How to Keep Your Bichon's Eyes White: A Grooming Guide

Things You'll Need

• Dog grooming scissors

• Cloth wipes

Bichons are cute, fluffy little dogs. When groomed properly, their solid white coats almost gleam. One common problem that pet owners encounter with the Bichon Frise is keeping the area around the Bichon's eyes white. Because the Bichon is so white, tear stains stand out prominently — detracting from the dog's overall appearance. With a little work, there are ways to mitigate the amount of tear staining evident in the Bichon.

Step 1

Trim the hair around your Bichon's eyes, using dog grooming scissors, so that the drainage from the eyes does not accumulate. This can be done at your Bichon's regular grooming appointment.

Step 2

Clean the area around the eyes frequently, using cloth wipes. Use a mild shampoo, diluted lemon juice, salt water, or a product made to remove tear stains available at most pet stores.

Step 3

Give your dog distilled water to drink. Some breeders believe that iron in the regular tap water causes the pink or red color of tear staining, according to the Bichon Frise Club of America, Inc .

Step 4

Feed the Bichon a high-quality dog food.

Step 5

Check with your veterinarian if there is a significant discharge from your Bichon's eyes. Tear staining is usually harmless, however; your dog may have an infection, blocked tear ducts, inward growing eyelashes or another condition that a veterinarian can best assess and treat.