Signs That a Bichon Frise May Be Sick
Sign 1: Fever. Fever can be dangerous and should never be ignored. A Bichon's normal body temperature is higher than a human's, and puppies usually run even warmer.
Sign 2: Trembling. Abnormal shaking may indicate nervous system problems such as encephalitis or canine distemper. If your Bichon trembles in a sick or unusual way, take it to a veterinarian without delay.
Sign 3: Loss of appetite. If there is nothing wrong with the food but your Bichon suddenly eats much less than usual, illness may be the cause. Many diseases can reduce or completely suppress appetite, including digestive disorders and acute infectious diseases.
How to Respond When a Bichon Frise Is Sick
Sign 4: Difficulty breathing. If breathing becomes noticeably faster and deeper, your dog may have a respiratory disease such as tracheitis, bronchitis, or even a collapsed lung. This should be taken seriously.
Sign 5: Constipation. If bowel movements become difficult or irregular, adjust the diet promptly. Otherwise, more serious digestive problems may follow.
Sign 6: Diarrhea. Mild diarrhea may simply be caused by overeating or indigestion, and a short fast may help. However, diarrhea caused by parasites or infectious disease is much more serious and should not be underestimated.
Sign 7: Vomiting. Dogs sometimes vomit after swallowing a foreign object or from motion sickness, and that can be normal. But if the vomiting is severe and includes not only food but also stomach fluid or water, gastritis may be involved and medical attention is needed quickly.