Basset Health

Looking after the Basset Hound 

CHOCOLATE AND DOGS DON'T MIX

Milk chocolate is obtained from seeds of theobroma cacao after fermentation and roasting. Milk chocolate has about 44 mg/ounce of theobromine; a 4.5 oz. milk chocolate bar has about 240 mgs. of theobromine. Unsweetened baking chocolate has even more -- about 390 to 450 mgs of theobromine per ounce.
Relative theobromine content per ounce for various products is:
Milk chocolate: 44 - 60 mgs/ounce
Unsweetened baking chocolate: 450 mg/oz
Cacao meal: 300 - 900 mg/oz
Cacao beans: 300 - 1200 mg/oz
Hot chocolate: 13 mg/oz
The lethal dosage of theobromine in dogs is between 250 and 500 mgs/kg, or about 2/3 to 1 1/3 of baking chocolate for every 2.2 pounds of body weight. However, serious non-fatal poisonings have been reported in dogs after eating smaller amounts.
At our practice, a 20-pound dachshund showed serious signs of poisoning after eating 3/4 of a pound of milk chocolate and another 22-pound dog died after eating two pounds of baking chocolate.
Deaths due to theobromine have been documented in horses who ate cocoa bean hulls used in bedding and in other livestock fed cocoa waste products. No chocolate poisonings have been reported in cats, which is probably a reflection of their eating habits.
The the first signs of chocolate poisoning are vomiting and diarrhea, increased urination and nausea. These can progress to cardiac arrhythmias and seizures.
Dogs definitely have a sweet tooth. Dog-proof for home to keep your dog safe. Milk chocolate should never be given to your pet and it should be kept well out of reach. Unsweetened baking chocolate should be kept in closed containers in upper, latched cupboards.
If your dog eats potentially dangerous amounts of chocolate and you can get the pet to your vet within two hours, vomiting can be induced to remove the poison. If longer than two hours has passed, the animal may need to be seen and treated.
Direct any questions you may have to your veterinarian.

EXERCISING YOUR
BASSET HOUND

Bassetsneed only moderate amounts of exercise and new puppies who have regular access to a fenced yard will usually getenough physical activity.  Itis important not to over-exercise a puppy while their muscles and bonesare still forming, and until the age of  about 6 months, it isimportant that puppies be allowed to have a sleep after their playperiod or exercise. Families with children, who buy a new Basset as apet or show prospect, must ensure that these children understand theneed for their puppy to rest and recover. Because a Basset’s short legsrestrict it's speed and do not allow it to easily keep up with someonewho is running, a daily walk, with regular stops,to sniff and explorethe local scents, is one of the best forms of exercise for you and yournew best friend.

 GROOMING THE BASSET HOUND

Theunique physical characteristics and size of the Basset Hound, means a little extra care is required. 

 Cleaning the ears

The Basset Hound's do not allow good circulation of air and they aretherefore prone to infection.  Ownersneed to clean the inside of their Basset’s ears at least once a week with a mildastringent or one of the many ear cleaners available from your local petstore or veterinarian.  Afterthe cleaning solution is applied to the inside of the ear and yourfriend shakes it out all over you, use tissues, cotton-buds or babywipes to clean away the dirt. Start cleaning your new puppy’s ears assoon as you bring him home to get him used t the process. Owners shouldalso check frequently inside and around the ears for parasites likemites or ticks. 

 
Cleaning the eyes

With itsdroopy skin, the Basset’s eyes are susceptible to irritation. Eyes should bechecked and gently cleaned whenever necessary.

 
Cleaning the teeth

It is important for owners to keep the Basset’steeth and gums clean and healthy. Teethshould be brushed and checked for tartar deposits on a regular basis,and if you are knowledgeable with the use of a scaler, small tartardeposits can be carefully removed at home.  Heavytartar  and scale build-up should be removed by your veterinarian.

 
Trimming the toenails 

A Basset’stoenails need to be kept short to prevent soreness and undue stress on their feet.Nails should be trimmed every 10 to 14 days and various types of nailclippers are available for this purpose. Some owners use tools such as a "Dremel" high speed tool to grind andshape the nails, though many dogs are not happy about the noise.Your veterinarian will be happy to teach you how to trim yourBasset’s nails if needed.  Mostpuppies will resist nail trimming, but with a bit of patience and agentle approach  they will soon learn not to resist your efforts inthis important part of grooming.

  
Grooming the coat 

Brush theBasset coat at least once weekly with a grooming mitt or similar. Coats which are shedding are best handledwith a  shedding comb. Gently clean the head and ears with a damp cloth, as these areas do not shed to much hair.

 
Bathing 

Bassetscan be bathed as often as you deem necessary with a dog shampoo or gentle human shampoo.  Manyowners also regularly use aflea and tick shampoo ar additive in the normal shampoo. Thorough rinsing is necessary to ensure no soap is left in the coat. Care must be taken to avoid getting shampoo and soapy water inside the ears, and cottonballs can be placed inside the ear canals to assist in this. Also try to avoid getting soap in theireyes and gently rinse with clean water if you do. Terry towelling cloth towels or an electric hair dryer may be used to dry theBasset, but again, most dogs are not keen on the noise of electrical implements.

 
Cleaning of the anal sacs

Alldog's anal sacs, which are located on either side of the anus, shouldto be checked and emptied regularly to avoid impaction and infection.Bassets with impacted anal sacs often drag their rear ends on thefloor, though they may also do this to remove small pieces of droppingstill on their bottom. Sacs are cleaned by holding the dog’s tail upand gently squeezing each sac, taking care as the smelly contents ofimpacted sacs will then squirt out. Owners who need assistance withthis procedure should ask their veterinarian.