Basset Hounds are known for their droopy ears, soulful eyes, and propensity for having a good time with humans and other dogs. Like any other canine, your hush puppy may be prone to a variety of health issues ranging from ear infections because of his large ears to more serious conditions like inflammatory bowel disease. 

Regular veterinary check-ups play a crucial role in early detection and management of these and other health problems, potentially extending your Basset’s life span and improving the quality of their life.

A balanced diet coupled with regular physical activity can help mitigate some common health risks associated with this breed, but sometimes you and your dog may do everything right and still find that you can’t prevent every potential health problem. Your veterinarian can provide you with guidance on how to approach a daily health regimen that includes treatments like prescribed medications and alternative medicines. 

Below are some of the most common ailments your Basset Hound may experience and some suggested natural medicines that may help to alleviate them.  

Pain And Arthritis In Aging Basset Hounds

Basset Hounds, known for their distinctive bone structure, are predisposed to certain health issues. As your dog ages arthritis may become a serious concern due to this breed’s unique skeletal configuration.

Because the Basset Hound has an elongated body and short legs, it may put extra pressure on their joints. This stress can lead to the development of inflammation and arthritis over time. Though arthritis is not exclusive to just Bassets, they are more susceptible to pain resulting from this condition than most breeds.

Bassets with arthritis may exhibit the following signs:

  • Limping or mobility issues
  • A reluctance to climb stairs or jump
  • Excessive sleeping or lethargy
  • Unusual aggression when touched
  • Changes in appetite

Treatment Options: Your veterinarian may prescribe an anti-inflammatory drug for this condition, but you can also focus on reducing stress on their joints with weight management and physical therapy. Research shows that natural plant medicine like organic CBD oil for dogs from Organica Naturals may be an excellent option for aging dogs who experience pain. The cannabinoids found in this hemp extract may help reduce arthritic inflammation and pain while also helping to control their appetite. Use a dose calculator to find the right CBD dosage and product for your dog. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s usage instructions when first starting with CBD for your Basset. 

Stress and Anxiety In Bassets

Like humans and other dogs, Basset Hounds aren’t immune to the stresses of daily life. 

If you’ve recently changed their environment such as moving homes, introducing new furniture or changed their daily routine, it may take a moment for your dog to adjust. During this adjustment phase, they may exhibit signs of stress, anxiety, or sleep troubles. 

Loud noises like thunderstorms or heavy traffic may also trigger stress and anxiety. 

And if your schedule has changed and you’re having to leave your hound alone for long periods of time, they may experience separation anxiety. 

If your Basset is exhibiting any of the following behavioral changes, they may be experiencing increased stress levels:

  • Increased aggression
  • Excessive barking
  • Pacing or restlessness
  • Destructive behavior like chewing on furnitureUrinating or defecating inside the house despite being house trained.

These behaviors indicate heightened stress levels that require prompt attention.

Treatment Options: Exercising regularly is one natural way that can work wonders. Walk your dog around the block to help them burn off that excess energy. This may not only help to reduce stress, but it will tire them out for a better night’s sleep. Alternative medicines for dogs like CBD oil, lavender, chamomile, and valerian root have all been shown to alleviate stress levels in dogs. Studies show that calming music may also be beneficial to nervous dogs. 

Ear Infections In Basset Hounds

Basset Hounds have adorable long ears. Though cute and fun, they are unfortunately more prone to ear infections than other canine breeds. Vets believe these characteristic droopy ears may limit air circulation, which creates a moist environment for bacteria to grow. 

The pain in your pup’s ear will manifest with a variety of signs to help you identify the problem:

  • Persistent ear scratching
  • Unusual shaking or tilting of the head
  • Redness or swelling in the ear canal
  • Discharge of liquid from the ear
  • Unpleasant ear odor

Treatment Options: If your Basset is experiencing a serious ear ache a veterinarian may prescribe an prescription anti-biotic. But it is also possible that they’ll be able to fight the ear infection off on their own. You may be able to aid this battle by cleaning their ear area and using a droplet of calendula tincture, oil of oregano, or apple cider vinegar. 

Digestive Problems

Basset Hounds may commonly experience digestive disorders that may manifest in various forms such as gastritis, pancreatitis, and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). 

Keep an eye out for serious symptoms that typically include vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, and weight loss. These symptoms may be a sign of serious illness such as:

  • Gastritis: An inflammation of the stomach lining characterized by vomiting and a decrease in appetite.
  • Pancreatitis: An inflammation or infection of the pancreas causing abdominal pain and vomiting.
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD): A combination of digestive diseases that cause inflammation in the intestines. One of the main symptoms is chronic diarrhea.

Treatment Options: A well balanced diet is crucial to preventing most of these health problems, so be sure to feed your Basset high quality dog foods that meet all of their recommended nutritional needs. Hydration is an important component of this, so keep your hound’s water bowl full. You can try calming herbs like chamomile or an anti-inflammatory natural medicine like CBD oil to aid with their discomfort. Massage or aromatherapy may also be helpful, but if your dog is exhibiting signs of serious illness, a visit to their veterinarian is highly recommended. 

Maintaining Your Basset Hounds Health

Recognizing and managing health issues in your Basset Hound can significantly improve their quality of life. From arthritis to digestive problems, these adorable dogs are susceptible to a range of health conditions. But with the right knowledge and care, many of these issues can be mitigated or even prevented. Consider alternative medicine options such as acupuncture or massage therapy to help alleviate pain and discomfort, especially in aging dogs suffering from arthritis.

Remember that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Regular check-ups with your vet, along with a balanced diet and regular exercise, can go a long way in keeping your Basset Hound healthy and happy.