How to Clean a Bichon

Dogs with long hair, such as the bichon frise, require more grooming and care than short-haired dogs. A properly groomed bichon frise has a fluffy, clean, white coat with no tangles or mats. The bichon frise needs daily brushing and a monthly bath. Grooming and bathing a bichon frise sometimes takes several hours, so many owners rely on professional groomers for the task. Bathing your own pet, however, is an ideal way to save money and bond with your dog.

Things You'll Need

  • Pin brush
  • Cotton balls
  • Dog shampoo
  • Rubber bath mat
  • Cup or spray hose
  • Towel
  • Hairdryer
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Instructions

    • 1

      Lie the bichon on its side. Use a pin brush to gently brush the dog's fur up and away from the skin. If you find a knot, work it out with a comb.

    • 2

      Cover the bottom of a bathtub or sink with a rubber bath mat. This helps prevent slipping.

    • 3

      Insert one cotton ball in each ear. If too much water gets into your dog's ears, it sometimes causes an ear infection. The cotton balls keep water out of the dog's ears.

    • 4

      Place the bichon in the tub or sink. If your dog seems nervous or upset, give it a treat and offer praise to comfort it. A partner can help you hold the dog down if it tries to jump out of the tub.

    • 5

      Wet the bichon's fur with warm water. Squirt some dog shampoo into your hands and rub them together to create a lather.

    • 6

      Shampoo the 's head, including behind the ears and under the chin. Avoid the dog's eyes when shampooing its head. Massage shampoo into the dog's neck, back, stomach and legs. Shampoo the tail and rectal area.

    • 7

      Rinse the bichon with warm, clean water. If the bichon is very dirty, rinse the dog until the water runs clear.

    • 8

      Wrap a towel around the dog. Take it out of the sink or tub and gently dry it with the towel. After you remove most of the water, use a hairdryer set to the lowest heat setting to finish drying the dog. Brush the bichon to prevent mats and tangles from forming.