Prevent ear infections in your Bassett Hound

One of the distinctive features of a Basset Hound are his long, velvety ears. They help give him that appealing, mournful expression. However, although they are cute, those floppy ears have a negative side- they prevent air circulation and cause moisture retention within the dog's ear canal. The resulting warm, damp environment is ideal for the development of bacterial or yeast infections.

Keeping the dog's ears dry and clean is important. Routine ear cleaning for a Basset Hound is a preventive measure meant to keep those large, silky ears healthy.

Regular cleaning should be done two or three times a week. Assemble the necessary materials beforehand. You will need: cotton balls, cotton swabs, an ear-cleaning solution for dogs and a damp wash cloth.

Ear-cleaning solution may be purchased from your veterinarian or from a pet supply store. As an alternative, a mixture of half-and-half white vinegar and sterile water may be used. Both should be at room temperature when beginning the cleaning routine.

Proceed as follows:

(a) Wipe down the ear with a damp wash cloth or moistened towelette.

(b) Moisten a cotton ball and clean the crevices around the outer portion of the ear. A swab may be used to clean inside the wrinkles. Do NOT use the swab to probe down inside the ear. You may cause pain or actual damage.

(c) Gently pour enough solution into the ear to fill the canal.

(d) Hold the dog's ear up to prevent the solution from running out. Massage the base of the ear, on the outside, for 15-20 seconds, to enable the solution to loosen the normal dirt and wax build-up.

(e) The Basset Hound will naturally shake his head after a few seconds. This action will help dislodge any internal debris.

(f) Dry as much of the ear as you can reach with a cotton ball, but don't push the cotton down into the ear canal.

(g) Repeat the procedure with the other ear.

Sometimes, an infection will develop inside the dog's ear even when it has been well cared for. Left untreated, ear infections can lead to serious problems. Since your pet cannot tell you when his ear is painful or itchy, you must be alert for the following signs of discomfort:

* Frequent scratching or rubbing of one or both ears

* Shaking his head

* Tilting his head to one side

* Soreness around the ear area.

Additional signs which indicate a yeast infection in particular, are an unpleasant odor and a brown discharge noticeable inside the dog's ear.

When any or all of these symptoms appear, it is time for a visit to the veterinarian. Besides an infection, the problem might be an allergy, or a serious build-up of wax. Only the vet is qualified to accurately assess and treat these problems.

Your Basset Hound will give you many years of affection, pleasure and companionship. As the owner, it is your responsibility is to provide your dog with love, food, shelter, and veterinary care. With this breed in particular, ear care is an important component of a routine health-care regimen.