Is your little bichon frise pal itchy? Skin problems are a primary health issue for members of the bichon frise breed. When dog scratching gets out of hand, it is often the result of allergies to food or environmental triggers, including mold and pollen. Dogs may also develop a skin irritation called contact dermatitis when they encounter substances like pesticides or soap.
White dogs, such as West Highland White terriers and Bichon Frise are most commonly affected, though any dog can suffer with itchy skin. The most important thing to remember is that all cases of itchiness are uncomfortable, and if left untreated, can become serious.
The most common causes of itching are parasites, infections, and allergies. There are many skin diseases that do not initially cause itching. One of the best things you can do for your Bichon is to have her spayed neutered for males. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies.
Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. For example, if your pet needs hip X-rays or a puppy tooth extracted, this would be a good time.
This is convenient for you and easy for your friend. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions for common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. Bichons are prone to multiple types of heart disease, which can occur both early and later in life.
Veterinary dental care and weight control go a long way in preventing heart disease. Bichons are susceptible to a condition called Patent Ductus Arteriosis, in which a small vessel that carries blood between two parts of the heart does not close shortly after birth as it should. This results in too much blood being carried to the lungs, fluid build-up, and strain on the heart.
Outward signs may be mild or you may see coughing, fatigue during exercise, weight loss, shortness of breath, or weakness in the hind limbs. We listen for a specific type of heart murmur to diagnose this problem during his examinations. If your pal has this condition, we may recommend surgery to close the problematic vessel.
Heart failure is a leading cause of death among Bichon Frises in their golden years. Most heart disease in dogs is caused by weakening of a valve. A heart valve slowly becomes deformed so that it no longer closes tightly. Blood then leaks back around this valve and strains the heart. Pets with heart valve disease sometimes called mitral valve disease have a heart murmur. The same tests will need to be repeated at least every year to monitor the condition.
If heart valve disease is diagnosed early, we may be able to prescribe medications that could prolong his life for many years. Veterinary dental care and fatty acid supplementation can help prevent heart disease and weight control can help diminish symptoms.
Some breeds like your Bichon can be born with a variety of heart defects. They can also cause problems with the electrical signals that control the heartbeat or with heart valve function. Special testing will be recommended if we hear a heart murmur or you notice any unusual symptoms such as tiring easily, coughing, a swollen belly, or fainting. Your Bichon is more likely than other dogs to have a liver disorder called portosystemic shunt PSS.
Some of the blood supply that should go to the liver goes around it instead, depriving the liver of the blood flow it needs to grow and function properly. If your friend has PSS, his liver cannot remove toxins from his bloodstream effectively.
Surgery may be needed, but in some cases, we can treat with a special diet and medication. Unfortunately, American Water Spaniels can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful!
We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs of concern. Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older Bichons. Many dogs adjust well to losing their vision and get along just fine. Surgery to remove cataracts and restore sight may also be an option. Glaucoma, an eye condition that affects Bichon Frises and people too, is an extremely painful disease that rapidly leads to blindness if left untreated. Symptoms include squinting, watery eyes, bluing of the cornea the clear front part of the eye , and redness in the whites of the eyes.
Pain is rarely noticed by pet owners though it is frequently there and can be severe. People who have certain types of glaucoma often report it feels like being stabbed in the eye with an ice pick! Glaucoma is a medical emergency. Entropion is a condition where the eyelid rolls inward, causing the eyelashes to rub against the cornea surface of the eyeball.
This is an extremely irritating and painful condition that can ultimately lead to blindness. It can happen in any dog breed; however, your Bichon is especially at risk for this heritable disorder.
Allergy problems occur often with the breed, according to the Bichon Frise Club of America. The BFCA recommends medicated baths and antihistamines rather than steroids for allergy issues.
Treat for fleas to reduce flea allergic reactions. Common food allergies include wheat, soy and proteins, such as beef and chicken, according to VeterinaryPartner contributing veterinary writer Carol S. If scratching stops, add in one new food each week and observe for scratching to return to help determine food allergies. Consult your veterinarian for elimination diet suggestions.
