Taking care of your Bichon Frize pet – Are you giving your best friend the best canine care?
The Bichon Frize matures more slowly than other dogs and requires more patience and different techniques than other breeds. The needs of a German Shepherd may not be those of a Bichon Frize.
Don’t buy your puppy from a pet store; You may never learn the dog’s background and breeding history that a good breeder will always reveal. A puppy from a pet store may have lived outside of a home and be afraid of household activities; Good breeders make sure their puppies are used to all the experiences of a home environment and will quickly adjust to new owners. A pet store is rarely interested in your puppies once they have been sold; good breeders know which of their puppies are dominant or calm, enthusiastic, lively or placid. They are able to match the right puppy to the right owner and offer advice on grooming, feeding, training and health care. You and your dog should be happy with each other!
Now that you have your new companion, what care does your new friend need? Well, for starters, the Bichon Frize needs frequent grooming. Brushing will help maintain a clean, healthy coat and will also help you keep a closer eye on your animal’s health while strengthening the bond between you. If the coat is left ungroomed, it will become tight and curly and lose its snowy appearance. Brush your bichon’s coat frequently, and always before bathing, to remove tangles and loose or matted hair. Brush very carefully around the nose and eyes to avoid distressing your dog. Clean around the eyes daily to remove unsightly tear stains and help prevent dirt and bacteria from causing damage. Wipe your bichon’s ears gently with a warm, damp cloth. Bichons can develop ear infections as the hair grows dense around the ear canals; care here will help prevent this. Trim the nails too; long nails can affect the way your dog walks as well as cause damage to the floor! The Bichon Frize also needs good dental hygiene, so be sure to brush your teeth twice a week to prevent plaque and tartar buildup that cause cavities and disease.
Feeding the Bichon Frize also requires careful thought. Most animals will thrive on fresh food, and the Bichon Frize is no exception. A dietary mix containing poultry, lamb, and fish is closest to the dog’s natural needs. It is perfectly safe to feed raw meat to dogs; Although it is not safe for humans to eat raw meat due to bacteria such as salmonella, dogs have a natural immunity and can eat the bacteria in meat without any problem. However, you should never feed them moldy food or cooked bones.
Most artificial diets are based on grains and cereals, diets suitable for mammals with long digestive tracts, such as grazing animals. Dogs have the large stomach and short, straight digestive tract needed to digest meat. They can’t break down complex carbohydrates like corn, soy, and wheat, which can cause chronic digestive problems or itchy skin. Avoid corn-based dry dog food in case it is contaminated with deadly aflatoxins. Avoid artificial preservatives and additives as well; these can cause cancer, skin problems, or allergies. Switching dog food brands too quickly can also cause digestive upsets; mix new food with familiar food in gradual amounts to avoid sudden reactions. Bichons should always be fed a high-quality dog food that does not contain harmful meat or poultry by-products.
Take care of your Bichon Frize and you will have a wonderful companion and friend!