Q: How do I get my Basset Hound to not smell that bad?
We recently got a Basset Hound puppy and he's is so wonderful. I love everything about him except that he smells. Even when you give him a bath about 30 minutes later he smells again. Is there something for Basset Hounds like a shampoo or is there a remedy that will help keep him from having a bad odor?
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Answers and Views:
Answer by Bogie
check to see if the odor is coming from his ears. he may have ear mites or an ear infection.
Answer by dogboi21
What are you feeding him? It could be his diet that's making him smell! Check his ears! Bassets have long ears that need to be dried immediately after getting wet! He could have fungus or mites in his ears!
Answer by Brooke
Baxter (my 11 y/o Basset) used to get that “hound” smell 3/4 into being blown dry. I tried SOOOO many different types of shampoos for odor & nothing seemed to work. I read about vinegar on Pinterest (…I know) & it’s used in disinfecting bacteria on pets. I give him a quick wash & rinse to loosen up any dirt on the top, then pour vinegar (warmed up so it doesn’t shock or cause anxiety) from the back of his neck to his tail. I usually let it sit a minute or two…he’s impatient. I then rinse & complete with a deep wash & rinse.
I know this sounds like A LOT but it works! Side note: The vinegar is a disinfectant, so it will kill the bacteria that cause smell but also bacteria if they have any open cuts or wounds. I wouldn’t advise using vinegar if they have any skin issues or have been scratching a lot. I know it doesn’t hurt the wound, but it’s not worth the discomfort it causes them.
I hope this helps you out!
Answer by Basset on the '
Basset Hounds tend to have a houndy odor. It comes with the breed.
That said, have the vet check him over for problems, such as ears, anal glands, skin infections, lip fold infections, tooth problems, etc.
1/ If the dog is yeasty, you can try a disinfecting shampoo/soap, and DRY VERY WELL. Dampness, especially in wrinkles, flews, armpits and between toes, encourages yeast and bacteria which is smelly.
2/ Other than that there are some shampoos I like which have a strong perfume and overcome the hound smell for a few days – La Pooch, Oats Fur Coats (Kelco), and Lambert Kay Fresh and Clean with baking soda.
3/ You can also try a vinegar or Listerine rinse after the bath. Pour over the dog, make sure you get everywhere and let it dry on.
4/ Look at what you are feeding him. Many Basset owners report a reduction in the odor when switching to a corn-free food.
Recommended puppy food on Amazon
- BLUE BUFFALO Wilderness High Protein Grain Free Puppy Food
- CANIDAE Grain Free Pure Chicken for Puppies Dry Dog Food
- WELLNESS Core Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food Puppy
Answer by Gary
Ears don’t explain the entire body of every Basset smelling like rot. The breed has a gland secretion. Food will help- a little. Shampooing will actually make it worse. This is an extremely man-made breed. It’s just an unfortunate side effect.
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Answer by Kelnason
Check ears for ear infections. They should be clear of any smells or wax or dirt build-up. If they do smell a bit, you can apply hydrogen peroxide to a cotton ball and wipe out the ear canal.
Use a dog face soap on the face at bath time. It needs to be a soap-free formula. Dogs' faces and ears are commonly missed at the bathing time, and over time can start to keep that stank to em.
If your Basset's body is stinky, buy liquid ivory dish detergent. Dilute it to about 1/4 inch in the bottom of a 1litre bottle. Shake well. Use as a shampoo. Be sure to rinse out very well. The best way to rinse a dog is to get a portable shower head. They cost less than 10 dollars. If this is not possible make sure to dump a lot of buckets of water on him to get him squeaky clean.
You should blow dry your basset's ears after bath time, as moisture can allow bacteria to grow in the ears.
Know better? Give your own answer to this question!
Brooke says
The comment has been moved into the body of the post.
Mark says
Thank you for your advice. I think it can work.
hellofromwyo says
What does it smell like?
My bluetick always smells like doritos. Or popcorn if she's had a bath recently. I've had other hounds that smell like this too.
If you're worried about it take him to the vet. They know more than most of us on Y!A. :)
Jill says
Good luck with that one. I had a basset growing up and she always had that smell. My brother also has a basset now and she has that smell. I believe that most types of "hound" type dogs have that smell. I would do the thing the other people wrote about, teeth, ears, things like that, there are sprays, and special shampoos that you can use that might help, your vet should be able to help with this.
Ceasars Mom says
Bassets have a distinct odor to them….thats just the way it is:
"The other way that this breed smells is in the way that they can be very odorous if not properly cared for. The truth is sometimes Bassett Hounds smell bad, there is no escaping it. It is recommended that they be bathed at least once a week in the months that they are kept indoors. It is said that they are kept outdoors for a reason although many have adapted to indoor living by the careful attention from their owners."
If I remember correctly it's kind of a corn-chippy / feet smell, right?
K-Lo says
There is a spray that you can spray on their food and it's supposed to eliminate any body odors and stuff like that. I'm going to try it out. I've already ordered it but haven't received it yet.
I have a yorkie and we have the same problem with him.
Here's the site if you wanna check it out
whereswally says
A puppy doesn't normally smell bad, unless you're just not used to normal dog smells.
It's not a bad idea to take a new pup to your vet anyway, so why not ask about this when you're there.
Also perhaps talk to the breeder.
Skin, teeth, ear, eye problems can all cause smells – I know this from my own dogs. There's probably other health isssues that cause odours. So vet really is a good idea just in case.
eshires01 says
No puppy should smell bad … take him in for a Vet check and tell the Vet about the odor. It could be an ear infection or some type of dermatitis.
*Texas* says
I wouldn't think a little puppy could have gum disease, that happens over time. But it is definitely possible that he has an ear infection. Very common in basset hounds.
Kojak says
Have a vet check his teeth . Gum disease is fairly common in dogs . And , it causes him to stink to high heaven .