Having a Basset Hound is a great addition to your family. Having a Basset Hound is great because they are loyal, they love to play and they can be very funny. The best part about a Basset Hound is that they can live a very long life. The average Basset Hound life expectancy is ten years.
However, there are some things you can do to help increase the lifespan of your Basset Hound. This is what the next paragraphs will discuss.
Basset Hound Life Expectancy – Health issues
Whether you have a Basset Hound or not, you need to be aware of health issues that affect their lifespan. Basset Hounds tend to gain weight rapidly and are at high risk for obesity. This can result in problems with heart, kidney, and digestive systems. They also have a higher risk for joint problems.
Basset Hounds are also at risk for dilated cardiomyopathy, a heart condition that can lead to death. Dilated cardiomyopathy is a progressive disorder that causes the heart to become enlarged, thin, and weak. The disease can be diagnosed as early as one year of age. The condition can cause weakness, fainting, and other symptoms.
Basset Hounds are also prone to a number of eye disorders. Glaucoma is the most common one. Glaucoma affects 40% of dogs with it, and can cause blindness if it is not treated. The condition is caused by improper drainage of fluids in the eyes. The main symptom is a bluing of the cornea.
Basset Hounds are also vulnerable to skin disorders. They are prone to ticks, ear mites, and other parasites. If left untreated, these parasites can cause discomfort and pain. They also can invade the dog’s body and cause it to become infected.
Basset Hounds are also susceptible to osteochondritis dissecans, a painful joint disorder. Osteochondritis dissecans occurs when cartilage separates from the bone. This can affect adult Bassets, but is more common in puppies.
Personality
Whether you’re looking for a family pet or a hunting dog, the Basset Hound is a good choice. It is a friendly dog that gets along well with other dogs and people. It is also very gentle with children.
Aside from its cute personality, the Basset Hound is also known for its excellent olfaction. It has 220 million smell receptors and follows its nose with single-minded determination.
The Basset Hound is a great hunting dog and enjoys tracking and hunting small animals. However, it isn’t a great watchdog and can become aggressive if it is left alone.
The Basset Hound is characterized by its low, long body and its short, powerful legs. Its paws are large and sturdy, with tough pads. Depending on the breed, the Basset Hound may have a short coat or a longer, thicker coat.
The Basset Hound is very friendly and gets along well with other dogs and children. It can also get along with cats if it is socialized at a young age.
The Basset Hound is devoted to its owners. It can also be stubborn, but it is rarely a problem. It loves to please its owners, and will reward them with affection.
Basset Hounds are generally well-behaved indoors, but can be a nuisance barker if left alone. They are best suited for homes with other dogs or cats.
Diet
Increasing your Basset Hound’s life expectancy requires a good diet and regular exercise. A Basset Hound diet should contain high quality proteins, low carbs, and a good omega fatty acid ratio.
Biologically appropriate diets promote weight management, improve nutrient absorption, and reset the metabolism. These diets should contain zero starch, no corn, wheat, or soy, and are free from artificial additives.
There are several health conditions that can shorten the lifespan of a Basset Hound. Obesity is one of them. A dog that weighs too much puts pressure on its back, and can cause arthritis and heart disease.
A biologically appropriate diet can reduce inflammation, and can reset the metabolism. A low carbohydrate diet can reduce digestive problems. A high quality joint supplement may help keep your Basset Hound happy and healthy.
Bloat and torsion are two common ailments in Basset Hounds. Bloat occurs when the stomach twists, cutting off the blood supply to the spleen. Torsion can happen on its own, or in conjunction with bloat.
Getting rid of ear infections is also important. This can be painful to your dog, and it may require treatment with medication or antifungal agents.
Regular veterinary visits can detect problems before they become serious. Dental disease is the most common chronic problem in pets.
Eyelid problems can also occur. A doctor can correct eyelid problems.
Some Basset Hounds also develop problems with their backs. The short legs of this breed make them prone to joint problems.
Exercise
Keeping Basset Hounds fit is important for their longevity. They’re natural hunters, but they also have to be trained and exercised. Not exercising Bassets means they’ll be prone to back and joint problems, which can shorten their lifespan.
One of the most common problems for Basset Hounds is obesity. Obesity is a cause of diabetes and other health problems. Bassets need a balanced diet to keep their bodies healthy.
Bassets are susceptible to hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is a condition where the thighbone does not fit properly into the hip joint. Elbow dysplasia involves abnormal growth of cartilage. These conditions will likely cause other joint disorders.
Bassets can also be prone to eyelid problems. If left untreated, glaucoma can cause blindness. Bassets can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions.
Taking care of a Basset Hound is a lot like taking care of a child. Brush their teeth regularly, keep their paws clean, and give them lots of attention. You should also consider giving them an hour or two of exercise per day.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) recommends feeding Basset Hounds a high quality, balanced diet. It should be free of artificial colors, preservatives, and flavorings. It should also include healthy amounts of omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids. These nutrients help manage skin inflammation and are important for Bassets’ health.
Drooling
Having Basset Hounds as pets can be a great experience for children, but there are some health concerns that need to be taken into consideration. These dogs are considered to be docile and friendly. They are also good with children and cats.
One of the most common health problems for Basset Hounds is glaucoma, which is a condition that causes the eye to become inflamed. If left untreated, glaucoma can turn into blindness.
Other health problems that can affect Basset Hounds include thrombopathia, a clotting disorder that causes the blood to not clot properly in an injury. These disorders can also cause excessive bleeding.
Another health issue that can be a concern is elbow dysplasia. If this condition is left untreated, the joint can pop and become painful. It can also lead to joint injuries.
Basset Hounds are also known to develop ear infections. This can be a very painful condition for the dog. This condition usually results in redness around the ear canal, but may also include swelling.
Basset Hounds can also be prone to hip dysplasia. This condition can be painful and can cause joint rubbing. Keeping a Basset Hound healthy will help them avoid these problems in the future.
Another health concern for Basset Hounds is obesity. When a dog is overweight, it is more prone to developing joint injuries, gastric dilatation volvulus, and paralysis.
Basset Hound Life Expectancy – Final Words
Getting your dog checked out regularly is a great way to ensure they’ll be around for a while. A pet insurance plan can help you out in these circumstances. Whether you are looking for a full service plan or a bare bones policy, be sure to check with your vet to see if you have insurance for your furry friend. The cost of pet insurance can vary dramatically, so be sure to shop around to find the best deal. Having a pet insurance plan may also help you avoid the cost of vet bills in the event of an injury.
The following should help you make the best possible decision: check with your vet to see if you are covered by your insurance plan, then make sure to understand your plan’s deductibles and copayments before paying out.