Health Problems in Bichon Frise Dogs: A Guide to Their Most Common Health Issues

Bichon Frises are adorable dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. Bloat is a serious health problem that can affect Bichon Frises, often caused by eating too quickly or drinking too much water before meals.

Their small size also makes them susceptible to dental problems, with tooth decay and gum disease common issues in Bichon Frises. Regular dental care is essential to prevent these problems.

Bichon Frises can also be prone to liver disease, with symptoms including vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Regular check-ups with a veterinarian can help identify any potential issues early on.

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Bichon Frises are prone to multiple types of heart disease, which can occur both early and later in life. Regular vet check-ups that listen for heart murmurs and abnormal rhythms are crucial.

Some common signs of heart disease in Bichons include coughing, fatigue during exercise, weight loss, shortness of breath, or weakness in the hind limbs. These symptoms can be mild or severe, and if you notice any of them, it's essential to consult with your veterinarian.

Early detection of heart disease often allows for medication that can prolong your Bichon's life for many years. Veterinary dental care and weight control are also crucial in preventing heart disease.

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Dental disease is the most common chronic problem in pets, affecting 80% of all dogs by age two. Your Bichon Frise is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth.

Tartar build-up on the teeth starts the process, which progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. If left untreated, your dog will lose her teeth and be in danger of damaging her kidneys, liver, heart, and joints.

Regular teeth cleaning is essential to prevent dental disease. We'll clean your dog's teeth regularly and let you know what you can do at home to keep those pearly whites clean.

If dental disease is not prevented or treated, your Bichon Frise's life span may be cut short by one to three years. This is a serious issue that requires regular dental care and attention.

Veterinary dental care and weight control can help prevent heart disease, which is a related issue in Bichon Frises.

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Bichons are prone to multiple types of heart disease, which can occur both early and later in life.

Regular vet check-ups that listen for heart murmurs and abnormal rhythms are crucial for early detection of heart disease.

Early detection often allows for medication that can keep your Bichon prancing for years! Regular check-ups can help identify heart issues before they become severe.

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.

Outward signs of Patent Ductus Arteriosis may be mild or you may see coughing, fatigue during exercise, weight loss, shortness of breath, or weakness in the hind limbs.

Heart failure is a leading cause of death among Bichon Frises in their golden years, making regular check-ups and preventative measures crucial.

Veterinary dental care and weight control can go a long way in preventing heart disease in Bichons.

Some breeds like your Bichon can be born with a variety of heart defects that affect the structure of the heart's dividing wall or the vessels.

Special testing will be recommended if you notice any unusual symptoms such as tiring easily, coughing, a swollen belly, or fainting.

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Cataracts in Older Adults can be a concern, but remember that dogs adapt incredibly well to vision loss.

As we age, our eyes can become cloudy, a condition known as cataracts. This can be alarming, but in many cases, it's a natural part of the aging process.

You may notice that your older Bichon's lens becomes cloudy, making it harder for them to see. Surgery is an option to restore their sight.

While cataracts can be a challenge, it's essential to remember that our furry friends adapt incredibly well to vision loss.

As a Bichon Frise owner, it's essential to be aware of the potential health issues that can affect your furry friend. Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease, or it could just be a minor or temporary problem.

Here are some key signs to look out for:

If you notice any of these symptoms, it's crucial to seek veterinary help as soon as possible. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your Bichon Frise needs help. For example, if your dog is experiencing heart problems, you may notice coughing, fatigue during exercise, weight loss, shortness of breath, or weakness in the hind limbs.

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Diabetes mellitus is a fairly common disease in dogs, and Bichons have an above average incidence.

Any breed can be affected, but Bichons are more prone to it.

Dogs with diabetes are unable to regulate the metabolism of sugars and require daily insulin injections.

It's a serious condition that needs to be diagnosed and treated as early as possible.

Symptoms include increased eating, drinking, and urination, along with weight loss.

If you notice your Bichon eating and drinking more but losing weight, don't just brush it off – it could be a sign of diabetes.

With diabetes, daily insulin injections become a part of your dog's routine.

It's a serious commitment, but with proper management, your diabetic Bichon can have a life expectancy similar to other healthy dogs.

Well regulated diabetic dogs today have the same life expectancy as other canines.

If your Bichon shows signs of diabetes, we will conduct lab tests to determine if he has this condition and discuss treatment options with you.

