How to Groom a Basset Hound

The Basset Hound is a short but heavy and long breed. It is most recognized for its large, thick hanging ears, the loose skin hanging from much of its body and its many facial wrinkles. Their short, hard coats appear in variations of white, red, tan, black and lemon. Basset Hounds are fairly easy to groom.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Natural bristle brush
• Hound glove
• Cotton pads
• Nail clippers
• Dog shampoo
• Soft towel
• Baby powder
• Coat conditioner
• Dog toothpaste
• Dog toothbrush

1. Brush your Basset Hound weekly with a natural bristle brush. You also may do a good rubdown using a hound glove to keep his hair smooth and shiny.

2. Wipe out her ears at least once a week with a moist cotton pad. This breed's long, thick ears collect a lot of dirt, debris and food. If not cleaned, they become easily irritated and infected.

3. Trim his nails every 1 to 3 weeks with dog nail clippers to help him walk correctly and balance his weight. Be sure to avoid clipping the quick of the nails, as they bleed and cause pain.

4. Bathe your Basset Hound every 2 to 3 months or when she begins to take on odor. Wash twice with a regular dog shampoo, as this breed tends to retain odor from its oily coat.

5. Make sure you dry the folds in his facial wrinkles with a soft towel. Apply a small amount of baby powder in the folds to help avoid skin problems.

6. Finish the bathing process with a final coat conditioner. Lightly rub and distribute conditioner through her coat with a gentle brush.

7. Use a cotton pad moistened with water to clean out dirt from his eyes when needed.

Tips & Warnings

• Basset Hounds are more prone to tartar build up than most breeds. Brush their teeth regularly with a dog toothbrush and toothpaste.
• Help avoid infection by squeezing his anal sacs to empty them.