Bichon Frisé Allergies

Surviving Summertime Pests

Apr 15, 2009 Sharon Chapman

Bichon Frise skin allergies are common among the breed. Preventative steps along with anti-itch tips are a must have for Bichon owners to stop the scratching.

The Bichon Frisé is a favorite lapdog among dog lovers. Soft and cuddly, sweet and loyal and oh those eyes; however, unless researched first, most Bichon owners have no idea about the Bichon Frise’s allergies

In addition to the skin problems that are covered in Bichon Frisé Skin Problems, the allergies that Bichons tend to have are varied and make both them and their owner miserable. The majority of the allergies show up in the spring and summer, when every flying insect imaginable is out in full force.

Flea prevention alone is not enough because it’s not only fleas that bite them. Mosquitoes, ants, gnats and basically anything that crosses their path tends to bite them. Once bitten a chemical reaction starts in their bloodstream making them itch.

Once they start scratching they become obsessed with it and won’t stop until they have scratched an open sore. If it gets to this point a trip to the vet is inevitable. However, there are measures that can help the Bichon survive the summertime pests without going bald.

Preventatives

Of course, if possible a preventative is the best choice. Stopping the itching before it starts is always easier than waiting for it to happen. There are several preventatives available, both store bought and home remedies:

• Flea prevention: Available through the vet or local pet store, a must to keep fleas and ticks away.
• Mosquitoes in the yard: Spray the yard to keep mosquitoes at a minimum and using one of the home remedies to keep them off the Bichon is suggested.
• Mosquito bites: Put Listerine in a spray bottle and lightly mist the dog before taking him outside, or rub Vicks Vapor Rub lightly on your palms and through the dog’s hair to keep them away.

Preventing the bites one hundred percent of the time is not going to be possible. Somewhere there is that is going to get past even the best prevention. Knowing that all measures possible have been taken is as close to absolute prevention as it gets.

Itch Relief

Once the bite happens it’s time to spring into action and stop the itching before the skin is broken. Before calling the vet and spending money that might not need to be spent, try one of these Bichon owner recommended itch relievers:

• Benadryl: Vet approved for itch relief. One tablet every 4-6 hours as needed.
• Gold Bond Medicated Powder: Sprinkle lightly through hair and on itching spots.
• Apple-Cider Vinegar: Mix half and half with water and spray on itching areas.
• Benadryl Spray: Spray on itching area, provides a coating that stops the itch.

Itch relief is the only way to keep the Bichon from scratching a skin on his sore. If necessary, hold the dog until the medication takes effect and he stops scratching. Keep the nails short and filed down to prevent skin tears. In severe cases the vet may have to be seen for steroids to stop the itching.

Bichon Frise’s make adorable pets, however for the Owner who hasn’t got the time or the patience to take care of allergies and other skin conditions, another breed might be the best option. The Bichon’s delicate system reacts frantically to even the smallest of bites.

The copyright of the article Bichon Frisé Allergies in Dogs is owned by Sharon Chapman. Permission to republish Bichon Frisé Allergies in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Bichons are Adorable Pets that Need Extra Care.