The very physique that makes the Basset Hound such an endearing breed means regular grooming is a vital part of the day to day activity of owning a Basset. Short-legged, so low to the ground, their long velvety ears drag along the floor and in everything they eat, drink and sniff. Regular cleaning of their ears is therefore essential to prevent unpleasant odours, ear infections and the build up of food and dirt.
How to Clean a Basset Hound's Inner and Outer Ears
The outside of a Basset Hound's ears should be cleaned at least a couple of times a week. It can easily be achieved by sponging the ends of the ears with warm water and a small amount of mild dog shampoo. Then rinse with warm water and dry with a soft towel. Basset Hounds have a small pocket of skin just inside each ear lobe which aids their ability to trap scents but can also store dirt and needs to be checked for any inflammation and included in the cleaning regime.
The inner-ear canals should be clear. This can be achieved by using a specially produced dog ear cleaning solution once a week. A small amount of lotion should be squirted into each ear, then the ear massaged gently for 1 to 2 minutes before removing the excess with a clean cotton wool pad or ball. It is important never to probe the inside of the ear.
In addition to their ears, some heavy set Basset Hounds suffer with dirt, food and sweat becoming trapped in the rolls of skin in their neck and chest area which can lead to unpleasant odours, skin irritation and possible infection. Clean these areas at the same time as the outer ears, by sponging with warm water and a mild dog shampoo, rinse with clean warm water and then dry with a soft towel. Most dogs are happy to have a wash and love the cuddles that come with drying off in a big, soft towel.
Symptoms of an Ear Infection in a Basset Hound
Cleaning the inside of the ears once a week is sufficient under normal circumstances and while it is advisable to check the inner and outer ears for any cuts, inflammation or redness, sometimes ear infections arise despite all attempts at cleaning. If an ear infection is suspected the Basset Hound may have one or more of these symptoms and the dog should be taken to the vet:
- Vigorous and continuous shaking of the head.
- Repeatedly scratching the ear(s).
- Holding the head to one side.
- Inflammation and/or redness inside the ear canal.
- Unpleasant odour coming from inside the ear.
- Sound of liquid inside the ear when massaged.
This is by no means an exhaustive list of symptoms so if there are any doubts a vet should be consulted.
Keeping Basset Hound's Teeth Clean
As with human beings dogs can suffer from gum disease, caused by the build up of plaque and tartar around the gum line. Keeping a Basset Hound's teeth clean can be achieved by including the brushing of their teeth with dog toothpaste and a toothbrush, once a week as part of a regular grooming regime.
Some dogs dislike this activity, but if encouraged from a young age a Basset can come to enjoy having their teeth cleaned. Most dog teeth cleaning kits include a soft rubber fingertip brush that can be used on puppies so that they get used to the activity of teeth cleaning before they get their adult teeth. By placing a very small amount of toothpaste onto the tip of the finger brush and rubbing gently across the gums and teeth the owner can make the whole experience a fun one. As the dog ages, cleaning changes to the dog toothbrush and like our own teeth it is advisable to brush vigorously up and down and along the gum line all around the mouth.
A healthy Basset Hound mouth should have teeth clear of tartar and pink healthy gums, with no inflammation. If the gums or teeth bleed when they are being cleaned, or any swellings or unusual growths are spotted on the gums, it is advisable to consult a vet in case of gum disease or other problems.
In addition to weekly teeth brushing, a daily treat of dental sticks or bones, specially shaped to clean teeth and massage the gums as they are eaten, will aid the cleaning of the dog's teeth. Tough raw hide bones or hard plastic bones, avaliable for the dog to chew at anytime will also help to keep their teeth and gums healthy. Regular cleaning by the vet is an uncomfortable experience for a Basset Hound and a costly one for the owner so regular cleaning of the dog's teeth and gums will help to keep their mouth healthy.
Sources
- The Basset Hound, author Marianne.R Nixon, published 1999
- Online at Pedigree-dentastix.fr
- Basset Hounds (Complete Pet Owner's Manual), author Joe Stahlkuppe, published 29 Aug 2008
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