The Bichon Frise is a cheerful, small companion breed known for its white, curly coat. While generally healthy, Bichons have a significant predisposition to skin allergies and dental issues that can make them moderately expensive to maintain in terms of veterinary care.

Expected Annual Vet Costs

  • Routine preventative care: £100–£200
  • Total annual vet costs including illness/injury: £300–£550
  • Pet insurance: £12–£28/month
  • Professional grooming: £30–£50 every 6–8 weeks
  • Typical lifespan: 12–15 years

Common Health Issues

Skin allergies and atopic dermatitis are the most common and costly health issue for Bichons. Their skin can be extremely sensitive, leading to chronic itching, ear infections, and skin infections. Long-term management with Apoquel (£1–£2 per day) or Cytopoint injections (£60–£120 every 4–8 weeks) is often necessary. Allergy testing costs £200–£400.

Dental disease affects Bichons at high rates. Regular dental cleaning under anaesthetic (£300–£700) may be needed every 1–2 years. Daily brushing is essential to delay progression.

Bladder stones (particularly calcium oxalate stones) are more common in Bichons than many breeds. Surgical removal costs £1,000–£2,500. Prevention with a prescription diet costs £30–£50 per month.

Cataracts and eye conditions can develop, particularly in older dogs. Cataract surgery at a specialist costs £2,000–£3,500 per eye.

Luxating patella is seen at moderate rates. Surgical correction costs £1,000–£2,500 per knee.

Insurance Recommendations

Lifetime cover with at least £5,000 per condition is advisable given the allergy costs and bladder stone risk. Monthly premiums of £12–£28 are typical.

How to Save on Vet Costs

  • Written prescriptions: Allergy medications like Apoquel are 40–70% cheaper from online pharmacies — a major saving when needed daily
  • Daily tooth brushing: Prevents expensive dental procedures
  • Regular grooming: Keeps the coat free from matting that can hide skin problems
  • Compare vet prices: Use VetCost to compare practices (average consultation £62 per CMA data)
  • Adequate hydration: Plenty of fresh water helps prevent bladder stone formation

Last updated: March 2026. Sources: CMA provisional decision (October 2025), Bichon Frise Club of GB, VetCost data.