Basset Hound Oral Health
If you’re a proud owner of one of these adorable dogs, you’re well aware of their unique characteristics and needs. Today, we’re focusing on a crucial aspect of their care—dental health.
Understanding Basset Hound Dental Needs
Dental health often goes unnoticed until problems arise. Bassets are prone to dental issues due to their small jaws, which can lead to overcrowded teeth. This overcrowding makes it difficult to keep their teeth clean, leading to a buildup of tartar and plaque and without proper care, this can result in swollen gums, tooth decay, and infection.
How to Keep Your Basset Hound’s Teeth Clean
- Start Young: Introduce your Basset Hound puppy to dental hygiene early on. Use coconut oil on your finger to rub their teeth and gums each day, especially when they are calm or sleepy. This early introduction helps in getting them used to regular dental care routines.
- Chew Toys and Dental Chews: Provide plenty of chew toys and specifically dental chew toys. Chewing helps in scraping off plaque from their teeth, naturally aiding in cleaning. Bully sticks are great natural chews that promote dental health by reducing plaque and tartar buildup. They’re also very low in fat which is why they’re highly recommended for Basset Hounds who always need to keep their weight in check. Learn the difference about what makes some bully sticks better than others.
- Regular Brushing: Begin brushing their teeth around 12 weeks of age. Aim for daily brushing, but if that’s not possible, try and ensure it’s done 2-3 times a week with a pet toothbrush and dog-specific toothpaste.
- Dental Powder Cleanser: Consider adding a dental powder cleanser to their water. This is an effortless way to help keep their teeth clean and reduce plaque buildup.
- Consistent Effort: Dental care isn’t a one-off task but a consistent effort. Keeping up with a regular routine is crucial for preventing dental diseases. Giving your Basset hard chews is an easy way to help with your dog’s oral health with a minimum of effort.
Dealing with Drooling
Basset Hounds are also known for their drooling. Managing excessive drooling involves a combination of behavioral training, diet adjustments, and ensuring they have plenty of water. Chew toys and treats can help keep them distracted and reduce drooling, especially during times of stress or anxiety.
Professional Dental Cleaning
Despite your best efforts at home, your Basset Hound might still need a professional dental cleaning from time to time. This involves general anesthesia to allow the vet to thoroughly clean their teeth, check for any issues, and remove any teeth that require extraction. Post-cleaning, maintaining a good oral hygiene routine at home is essential to prevent plaque from returning.
Final Thoughts
Oral health is directly linked to your Basset Hound’s overall well-being. By following these guidelines, you can help ensure your Basset Hound maintains a healthy mouth, preventing bad breath, tooth loss, and systemic infections. Remember, a happy Basset Hound is a healthy one, and taking care of their dental health is a key part of their happiness.
