How to Choose a Healthy Bichon Frise: 10 Key Points for the Perfect Companion

Bichon Frises, known for their fluffy white fur and playful personalities, have become beloved pets in many homes. However, due to the relatively high price of Bichon Frises, choosing a healthy puppy is crucial. This not only affects your financial investment but also the future companionship with your furry friend. How can you choose a healthy, lively, and full of life Bichon Frise? The following ten key points will help you find the ideal Bichon companion!

1. Size: Well-nourished and Well-Developed

In a litter of Bichon Frise puppies, the larger ones often indicate better nutrition and development. Just like plants, well-nourished puppies will grow taller and stronger, which translates to a healthier body in the long run. When choosing, prioritize larger Bichon Frises. Don't forget to also consider those with larger paws.

2. Gait: Active and Lively, Full of Energy

Bichon Frise puppies that are active and have a light, natural gait are often a sign of a healthy body. Observe the puppy's movement. Is it flexible and natural? Does it show vitality? These are essential indicators of the puppy's health. If the puppy's gait is abnormal, carefully observe its age. Puppies under three months old may have less stable gaits due to immature muscles and bones, and further observation is needed. However, if a puppy older than three months still has an abnormal gait, it may indicate bone damage, brain damage, or other issues. Choose with caution.

3. Wet Nose: Sensitive Smell, Healthy Status

A healthy Bichon Frise will typically have a wet nose (except for immediately after waking up) and clear nasal discharge. Pinch some food with your fingers and move it in front of the puppy's nose. Observe whether it follows your hand. This test checks if its sense of smell is normal. If the puppy has yellow, thick nasal discharge and coughs, it may be suffering from a respiratory illness such as the common cold, kennel cough, pneumonia, or early signs of distemper. Be cautious.

4. Clear Eyes: Normal Vision, No Hidden Diseases

A healthy Bichon Frise will have clear and clean eyes without redness, white film, excessive eye discharge, or protruding eye tissue. Place the puppy on a higher surface and move your hand in front of its eyes. Observe whether its gaze follows the movement of your hand. If the puppy has normal vision, it will follow your hand's movement.

5. Healthy Coat: Skin Without Disease or Parasites

Examine the Bichon Frise puppy's skin to check for skin diseases and parasites. Gently part the puppy's fur and observe the skin's color. A light pink color indicates healthy skin. Pay close attention to the skin around the mouth, under the neck, behind the ears, under the armpits, and at the base of the thighs, as these areas are prone to mites.

If you find red patches or areas of redness, the puppy may be infected with mites or fungi. These diseases are difficult to cure and prone to recurrence. It's advisable to avoid choosing such puppies.

6. Normal Waste: Healthy Digestive System, No Intestinal Diseases

A healthy Bichon Frise has normal waste elimination and won't experience diarrhea or loose stools. Observe the puppy for diarrhea or loose stools. If there are abnormalities, it could mean digestive issues, disrupted intestinal flora, or, in the worst case, parvovirus infection.

If you can't see the puppy's waste, lift its tail and check the area around the anus for any stool. Typically, only puppies with diarrhea will have stool stuck to the fur around the anus.

7. Normal Hearing: Responsive to Sound, No Ear Problems

Place the puppy on a stable surface and snap your fingers to the side of its head or behind its head. Observe the puppy's reaction. If the puppy actively looks towards the source of the sound, it indicates normal hearing without any obstacles.

Next, fold the puppy's ears outwards and examine the inside of the ears. If there are any unusual smells, sticky residues, redness, wounds, bleeding, or other issues, it may indicate inner ear damage or ear parasites. These are all signs of unhealthy ears.

8. Oral Health: No Abnormal Secretions, White Teeth

A healthy Bichon Frise's mouth will have no secretions other than saliva. If you notice foam-like secretions, it could indicate a health problem. A healthy Bichon Frise will have white teeth. If there is plaque or damage to the teeth, it suggests potential health issues, although this is not a serious problem. It's not ideal for the puppy's overall health.

While bad breath is not a critical issue, it often indicates a problem with the puppy's diet, so it's advisable to be cautious when choosing.

9. Soft Paw Pads: Good Nutrition, No Disease Symptoms

Healthy Bichon Frise paws are soft and tender. If you notice dry, cracked paw pads, it could mean nutritional deficiencies. Hard paw pads could be an early symptom of distemper, so be aware of this.

10. Normal Body Temperature: Health Indicator, Watch for Abnormalities

A healthy Bichon Frise's body temperature should be between 38-39 degrees Celsius. Any temperature outside this range is abnormal.

In addition to these ten key points, here are some other things to keep in mind:

Choose a reputable breeder and inquire about the puppy's parents' health and history of genetic diseases.
Choose a healthy, active puppy that is full of curiosity. Avoid choosing puppies that are overly timid or quiet.
Observe the puppy's interactions with other puppies in the litter. Can it interact harmoniously with other puppies?
Carefully check the puppy's vaccination records to ensure it has received the necessary vaccinations.
Choose the right type of dog food, providing adequate nutrition based on the puppy's age and activity level.
Schedule regular checkups for the puppy and have it dewormed and treated for disease prevention.

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