Skip to content

Four Paws Veterinary Clinic

Home arrow Newsletter arrow Meet the Basset Hound
Meet the Breed

The Basset Hound

The Basset Hound is a calm, good-natured and affectionate breed originating in France. Despite a deliberate, unhurried manner and captivatingly, clownish demeanor, the Basset Hound possesses great intelligence and what may often be viewed as stubbornness may more appropriately be attributed to an innate ingenuity. Gentle and sociable in nature, the easy-going Basset Hound is loyal to master and family, devoted to children and mild-mannered and friendly towards other animals.

Although compared to many other breeds, the Basset has relatively fewer inherited diseases, it is sill necessary to know about the following health problems that can occur.

Glaucoma: Symptoms of this eye disorder include painful, bulging eyes and sensitivity to light. This requires immediate veterinary attention.

Eyelid and eyelash problems: Bassets are prone to ectropian ( a turning out of the eyelids), resulting in a dry cornea, and entropian ( a turning in of the eyelids), causing lashes to dig into the surface of the eye. Both conditions can be surgically corrected.

Allergies: Some Bassets may be prone to allergies, dermatitis and seborrhea.

Ear Infections: The Basset’s long ears do not allow sufficient circulation of air. Ear infections often develop because owners are not diligent about cleaning their Basset’s ears every week.

Obesity: Obesity is especially harmful for long-backed breeds like Bassets. Spines and joints cannot handle the stress of excess weight.

The unique structure and size of the Basset Hound mean little extra care on the part of its owner. The long ears of a Basset Hound do not allow good circulation of air and are therefore prone to infection. Owners need to clean the inside of the ears at least once weekly with a mild cleaner. With its droopy haw, the Basset’s eyes are prone to irritation. Eyes should be checked and gently cleaned whenever necessary. A Basset’s teeth and gums should be kept clean and healthy. Teeth should be brushed daily and checked for tarter on a regular basis. A Basset’s nails need to be kept short to prevent soreness and stress on the feet. The Basset’s coat should be brushed weekly with a grooming mitt. Shedding coats are best handled with a shedding rake or slicker brush. They can be bathed as often as necessary with a dog shampoo. It is not recommended to bath more than once a month.

The best place to obtain a well-bred Basset Hound is from a reputable breeder. At all costs, avoid backyard breeders and puppy mills, who work with poor quality bloodlines which may be genetically prone to a host of health problems. A reputable breeder will ask many questions of prospective owners in order to ensure their puppy is going to a good home. Unless other arrangements are made, usually they will require the pets they sell be spayed or neutered. Most reputable breeders will stand behind the health of their puppies and will want to be contacted if a puppy they bred must be placed in a new home.

Basset Rescue groups are devoted to finding homes for Basset Hounds that have been abandoned or given up by their owners. Many of these Bassets end up in local humane shelters. Basset rescue groups have been formed in many parts of the country and local Basset breed clubs may support a Basset Rescue group which tries to find new families for these abandoned Bassets.

1. Once you have decided a Basset Hound is right for your family, here are a few preventative health measures that you can take to help your 2. 2. Basset enjoy a long and healthy life.

3. Buy a Basset Hound from a reputable breeder who will stand behind the health of the puppy.

4. Don’t over feed your Basset. Obesity is harmful to your Basset’s heart, spine, and joints.

5. Religiously clean your Basset’s ears once a week, trim toenails as needed, and brush teeth daily.

6. Give your Basset regular heartworm medication and flea and tick preventative

7. Vaccinated your Basset

8. Never let your Basset wander loose.

9. If there is any sign of a medical problem contact your veterinarian immediately.
 

Clinic Hours

DOCTORS’ HOURS BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
7:00am - 7:00pm
Tuesday, Friday
7:00am - 6:00pm
Saturday
8:00am - 12:00pm