Feed your dog a diet that includes fatty acids or ask your veterinarian for fatty acid supplements to improve skin condition and relieve dryness that might cause scratching. Other measures to decrease dry skin include using a humidifier, bathing your dog with special shampoos or medicated products, and routine grooming to prevent matting and stimulate the skin.
Prevent your dog from scratching by using a barrier to the area. I bathe her in Histamine shampoo, but it doesn't help either. I read some of the suggestions. I don't cut her like a poodle. She is cut like a bishon. My ex-husband insisted on a poodle. I never liked that fru-fru thing. Everyone thinks she is a bishon. I won her in the divorce. She is wonderful, my best friend. It has really made the difference with her. They may lick themselves which may cause their coat to turn brown.
A drug called prednizone I'm not sure if I spelled that correctly Will help. Taking the fat out of their diet also seems to cause irratation to their skin. Lambs and Rice is a good food but you must understand that there is very little fat in that food.
Overtime you will begin to see the hot spots occur. I would suggest putting fat over their food a couple times during the week. I control my hot spot by feeding my Bichons good old purina dog chow.
I know I will get some Gasps from some of you out there but as a breedar for over 14 years it's worker for me. There is more fat in purina. It's up to you to control their intake because we all know bichons love their remote control and their food.
Hope I have been of some help. She is the sweetest, funniest little dog. However, in the summer we battled fleas and her reacting to their bites until she had much of her hide bitten and raw ears, backside, tail, and legs. I've noticed that the prolonged use of antihistamines dried her skin and made her itch also. She was on them for at least three years. Sergeant's dual action flea collars helped protect her to some extent although we had been told they don't work.
The worst problem was the prolonged allergic reaction to the bites. This winter her dry, dry skin has been a culprit. While vaseline is messy, toweling the excess off and then letting her skin and hair absorb the rest seems to help. Put towels and sheets on your furniture if they are allowed to sit on it. I do also think that some of her allergies come from the dog food, but boiled chicken may contain harmful hormones.
I pray for a miracle for these suffering Bishon's. Any ideas on brands she might like? She is a joy! Her name is Molley. I noticed a little scratching and licking of the paws, but not much.
I am feeding her Iams right now and will watch this closely. I was told to feed her only dry food. Glad I found this website by accident! Once I switched his shampoo to Histacalm you can get it on PetMeds.
It is the biggest relief since I have been trying forever to find something that works. Don't bother with the diet, it really makes no difference. No problems with itching or scratching. But can anyone tell me if their Bishon has had tumors? Mine is at the vet now having one removed from her right hip. I wasn't aware that Bishons were prone to tumors. She is constantly bitting and licking her legs and feet. The Vet told me it was due to allery season and she was probably allergic to ragweed.
She put her on prednisone. I did not like the side effects to that drug ie. She could not sleep at night at all. Someone recommended a liquid baby benedryl for allergies. Works like a charm. I just give her the lowest dose before bedtime. She used to itch all the time and we have done just about everything we could think of. We live in Florida so the mold and heat has some things to do with her itching but like everyone else's reply with , allergies, foods, etc.
Best of Luck! He was not but I was told that feet biting is a definite food allergy. Check it out. Then I turn my back on him and he still growels. Is it me or is he frustrated with something else?
He is so nice it seems so weird. He usually is a sweet dog. Also once I fed him and he is eating, I patted him on the head and he groweled. Do these dogs have mood swings? He was so bad that I had to put the plastic collar around his face to keep him from chewing on himself. Also, he used to lick the sheets on the bed a lot also allergy driven At first the new vet also had me give him some herbs no longer needed.
He's like a new dog--his fur is so much thicker and he rarely get the upset stomach he used to have on Z-D hypoallergenic diet. Additionally, many small animals are over-vaccinated. Look into having the pet's blood titered checked for vaccine levels instead of getting shots yearly.
At the least, get the rabies shot that last a number of years instead of doing it yearly. Try to only get the shots that are absolutely necessary.
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