How to Control Flea and Tick Infestation in Bichon Frise Dog Breed?

The Bichon Frise is a small, short, sturdy, and cute dog with button like black eyes. Their coats are mostly white in color although they can also be cream, gray, and apricot. Due to their physical structure, Bichons are known to be one of the breeds to be most easily infected by fleas and ticks.

Fleas are one of the most annoying pests and can cause various diseases, mostly relating to allergies. Symptoms of allergies include reddening of the skin, scratching, loss of hair, and other skin problems. Various medications are available on the market although it is preferable to speak to your veterinarian to receive a prescription, as many over the counter medications may also contain chemicals and ingredients detrimental to your pet. 'Advantage' and 'Sentinel' are among the most widely used medications and most likely prescribed by veterinarians.

The ticks can be removed manually with the help of tweezers although this may be difficult if your pet is unwilling to sit still. There are also many other products available, such as special dog shampoos and sprays that are useful in helping to prevent flea and tick infestations. The Bichon's ears are drooped and covered with long hair which can become heavily infected by mites, another major cause of serious skin disease. The most hazardous and commonly found condition is 'Demodectic mange' (Demodex). Here the mite burrows deep into the dog's skin and lives under the follicles of the hair, leading to hair loss. Also, the infections caused by the mites may lead to hearing loss. Warning signs that require early attention include thinning of your pet's coat, irritated and itchy skin, and even symptoms of anxiety in your pet. The easiest and the best way to treat mite infestations are to keep your Bichon clean. Ideally, try to bathe your Bichon every once a week, using shampoos specifically designed to treat mite infestations.

Apart from these topical medications, there are certain oral medications that are known to have a positive effect on the Bichon Frise. These are medicines given orally to the dog and can be mixed in with your pet's dog food to make administration easier. The use of these oral medications is one of the best measures, and is most commonly prescribed by veterinarians. They are also safer as they are ingested, reducing the potential for harmful chemicals to affect other areas of the body such as when using sprays and ointments.

Although there are a variety of different medications available, it is important to consult with your veterinarian before administering any medication to your pet. With the correct treatment you will be able to keep your lovely and cute Bichon Frise clean and healthy.