How long do bichon frises live

One of the best things you can do for your Bichon is to have her spayed neutered for males. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop.

For example, if your pet needs hip X-rays or a puppy tooth extracted, this would be a good time. This is convenient for you and easy for your friend. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions for common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk.

Bichons are prone to multiple types of heart disease, which can occur both early and later in life. Veterinary dental care and weight control go a long way in preventing heart disease. Bichons are susceptible to a condition called Patent Ductus Arteriosis, in which a small vessel that carries blood between two parts of the heart does not close shortly after birth as it should. This results in too much blood being carried to the lungs, fluid build-up, and strain on the heart.

Outward signs may be mild or you may see coughing, fatigue during exercise, weight loss, shortness of breath, or weakness in the hind limbs. We listen for a specific type of heart murmur to diagnose this problem during his examinations. If your pal has this condition, we may recommend surgery to close the problematic vessel.

Heart failure is a leading cause of death among Bichon Frises in their golden years. Most heart disease in dogs is caused by weakening of a valve. A heart valve slowly becomes deformed so that it no longer closes tightly. Blood then leaks back around this valve and strains the heart. Pets with heart valve disease sometimes called mitral valve disease have a heart murmur. The same tests will need to be repeated at least every year to monitor the condition. If heart valve disease is diagnosed early, we may be able to prescribe medications that could prolong his life for many years.

Veterinary dental care and fatty acid supplementation can help prevent heart disease and weight control can help diminish symptoms. Some breeds like your Bichon can be born with a variety of heart defects. They can also cause problems with the electrical signals that control the heartbeat or with heart valve function. Special testing will be recommended if we hear a heart murmur or you notice any unusual symptoms such as tiring easily, coughing, a swollen belly, or fainting.

Your Bichon is more likely than other dogs to have a liver disorder called portosystemic shunt PSS. Some of the blood supply that should go to the liver goes around it instead, depriving the liver of the blood flow it needs to grow and function properly. If your friend has PSS, his liver cannot remove toxins from his bloodstream effectively.

Surgery may be needed, but in some cases, we can treat with a special diet and medication. Unfortunately, American Water Spaniels can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs of concern.

Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older Bichons. Many dogs adjust well to losing their vision and get along just fine. Surgery to remove cataracts and restore sight may also be an option.

Glaucoma, an eye condition that affects Bichon Frises and people too, is an extremely painful disease that rapidly leads to blindness if left untreated. It may be small, but it requires exercise daily, which can be easily fulfilled with a nice romp in the yard, a lively indoor game, or a short leash-led walk.

The powder-puff white coat requires combing, as well as brushing on alternate days, to keep it dirt-free. It also needs trimming and scissoring once a month. Although the Bichon does not shed, its loose hairs tend to get knotted and may even mat in the coat. In addition, the coat's whiteness may be difficult to maintain in certain areas.

The Bichon dog breed, with a lifespan of about 12 to 15 years, is prone to some serious health problems like hyperadrenocorticism , allergies, and patellar luxation , or from less serious conditions like cataract and canine hip dysplasia CHD ; Legg-Perthes and liver disease may also affect the breed. To identify some of these issues, a veterinarian may run hip, knee and eye exams on the dog.

They were bred on the Canary Island of Tenerife, where Spanish seamen used them as barter items while on their travels. In the s, Italian seafarers rediscovered the little dogs on their voyages and brought them back to Europe. Soon thereafter, the dogs became a favorite among Italian nobles. However, meeting a Bichon in line at the vet is as easy as meeting any other pet. Most often, a doctor is consulted with:. With extreme caution, the owner of bichons must take the vaccination of their pets.

There are frequent cases of adverse reactions in the form of rashes. If, after the vaccination, the dog begins to behave anxiously, it is necessary to contact the veterinarian as soon as possible. Your email address will not be published. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Username or Email Address. Remember Me.

An older Bichon who does not respond to you is not necessarily ignoring you. She may be developing dementia or otherwise losing her hearing. And, believe it or not, a dog's brain shrinks as she ages. So she may take longer to respond to you because she's not receiving the messages as quickly or clearly as she once did. Of course, none of us is immortal — not even our beloved canine companions.

You can do everything right, but when it's your Bichon's time, it's her time. Coping with the loss of a pet can be one of the most painful things to experience, mainly because many do not properly understand it. Don't let anyone belittle you for grieving over a pet. Pets are kinder to us than most humans. They are with us for several years of our lives, through the good and the bad. However, remember that health and other factors, such as genetics, can largely affect each individual dog's lifespan, no matter the breed.

The five dog breeds with the longest lifespans include:. It's no coincidence that these are all small dog breeds. If a short lifespan is something you fear, then you may want to avoid adopting one of the following breeds. Of course, this again is only an average. However, when compared to these five breeds, the Bichon outlives them by several years.