How to Groom Your Bichon Frise
Every time you look into the eyes of your marshmallow angel, your heart melts! Improper grooming technique can lead to significant matting of the undercoat of your Bichon Frise, discomfort, possible skin irritations, and altercations with your professional groomer. Have no fear! To properly care for your sweetie's fluffy white coat, all you need is a little time and some simple know how!
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Things You'll Need
- Approximately 10-30 minutes, depending on age and size of Bichon.
- A slicker brush
- A stainless steel comb
Instructions
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Find an comfortable area. This may mean sitting on the floor with your Bichon, holding your Bichon on your lap on the couch, or sitting your Bichon on the table. Find what works for you!
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Begin with the slicker brush. It looks a bit like a torture device, but it truly is a wonderful tool! Begin brushing, remembering to brush the fur UP. Brush the back with strokes that begin at the hind end and go toward the head. Brush the legs in an upward direction. Brushing against the growth of the fur will give you fluffy results. Brushing the entire body and head is a fabulous way to loosen up tangles and will make your combing job much easier! If you or your Bichon are new to this routine, you may need to take a few breaks or do a little every day. Remember, you want this to be a positive and loving experience for your angel so that grooming time does not turn into a behavioral nightmare!
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Now that you've brushed the entire body, put the slicker brush down and pick up your comb. It is essential to get down to the skin on your Bichon and comb in small sections, taking the comb and working it from the skin up. This will detangle and remove mats from the undercoat. It is very important to note that patience is key to success. Take your time and remember that every snarl and tangle can be uncomfortable for your pup, but this is vital to maintaining healthy skin and coat. Comb the entire body. Do not forget the top of the head, chin, ears and behind the ears. Back legs tend to be a bit more sensitive, so exercise caution and don't forget to take a break if your dog has had enough.
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Tips & Warnings
Before you bathe your pup, make sure to comb the entire body. Once a Bichon's fur gets wet, any tangles or mats get even more difficult to remove!
To avoid heavy matting and tangling and make your grooming job easier, try to groom your dog every day or every other day--you will be surprised at how many tangles arrive after just one or two days!
If this is a new routine, you may want to concentrate on one or two areas of the body per day until you get everything de-tangled and become comfortable with your grooming tools.
Enjoy your fluffy little sweetheart and enjoy the bonding time that this will give you!
Once you are finished with your grooming session, make sure to give your sweetie a treat!! It will leave a positive impression and make next time a little easier!
If you suspect that your dog has a serious skin condition, consult with your veterinarian.
If your dog is seriously matted, you can try to brush and comb what you can, cut any stubborn mats out or consult a professional groomer.
Don't forget the combing and brushing a badly matted dog can be very painful for your pup! Don't let the situation get away from you!
