If you recently got a Basset Hound as a pet, you need to know how often can a Basset Hound be bathed.
Basset Hounds are natural hunters. They love digging holes every time when they are out in nature. They have big and strong nails and there is no chance that those paws are getting home without a ton of mud. So, bathing is obviously a big part of Basset’s life. But, how often can a Basset hound be bathed?
How Often Can a Basset Hound Be Bathed?
How often can a Basset Hound be bathed? A Basset Hound can be bathed as often as every week, but it’s best if you bathe your Basset once a month. The Basset hounds have a smooth and slick coat of fur, and irregular bathing can cause skin issues.
Basset hounds will spend every second of their outdoor time digging a hole or chasing prey. If there is mud or a pothole in their way, they will completely disregard it and will continue on their chase. It’s good for Basset to have physical activity. Also, chasing prey brings them back to their hunting days. But, that means that after the outdoor time, bathing is in order.
I take my Basset hound on daily walks around the block. When we get home, I wipe his paws with baby wipes. Although this type of exercise is enough for Basset, he still needs to go to the park and have a good run. So, when it’s his bath time, I take him to the park and then I give him a nice bath.
Basset hounds have a smooth and slick coat of fur. If you don’t bathe your Basset hound for over 6 weeks, you can expect some kind of skin irritation. Remember, never go over 6 weeks without bathing your Basset hound. Heck, sometimes I bathe my Basset hound twice a week. It all depends on how dirty he gets on his daily walks.
What Kind of Shampoo and Grooming Tools Should I Use On My Basset Hound?
Basset Hounds have many skin folds. This means that they are predisposed to suffering skin-related health issues. They can suffer from many skin issues such as irritation, infection, and other more serious skin conditions. All of this is related to those cute skin folds.
Their skin folds are basically a breeding ground for bacteria. Every time they get dirty and you don’t clean them, there is a good chance that bacteria will grow and infection might occur. You must clean their skin folds every day with baby wipes.
Cleaning the skin folds daily and choosing the best shampoo for your Basset Hound is very important and will make a huge difference in your dog’s skin health. There are many shampoos available on the internet. The one that I use for my Basset hound has ingredients that treat a variety of skin infections, especially fungal infections.
Get one shampoo and bathe your Basset Hound. See how he will react. If for some reason the first shampoo that you choose is not working well, change it until you find a shampoo that will do wonders for your Basset’s skin.
Grooming is also very important for the overall health of your Basset Hound. Do not try to save a couple of dollars by buying cheap grooming tools. You need to have a decent-quality brush, nail trimmer, toothbrush, and toothpaste.
How Often Can I Groom My Basset Hound?
How often can I groom my Basset Hound? Your Basset hound will benefit from daily grooming. Cleaning their eyes and skin folds will help them keep their skin and eyes from getting infected.
To be honest, you won’t be able to groom your Basset hound each day. We all have jobs, wives, and kids to take care of. So, even though daily grooming is best, it is perfectly fine to groom your Basset Hound a few times per week. It’s alright as long as you don’t go months without grooming.
Regular grooming of your Basset Hound will make its coat look nice and its skin healthy. You should get a rubber brush or soft bristle brush. These brushes prevent skin irritation. Always start brushing the back of your Basset hound against the grain of the fur. Then, go with the grain the second time you brush your dog. No need to brush the head because it is a sensitive area.
Can I Give My Basset Hound a Haircut?
Can I give my Basset Hound a haircut? Basset Hounds’ hair doesn’t grow past a particular length and they don’t need a haircut, therefore, no, you shouldn’t give your Basset Hound a haircut.
Trimming your Basset’s hair can be unhealthy and you should always consult with a veterinarian. If the vet recommends that your Basset needs a haircut for some medical reasons, then take your dog to a professional groomer. But, if there is no medical reason, your Basset hound should never get a haircut.
What Are Some Skin Conditions That Basset Hounds Suffer From?
Basset Hounds are dogs that suffer from numerous skin issues due to their skin folds. These skin conditions can be mild or severe, and they depend on the dog’s age and overall health.
Basset mild skin and coat problems can include:
- Itchy skin
- Inflammation
- Hotspots
- Odors
Basset complex skin issues can include:
- Mange
- Allergies
- Dermatitis
- Flank Alopecia
If you ever notice some skin irritation or an odor, call your veterinarian and schedule an appointment. Usually, these skin conditions are mild in the beginning and can grow more serious if not treated on time.
Can I Keep My Basset Hound Clean Without Baths?
Can I keep my Basset Hound clean without baths? There is no way to clean your Basset hound clean without baths. Bathing is a necessary part of life for both dogs and humans. Wiping your Basset hound with baby wipes instead of bathing can cause skin problems in the long run.
It is important to introduce your Basset hound to baths at an early age. Grooming rituals should be more frequent while the Basset is still young so he can get used to it. You can and should only wipe your Basset’s paws with baby wipes when you get back from a walk.
Do not try and substitute bathing with wiping. The Basset Hound’s skin folds and bathing is needed in order to kill the bacteria that are breeding within those skin folds.
Learn How To How To Bathe Your Basset Hound – The Proper Way.
