Dragana has a Bichon and wants to know what she should do to prevent matting. She has been warned that a Bichon must be brushed regularly or the coat will tangle, and she was even frightened with claims that wounds can develop beneath mats. These are common concerns among owners of this breed.
Proper Routine and the Bichon
A proper routine includes regular bathing and brushing exclusively during the drying and blow-drying process. Brushing is not dismissed as an idea, it is simply moved to another phase of the dog’s care. In this phase, you achieve a healthier, well-maintained coat, and your relationship with the dog improves significantly. What is the value of an unmatted coat if the dog is unhappy?
With an unhappy dog, it is impossible to build a good relationship if the dog approaches you out of fear or because it is being bribed with food. Only professional groomers can develop a comfortable dry-brushing technique in which both the person and the Bichon feel at ease. When the coat is dry and brushed incorrectly, the process is painful, and the hair tangles more than it is actually brushed out. Because the Bichon’s coat is very dense, with a thick undercoat and curls, maintaining it with dry brushing is extremely difficult.
The Importance of Blow-Drying and Equipment
Brushes used during blow-drying must be of precise quality, firmness, and pin shape so they can penetrate the coat correctly. That is why I repeatedly emphasize how important it is to bathe a Bichon regularly and, as part of that routine, brush only during blow-drying.
How often this should be done depends on age, nutrition, and lifestyle, but it can generally be carried out every 5, 7, or 10 days. An adult dog that is maintained regularly can be bathed every 10 to 15 days, with mandatory use of both shampoo and conditioner. Conditioner further supports proper coat growth and helps keep it clean. Remember, brushing only during blow-drying. This eliminates the fear of matting and provides the dog with a higher quality of life.
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The key to success: Bichon brushing brings results only during the blow-drying process.
Why Do Wounds Develop in Bichons?
It is true that when the coat becomes matted, wounds can form beneath the mats. Because the Bichon has a dense undercoat, oxygen cannot reach the skin. Lack of oxygen, combined with moisture and a body temperature of about 38°C, creates ideal conditions for bacteria to develop, infect the skin, and cause painful sores. Proper hydration and correct drying technique are the best forms of prevention.
At Sasha Riess, we advocate for grooming methods that respect both canine anatomy and psychology. Shifting care to wet-brushing ensures your Bichon lives a life of comfort and pureloveandharmony. Protect their skin: Linktree Sasha Riess