My Bishon Frise is always scratching herself. We have tried...

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Answer by Considering a Bishon
Submitted on 9/11/2005
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I am considering purchasing a Bischon Frise and I am doing my research first to make sure I get a puppy that doesn't come with tons of medical problems. I was told by two different vets that you should get this type of dog groomed twice a month. They also informed me that they have sensitive stomachs and skin which according to all of your listing must be true. They advised me that not all puppies or dogs experience this, but you have to watch what they eat and can't feed them just anything or they will start with the scrathing, etc. Should your dog be experiencing this, you should take it to the vet and they will provide an antibiotic for the pet and can also discuss better food options. You may also want to purchase or look through this book that I just found on line. I know I will go to the book store before I buy this type of dog so I can be prepared. Here is the caption that I copied: �Bichon Frise: A Guide For Love And Care� will teach you how to housebreak, train, and care for your Bichon. And show you how to avoid costly health problems many Bichons encounter.

Answer by Babs
Submitted on 9/22/2005
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I have a toy poodle - 5 years old. She is scratching CONSTANTLY! She's had digestive problems, but she is so spoiled she gets little bites off the table. Vet says no treats, no table food, just Prescription Hill Science Diet L/D for liver diseased dogs. Does not seem to help her allergies at all. When she gets really bad I take her in for a prednisone shot. That helps for about 3 weeks. I bathe her in Histamine shampoo, but it doesn't help either. I read some of the suggestions. ANYTHING IS WORTH A TRY. I don't cut her like a poodle. She is cut like a bishon. My ex-husband insisted on a poodle. I never liked that fru-fru thing. Everyone thinks she is a bishon. I won her in the divorce. She is wonderful, my best friend. GOOD LUCK

Answer by Brenda
Submitted on 1/18/2006
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Non-shedding breads get dry skin during certain times of the year. They may lick themselves which may cause their coat to turn brown. A drug called prednizone( I'm not sure if I spelled that correctly) Will help. Taking the fat out of their diet also seems to cause irratation to their skin. Lambs and Rice is a good food but you must understand that there is very little fat in that food. Overtime you will begin to see the hot spots occur. I would suggest putting fat over their food a couple times during the week. I control my hot spot by feeding my Bichons good old purina dog chow. I know I will get some Gasps from some of you out there but as a breedar for over 14 years it's worker for me.There is more fat in purina. It's up to you to control their intake because we all know bichons love their remote control and their food. Hope I have been of some help.

Answer by MJ
Submitted on 2/18/2006
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I have a seven year old Bishon. She is the sweetest, funniest little dog. However, in the summer we battled fleas and her reacting to their bites until she had much of her hide bitten and raw (ears, backside, tail, and legs. I've noticed that the prolonged use of antihistamines dried her skin and made her itch also. She was on them for at least three years. Sergeant's dual action flea collars helped protect her to some extent (although we had been told they don't work). The worst problem was the prolonged allergic reaction to the bites. This winter her dry, dry skin has been a culprit. While vaseline is messy, toweling the excess off and then letting her skin and hair absorb the rest seems to help. Put towels and sheets on your furniture if they are allowed to sit on it. I do also think that some of her allergies come from the dog food, but boiled chicken may contain harmful hormones. I pray for a miracle for these suffering Bishon's.

Answer by loret
Submitted on 6/20/2006
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I've had a Bichon for three years and the itching (he used to scratch until he bled) was eliminated when I switched gradually to an all-raw diet. He was so bad that I had to put the plastic collar around his face to keep him from chewing on himself. Also, he used to lick the sheets on the bed a lot (also allergy driven) At first the new vet also had me give him some herbs (no longer needed). He's like a new dog--his fur is so much thicker and he rarely get the upset stomach he used to have on Z-D hypoallergenic diet. My suggestion is to find a natural vet who will prescribe some herbs for allergies and wean him/her from their existing food to an all-raw diet such as Northwest Naturals or Prairie. I spent $2,000 on vet bills the first two years and now we rarely go. Additionally, many small animals are over-vaccinated. Look into having the pet's blood titered (checked for vaccine levels) instead of getting shots yearly. At the least, get the rabies shot that last a number of years instead of doing it yearly. Try to only get the shots that are absolutely necessary. My dog's health is 1000 times better--that's the proof! I love my Bichon baby!!