Treatment requires a serious commitment of time and resources.

Here are some common symptoms of diabetes in Bichons:

Bichon Frises are prone to multiple types of heart disease, which can occur both early and later in life.

Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial to detect heart problems early. We'll listen for heart murmurs and abnormal heart rhythms during each examination.

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.

Early detection of heart disease often allows us to treat with medication that usually prolongs your pet's life for many years.

Veterinary dental care and weight control can go a long way in preventing heart disease.

Some breeds like your Bichon can be born with a variety of heart defects, affecting the structure of the heart's dividing wall or the vessels.

Heart failure is a leading cause of death among Bichon Frises in their golden years.

Bichons are also 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.

To check for this problem, we'll conduct a liver function test in addition to a standard pre-anesthetic panel every time he undergoes anesthesia.

If he develops symptoms such as stunted growth or seizures, we'll test his blood and possibly conduct an ultrasound scan of his liver.

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Bichon Frises are prone to joint and bone issues, which can cause significant discomfort and pain. Dysplasia, an inherited disease, can lead to improperly developed joints, resulting in arthritis.

Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia are common issues, and stiffness in the elbows or hips may become a problem as your Bichon matures. You may notice lameness in the legs or difficulty getting up from lying down.

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Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease is a degenerative hip condition that can cause the femoral head to become brittle and easily fracture. This condition often occurs between six and nine months of age and requires surgery.

Patellar luxation, where the kneecap slips out of place, can also occur. Mild cases may only require arthritis medication, but severe cases may need surgical intervention. You may notice your Bichon hopping or skipping during walks, which can be a sign of this issue.

Obesity can be a significant health problem in Bichon Frises, causing or worsening joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease.

Giving your Bichon Frise leftover people food and doggie treats may seem like a way to show love, but it can actually lead to obesity.

You can "love her to death" with affection instead of food, by giving her a hug, brushing her fur or teeth, playing a game with her, or taking her for a walk.

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Bichons can be prone to joint troubles, and it's essential to be aware of the signs and symptoms.

Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition that can lead to arthritis, and it's crucial to diagnose it early to manage your pup's pain.

If your Bichon starts to limp or struggle to get up, it could be a sign of hip or elbow dysplasia.

Stiffness, especially as your Bichon gets older, is a common symptom of joint troubles.

Young Bichons may be susceptible to Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease, a degenerative hip condition that causes the hip to become brittle and easily fractured.

If your young Bichon starts limping or shows signs of pain, consult your vet immediately, as surgery is often required.

Obesity can exacerbate joint problems, and it's essential to maintain a healthy weight to prevent undue pain and suffering.

Overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing significant discomfort and pain.

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Bichon Frises are more likely than other breeds to have instability in the first two neck vertebrae, called the atlantal and the axial vertebrae.

This instability can cause a sudden spinal-cord injury in the neck, which requires immediate medical attention. If your dog is suddenly unable or unwilling to jump up or go up stairs, cries for no apparent reason, or tries to turn or lower his head when you pick him up, he is in pain.

Call a veterinarian immediately if you notice any of these symptoms. They'll control the pain with medication, and sometimes surgery is recommended.

Weight control is essential in preventing spinal-cord injuries in Bichon Frises. As with many other diseases, maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent this issue.

To keep the strain off your Bichon's neck, consider using ramps or steps from puppyhood. This will prevent your dog from stressing his neck by jumping on and off of furniture.

Bichon Frises are more likely to develop kidney and bladder stones than other breeds, making regular urine testing crucial to detect these painful stones.

Bichon Frises can develop a few different types of stones in their kidneys or bladders, and these stones can be extremely painful.

If your Bichon Frise has blood in their urine, can't urinate, or is straining to urinate, it's a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.

Bichon Frises are prone to developing painful bladder stones, and regular urine testing can help detect these stones before they cause serious problems.

If your buddy has blood in their urine, can't urinate, or is straining to urinate, pick up the phone and call the vet right away – this is a medical emergency you don't want to ignore.

Bichon Frises may need periodic urine tests to check for signs of kidney and bladder stones, which are painful and can be a serious health issue if left untreated.

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Bichon Frises are prone to allergies, which can cause their skin to become itchy. This skin allergy is called "atopy" and commonly affects their feet, belly, skin folds, and ears.

