Bichon Frise health problems

Instantly recognisable with their cloud-like, fluffy coat, the Bichon Frise is a wonderful companion dog who adores nothing more than snuggling on the sofa!

As well as their love of being centre of attention, the Bichon Frise is friendly, affectionate, and intelligent. The Bichon Frise breed is also well known for getting along famously with cats (if introduced to one another safely) and enjoying family activities, like dog-friendly picnics.

Despite their ‘toy’ size and small stature, the Bichon Frise, or Bichon, does require a lot of dedication to their grooming routine to stay happy and healthy.

Explore our Bichon Frise breed guide for more information about this gorgeous breed!

Potential health conditions linked to the Bichon Frise breed

Please remember that while the following health concerns are frequently seen in the Bichon Frise breed, each dog is a unique individual. So, your canine companion isn’t necessarily going to suffer from any of the health conditions that could be experienced by the breed – but if you are considering pet insurance, be sure to read our guide on insuring your Bichon Frise.

Always speak to your vet if you’re concerned about your dog’s health. 

Don’t forget to visit our dog first aid guides to discover the basics of canine first aid.

Allergies

Bichons are prone to skin allergies – whether triggered by food intolerances, pollen, dust mites, fleas, or a mixture of causes. If your Bichon has a skin allergy, here are some of the symptoms they might exhibit:

• Itchiness.
• Scratching excessively.
• Overgrooming.
• Hair loss.
• Redness or rashes on their skin.
• Runny eyes.
• Ear infections.
• Hot spots (please contact a vet straight away if you notice patches of inflamed, infected, sore skin that’s warm to the touch!).

The treatments for skin allergies will vary, depending on your Bichon’s symptoms. However, some of the standard treatments for skin allergies in dogs include reassessing their diet, avoiding triggers, and skin-soothing shampoo.

Cataracts

Cataracts are commonly seen in the Bichon breed.

Although cataracts in humans are often associated with getting older, that’s not the case for dogs. Your Bichon may inherit cataracts from birth, though they could also develop cataracts at any age as a result of eye inflammation, diabetes, or nutritional issues.

A cataract can lead to blindness over time, so, if you notice your Bichon’s eye(s) becoming blurry, it’s important to take them to the vet for a check-up.

Patellar luxation

Despite its complicated name, a ‘luxating patella’ is the veterinary description for a dog’s kneecap slipping out of place.

There are four grades of severity for patellar luxation. A grade one patellar luxation describes a kneecap that almost instantly pops back into place – whereas grade four is when a kneecap can’t fit back into place (which is rare).

Symptoms of a patellar luxation include a ‘skipping’ lameness and/or ‘bow-legged’ appearance.

Treatments for patellar luxation depend on the grade, though treating low-grade patellar luxation could involve anti-inflammatory medication, adjusting exercise routines, and physiotherapy. High-grade patellar luxation in dogs usually requires surgery.

Diabetes

Also known as ‘diabetes mellitus’, diabetes is a condition that can affect dogs of the Bichon breed.

Usually seen in older dogs, diabetes has an impact on glucose (sugar) levels in your Bichon’s blood. Symptoms you may notice if your Bichon has diabetes include:

• Increased thirst.
• Increased hunger.
• Peeing more than usual.
• Weight loss.
• Lack of energy.

To treat diabetes, some dogs might require insulin injections, alongside a controlled diet and strict exercise routines.

Bladder stones

Another potential health concern frequently seen in the Bichon breed is bladder stones. Caused by a build-up of minerals in the bladder, that develop into a rock-like form, bladder stones become an emergency when they cause a complete blockage.

Straining to pee, peeing more often, and being in pain while peeing could signal that your dog is suffering from bladder stones and needs to be seen by a vet.

Depending on the severity of your dog’s bladder stones, a vet might prescribe a special diet to dissolve the stones or perform surgery to remove any blockages.