Why Is My Bichon Shedding?

ByCoral

Do Bichon Frises Actually Shed?

If you picked a Bichon Frise because you heard they were a “non shedding” breed, finding hair around your home can feel confusing and frustrating. The truth is that Bichon Frises do shed, but they shed differently than most other dogs. Instead of hair falling onto your furniture and clothes, their loose hair gets trapped in their thick, curly coat. This is why they are considered a low shedding breed, not a completely non shedding one.

So if you are noticing more hair loss than expected, something else might be going on. Let’s look at the most common reasons your Bichon might be shedding more than usual and what you can do about it.

Common Reasons Your Bichon Is Shedding

Poor Grooming Habits

The number one reason a Bichon Frise sheds more than expected is a lack of regular grooming. Their curly double coat needs to be brushed at least every other day. When you skip brushing sessions, loose hair builds up and eventually falls out in clumps. Matting can also pull on the skin and cause extra hair loss. Regular brushing keeps the coat healthy and catches loose hair before it ends up on your couch.

Allergies

Bichon Frises are actually one of the breeds most prone to allergies. Food allergies, environmental allergies, and even contact allergies can all cause excessive shedding. If your Bichon is also scratching a lot, has red or irritated skin, or gets frequent ear infections, allergies could be the culprit. Common food triggers include chicken, beef, wheat, and soy. Your vet can help you figure out what your dog is reacting to through elimination diets or allergy testing.

Stress and Anxiety

Bichon Frises are sensitive little dogs who form strong bonds with their people. Changes in routine, a new pet in the house, moving to a new home, or being left alone too long can all trigger stress related shedding. You might notice more hair coming out during vet visits or car rides too. If your Bichon seems anxious, working on separation anxiety and providing a calm environment can help reduce stress shedding.

Seasonal Changes

Even though Bichons do not have the dramatic seasonal “blowouts” that breeds like Huskies experience, they can still shed a bit more during spring and fall. Their coat naturally adjusts to temperature changes throughout the year. This is completely normal and usually resolves on its own within a few weeks.

Nutritional Deficiencies

A poor diet can absolutely cause extra shedding. Dogs need a balanced diet with plenty of protein and healthy fats to maintain a healthy coat. Omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids are especially important for coat health. If you are feeding a lower quality food, switching to a higher quality option with real meat as the first ingredient can make a noticeable difference in your Bichon’s coat within a few weeks.

Medical Conditions

Sometimes excessive shedding points to an underlying health problem. Thyroid issues, Cushing’s disease, fungal infections, and hormonal imbalances can all cause hair loss in Bichon Frises. If the shedding comes with other symptoms like weight changes, lethargy, bald patches, or skin changes, it is time for a vet visit. Early diagnosis and treatment can usually get everything under control.

How to Manage Your Bichon’s Shedding

Keeping your Bichon’s shedding under control comes down to a few key habits. Brush your dog at least three to four times per week using a slicker brush and a comb. Schedule professional grooming appointments every four to six weeks. Feed a high quality diet with omega fatty acids. Keep up with regular vet checkups to catch any health issues early. And give your Bichon plenty of attention and mental stimulation since these dogs thrive on companionship and can stress shed when they feel lonely or anxious.

When to See a Vet

Some shedding is normal, but you should call your vet if you notice bald patches or thinning areas, red, flaky, or irritated skin, excessive scratching or licking, changes in eating or energy levels, or sudden increase in hair loss. These could be signs of something that needs medical attention, and the sooner you address it, the better the outcome for your pup.

Are Bichon Frises supposed to shed at all?

Yes, all dogs shed to some degree. Bichon Frises are considered low shedding because their loose hair gets trapped in their curly coat instead of falling around the house. Regular brushing removes this trapped hair.

How often should I brush my Bichon Frise to reduce shedding?

You should brush your Bichon Frise at least three to four times per week. Daily brushing is even better, especially if your dog spends time outdoors or has a longer coat.

Can changing my Bichon’s food help with shedding?

Yes. Switching to a high quality food with real meat as the first ingredient and plenty of omega fatty acids can significantly improve coat health and reduce excessive shedding within a few weeks.

Is my Bichon shedding because of stress?

It is possible. Bichon Frises are sensitive dogs and stress from changes in routine, separation anxiety, or new environments can cause increased shedding. Providing a calm, consistent environment helps.

From the tiniest Chihuahua to the greatest of Danes, I am simply obsessed with dogs. I’ve been working with dogs professionally for nearly a decade. I managed a private dog daycare and worked as a liaison at the University of Florida Small Animal Hospital.

My experience as the liaison of integrative medicine, neurology, and zoo medicine at UF Small Animal Hospital gave me valuable insight into the challenges faced by pet owners with animals who have medical conditions. My time there also gave me the opportunity to care for a disabled dog and write a book about the experience.

As manager of a dog daycare, I learned about how dogs play and interact, warning signs for aggression, and how to rehabilitate dog-reactive dogs. During my time there I was under the mentorship of two groomers, from whom I learned grooming essentials.

I currently work with high-risk shelter dogs and manage a blog to help other volunteers and foster families. I have two dogs of my own, a Maltese and a Standard Poodle pup.