What is the most common illness in Bichon Frise?

Bichon Frise, with their fluffy, snow-white bodies, look like moving marshmallows. Their bright eyes and wagging tails always convey endless vitality and enthusiasm, bringing countless warmth and joy to their owners. However, just as even the clearest sky can be clouded occasionally, Bichon Frise also face some health threats during their growth. Understanding the most common diseases that affect them is an important topic for every Bichon Frise owner who wishes to safeguard their pet's health.

Skin problems are among the most frequently occurring diseases in Bichon Frise. The thick, fluffy coat of Bichon Frise makes them extremely cute, but it also poses a risk of skin diseases. Due to the hair covering, the skin has poor ventilation. In addition, the skin of Bichon Frise is relatively sensitive. Once it comes into contact with irritating substances such as poor-quality shampoo, pollen, and dust mites, it is prone to allergic reactions. When allergic, the skin of Bichon Frise will develop red patches, and they will scratch and bite the affected area frequently to relieve the itching. It's heart-breaking for owners to see them fidgeting due to the itch. If not treated in time, the damaged skin may be infected by bacteria, showing symptoms such as hair loss, scabbing, and fluid oozing. Their once snow-white and neat coat will become messy, which not only affects the appearance of the Bichon Frise but also causes them physical pain.

Eye diseases are also quite common in Bichon Frise. The eyes of Bichon Frise are large, round, and protrude outward, making them more vulnerable to external damage. Lacrimal gland obstruction is one of the common eye problems, which can cause excessive tear secretion in Bichon Frise and prevent the tears from draining normally, resulting in obvious tear stains at the corners of the eyes. This not only affects their appearance but also easily leads to eye inflammation as bacteria tend to multiply in the long-term presence of tear stains. In addition, Bichon Frise are also prone to cataracts, which can gradually make their lenses cloudy and affect their vision. When we notice that a Bichon Frise starts to move cautiously and is no longer as sensitive to toys and food as before, we need to be alert to the possibility of cataracts. It's worrying for owners to see their once lively and active Bichon Frise become timid due to vision problems, and they just hope to help them regain clear vision as soon as possible.

The bones of Bichon Frise are relatively fragile, and hip dysplasia is also one of the common diseases. This may be related to genetic factors, or it may be caused by improper exercise or unbalanced nutrition during the growth of Bichon Frise. Bichon Frise with hip dysplasia will show obvious lameness when walking and will have great difficulty climbing stairs or running and jumping. They are no longer as eager to play and run as before and prefer to lie quietly aside most of the time. This physical discomfort greatly reduces the quality of life of Bichon Frise, and owners wish they could bear the pain for them when seeing their suffering.

Oral diseases are also a major problem for Bichon Frise. Due to the characteristics of the Bichon Frise's oral structure, food debris and tartar tend to accumulate on their teeth. If owners do not clean their mouths regularly, tartar will form over time, leading to diseases such as gingivitis and periodontitis. Bichon Frise with oral diseases will have very bad breath and will be cautious when eating due to pain, and may even lose their appetite. It makes owners feel very guilty when they see their Bichon Frise unable to enjoy food because of oral pain, and they regret not paying more attention to their oral health earlier.

As owners of Bichon Frise, we should always pay attention to their physical condition and take them to the vet in time if any abnormalities are found. In daily life, we should provide them with a scientific and reasonable diet, comb their hair regularly, and take good care of their skin and mouth, so that they can live in a clean and comfortable environment. Every Bichon Frise is a little angel in our lives. They accompany us with unconditional love, and we should do our best to keep them away from diseases and let them spend every day healthily and happily.