Answer by Faye
Submitted on 8/2/2006
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I have lived in three different new homes with my now seven year old Bishon Frize and have discovered that carpeting, especially new or near new carpet has many chemicals that caused severe allergy reactions in my dog. When I eventually realized that it was something in the environment rather than food or other things, I started scrubbing the carpets with my steam cleaner containing cleaning soap PLUS a couple tablespoons of regular bleach to a full container of the liquid. I also cleaned all the bedding and toys of my dog in the washing machine to which I added bleach. I cleaned my upholstered couches & chairs by hand scrubbing. This has helped my Bishon'sitching tremendously. (I worked for years in quality control for the Government and know that anything made of fiber materials are routinely manufactured and finished with chemicals.)

Answer by sandra smith
Submitted on 9/28/2006
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Bichons are known for allergies and often have what they call hot spots. Mine however does not have hot spots but is allergic to most foods and grass. Our vet gives her an allergy shot as she fights to have any medications by mouth. It works wonders and also takes care of the rusty under eye problems that bichons can get. It is a monthly routine and I've been told they can become immune to after several years but right now it's a life saver. I'm not sure if it is a cortizone shot or not but it works. Ask your vet if yours refuses like mine to take any benadryl. Oh by the way this also works well for my sisters bichon. They break up 1/4 of one and put it in peanut butter and bread and give it to him only when his gets really bad. It works great for them. I tried this and had absolutely no luck. Even when I got it down her her scratching was really bad.

Answer by Max's Mom
Submitted on 10/3/2006
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My Bichon, Max, is five years old and weighs 16 pounds. He receives monthly applications of flea and heartworm preventative meds (topical on back of his neck) We live in the Pacific Northwest. I've finally figured out that his itchiness is seasonal--in the fall. I think the dew on the grass in the morning is picked up in his fur, and since the dew still has lots of pollen and other allergens in it as summer ends, (the rains haven't started which wash it away), he's just allergic to pollen. So with the vet's suggestion, I buy generic Benadryl (get it at Costco and it's very inexpensive) and give him one half pill twice a day--morning and night. It takes a few days for it to really get in his system and for him to stop itching. If he itches one particular spot to the point where it gets a little pink, before it gets irritated I use a product purchased from the vet, "Gentocin". It's a topical spray that soothes itchy places and it prevents those spots from getting irritated and/or infected.

Answer by Mandi
Submitted on 2/4/2007
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Our baby Bichon, who is now 7 yrs, has developed serious skin allergies since May '06, it is now Feb.'07, she was getting shots for a few months and it worked temporily then the vet tried another type of shot which only worked for 1 week, then a shot w/atopica which after 45 pills later she is WORSE than when we started. She bites herself raw on her tail, her upper back end and now even her mid back. For the past 2 weeks she has been living with an Ecollar, but she still gets her tail. We have bathed every 2 weeks with special shamppoos, have used Benadryl, topical sprays, cremes and nothing has helped. The dr. refuses to put her on prednisone, but we will have to find one who will. She cries all the time, is miserable, depressed and now she is not eating. : ( Dr's advice, MOVE to alaska! where environmental allergies won't bother her. So I guess the advise we can give, is hang in there, you may be in for a very long ride until you find what "will" work foryour particular dog. Since not all dogs respond to each treatment in the same way.

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Question by Tia Marie
Submitted on 2/6/2004
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My Bishon Frise is always scratching herself. We have tried everything the Vet has suggested. Does anyone have any advice.

Answer by motojedi
Submitted on 2/15/2004
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Hi I also have a Bichon Frise. He was scratching continuously. My boss told us to feed him dog food of only lamb and rice. It works. He has not been scratching since we have changed his diet. Hope this helps yours.

Answer by martha
Submitted on 3/10/2004
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your dog may have fleas that your not aware of, my bishon scratched so much that she opened up her skin under her neck i had read some where that some dawn dish soap in her bath may help, so of course i tried it and it works. i also so skin so soft by avon in between her baths for a soft skin hope these tips help, good luck

Answer by Crissy
Submitted on 3/18/2004
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I have scratching problems also with my 3 year old bichon. His seems to be allergies, not sure yet if it is food. I started running my HEPA air filter continuously in the living room and bedroom. This help tremendously; his scratching probably reduced 80% if not more. Hope this helps, it is sad to see them so miserable.....

Answer by aleiram
Submitted on 3/27/2004
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i want to know if a french podle toy or caniche toy is the same like bishon frise. thanks.

