dog. This may include cooked and fresh veggies instead of cookies and other such unhealthy treats.
- This’ll provide a greater amount of nutrients and fiber to your dog.
Also Read: Can Bichon Frise Swim?
Is It Worth To Make A Bichon Frise Your Pet Dog?
Yes! If you’ve gotten intimidated by the aforementioned information, we assure you not to worry at all! These diseases may be common only if you do not take care of your dog.
However, with dogs such as the Bichon Frise, you’ll feel jolly to have a furry and adorable member to play with. They’re very playful and will prove to be good companions to you at all times.
If you’re looking for a cute fur-ball to add to your family, the Bichon Frise is your best option!
The Most Suitable Environment for a Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise can get comfortable in all possible environments. It doesn’t matter if you live in the countryside, city, a big house, or a small one. All they require is affection, care, and consideration.
You must also give treats to your dog from time to time. These should be given in the form of rewards for good behavior. This will help them develop and keep them active both mentally and physically.
The Ideal Dog Parent for a Bichon Frise
As mentioned above, the Bichon Frise is suitable for almost all types of homes with great love and attention to offer.
They’re amicable with children. As they require only a small amount of physical exercise, they’re also very suitable for the aged.
However, it is recommended that children remain under constant management while playing with the Bichon Frise. They should handle and care for the dog in the gentlest way possible.
Also Read: Do Bichon Frise Get Along With Cats?
Summing Up
A Bichon Frise is easy to care for. It can fit in easily in all types of environments. From children to the elderly, this breed is suitable for all.
We are sure that all of these complex names and problems have scared you. But, we assure you not to worry and take good care of your dog instead.
There’s a huge chance that your Bichon Frise may never get any of these diseases. However, for this, it’ll require constant love and care.