Basset Hounds

A dog collar and dog leash are must-have accessories for a Basset Hound. Collars ensure that identification information can be displayed, and leashes are used for safe walking.

For your Basset’s collar, the most important thing is to make sure that it fits properly. To figure out what size collar your dog will need, measure his neck, and choose a collar that will have a loose, yet snug fit. In other words, it shouldn’t be so loose that he can slip out of it, yet it shouldn’t be so tight that it will dig into his neck. You should be able to fit two fingers between the collar and your dog’s neck. An average-sized adult Basset should fit into a 20 inch collar. Adjustable collars that will ensure an ideal fit and those that are made of nylon or leather are recommended. These materials are both durable and comfortable. There are many different types of collars available, including behavior modification collars like PetSafe’s Citronella collar, and the Dogtra ARC remote training collar. However, speak to your veterinarian prior to using a behavior modification collar.

Many people prefer to use a dog harness with their Basset Hounds. These dogs have a lot of loose skin around their necks and a harness can prevent unnecessary rubbing and irritation around the neck. If you do opt to use a harness, make sure that it fits your dog securely. Harnesses that feature padding, such as the Chais Choice Outdoor Adventure Harness and Rabbitgoo Harness will ensure the comfort of your pup.

For a lead, choose one that will allow your Basset to roam a bit. Longer leads work well with these dogs, as they enjoy sniffing and they are very obedient. However, choose a lead based on your Basset’s disposition and lifestyle. For example, if he is a hunter, a longer lead made of nylon or rope is ideal; however, if he has obedience issues, you might want to consider a shorter lead made of leather, such as the Fairwin Leather dog leash.

You should consider purchasing a dog crate for your Basset. Crates are great training tools, especially for housebreaking. They also provide a safe location for them to sleep, mimicking the feeling of a den, and they can be used for transporting your dog, as well.

When selecting a crate for your Basset, make sure that he has the right amount of space. He should be able to stand up and turn around without hitting the sides of the crate; however, you don’t want there to be too much space. If you have a puppy, you can either invest in a new crate as he grows, or you can purchase a crate that features a divider that can be moved to adjust the size, such as Midwest Homes double-door folding crate and Carlson’s single door crate. If you have more than one dog and they will be crated together, consider the size of each dog and ensure there’s enough room for each one.

For bedding, opt for something that’s soft, durable, and roomy. Bassets usually like to spread out while they sleep, so a pillow or cushion bed would work well. An orthopedic dog bed, like the Brindle Memory Foam Orthopedic Bed, is a good choice for Bassets who are suffering from hip dysplasia. If your basset sleeps outside, a breathable outdoor cot, like this elevated pet cot, is a wise choice. If he sleeps outside in cold temperatures, you might want to consider a heated dog bed.

If your dog will spend a lot of time outside, make sure you provide him with the proper shelter with a dog house. When choosing a dog house, keep the climate where you live in mind. For instance, if you live in an area where the temperatures are extreme, such as Oklahoma, a dog house that features air conditioning and heat is ideal.

Though Bassets are pretty laid back, they do like to play. Also, playing is important for much-needed exercise. There are several types of toys that these dogs will enjoy. For example, rope toys, such as these options for aggressive chewers and other rope toys are excellent choices, as they allow these dogs to use their powerful sense of smell to locate and remove the treats.

Rope toys are also great for use with Basset Hounds. They can use ropes for playing more intense games, like tug-of-war, or they can simply use them to chew on. Plush squeak toys are also a good pick for these dogs, and there are so many options to choose from. When selecting plush toys, it’s important to note that you should consider the material. Toys made of more durable material will last a lot longer. Some great options include the ever-popular Kong Wubba and the durable toys in this puppy pack.

Related Post: Dog Squeaky Toys

Bassets have short hair, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t require grooming. While their coat doesn’t require excessive care, you should still brush them once a week. Doing so will remove any dead hair and will promote healthier skin.

Bathing is also important for these dogs. Full baths aren’t needed on a regular basis, unless your dog is extremely active. When bathing, choose a hypoallergenic shampoo, as this breed tends to have sensitive skin. However, while they may not require regular bathing, it’s important to clean their eyes and ears at least once a week.

The skin around a Basset’s eyes is droopy, which means they are prone to irritation and infections. Check your dog’s eyes and cleanse them with a clean, damp cloth, as needed. Their droopy ears are also prone to infection, as they can collect dirt easily and don’t allow for good circulation. Clean your dog’s ears once a week with cotton balls or a clean, damp cloth, to remove any dirt buildup.

Flea and tick prevention is important for a Basset Hound. This is particularly true if you live in areas where fleas and ticks tend to be problematic, such as Long Island and other areas in the Northeast United States.