Eye Care for Bichon Frise – Signs, Symptoms and Treatment

The adorable Bichon Frise is an intelligent and loving dog, which similar to all breeds, requires regular grooming including health checkups. They have beautiful black button, round, deep set, and dark eyes, which stand out in contrast to their white coat. However, they may be prone to several eye problems. For this reason, they require regular eye examinations by their owners and annual checkups with their veterinarian. Their eyes are most prone to irritation due to problems with eyelids or their eyelashes. As the Bichon Frise are not considered to be high shedders, the hair around the eyes can become long and act as irritants to the eye. The hair in this area may also collect dirt and dust which may result in tear stains. These stains may be pinkish or brownish in color, and can appear more distinct due to their white coat. The tear ducts may also become blocked or in some cases may be too narrow, which can cause dryness in the eyes. This dryness can also lead to irritation, which may result in subsequent eye infections such as conjunctivitis, which is caused by some strains of bacteria or viruses. Conjunctivitis affects the lining of the eye, leading to reddening and severe itching.

Caring for your pet's eyes can be easily done at home. Begin by dipping a soft wash cloth in warm water and very gently wiping off the mucus from around the eyes. Also trim any excess hair from around the eyes, as hair or other particles which enter the eye can cause abrasion or scarring of the eyeball which can affect your pet's vision. If you notice any hair or foreign particles in the eye, gently attempt to remove these and cleanse the eye with luke warm water or saline solution. However, also be careful not to completely remove the hair around the eye, as this also acts as a protective barrier, helping to stop foreign particles from entering the eye ball. If you see signs of eye problems, such as your pet scratching their eyes or discharge, it is important to take your pet to a professional groomer or a veterinarian.

As the Bichon's eyes are prone to tear staining, a regular clean up routine is a must. Wipe gently around the eyes and remove the tear stains. It is also advised to apply some white petroleum jelly around the eyes socket, to prevent the particles of dust from entering into the eyes.

In spite of taking these precautions and engaging in a regular care routine, if your Bichon Frise still suffers from tear staining, then it is time to take them to a vet to identify the problem and to obtain the correct treatment.