Symptoms usually start between the ages of one and three and can worsen every year. Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are common signs of an allergic pup.

Fortunately, there are many treatment options available to make your Bichon more comfortable.

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Bichon Frises are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections, just like all dogs can get.

These infections can be prevented through vaccination, which is recommended based on the diseases we see in our area, the dog's age, and other factors.

Parvo, rabies, and distemper are examples of infections that Bichon Frises can get.

Many of these infections are preventable, and vaccination is a crucial part of keeping your Bichon Frise healthy.

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Parasites can be a major concern for Bichon owners, as they can infest your dog's body, inside and out.

Fleas, ticks, and ear mites are just a few examples of the many types of parasites that can infest your Bichon's skin and ears.

Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms, and whipworms can get into your dog's system through contaminated water, soil, or an infected mosquito bite.

Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member, making them a serious concern for everyone in the household.

For your canine friend, parasites can cause pain, discomfort, and even death, so it's essential to test for them regularly.

Preventive medication may be necessary to keep your Bichon healthy, especially if you live in an area with a high parasite risk.

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Itches can be a real nuisance for Bichon's, especially when they're caused by allergies.

Bichon's often have a skin allergy called atopy, which makes their skin itchy.

Their feet, belly, skin folds, and ears are commonly affected.

Symptoms usually start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year.

You might notice your Bichon licking their paws, rubbing their face, or getting frequent ear infections.

Licking the paws is a common sign of skin allergies in Bichon's.

Rubbing the face is another telltale sign that your Bichon might be dealing with an allergic reaction.

Frequent ear infections are also a common symptom of skin allergies in Bichon's.

The good news is that there are many treatment options available to make your Bichon more comfortable.

Bleeding can be a serious issue in Bichon Frises, often caused by a type of bleeding tumor called hemangiosarcoma, which affects them at a greater than average incidence.

These tumors commonly form in the spleen, but can also appear in other organs, and can be volleyball-sized or larger before showing any signs of sickness.

Internal bleeding can occur when the tumor breaks open, making it crucial to have your Bichon Frise's blood tested and an ultrasound performed at least yearly, especially during senior wellness testing.

If your Bichon Frise is prone to bleeding, it could be due to a blood clotting disorder like Von Willebrand's disease, which is frequently found in Bichons.

Bleeding can also be a sign of hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia, where the immune system attacks the dog's own red blood cells or platelets, leading to anemia, weakness, and abnormal bleeding.

If your Bichon Frise is experiencing these symptoms, diagnostic testing for blood clotting will be performed before any surgeries, and steroids and other immune-suppressive drugs may be prescribed to slow or stop the immune system's destruction of cells.

Bichon Frises can live a long and healthy life, with a typical lifespan of 14-16 years. Regular vet visits are crucial for early diagnosis and prevention of genetic conditions.

Some Bichons may be prone to liver shunts, a genetic condition that can affect their health.

Early diagnosis of cataracts is also essential for maintaining your Bichon's vision and overall well-being.

Taking care of your Bichon Frise at home is crucial to keeping them happy and healthy. Watch her diet and make sure she gets plenty of exercise.

Regular brushing is essential to prevent mats and keep her coat clean. Daily brushing and regular trimming are required for a high maintenance double coat that doesn't shed much.

Bichon Frises generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week. This will help prevent dental problems.

Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary to keep her out of trouble and away from objects she shouldn't put in her mouth.

Here are some essential routine care tasks to keep your Bichon Frise healthy:

Consistency is key when it comes to your Bichon Frise's diet. Keep her diet consistent and don't give her people food. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age.

Epilepsy is a common health issue in Bichon Frises, with many dogs beginning to experience seizures between six months and three years of age.

This condition is often inherited, which is why Bichon Frises are commonly afflicted.

Reactive seizures are caused by the brain's reaction to a metabolic problem like low blood sugar, organ failure, or a toxin.

Secondary seizures are the result of a brain tumor, stroke, or trauma.

If no other cause can be found, the disease is called primary, or idiopathic epilepsy.

Lifelong medication is usually necessary to help keep seizures under control, with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and effectiveness.

If your dog has a seizure, carefully prevent him from injuring himself, but don't try to control his mouth or tongue.

It won't help him, and he may bite you accidentally!

Note the length of the seizure, and call us or an emergency hospital.