How to groom your bichon

Coat and Grooming Tips

Regular grooming is a must when you own a Bichon Frise, it is imperative. Soft and cottony, the coat can easily become matted especially when exposed to moisture. Some pet owners, not concerned about maintaining a show quality coat and appearance, will have the hair coat clipped shorter for easier maintenance. No one wants to remove the coat of a Bichon Frise but when it gets severely matted it is not fair on the animal to undergo excessive de-matting. When grooming your Bichon on a daily basis yourself, put him on a table or kitchen worktop or whilst he is having those evening cuddles, as all Bichons do. To make sure he does not squirm about, hold him under his chin by his hair, you now have control until he learns to stand for himself. Make it fun, then your Bichon will not have the dreaded brush and comb syndrome. Always praise your Bichon and of course reward them with their favourite treat when you have finished the grooming. Below are the utensils that you may need for grooming your little ball of fluff.

Nail Clippers. Preferably the guillotine type these have a safe guard on them. Look for the white or very light pink of the nail. Be careful not to go below the quick as this will be painful for the dog and believe me they will remember. In the event of this happening use the next product.

Styptic Powder. It stops bleeding if nails are cut too short.

Ear Powder. For cleaning the hair out of the ears. Follow the instructions carefully. I use TEP formally known as Thornit.

Hemostats. (also called hairmostats) used for pulling ear hair out that you can’t reach with your finger. Ask your groomer or vet to show you how to use these.

Slicker Brush or a good quality Pin Brush. Both types of brushes should have a rubber base that gives but be sure to get a soft-wire slicker brush. Some slicker brushes have very hard wires that can hurt your dog so try it on your arm first because if it hurts you it will hurt your Bichon. Start at the head and work down the body making sure you brush it in sections.

Comb Use a steel comb. One end has teeth close together and the other end the teeth are further apart. The comb is used after brushing. You comb in the opposite direction to brushing, using the wide tooth end, comb the coat in short flicking motions. Any mats left after brushing will now come to light. Hold the bottom of the mat and gently tease out with the wide end tooth part of your comb.

Shampoo. Use a mild, tearless shampoo. There are other shampoos also that are excellent for a white coat.

Coat Stains. This has got to be the bain of all Bichon owners I personally use the Angels Eyes that we sell and have done for over 3 years. The stains come in different forms ie Beard Stains, paw licking stains and the nightmare for a Bichon owner the tear stain (which can also smell). Clean the eyes everyday.

The Northern and Southern Bichon Frisé Association also run one day courses to show you how to look after your Bichons Coat. I can highly recommend the course. I went on it twice myself and it was great talking to people that are as nutty on their Bichons as I am.

Kim