The scent of Basset Hounds goes beyond the typical “doggie smell.” However, considering their original purpose as working dogs for hunting, their fur was explicitly designed to repel water.
This coat type proves advantageous in hunting situations, where they encounter challenging terrain filled with water and mud. So, do Basset Hounds smell?
Basset Hounds have a distinctive odor due to their unique characteristics. Their thick, oily coat and numerous skin folds easily trap bacteria and dirt, resulting in a pungent smell.
That, combined with their saliva odor and sweaty paws, contributes to their overall scent, making them one smelly dog. Initially bred for hunting, Basset Hounds possess a waterproof coat that aids them in their hunting duties.
This water-repellent hair is the primary reason why Basset Hounds tend to emit an unpleasant odor. Additionally, if Basset Hounds experience health issues, they can develop body odor, further exacerbating the smell.
Read on to learn more.
Before you scroll read this guide, check out: 9 Best Basset Hound Rescues in the United States! (2023) and 7 Best Basset Hound Breeders in the United States! (2023).
Are Bassets Stinky?
Basset Hounds possess a highly recognizable and often labeled “stinky” smell. Despite their short hair, their coat absorbs and retains odors, intensifying their inherent scent. Additionally, their physical makeup makes them prone to drooling and snorting, further contributing to the pungency associated with Basset Hounds.
Furthermore, these dogs delightfully roll around in mud or anything foul-smelling they encounter during walks. This combination of factors solidifies the reputation of Basset Hounds as notably smelly pups.
Frequent grooming is crucial in caring for your Basset, particularly when addressing unwanted odors. Regular bathing and brushing helps eliminate dead fur, dirt, and dry skin that can quickly turn unpleasant.
Beyond odor control, regular bathing promotes healthy skin and maintains a good coat condition. Attention to the dog’s ears, eyes, and nails is also essential during grooming.
Consistent grooming practices can prevent common health issues from poor hygiene, such as yeast infections, ear mites, and other parasites.
Diet plays a significant role in a Basset Hound’s foul odor. Subpar nutrition can lead to digestive problems, resulting in malodorous stool. Moreover, an unhealthy diet and insufficient nutritional intake weaken a dog’s natural ability to combat bacterial growth, leading to heightened unpleasant smells from its skin and coat.
How Do I Get my Basset Hound to Stop Smelling?
Numerous strategies can eliminate the doggie smell associated with your Basset Hound.
Regular Grooming and Bathing
Establishing a regular bathing and grooming schedule is crucial for managing the doggie smell of your Basset Hound. The frequency of baths and grooming sessions will depend on your circumstances, location, and the dirtiness your dog typically experiences.
For instance, living in an apartment generally entails a lower likelihood of your Basset Hound getting dirty than living on a farm.
A recommended guideline is to bathe your Basset Hound once a month and brush their coat every week. After bathing, it is essential to thoroughly dry their skin to prevent moisture from turning into an unpleasant odor.
Basset Hounds have short, hard-textured coats and tend to shed throughout the year. Regular brushing, at least once a week, helps manage shedding and maintain healthier skin.
As a finishing touch after brushing, you can spray a mixture of 50% vinegar and 50% water onto their coat to eliminate any lingering foul odors.
Regular Teeth Brushing
Basset Hounds, like other dogs, are prone to bad breath. This unpleasant odor arises from food particles that become trapped between their teeth. It is essential to prioritize brushing your Basset Hound’s teeth every morning.
To prevent teeth infections and combat bad breath, brushing your Basset Hound’s teeth every morning is best. Incorporating this practice into your daily routine can significantly reduce unpleasant odors.
Begin with a soft-bristled brush and gradually transition to a medium-bristled brush, taking care not to harm their gums. Additionally, introducing dental treats that encourage chewing can help maintain oral hygiene.
In my routine, I make it a habit to brush my teeth in the morning, followed by brushing my Basset Hound’s teeth. This consistent dental care greatly assists in eliminating the bad breath smell.
Regular Ear Cleaning
Basset Hounds are famous for their short legs and long ears, often touching the ground. Despite how clean your home may be, their adorable ears have a knack for collecting dust. This issue amplifies when they venture outdoors. When their ears become dirty, it creates an unpleasant odor and poses a health risk.
It is best to clean your Basset Hound’s ears at least once a week to prevent ear infections and combat bad smells. However, caution is necessary when cleaning their ears for the first time to avoid causing discomfort or harm to their delicate ear canals. Using an earbud requires gentle handling to ensure their safety.
