Basset Hound Age Calculator

Basset Hounds have the longest ears of any breed, and these magnificent pendulous ears create a warm, moist, poorly ventilated environment inside the ear canal that is ideal for bacterial and yeast overgrowth. Chronic ear infections are almost universal in the breed and can progress to otitis media (middle ear infection) or otitis interna (inner ear infection) if not managed aggressively, potentially causing hearing loss or vestibular disease.

Prevention: Clean ears weekly with a veterinary-approved ear cleaner, gently wiping the inside of the ear flap and visible canal. Dry ears thoroughly after swimming or bathing. Keep ears from dragging in food and water by using a snood or narrow-mouthed bowl. Check ears daily for odour or discharge. Address infections early and complete the full course of prescribed medication to prevent resistant infections.

Symptoms: head shaking, ear scratching, brown or yellow discharge, foul odour from ears, redness and swelling of ear canal, pain when ears are touched, tilting head to one side

The Basset Hound is one of the most obesity-prone breeds in existence. Their low energy level, powerful food drive, and endearing begging behaviour create a perfect storm for weight gain. Obesity in Bassets is particularly dangerous because excess weight on their long spine and short, angulated legs dramatically accelerates intervertebral disc disease, arthritis, and joint breakdown. Overweight Bassets also face increased risk of bloat, heart disease, and shortened lifespan.

Prevention: Measure every meal precisely using a kitchen scale or measuring cup. Feed a high-quality, moderate-calorie diet and absolutely resist the mournful begging eyes — Bassets are masters of emotional manipulation around food. Treats should not exceed 10% of daily calories. Maintain daily walks even when the dog resists. Work with your veterinarian to establish a target weight and body condition score, and weigh your Basset monthly.

Symptoms: inability to feel ribs under fat, loss of visible waist, waddling gait, exercise intolerance, difficulty breathing during mild exertion, skin fold infections from fat deposits, reluctance to move

Basset Hounds are a chondrodystrophic breed, meaning their dwarfism causes premature degeneration of the intervertebral discs. Their extremely long spines relative to their short legs puts enormous mechanical stress on the vertebral column. IVDD occurs when a disc herniates and compresses the spinal cord, causing pain ranging from mild discomfort to complete paralysis. The thoracolumbar region is most commonly affected.

Prevention: Maintain a lean body weight — this is the single most important preventive measure. Use ramps instead of allowing jumping on and off furniture or into cars. Support the entire body (front and rear) when lifting a Basset. Avoid games that encourage twisting or high-impact landings. Provide firm, supportive bedding. If any neurological signs appear, seek veterinary care immediately — early intervention dramatically improves outcomes.

Symptoms: reluctance to jump or climb stairs, arched back or tucked abdomen, yelping when picked up, wobbly or drunken gait, dragging hind legs, loss of bladder or bowel control, reluctance to lower head to eat or drink

Bloat is a life-threatening emergency in which the stomach fills with gas and may twist on its axis, cutting off blood supply to the stomach and spleen. Basset Hounds are at elevated risk due to their deep, narrow chest conformation. GDV can progress from first symptoms to death in as little as one to two hours without emergency surgical intervention. It is one of the leading causes of sudden death in the breed.

Prevention: Feed two or three smaller meals per day rather than one large meal. Use a slow-feeder bowl to prevent gulping. Avoid exercise for at least one hour after eating. Do not feed from an elevated bowl (contrary to older advice, this may increase risk). Discuss prophylactic gastropexy with your veterinarian — this surgical procedure tacks the stomach to the body wall and can be performed during spay/neuter to prevent the life-threatening twisting component.

Symptoms: distended hard abdomen, unproductive retching or attempted vomiting, restlessness and pacing, excessive drooling, rapid breathing, pale gums, collapse

Basset Hounds have a genetic predisposition to primary glaucoma, a painful condition in which fluid pressure builds inside the eye, damaging the optic nerve and retina. The breed's droopy lower eyelids and prominent eyes contribute to drainage issues. Glaucoma can cause blindness in the affected eye within 24-48 hours if not treated as an emergency. It frequently affects both eyes, with the second eye often developing the condition within months of the first.

Prevention: There is no reliable way to prevent primary glaucoma, as it is genetic. However, early detection through annual tonometry (eye pressure measurement) by a veterinary ophthalmologist can enable early intervention that preserves vision for longer. If one eye is affected, prophylactic treatment of the other eye with pressure-lowering drops can delay onset. Breeding dogs should undergo gonioscopy testing.

Symptoms: red or bloodshot eye, cloudy or bluish cornea, dilated pupil that does not respond to light, squinting or avoiding light, visible eye enlargement, lethargy or depression from pain, pawing at the affected eye