How Much Do Basset Hounds Smell? Vet-Reviewed Facts & Care Tips

Every dog comes with its pros and cons. While the Basset Hound is known for its charming, patient demeanor, it is also known for being smelly. The Basset Hound is short enough to collect more dirt and grime while walking. Likewise, its wrinkly skin can trap moisture, oils, and debris, making the foul dog smell even more potent.

Thankfully, their smell can be managed with proper care. The only time that a Basset Hound will smell truly awful is often associated with underlying issues such as skin infections, ear infections, or inadequate grooming. To learn more about grooming your Basset Hound, keep reading below.

Do Basset Hounds Shed?

While it may seem that a Basset Hound shouldn’t shed much due to its short, sleek coat, that isn’t necessarily the case. Basset Hounds aren’t excessive shedders, but you will notice your dog’s fur building up in every corner of the house without regular brushing.

By brushing once or twice a week, you are not only minimizing loose hairs around your house, but you are also helping distribute natural skin oils and remove debris, which supports overall skin and coat health.

How to Groom Your Basset Hound

Most of the care that goes into grooming your Basset Hound will look the same as that of any other dog. You must brush your Basset Hound’s teeth daily or at least several times per week with canine toothpaste and trim their nails every month or so. Cleaning your dog’s ears regularly will also help keep your pup in top shape. This is especially important for Basset Hounds, as their ears are prone to trapping debris and moisture.

How often you bathe your Basset Hound depends on how dirty it gets. A monthly bath may be enough if your Basset Hound spends most of its time indoors and avoids mud puddles. On the other hand, if your pup explores the outdoors and comes back with dirt all over it, more frequent bathing may be appropriate, but care should be taken to avoid overbathing, which can disrupt the skin barrier.

There are some areas where you will need to pay special attention to your Basset Hound. The folds of your dog’s skin can trap moisture, oils, and debris, which may contribute to odor or skin irritation if not cleaned regularly. You can use a soft, damp cloth and ensure the area is dried thoroughly afterward to clean the folds of your dog’s skin.

Just ensure the folds are completely dry, or the moisture may become trapped and increase the risk of skin irritation or infection. Basset Hounds have droopy eyes that can allow debris and tear staining to accumulate. Wiping gently around this area can keep your dog’s eyes clean and healthy.

Basset Hounds May Be Prone to Sensitive Skin

Something you should know about your Basset Hound is that it may be predisposed to certain skin conditions, including dermatitis and infections, particularly within skin folds. During grooming, you should watch for anything amiss with your dog’s skin or coat that could indicate an underlying health condition.

Signs of skin conditions in dogs include:

• Excessive scratching or licking
• Redness or discoloration of the skin
• Inflammation
• Rashes or bald spots
• Scaly patches
• Scabs
• Lumps
• Lesions
• Hot spots

You may also notice your Basset Hound chews or paws at specific areas on its skin. These signs may vary depending on the condition, so reach out to a vet promptly if you notice one or more of these signs in your dog.

Other Reasons Your Dog May Smell Bad

While the Basset Hound is prone to having a more noticeable natural odor compared to some breeds, there are times when your dog’s stink has more to do with their health than with their grooming. If you’ve kept up with your Basset Hound’s cleanliness and care, there may be an underlying medical condition causing the smell.

Secondary yeast or bacterial infections could be behind your dog’s odor. To determine if there is something more serious causing your dog’s bad smell, watch for these signs:

• Discomfort: If your Basset Hound appears uncomfortable, it could be because its skin is itchy. Signs of itchiness in dogs include licking, rubbing, and head shaking.
• Increasingly bad smell: If you noticed the smell a few days ago and it is only getting worse, that is a huge indicator that something is amiss.
• Damage or discoloration to the skin and coat: If your dog’s fur is missing or its skin has changed color, your dog may have an infection.

When you notice any of these signs, reach out to a vet.

Conclusion

While Basset Hounds are prone to being stinky, it is nothing that proper grooming and routine care can’t usually help manage. With meaningful, regular cleaning, your Basset Hound can smell less offensive. If you notice that your dog’s stink doesn’t go away even after bathing or wiping it down, there is a chance that your dog has a skin infection, especially since Basset Hounds are predisposed to certain skin conditions.

If you suspect something is amiss with your dog’s health, don’t delay getting the help your dog needs so it can be fresh and happy again.

• See also: Will a Basset Hound Be Good With My Kids? Facts & FAQ

Featured Image Credit: Ewa Studio, Shutterstock