Wipe Them Daily
When your Basset Hound gets dirty from water, mud, or any other substance, it’s advisable to use baby wipes for a quick clean-up. However, it’s essential to be cautious when wiping around their eyes, as the alcohol content in baby wipes can cause discomfort.
To maintain cleanliness, wiping your Basset Hound’s paws with baby wipes every time they enter the house is best. During walks, much dirt accumulates on their paws and beneath their nails. Regularly wiping their feet promotes their overall health and helps eliminate any unpleasant odor that may arise.
Avoid Junk Food
The diet you provide for your Basset Hound plays a significant role in their overall health, hair quality, and odor. Opting for nutrient-dense foods and ensuring ample water supply are key considerations.
It is crucial to avoid feeding your Basset Hound junk food, as it can lead to increased sweating and a more pungent odor. Poor-quality food choices can exacerbate the issue of unpleasant smells.
Moreover, dehydration can contribute to heightened bad smells in Basset Hounds. To combat this, always having a water bowl readily available in the designated feeding area is essential. This way, your Basset Hound can drink water whenever they feel thirsty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Basset Hounds generally have a dense, short coat that doesn’t require frequent bathing. Overbathing can strip their skin of natural oils and lead to dryness and irritation. As a guideline, bathing a Basset Hound every six to eight weeks or as needed is typically sufficient to keep them clean and healthy.
However, there are a few factors that can influence the frequency of bathing for a Basset Hound:
Odor
If your Basset Hound develops a noticeable odor, it may be a sign that a bath is necessary. However, be cautious not to overdo it, as excessive bathing can disrupt their skin’s balance.
Outdoor activities
If your Basset Hound frequently ventures outdoors, especially in muddy or dirty environments, it may require more frequent baths to keep its coat clean.
Skin conditions
If your Basset Hound has a specific skin condition or is prone to allergies, your veterinarian might recommend a bathing schedule tailored to their needs.
You can keep your Basset Hound’s coat clean between baths by regularly brushing them to remove loose hair and debris. That will help minimize shedding and keep their coat looking tidy.
Additionally, ensure you regularly clean their ears, trim their nails, and brush their teeth to maintain overall hygiene. Consulting with a veterinarian can provide specific guidance based on your Basset Hound’s needs.
Hounds, including Basset Hounds, are known for their keen sense of smell. While they have a unique understanding of scent, it doesn’t necessarily mean they smell more than other dogs in terms of body odor.
The intensity of a dog’s odor can vary based on various factors, including their biology, coat type, activities, and overall hygiene. Some dogs may naturally have a more pungent smell due to factors like oil production or skin conditions, while others may have a milder scent. Coat type can also play a role, as longer-haired breeds may trap more odors than shorter-haired breeds like Basset Hounds.
Basset Hounds are known for having a distinct “doggy” smell. This smell is typically not offensive or overpowering but rather a characteristic scent more noticeable to those near the dog. Regular grooming, brushing, ear cleaning, and dental care can help keep the odor in check.
Remember that hygiene practices, such as regular bathing with a dog-appropriate shampoo, maintaining a clean living environment, and addressing skin issues promptly, are essential for managing odor in all dogs, including hounds.
If you notice an unusual or powerful smell from your Basset Hound, it’s always a good idea to consult a veterinarian to rule out any underlying health concerns.
Conclusion for “Do Basset Hounds Smell“
Due to their unique characteristics, Basset Hounds have a distinct odor. Their thick, oily coat, numerous skin folds, saliva odor, and sweaty paws all contribute to their overall scent.
However, with regular grooming, including bathing, brushing, teeth cleaning, ear cleaning, and wiping their feet, you can effectively manage and minimize the doggie smell.
A healthy diet and proper hydration will help maintain their well-being and reduce potential odors. While Basset Hounds may have a reputation for being smelly, with appropriate care and attention, they can still be fabulous and lovable companions.
If you find this guide, “Do Basset Hounds Smell,” helpful, check out:
- What Smells Do Dogs Hate? (2023)
- The 8 Best Smelling Dog Shampoos! (2023)
- Where Can You Find Basset Hound Puppies For Sale Under $500? (2023)
Learn more about the Basset Hound breed by watching “Basset Hound – Top 10 Facts” down below:
Garrett loves animals and is a huge advocate for all Doodle dog breeds. He owns his own Goldendoodle named Kona. In addition, he volunteers at the Humane Society of Silicon Valley, where he fosters dogs and helps animals. Garrett enjoys writing about Doodles and believes that dogs can teach humans more about how to live than humans can teach a dog.
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