Answer by PoetsWoman
Submitted on 5/5/2004
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No a Bishon Frise is not a poodle at all. Many people think so but it is a definite breed in itself. They are a joy to own

Answer by Scott
Submitted on 5/13/2004
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We have the same problem. The Vet has given us antihistimine tablets for him. We have had mixed sucess with this.

Answer by BarbieD
Submitted on 5/28/2004
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I have two Bichon'sand my male is a scratcher. He has been to the vet on several occasions and been tested for fleas, mites etc. All negative. I have however, discovered my husband and daughter giving them table food. This seems to be the culprit. Once the table food is stopped, the scratching stops also. It breaks my heart to see him suffer. If all else fails keep a record of what the dog is eating and take it to your vet. Good luck.

Answer by Murfee's Mom
Submitted on 6/28/2004
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We have an 8 year old male Bishon Frise named Murfee. He itched all the time but sometimes more severe than other times. Developed lickanomas (spelling?). He has allergies, confirmed by a Vet and Veterinary Allergist. He is allergic to many things. We had started with Prednisone to relieve the itching and that worked but has long term detrimental effects. Our Vet suggested allergy shots and he has improved but is not perfect yet.

Answer by NANCY
Submitted on 7/8/2004
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MY BABY GIRL BISHON IS CONSTANTLY BITING HER NAILS AND ITCHING. THROUGH PROCESS OF ELLIMINATION WE HAVE DISCOVERED HER TO HAVE MANY ALLERGIES ALSO. WE PAY CLOSE ATTENTION TO DETERGENTS AND FOOD THAT ARE HER TRIGGERS. I'VE ALSO TRYED A DERMATOLOGY SHAMPOO MADE ESPECIALLY FOR BISHONS, WHICH HAS SEEMED TO HELP. GOOD LUCK

Answer by Sharon
Submitted on 7/9/2004
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I have a Bishon and she has allergies to any type of grain,flour, yeast. I have had to put her on boiled chicken and rice and vegtables. In the past week I switched her to an expensive dog food that was free from grain, but again it has reacted on her, so back to cooking her food again. We just moved and I have found a flea on her and Fleas are a big- bad reaction and will take weeks to get her over it. I have to say she is worth all of the work she is so sweet. I would not trade her for anything. Good luck

Answer by mrs parry
Submitted on 10/6/2004
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my bishon Ozzy is also scratching,,was wondering about the dawn dish washing soap,,how much do i use and how often thanks Nancy parry

Answer by valeriche
Submitted on 10/29/2004
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This is more of a question than an answer. I have a bishion that is two years old. She always wants to taste food that I'm eating. She doesn't have any allergies. Does it hurt to let her have a tiny piece? And I've also been told that chocolate could kill a dog. Could someone tell me why?

Answer by NHagen
Submitted on 11/23/2004
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I have a 6 month old Bishon Frise. She also scratches herself alot and has chewed almost all of the hair off her back leg. The vet says its allergies and that hopefully with the first frost it'll go away. From these responses I'm thinking differently.

Answer by Eddie
Submitted on 11/28/2004
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Don�t give your Bishon Frolic or a simular dog food. It contains to much protein.

Answer by LAURA
Submitted on 5/31/2005
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I HAVE A BISHON FRISE AND SHE IS 1 YEAR AND SHE JUST HAD 4 PUPPIES AND I WOULD LIKE TO KNOW WHAT KIND OF FOOD CAN I GIVE HER NOW.

Answer by MISIU
Submitted on 6/22/2005
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I HAVE A 10 WEEK BISHON MALE, AND HE;S ITCHING TERRIBLY, VET SAYS NO FLEAS, I GIVE HIM THE BEST DOG FOOD "ULTRA" DOES ANYONE KNOW WHAT I MAY BE DOING WRONG? HE IS A JOY, AND I WORRY ABOUT HIM. DOES ANYON KNOW ABOUT DOG FOOD/SHAMPOO?

Answer by SugarBugar
Submitted on 12/23/2004
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My Bishon has this one area where she licks all the time. We decided that if you use Oatmeal Shampoo and cut her hair not like the show Bishons and she is starting to feel good.

Answer by yolanda
Submitted on 1/2/2005
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try donsi.com

Answer by Peter
Submitted on 2/22/2005
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is there a brand of dog food with lamb and rice that works better

Answer by Tina
Submitted on 2/28/2005
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We have a Bischon that is a year old. He also has major scratching and chewing problems. he has been to the vet multiple times. We have though about getting rid of him because we feel so bad for him. But we love him so much we can't. Wev'e changed food to lamb and rice and that helped some.then we tried different shampoos,medicine steriods shots. They work for a month or so and thats it. I wished someone really had a cheap answer.

