Problems With Basset Hounds
The basset hound is a droopy-eyed, low-slung dog, originally bred for hunting small game. A scent hound, the basset is renowned for its tracking abilities. The basset is easily recognized by its long ears, which it uses to stir up animal scent from the ground, and the skin folds around its neck hold this scent. Intelligent, loyal and affectionate, the basset hound also makes an excellent family pet. However, there are a few issues particular to this breed that can be problematic for owners of the basset hound.
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Personality Trait Issues
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The basset hound is generally obedient but can be stubborn at times. The dog can "affect poor hearing" when it doesn't want to obey, and can also "pretend to sleep" when it doesn't want to respond to its owner, according to Basset.net. These can be endearing and humorous characteristics of the breed, but can also frustrate the basset owner. This dog can also attempt to be the master of its home, not through aggression but by using its big, sad-looking eyes. The owner should try to resist the basset's attempt at manipulation through cuteness, although this dog seems to know how to use this technique quite well.
Health Issues
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The basset can be affected by several health problems, including obesity, back problems, bloat, hip dysplasia, paneosteitis, ear infections and infections between the toes.
The basset is prone to weight gain and obesity and should only be fed twice a day. In addition to health problems caused by obesity, it also puts stress on the bones of the low-slung basset. The stature of the dog can also lead to back problems and, because of this tendency, the basset should not be allowed to jump off furniture or other structures.
Closely linked to feeding and weight gain is bloat, or gastric torsion, which affects the basset and is a serious medical condition that can occasionally prove fatal. Bloat is caused by a build-up of gas in the stomach that usually occurs when the dog exercises too soon after feeding. Bloat can sometimes lead to "cardiovascular collapse," according to Bassett-Hound.info. The dog owner can help to avoid bloat in the basset by giving the dog time to digest food before any physical activity.
The basset can also suffer from hip dysplasia, which is a "malformation of the hip joint, resulting in a poor fit between the head of the femur bone and the hip socket," according to Bassett-Hound.info. Surgery is sometimes necessary to alleviate this problem.
Paneosteitis, sometimes known as "wandering lameness," occasionally affects young basset. This condition is an inflammation of the bones of the front or hind legs. Paneosteitis is often caused by strenuous activity and usually resolves itself over time.
Ear infections are also common in basset, due to the dog's long, drooping ears. The dog's ears must be kept clean and dry.
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Howling and Wandering
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The basset hound has a tendency to "howl for long periods of time," according to K9web.com. The dog tends to howl due to separation anxiety, but it can also also howl due to fear or excitement, according to Basset-hound-dog.com.
In addition, the dog will wander away from its home if it is not kept in a secured area. This is often because of its exceptional scent skills, as the basset will find a scent and follow it. Unfortunately, the basset rarely seems to follow a scent back home, according to K9web.com.
Drool
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This dog also tends to slobber and the basset is known as a "wet-mouthed" breed. This trait is most often seen immediately after the dog drinks. Although some bassets drool more than others, this slobbering problem is one of the most common reasons the dog is given up for adoption," according to Bassett-Hound.info.
Body Odor
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The basset hound is prone to body odor. This may be because the coat of the dog (especially the male) can very quickly become quite oily. This dog should be bathed "at least once a week," according to Bassetthoundslife.com. This site also recommends using doggy wipes between baths.
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References
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