Basset Hound owners are often greeted with a reeking smell from their pets. But Why? Why do Basset Hounds smell so bad?
Basset Hounds have skin with a lot of folds, which often traps saliva, food, sweat, dirt, and oil and leads to a pungent smell. Additionally, they have a very active apocrine gland responsible for producing oils that can contribute to body odor.
Further, we will look into some more reasons why they smell and also learn how to fix it.
Reasons why Basset Hounds Smell So Bad
There are several reasons why a Basset Hound may have a funky smell; let’s look into them:
Distinct Body Odor
All hound dogs have a distinct smell of their own. In the past, when they were used for hunting, this smell helped their pack track their whereabouts.
It’s like their natural body smell. You may cover this smell using expensive shampoos and doggy perfumes for a couple of days until their natural smell takes over.
And being a basset owner myself, I can tell you it’s not a bad odor. Once your nose gets used to this smell, you kinda start liking it.
Dirt in excess skin and a droopy face
Another reason for the strong scent of Basset Hounds could be their droopy face and folded skin. This excess skin can trap dirt, bacteria, and moisture, creating an unpleasant smell. Basset Hounds are also prone to ear infections, which can contribute to the odor.
Now, this smell can be pretty bad. And to prevent this, you will have to bathe your basset atleast once a month. And wipe them down with wet towels in between.
Dirty fur and paws
The smell could be of dirt and mud trapped in their paws. It’s common for dogs to step on their own pee. So the smell could also be of their dried-up pee.
If that’s the case, you must clean their paws and the lower part of their body with wet wipes or a towel.
Ear Infection
The smell could have been coming from their ears. Basset hounds have droopy ears, which block sunlight and airflow and create a moist environment. This makes them more prone to infections than other breeds.
The infection could be the reason behind their unpleasant odor.
To avoid this, make sure to regularly clean your basset hound’s ears.
What Can You Do About the Smell?
There are some simple steps you can take to help reduce your basset hound’s funky smell.
Keep Up With Basic Hygiene
First and foremost, it’s important to keep up with regular grooming, which includes brushing, bathing, and ear cleanings.
A thorough bath can do wonders. It can help remove excess oil and dirt from their coat. But don’t overdo it. Bathing them once a month is more than enough. Doing it more often can strip off essential oil from their skin, making it dry and irritated.
Apart from that, clean their ears regularly. They can be a breeding ground for bacteria and yeast if not kept clean. Check and clean your basset hound’s ears at least once a week to prevent funky smells.
Keep them on a Good Quality Diet.
In addition, it’s a good idea to pay attention to what your basset hound eats.
A healthy diet can improve their overall health and make them smell better. A diet rich in essential fatty acids and protein can help maintain a shiny coat and healthy skin, which can help reduce odor-causing bacteria.
Please consult your veterinarian before making any dietary changes to your Basset Hound.
Medical Issue
If you have ruled out all the above points, there’s a possibility there could be a medical issue behind the smell.
It’s always best to consult your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health problems.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, while it’s true that basset hounds are known for smelling bad, it’s not something that can’t be managed with proper grooming and care.
