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As pet owners, we rarely associate grooming with good health. In the case of Bichon Frises, however, Bichon grooming is an important aspect of health care that no pet owner should overlook.
You are probably wondering why this is so? As you know, Bichon Frises have a coat consisting of two layers. The innercoat is characterized by long, silky hair, which turns curly as it riches the outercoat layer. Whenever a Bichon plays outdoors, fine dust particles and bacteria penetrate the outercoat and get trapped in the innercoat, particularly on the surface of the skin. The same mechanism also occurs with pests, like ticks, mites and fleas. As a result, the skin becomes irritated and itchy. As your dog continues to scratch the affected areas, the skin becomes inflamed and infected, and may lead to the development of highly contagious skin sores and bald patches.
It is for the prevention of skin diseases that Bichon grooming is vital. With the use of a soft brush, brush your Bichon’s fur at least once a day, not only to remove matting and tangles, but also to get rid of any dirt or pests. If your Bichon already has ticks or fleas, use a specially formulated dog powder to kill these irritating pests. Make sure that you give your dog a bath once a month using mild shampoo.
Bichons with existing skin conditions would require special care. Consult with veterinarians on creams and ointments that may be used to heal sores. If you are more into natural remedies, a concoction made from boiled star apple leaves or Tamanu Seed Oil have been proven to be very effective in drying up itchy skin sores. In cases of mange, the vet may need to give your pet an intradermal injection of antibiotics and steroids. Since these skin conditions are very contagious, make sure that you always clean your dog’s brush after every brushing. Take note also that you yourself might get your dog’s skin infection, so always wash your hands or take a bath after grooming your pet.
While most dog foods contain all the essential vitamins and minerals that your pet needs, many Bichon owners recommend that the dog be given one capsule of Cod Liver Oil per day. Cod liver oil is rich in Vitamins A and D, which not only hasten skin tissue repair and regeneration, they also promote hair growth and health. These Bichon lovers can attest to the fact that their dogs have developed a lustrous coat because of regular Cod Liver Oil intake.
While Bichon grooming helps in making your dog more beautiful, its greater benefits lie in the maintenance of good skin health and the prevention of highly contagious skin conditions.
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by Jessie Sean Matthew