Basset Hound Question!?

I have two basset hounds...
My girl dog has a really bad hound scent to her is there any way I can get rid of it?
I wash her all the time (once a week) plus I brush her (every other day) and I use a prefume I got a urban dog ... please help me! thank you! :)

I just talked to my mom because she is really the one who bathes the bassets, and she said that we bath our dogs atleast twice a month I think and we just started taking them to pet smart .. not sure I will have to ask... I really don't want you to think that I don't love my dogs because I love them very very much!!!

There are lots of reasons why a basset can smell.

- needs a bath
- oily coat which attracts dirt
- skin infections
- lip infections
- food in lips
- drool in dewlaps
- anal gland problems
- ear infections
- dental problems
- poor quality diet (many people report a drastic reduction in their basset's odor after switching to a corn-free food)

First take it to the vet for a thorough checkup. Ear infections, anal gland problems, skin infections, lip fold infections, bad teeth can all cause nasty odors.

Try changing to a better quality food. Many basset owners report an improvement in the smell when changing to a corn-free food.

Keep him well-groomed. Regular brushing will help to remove excess dirt. When bathing, if he has no skin sensitivities you can try a scented shampoo. Lambert Kay Fresh N Clean with baking soda is a good one, or I like La Pooch. I also like Oats Fur Coats, if your dog has sensitive skin, it has a nice cinnamon smell (from real cinnamon, not an artificial scent). Or you can try a vinegar or Listerine rinse after the bath to kill odor-causing bacteria. Some people also spray or wipe their hounds with Listerine. You can also get doggy cologne, but don't use this if the dog has sensitive skin. Keep the ears clean.

That said, many bassets simply have an odor. It's one of the quirks of the breed. You get used to it, honest.

Good luck! Feel free to contact me if you have any other basset hound related questions.

You wash her way too often, you are causing skin issues. Dogs should only be bathed every other month.

are you sure it's her skin that smells...check the ears and teeth.

I work at a boarding and grooming facility and there are some hounds you just can't get the smell off of.

I have a female Basset and that is a problem. They say instead of bathing them all the time, to just rinse her off once a week and bathe her once a month. When you bathe them to much, it takes the oil out of her skin.

Here's some tips for you to make his smell more pleasing without using any perfume.

~ Many dogs love to swim in whatever water is available. Use towels or a hair dryer on the lowest-heat setting until he's totally dry. If you need more than water to get him clean, try Listerine or other brand of mouthwash. Put some on a washcloth and clean your dog's coat, then rinse or shampoo off. If that isn't working, add some baking soda to the mix.

~ Check for sticky objects in his coat. Many dogs get feces or other smelly things stuck in their fur. Especially check his paws and around his anus. It's a good idea to shave his hair in a circle around his anus to minimize that possibility.

~ If his breath is bad, give him Greenies. These are one of the great dog products and available in any pet store. If your dog is otherwise healthy and just has doggy breath, they'll do the trick.

~ Make sure his diet isn't the problem. Feed him a balanced, premium dog food that smells good to you and make sure his dog food hasn't spoiled or developed mold. Dog food packaging should indicate its expiration date. Always check at the store before you buy it.

~ Check his ears. Ear infections are a common cause of bad smells. Make sure he doesn't have any discharges, bad odors or strange colors or insects in his ears. Infections need to be treated by a vet right away.

~ Clean your home and his possessions. Doggy odors can linger in carpets. You must use an enzyme cleaner like Nature's Miracle if he has a potty accident. To restore a nice smell in your home, sprinkle baking soda on the carpet and leave overnight before vacuuming in the morning. Also you can use a little baking soda with your laundry power when you wash his bedding and his clothing. Many people like to put a little white vinegar in the rinse water.

~ Bathe him regularly especially if he spends much time outside. Use a gentle shampoo made for dogs and wash him about every six weeks or so. Follow with a nice conditioner or make your own using a little baking soda in lukewarm water.


Best of luck!