Answer by shannon
Submitted on 2/28/2005
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I have an 8 year old male named Teddy. He is a love but scratches all the time.I have found that he can not eat any dairy or pork. Try feeding only one kind of food for a couple of weeks to see what seems to trigger the itching. We have foung he can eat beef alpo only.

Answer by Bana
Submitted on 4/9/2005
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MY BISHON DIED !!! HOW ABOUT THAT ONE

Answer by fishy
Submitted on 4/19/2005
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what the hell u on about? something about a poodle toy? get a life and stop coming on this website! this is for advice only u loser! any way..i had a bishon who died because he scratched too much and also opened up his flesh from it. it got an infection because we didnt notice it! so the infection get worse! i wish we had seen it so we could of delt with it..and he would be still alive! =(! so anyone who has got a bishin scratching look it up quickly because trust me u will regret it! Thanks very much fishy

Answer by kkhbug
Submitted on 5/9/2005
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What is the shampoo that is especially for Bichons? My female, 16 weeks scratches constantly. Her undercoat has fallen out and she looks very mangy. She has had drops for fleas, ticks, scabies, etc.

Answer by CLARE
Submitted on 5/23/2005
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Hi,My baby girl did have a itching prolem,me and my partner have almost tryed every thing.however recentley i got a book,i have been giving my Missie GARLIC tablets,im not saying it would work on all our beloved pets but my Missie is no longer itching and she's much happier.

Answer by meg & sugar
Submitted on 6/19/2005
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my little bishon is the same.she has spots on her back.we put on Hertz flea & tick it works! the taste makes it so they WILL NOT CHEW!

Answer by Angie
Submitted on 6/28/2005
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Hi I have a 7month old Bishon who just came out of a very bad attach of ticks and fleas. He is clean now, but I worry of a bad reaction. He is into everything and picks up everything from the floor to chew, even when we are outdoors. He has several chewing toys and bones, but always like the things he shouldn't be chewing on. He has also been chewing on his tail and has left a red mark. I have cleaned it with alcohol but wondered what that was all about. please help!

Answer by Pamela
Submitted on 7/1/2005
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We use a product on our dogs from 4life called Transfer Factors. It is a natural way to boost and modulate the immune system. Allergies are due to an overactive immune system. It is worth looking at the link below to read Vets testimonies. tinyurl.com/6u7s6

Answer by tam
Submitted on 8/10/2005
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I have 2 bishons and 1 used to have a scratching problem. Ground turkey and rice meals every now and then and medicated or oatmeal shampoo baths. They go to the groomer every 6 weeks and they too use the medicated shampoo. I've tried meds but do not want to drug my dog everyday so I stopped. This worked for me. Hope I helped! Good luck!

Answer by Betty
Submitted on 1/4/2006
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Our Babette, has had terrible itching until I took her off her dry food and only feed canned food that doesn't have any grain in it. I also give her a benedril each night before she goes to bed & l mega 3 oil twice a day. It has really made the difference with her.

Answer by Colleen
Submitted on 1/29/2006
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My dog is a bishon his name is Tucker. what is your bishons name

Answer by demetriojames
Submitted on 3/3/2006
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i have a toy poodle, 3 months old. and she scratches like crazy.

Answer by Prue
Submitted on 3/6/2006
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I have problems getting my pup to eat dog food. Any ideas on brands she might like?

Answer by Lin
Submitted on 3/13/2006
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I just got my bishon! She is a joy! Her name is Molley. I noticed a little scratching and licking of the paws, but not much. I am feeding her Iams right now and will watch this closely. I was told to feed her only dry food. Glad I found this website (by accident)!

Answer by Solution
Submitted on 3/15/2006
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I used to have a bichon that would not stop itching and developed terrible sores on its back. Once I switched his shampoo to Histacalm (you can get it on PetMeds.com without a prescription) and bathed him in that once a week and put a humidifier by his cage, he has completely stopped. It is the biggest relief since I have been trying forever to find something that works. Don't bother with the diet, it really makes no difference.

Answer by R+
Submitted on 3/22/2006
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My 6 year old female Bishon only eats lamb and uses Revolution. No problems with itching or scratching. But can anyone tell me if their Bishon has had tumors? Mine is at the vet now having one removed from her right hip. I wasn't aware that Bishons were prone to tumors.