Why does a bichon get dirty quickly?
The soft, fluffy coat of the Bichon creates the effect of a balloon, but it is because of this feature that it absorbs dust, dirt and even moisture from the air extremely easily. Add to this the playful nature of the bichon, its interest in every bush, puddle or even dust on the pavement and this is the answer to why the day after grooming he looks, to put it mildly, not so snow-white.
The muzzle (from saliva or food), paws, belly and the area around the eyes are especially often soiled. Even a walk on a dry path in the park can leave marks on this delicate coat. And if you go outside after a rainstorm, the whiteness disappears instantly.
Basic rules of care after grooming
To maximize the effect of “just out of the salon”, it is important to spend at least 10 minutes every day to care for the coat. The first and most important thing is regular brushing. It is especially worth combing the paws, belly, chest and muzzle. For this purpose it is best to use a comb with soft teeth or a special brush for fluffy hair.
After each walk, be sure to wipe the paws and lower abdomen with a soft, damp towel or special alcohol-free wipes. Ideally, use an antistatic spray or a light moisturizing foam, which helps to preserve the coat structure and prevents the accumulation of dirt.
A microfiber towel is a very useful thing to have at home – it absorbs moisture well and doesn’t leave lint. And also – dry shampoo in the form of powder or foam: you can use it locally to treat the area of paws or muzzle in case of contamination, without organizing a full bath. And, of course, do not forget that the bichon is not a decoration, but a living creature. Care should be comfortable both for him and for you 💛
How do you walk your bichon so it doesn’t turn into a lump of squish?
Of course, a Bichon will not refuse to run even in the rain, but if you want to keep the result after grooming for at least a few days, you should “optimize” your walks a bit. Avoid parks after rain, puddles, sand and areas with tall grass. It is better to choose dry paved paths or areas where there is less dust and dirt. In wet weather, as well as in the fall or spring, you can’t do without overalls. It should cover the belly, chest and most of the paws, but should be comfortable, soft and not restrict movement.
Sometimes it is better to take a shorter walk on a leash than to spend an hour combing out dirt or drying sticky fur. It is also worth having tissues or a towel with you to clean the dirtiest areas immediately after the walk, before the dirt has time to dry or absorb into the coat. You can go for a walk every day – the main thing is to know the measure and not to expose your snow-white bichon to all elements at once.
What you definitely shouldn’t do after grooming
Immediately after a visit to the groomer, your bichon looks like something out of an advertising brochure. But sometimes it’s because of excessive care that owners spoil the effect. For example, you should not bathe the dog completely the next day – this will wash away all the products that the groomer has applied to protect the coat and make it even more vulnerable to contamination. It is also not recommended to apply perfume or spray, which is not intended for animals – it can cause allergies or even worse, dry out the coat.
Another mistake is to leave tangles, knots and tangles for later. They don’t just look unkempt – they accumulate dirt and moisture, which can cause skin irritation. Combing is a must, and never “dry”: be sure to use a moisturizing spray or conditioner for combing. And most importantly, do not scold your bichon for not being perfectly clean. It’s not his fault that he was born white 🙂
Conclusion
A bichon deserves the best care possible. And although keeping your Bichon perfectly clean for at least three days is already a small victory, the main thing to remember is that regular care, the right habits and love can work wonders. And also a good bichon grooming by a professional groomer, which will become the basis for easy care at home.
At V.O.G DOG SALON we take care of coat health and teach owners how to maintain the result. Our groomers know how to work with the delicate coats of bichons and make them clean and incredibly adorable. Make an appointment with us and you will see the difference!
