Dog Skin Allergies in Bichon Frises

Dog skin allergies are common with Bichon Frise dogs and itching, redness and hot spots can be persistent while for your suffering pet.

Bichon Frise skin is normally pink under all that fluffy white hair. The more pink the skin, more sensitive it will be.

The pink color of a Bichon’s skin is a result of low pigmentation found in the skin. It is commonly believed that this low pigmentation is what makes your dog’s skin vulnerable to irritation.

Most Bichon Frise allergies present as skin problems, so proper care and attention to your dog, can minimize your dog’s discomfort.

The good news is that frequent grooming, hypoallergenic shampoo and attention to your dog’s diet, can help in treating or preventing skin allergies in your dog.

Hot Spots on Bichon Frises

White haired dogs, especially those with very light skin, are especially prone to developing skin allergies.

When your dog has skin allergies, you will notice that she is scratching a lot and that she is more irritable and anxious. The redness and irritation that you see on your dog’s skin are known as hot spots.

If your Bichon Frise has dog skin allergies, you will most likely see hot spots on your dog during the warmer months of the year.

What Causes Bichon Frise Allergies?

It would be nice if there was just one cause for skin allergies in dogs, but that is not the case! Here are some of the reasons that your dog may be allergic…

• Food – Feeding your dog, food or drink which contains ingredients that your dog may be allergic to, often causes food allergies. It can be quite difficult to determine what the allergen is–especially if your dog has other allergies. Low quality dog food with fillers often causes allergies. In addition, dairy products are known food allergens for some dogs.
• Flea bites – Both fleas and lice can cause irritation and patches of eczema on your dog. If your dog is bitten by fleas or lice, he will scratch and lick the affected area. Most of the time, your dog will end up hurting himself to ease the itch so be sure to act on it as soon as possible. The best way to prevent this kind of allergy skin irritation, is to make sure that your dog does not have fleas or lice. This can be difficult with the thick fur on a Bichon, as fleas can hide very easily in your Bichon’s thick coat.Bathe your Bichon regularly, and use a good natural, gentle and soothing natural flea repellent dog shampoo like Natural Care shampoo, to deter the nasty pests.
• Airborne/Inhalants – These are also a common cause of dog skin allergies. Dust, pollens, and mold spores can cause a hay fever or asthma-like condition in dogs. Some dogs get a hay fever-like allergy during the summer months, but many have allergies to things like dust or mold—that irritate their conditions all year long.

Knowing exactly what your dog is allergic to, can be very difficult to determine. So a good first step to preventing canine allergies in your Bichon, is to just keep your home very clean and free of excess dust and dirt.

Dog Skin Allergies Symptoms

So how can you tell if your dog has allergies? Here are a few common symptoms of dog skin allergies that you may notice:

• Scratching – This is often the first symptom that you notice. Your dog is telling you that she has an itchy spot, a rash or a hot spot.
• Dogs with allergies develop hot spots that are itchy or itchy and sore. These hot spots get red and swollen. Part your dog’s hair and look at the skin that he is scratching. You will see swelling, redness and perhaps broken skin. If you don’t treat hot spots, they can become infected.  Treat hot spots with ResQ Organics Skin Treatment Cream.
• Eczema – flaking of the skin with itching and redness. Eczema could be described as a bad case of dandruff.
• Digestive problems – Dogs with food allergies can develop digestive problems. They may vomit or have diarrhea. When your dog’s digestive system is compromised, so is her immune system. Allergies may even result in ear infections.
• Hair loss – ResQ Organics Skin Treatment can help with this, also.
• Foul odors – This is often because of infection.

Treatment for Bichon Allergies

Here are some ways to lessen the effects of canine allergies:

1. Bathe your Bichon Frise regularly, using Veterinary Formula Clinical Care Oatmeal Shampoo to ease the discomfort.
2. Feed your dog with a good quality dog food for dogs with skin allergies. Go for quality rather than quantity. In the long run, both you and your dog will suffer if you do not invest in good food now.
3. Keep your house clean by dusting regularly and cleaning every nook and corner where your dog is likely to hide. Bichon Frises are small and they can find all kinds of hiding places that you might overlook!
4. Use a natural remedy to relieve the itching. One of my dogs had allergies, and I used a natural oatmeal remedy, allergy anti-itch spray to sooth and relieve the itching. This natural remedy is easy to administer and is safe.
5. Consult with your veterinarian, as soon as you suspect allergies. Your vet can help you determine the cause of your dog’s symptoms—and how to get rid of them!

There is an irony here. While Bichon Frises are hypoallergenic and a good choice for people who are allergic to dogs, Bichon Frise dogs themselves, are prone to a number of allergies.

Dog skin allergies, while very common in Bichon Frises, can be minimized, if not avoided. Take care to give your dog a good quality dog food, bathe him regularly and make sure that he doesn’t come into contact with allergens that trigger a reaction in your dog.