The cute Bichon Frise is an ideal dog to share your life with. However, they do require a bit of grooming to keep them looking their adorable best. If you own a Bichon Frise and want to learn as much about their care as possible, these 12 Bichon Frise grooming tips will help. You’ll better understand how to properly care for your pooch and bond with your pal even more while doing it.
The 12 Bichon Frise Grooming Tips
1. Start Grooming Practices Early
A Bichon Frise puppy doesn’t need as much grooming as an adult, but getting these practices started at a young age is a great way to get your pooch used to grooming. Your pup can get used to standing still for grooming, being around water, the tools that will be used, and the basics involved. You’ll also find that it is a good idea to do these grooming methods at the same time of day. Routine is great for a puppy.
A Bichon Frise’s coat will be ready for brushing and routine care at around 4 months of age. You shouldn’t do any trimming on your pooch, however, until they are at least 6 months old. The adult coat doesn’t begin coming in until they are 6 to 8 months old.
2. Use Quality Tools and Have Them at the Ready
Good quality tools can make grooming your Bichon Frise easier for you and more comfortable for your pet. You’ll also find that having all these tools gathered before you begin your grooming routine is a must. Here’s a look at a few tools you should have on hand before grooming your Bichon Frise.
- A pin brush
- A coarse comb
- A slicker brush
- Non-slip mat (used for keeping your Bichon Frise safe during grooming)
- High-quality dog shampoo (whitening if possible)
- A blow dryer (optional)
- A toothbrush and toothpaste
- Nail clipping tool
- Styptic for potential nail bleeds
- Grooming scissors
3. Groom on a Proper Schedule
Bichon Frises come in four hair colors, however, each one is light in hue. This means you’ll need to stay on top of keeping them looking their best. There are lots of cute hairstyles these dogs can use. However, basic grooming needs to be set up on a particular schedule that is strictly adhered to. Brushing at home should be done daily. Your Bichon Frise will need to visit a professional groomer roughly once every 4 to 6 weeks.
4. Use a Quality Hair Whitening Shampoo (If You Choose)
A Bichon Frise’s hair should be white or cream, lush, and luxurious. To achieve this look, a hair-whitening shampoo works well. These types of shampoos for dogs don’t use bleach or peroxide and are even safe to use with flea and tick treatments. These shampoos even include extra vitamins and minerals to help your pup’s coat and skin. Most dog groomers also recommend using a whitening spray every 3 or 4 washes as well.
5. Properly Care for Eye Stains
The Bichon Frise is known for eye stains. To keep this from happening, you can use a shampoo that is diluted or watered down on a soft washcloth. You should also use this same technique for cleaning your pooch’s face, nose, and muzzle. Make sure you don’t get shampoo in your dog’s eyes as it can burn.
If the tear stains are bad you can also use baking soda. To do this, use baking soda and water to form a paste. This paste should be carefully applied to the stained area and left to sit as long as possible. Afterward, wipe clean with a damp cloth.
6. Keep the Hair Trimmed Around a Bichon Frise’s Eyes
With their thick, double coat, Bichon Frises need hair clipped away from their eyes routinely. This will help them see better and avoid any potential issues. When taking on this task, use the middle part of your grooming scissors while the edges are pointed upward. Your pet must stay still during this process. If not, recruit help to keep them secure.
7. Use the Side Method If Your Pooch Doesn’t Sit Still
Not all Bichon Frises will sit still during grooming. If this is the case, you can lay your pooch on their side while taking care of business. This works for hair brushing, cleaning their teeth, and especially trimming nails.
8. Be Thorough at Bath Time
When bathing your Bichon Frise you’ll find that their hair is quite thick. To make sure they are thoroughly washed and rinsed you should take your time during this process. Massage the shampoo well. The ratio of 2 minutes washing and 4 minutes rinsing is a good guideline. This also ensures all shampoo is rinsed away to avoid itchy, dry skin.
9. Do Not Use Hot Air When Blowing Drying
With such luxurious hair, it’s normal to want to use the blow dryer on your Bichon Frise. After towel drying your pooch, use your hairdryer on the lowest possible heat setting. This will avoid burning your dog’s skin and the potential for drying it out.
10. Brush Your Pet’s Teeth Once a Week
If you want, you can brush your Bichon Frise’s teeth daily. However, no matter what happens they need their teeth brushed thoroughly at least once a week. This will help provide the best dental hygiene and avoid unwanted pain.
11. Never Shave a Bichon Frise
The Bichon Frise has a double coat that “blows” or sheds twice per year in the spring and fall. If you shave your pooch you can inadvertently turn off their natural molting schedule. Plus nicks or cuts can happen that will make your pup afraid of grooming.
12. Use a Professional Groomer for Difficult Tasks
Learning how to do cool haircuts for your Bichon Frise can be fun, but until you have your technique down, you should allow the professionals to take on this job. Professional groomers have all the best tools and techniques. They also have a way of working with pets that lowers their fear of the situation. In some lucky circumstances, you may even find that your pet insurance covers the costs.
Conclusion
Whether you take your Bichon Frise to the groomer for most of their care or are learning how to do things at home, these tips are very valuable. You can offer your pet routine care, like baths, brushings, and teeth cleanings without assistance. Not only will this help you bond with your pooch but it will be a fun time for both of you.
Featured Image Credit: Studio Peace, Shutterstock
The 12 Bichon Frise Grooming Tips
